1. How does the IB Diploma differ from A level?
The IB Diploma has considerably more depth and breadth than the A level programme. Students:
- study six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level
- complete a Theory of Knowledge course
- write an Extended Essay, which is a piece of original research
- take part in a compulsory Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) programme of activities
The Diploma provides a thorough preparation for university without making students specialise at the age of 16.
2. Is it possible to complete the IB Diploma in one year?
No. The IB Diploma is a full two-year academic programme.
3. What is the pass mark?
The pass mark is 24 points. A detailed breakdown of the grading system is given in the IB Guide.
4. Is St. Clare's residential?
Mainly yes. Our day students live with their parents, within a sensible travelling distance, but most students live in our own houses, within easy walking distance of the main college. First year students share twin or sometimes triple rooms. We also have some single rooms for second year IB students.
5. Is there weekly boarding?
Yes. A few students choose to weekly board but they can only spend weekends at their parental home which must be within reasonable travelling distance from Oxford.
6. Are there fixed homework times?
No. Students are expected to take responsibility for organising their own work timetable: an excellent preparation for university life.
7. How often can I go away at weekends?
We recommend no more than four weekends per term and you may choose to go away less as there is so much on offer here. We don’t allow students to have weekends away during the first half of the first term but from then on, students can request weekends away but written parental permission is required and we do not recommend that students take more than 4 weekends away per term as this might result in them missing weekend activities and trips.
8. Are sports compulsory?
One of the compulsory elements of the IB Diploma course and the Pre-IB course is that students take part in the CAS programme. "C" stands for Creativity and so would include Art, Music, Photography and many other options. "A" stands for Action, which is essentially sports and "S" stands for Service which is any activity that benefits either students at St. Clare’s or members of the wider community, for example volunteering to work in a charity shop or working as a teaching assistant in a local school. There are about 90 CAS activities available at St. Clare’s. IB Diploma students must do a total of 50 hours of each of Creativity, Action and Service over the two years of the course. Students on the Pre-IB course must complete at least 3 CAS hours per week throughout the course.
9. When does the academic year begin and end?
It begins at the end of August and ends in May/June. Term dates can be seen here.
10. When are the holidays?
There is a one week break in October, three-week break in December, a 5-day break in February and two weeks at Easter. Term dates can be found here.
11. How do I obtain textbooks?
Textbooks can be bought through the College library - the cost can be charged to your student account.
12. Do I need to bring a computer?
You need to bring your laptop with you. It can be used for writing reports and preparing presentations. Make sure you bring an adapter for UK electricity at 240 v and that you have suitable insurance cover. The college has wireless internet access in all buildings.
13. How much spending money do I need?
£60-£70 per week should be adequate but this is very much at the discretion of parents.
14. Is there a uniform?
No. Student dress is casual in class and on the weekends but you might wish to bring some formal outfits for parties and special occasions.
15. Do you offer scholarships or bursaries?
Yes we do. Up to two full awards (covering tuition fees for day students or tuition and accommodation fees for residential students) may be made each year. In addition, we offer a number of partial awards, covering a proportion of total fees. Scholarships for entry in September will be considered at Scholarship Day in the February of that year. Please find out more here