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Preparatory IB course

• Prepare for the IB Diploma

• Entry in September, January or April

• Specialist IB teachers

• Study at England’s first IB World School

To prepare you for the International Baccalaureate Diploma

Age: 15-16 years old
English level: B1 Mid-High (this is a guide, not a minimum requirement)
Start dates: 29 August 2024, 5 January 2025, 22 April 2025
Length: 1, 2 or 3 terms
Class size: Maximum 15 students
Lessons: 30 hours of classroom lessons Monday to Friday
Lesson length: 55 minutes
Course structure: 7 subject areas plus Core Elements
Sample timetable Pre-IB Sample Timetable
Term dates: Pre-IB term dates
Annual fees 2024-25: Day students: £23,592 Residential students: £49,310 (exclusive of VAT) for 3 terms
Deposit and instalments: Term dates and fees flyer
Brochure: IB World School brochure

Why study our Preparatory IB course with us?

Academic stretch: Our students think beyond the classroom through academic clubs, competitions, research projects and have access to valuable academic resources in Oxford.

Subject offering: Our Pre-IB course develops your knowledge in the key subjects covered in the IB Diploma including English Literature, English Language, Maths, Science, Arts and Humanities.

Progression route: If you successfully complete our Pre-IB course you can progress onto our IB Diploma.

England’s oldest IB World School: We have been teaching the IB Diploma for nearly 50 years, longer than any other school or college in England.

Quality IB teaching: Our teachers write and are involved in the production of the IB textbooks, are examiners, and teach the IB teachers of the future.

IB ethos: Our Pre-IB course links in with the qualities and attributes of the IB learner profile which encourages learners to become balanced, caring, communicators, inquirers, knowledgeable, open minded, principled, risk-takers, reflective and thinkers.

Wellbeing: We cultivate a sense of belonging within a safe and supportive community, with students developing high-quality relationships with both peers and staff through an environment of mutual respect.

Flexible course entry: You can start our Pre-IB course in September, January or April. 

 

Core Elements

These core elements create a holistic programme beyond the classroom, to help students acquire new skills and support their personal development.

Pre-IB Core: develops students’ confidence and skills as independent learners and critical thinkers

Careers Programme: to proactively engage with the concept of ‘career’ to support students’ career development journey

Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS): stimulates personal growth through new experiences. With over 50 experiences on offer per week, students create their own programme of at least 3 experiences per term (service is not compulsory).

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: builds resilience, new skills, problem solving and self-awareness

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE): covering important and current topics

 

Course Structure and Subjects

Our Pre-IB course is ideal preparation for the IB Diploma, with students developing key skills and attributes that are fundamental to IB study.

Subject Area Course details Hours per week

English

Tiered classes based on language proficiency for academic stretch   

4

English / New Language        

Intensive English language support
OR new language: French or Mandarin

2

Maths

Tiered classes based on ability and prior experience

4

World Literature

Literature from across the world in translation 2

Science

Choose 1 option per term:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

4
Humanities

Rotation of all subjects in Term 1
Choose 1 option in Terms 2 and 3:
• Economic and Business
• Geography
• History
• Psychology

4
Arts

Rotation of all subjects in Term 1
Choose 1 option in Terms 2 and 3:
• Visual Arts
• Digital Arts (Photography)
• Music
• Theatre

4

 

Other features of our Pre-IB course

  • An activities week in September with a focus on bonding, teamwork and leadership
  • Individual and group research projects on topics of students’ choice and a collaborative Arts project culminating in an exhibition and presentation evening

 

Hear from our students

 

IB World School brochure

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St Clare's, Oxford