courses:: International Baccalaureate diploma outline::
St. Clare's, Oxford is the longest-established centre for the International Baccalaureate Diploma in England, having begun to teach the Diploma in 1977.
The College currently has around 235 students studying for the 2-year Diploma qualification, from over 40 nationalities, including British. In addition, the College's IB Institute offers short introductory and revision courses for students of IB, and also workshops for teachers of IB.
The Diploma is an internationally recognised pre-university qualification, accepted and welcomed by all British universities, and many others throughout the world.
The Diploma is administered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, based in Geneva.
The IB consists of:
- 6 subjects, one from each of six groups:
3 of these are studied at Higher Level (240 hours each)
3 of these are studied at Standard Level (150 hours each) - an Extended Essay
a personal research project of up to 4000 words, carried out in one of the student's subject areas. - Theory of Knowledge
Understanding patterns of knowledge and acquiring critical skills for evaluating and questioning the bases of our knowledge. - Creativity, Action and Service
Giving recognition for a student's interests outside the classroom;
Sports, artistic and cultural activities and voluntary service to help others are strongly encouraged, as they educate the whole person and foster responsible, compassionate citizenship.
The award of the IB Diploma is dependent on a student completing a CAS programme.
The Six Subjects
At St. Clare's the six groups contain the following subjects:
- Group 1: The study of the student's first (native) language. This is a literature course.
- Group 2: A second language. English, French, German and Spanish are offered to students with some knowledge already; Spanish* (and Chinese*) are also available at beginner's level.
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies: History, Geography, Economics, Psychology**, Business and Management**
- Group 3 or 4: Ecosystems and Societies*
- Group 4: Experimental Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Group 5: Mathematics: Mathematics, Mathematical Studies*, Mathematical Methods*
- Group 6: Electives: Visual Arts, Music, Theatre Arts; Information Technology in a Global Society*; or another language, or science, or Individuals and Societies subject.
Subjects marked ** are offered at Higher Level only, and subjects marked * at Standard Level only. All others are available at both levels. Higher Level means in greater depth.
Grading
The maximum score for the IB Diploma is 45 points. The pass mark is 24
points.
Each subject is graded from 7 points (excellent) to 1 point (poor).
The Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay are graded A-E, and can contribute
up to 3 points towards the total.
On three occasions in recent years, St. Clare's students have achieved
the maximum 45 points; in 2002, 6 students achieved 43 points.
The IB and A-Level
A-level is graded A-E and most students start the course with 4 subjects,
then reduce to 3. Recently, three grade "A" passes at A-level
were equated to 36 points at IB, meaning that IB allows greater distinctions
to be made between students, when it comes to university entry.
IB also allows talented students to retain a broader range of subjects: all students continue to study the literature of their native language, plus another language, a scientific subject and mathematics. Students do not, therefore, specialise too soon.
Universities and the
IB
A recent survey among UK universities showed that the universities considered
IB to be superior to the current A-level curriculum in terms of depth,
breadth, critical thinking, communication skills, self-management and
motivation. Over 90% of the universities surveyed believed that Theory
of the Knowledge and the Extended Essay have a high value for students
embarking on Higher Education.
IB term dates 2004/2005
| Autumn Term 2004 | |
| Thursday 2 September | Arrival Day for new students |
|
Sunday 5 September |
Second year students return |
| Thursday 2 September - Sunday 5 September | Orientation |
| Monday 6 September | Classes start |
|
Friday 22 October - Sunday 31 October |
Half-term break |
| Friday 17 December Teaching finishes at 1315 followed by meetings with Personal Tutors until 1615 |
End of term |
| Spring Term 2005 | |
| Sunday 9 January | Arrival Day for all students |
| Monday 10 January | Classes start |
|
Friday 18 February - Sunday 20 February |
Long weekend |
| Wednesday 23 March Teaching finishes at 1315 followed by meetings with Personal Tutors until 1615 |
End of term |
| Summer Term 2005 - there is no half term break in the Summer Term | |
| Sunday 10 April | Arrival Day for all students |
| Monday 11 April | Classes start |
| Saturday 28 May | Graduation Day for 2nd year students |
| Sunday 29 May | All second year students leave |
|
Friday 17 June
The last day of term is Parents' Day. Students may leave from 1315 |
End of term
|
