The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is an internationally respected and recognised qualification. Success in the IB will ensure access to good universities throughout the world.
St. Clare's has a worldwide reputation as experts in providing the IB Diploma. No other school or college in England has been teaching the IB longer than St. Clare's and there are only 13 other institutions in the world who have taught the IB longer than us.
What is special about the IB?
The IB Diploma makes sure that students do not specialise before they go to university. This means that students study six subjects, three at standard level and three at higher level. Students must choose a range of subjects, i.e. the objective of the IB is to encourage breadth as well as depth across the curriculum. In addition, every student must take part in a CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) programme which is awarded points and which contributes to the final mark achieved in the Diploma.
How is the IB assessed?
Examinations at the end of the second year are complemented by a progarmme of internal assessment. Each subject, whether higher or standard can contribute up to 7 points to a final points total. The Extended essay and Theory of Knowledge together contribute 3 points so the maximum score possible is 45, while the pass mark is 24 points. Follow this link for a full and detailed breakdown of the grading system.
What marks do you need to get into university?
The higher the mark, the more choice you will have in terms of the universities to which you can apply. A top ten university (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Warwick, etc.) will want a mark of between 38 and 42 depending on the degree subject.
What is Theory of Knowledge? This a practical philosophy-based course, and is a compulsory element of the IB. This course helps train young minds to question and think in an analytical way, skills essential for success at university.
What is the Extended Essay? This is an original piece of research relating to one of the subjects being studied, e.g. an Economics student might look at the performance of a company or business. The research is written up into a 4000 word paper. Again this is a skill which is extremely useful in preparing students for the academic challenge of university-level work.
Nabila - British Nigerian - 38 points - International Development with Economics - University of Bath
St. Clare’s is a place where I’ve been able to explore my academic and non-academic interests by having discussions with people from all over. It’s helped me prepare for what comes my way in the future and has been a phenomenal experience.