FAQs

• How is the IB Diploma graded?

  Each of the six subjects are graded out of seven, summed to give up to 42 points. The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are combined to give a further three points to give a maximum score of 45 points.

• How is the IB assessed?

  All subjects are assessed through a combination of coursework and examination, with the Core made up of an Extended Essay of 4,000 words and a Theory of Knowledge essay and presentation. This allows boys to ‘bank’ some of their grade prior to the exams.

• Is the IB understood by universities?

  UK universities fully understand the IB and give their entry requirements on their admissions webpages. Offers tend to be generous, with requirements to get into a top tier Russell Group university lying between 32 and 40 points. KES boys have had remarkable success at gaining entry to these universities over the last decade, as well as a small group who have moved on to international universities as well.

• Why study six subjects?

  The UK is almost unique internationally in the lack of breadth in its post-16 curriculum. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it becomes more important for individuals to stand out with a broad range of skills and perspectives on the world. The IB ensures that every boy leaves King Edward’s with a good grasp of Maths and English, and is able to tackle the most difficult problems through an interdisciplinary approach.

• What if my son doesn’t enjoy some subjects?

  Sixth Form study is very different to life in the Lower and Middle School. Smaller classes and closer working relationships with teachers make for an exciting time of a boy’s life. We have a wide range of options available to boys in the compulsory areas to enable boys to find subjects that they can engage with and enjoy. In mathematics and languages, the Standard Level and Ab Initio courses are designed to ensure pupils maintain these essential skills at a level appropriate to their ability and interest. Free from the more constraining syllabuses of GCSEs, teachers and boys are freer to explore their subjects in a more personal and invigorating way than they have previously, leading to boys enjoying their studies across the range of subjects.

• Is the IB Diploma only for the most academically able pupils?

  This is simply not true. Yes, at King Edward’s we have a hard-won global reputation for performance in the Diploma, but scores of 40+ points are exceptional on an international level and are not required for any but the most academically selective universities. The world average IB score is 29 points and anything 32 points or above is enough for entry to top UK Russell Group universities. Indeed, because of the multiple ways boys can build a Diploma to meet an offer, there is often more scope for flexibility from universities than for pupils who are only taking three or four subjects.

• Is the IB Diploma much harder work than A-levels?

  All university entry qualifications require pupils to work independently and in depth over a sustained period. Any student aspiring to apply to the top universities in the world, requiring 40+ IB points or A* grades at A-level, will be working very hard to meet those entry requirements throughout their time in a Sixth Form. Taking six subjects does, inevitably, take more lesson time during the day, so IB students have fewer ‘free periods’ (teachers call them ‘study periods’). We believe that the best pre-university education is one that provides ample opportunity to develop the academic and soft-skills so valued by universities and employers, to that end, we provide more contact time with subject specialist teachers than any other Sixth Form in the city, of that we are justifiably proud.

• Do IB students miss out on the depth of study by taking six subjects?

  The IB Diploma is split into two complementary levels: Higher and Standard; boys take three subjects at each. The Higher Levels, along with the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge assessments, allow a boy to pursue those subjects he is most interested in and may need for university entry. At Standard Level, the design of the Diploma is such that boys’ skills are developed across necessary breadth. Universities often ask for specific grades at Higher Level, alongside a total point score, to reflect this.