St. Clare's, Oxford is England's longest established provider of the IB Diploma.

The IB Introduction course draws upon the expertise and experience which St Clare's has gained over almost 30 years of teaching the Diploma.

This fully residential course in an established IB World School is designed specifically for students who are about to start an IB Diploma programme.

Devised and developed by the Diploma teachers at St. Clare's, this unique three week course enables students to refine and develop their study skills in preparation for the Diploma programme.
The course aims to make clear the demands which the Diploma student will face. It gives them an invaluable head start with much of the subject matter as well as providing a firm foundation in those components of the IB Diploma which make it a unique qualification.

Subject classes take place each weekday providing a total of 24 hours over the week. For three weeks students will follow a IB Diploma timetable. Each week will have a different subject emphasis.
The classes provide introductory courses to the IB Diploma in Science, Mathematics, English and Individuals and Societies, Languages and the Arts. These are combined with elements of ‘The Theory of Knowledge' (TOK) and ‘Creativity, Action and Service' (CAS). The students will also take part in lectures, local excursions and study visits, English language, public speaking and debating.
A unique, integral part of this course is the expert careers and options advice provided by St. Clare's own careers service. This will enable students to ensure that they are fully aware of the options available within the Diploma course, and that their intended choices are the most appropriate for their proposed career.
Whilst the Introduction course is intended to provide a general overview of the subject areas, individual strengths and preferences will be catered for within the programme as far as possible. In particular, careful attention will be given to ensure that students are taught in classes which are appropriate for their level of English and ability in Mathematics

A typical daily programme
0800-0900	Breakfast
0900-1000	Mathematics
1000-1030	Break
1030-1130	Theory of Knowledge
1130-1200	Break
1200-1300	Science
1300-1400	Lunch
1400-1500	Careers advice
1500-1600	IB Lecture
1600-1800	Activities
1800-1900	Dinner
1900-2200	Evening activities

A typical weekly programme
The Diploma introduction course runs for three weeks. Each week has a different subject emphasis.

Week 1: Mathematics and Humanities (Individuals and Societies)
Students will be placed in a mathematics class according to their ability. This will be determined using a test on the first day of the course. Students will be introduced to the framework employed in the Diploma programme for the teaching of the Humanities and will then be able to choose to undertake small projects in those subject areas which interest them most.

Week 2: Science and Arts – with public speaking and debating skills
Students will be introduced to some experimental techniques and the assessment framework used in all the experimental sciences. They will be given the chance to undertake a short course and investigation in their chosen science subject. A choice of arts activities will be available to students according to their aptitude and interest.

Week 3: Language and Literature – with international affairs
All students study literature as part of their Diploma. In this part of the course the focus will be upon the nature and structure of the literature course. Most students usually follow literature in their first language. All students will attend a live performance of a Shakespeare play. There will be tuition available for students’ second language (language B or A2). Some afternoon sessions will be used to introduce students to the CAS requirements of the Diploma.