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 an 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.

Week 1: Language and Literature

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.

Week 2: Science and Arts

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: Mathematics and Humanities

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.

A typical weekly programme

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

	0900-1300		1400-1600		1700-1800		1900-2200
Monday	Subject classes		Lectures, debates, CAS and excursions		Afternoon activities or private study		Evening activities or private study
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday	Excursions
Sunday	Excursions