International Baccalaureate (IB)

a picture of a group of students reading a book

All boys at King Edward’s School study the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in the Sixth Form, which provides a challenging, rigorous and broad education.

The qualification is taught in over 3,200 schools in almost 150 countries, and 140 of these those schools are in the UK. 

The IB is much more than a pathway to university; it is designed to provide an intellectual challenge and prepare students for living and working in a rapidly changing world. 

An overview of the qualification

The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised qualification, which embodies a holistic educational philosophy. It is designed to give students a rigorous pre-university education that develops expert knowledge in the subjects that most interest them, whilst developing broad skills that are attractive to employers.

Indeed, the value of the IB Diploma is well-recognised by universities and employers alike and our students consistently receive offers from the very best universities, with around 90% each year being accepted by their first choice. 

Sixth Formers study six subjects in total, drawn from six groups: 

  • Language and Literature 
  • Language Acquisition 
  • Individuals and Societies 
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics 
  • Arts 

In addition to these subjects, students are required to complete three Core elements:

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) 
  • An Extended Essay
  • Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) programme, which recognises co-curricular activity. 
Develop

expert

knowledge

Assessment

The maximum score for the IB Diploma is 45 points, with six subjects graded out of seven points and an additional three points for the Core elements of TOK and the Extended Essay. 

The CAS element is a passing requirement of the Diploma, but is not examined.  

The Value of the IB

Explore why the IB Diploma stands out as a valuable educational choice for our Sixth Form students: 

Fundamental to King Edward’s School is the overall experience boys gain from being here, not just what they achieve academically. In addition to maintaining the highest of academic standards, the IB encourages co-curricular activity and the pursuit of a diverse range of interests, and prepares pupils for an increasingly globalised, rapidly changing world. 

The IB Learner Profile helps develop core skills and aptitudes from critical inquiry and depth of knowledge to reflection and communication.

Studying six subjects in the Sixth Form enables boys to experience a breadth of study and to keep their options open.

The IB encourages independent learning across all areas, which provides excellent preparation for university study. In particular, the Extended Essay familiarises students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university level.

IB is accepted by the best universities for the best courses. There is growing evidence that universities like IB candidates because they have broad knowledge and can demonstrate independence of study. IB also allows much greater differentiation between good candidates and enables pupils to maintain a range of skills that both universities and employers look for.

Meet the IB Director

Mr Petrie

Mr Petrie has been teaching History since 2010 and joined King Edward’s School as a Teacher of History in 2016. Since that time, he has taken roles as Head of Vardy, CAS coordinator and most recently the IB Director. He studied History at the University of Leicester, dedicating much of his research to early modern British History.

Prior to teaching at King Edward’s School, Mr Petrie taught at an international school in Abu Dhabi between 2013 and 2016 which was his first experience of delivering the International Baccalaureate Diploma. In addition to teaching History, Mr Petrie enjoys delivering Theory of Knowledge lessons and developing Service learning opportunities for students. Outside of school, Mr Petrie tries to travel as much as possible and is a season ticket holder at the Leicester Tigers.  

Mr Petrie - Director of IB

Where next?

The IB Learner Profile

IB FAQs

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