Preparatory IB course
• Entry in September, January or April
• 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: | 5 January 2025, 22 April 2025 & 28 August 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: | |
| 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 |
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: |
4 |
| Humanities |
Rotation of all subjects in Term 1 |
4 |
| Arts |
Rotation of all subjects in Term 1 |
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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