IB Diploma

The International Baccalaureate Diploma is a well-established, highly regarded, international qualification accepted for entry into higher education. The IBD encourages students to become active, compassionate lifelong learners through a broad-based curriculum, an international perspective and the explicit development of independent study and research skills.

International Baccalaureate Prospectus (click here)

For more information on the IBD, please contact the Director of Sixth Form, Mr I Price: i.price@huntington-ed.org.uk

Course Structure

The IBD is structured around a hexagon (see above), with six groups of subjects. Students take six subjects, one from each group. They choose to study three at standard level and three at higher level. This means the IBD offers both a broad education and the opportunity to specialise. At the core of the hexagon are the Extended Essay (see below),Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) . These three compulsory elements make the IBD a unique educational experience for its students.

Subject Options

IBD students at Huntington School are able to choose to study the following subjects at Higher or Standard Level.

Group 1 – English Literature

Group 2 – French, German or Spanish ab initio*

Group 3 – Geography or History

Group 4 – Biology or Environmental Systems and Society*

Group 5 – Mathematics or Maths Studies*

Group 6 – Art / Theatre / Chemistry / German

Additional subjects Chemistry or German can be taken instead of a Group 6 subject

*Available at Standard Level only

The Extended Essay

IBD students are given the opportunity to develop independent study, research and extended writing skills through the Extended Essay. All students are required to write an essay of approximately 4,000 words. The essay can be on a topic of particular interest to the student from any area of study in the Diploma Programme. Students are assigned an academic supervisor who will guide the student through the demands of academic research and writing. The Extended Essay is excellent preparation for study at degree level.

Assessment

Each subject is assessed through a combination of external and internal assessment. Each subject is graded from 1-7. An additional 3 points are available through ToK and the Extended Essay. The maximum point score is, therefore, 45. To receive the Diploma a student must gain a minimum of 24 points and successfully complete the CAS programme. Universities will make offers to IBD students based on the points achieved.

The View from the Universities

 "The University of Edinburgh welcomes applications from students with the International Baccalaureate and we have been making offers to IB applicants for many years now. Being a traditional Scottsh University that offers broad based programmes we particularly value the breadth of the IB programme as well as the intellectual rigour that it offers"

Dr Neil McCormick
Admissions Service Manager
University of Edinburgh

"The University of Bath has a long experience of the IB and views it very positively. Offers are made on the basis of the full Diploma including bonus points"

Lee Hennessy
Assistant Registrar
University of Bath

"At Bristol, we welcome the IB Diploma, as we believe that it will suitably equip students for degree-level study. We consider applicants offering that qualification on an equal basis with those offering other level 3 qualifications, such as A-levels"

Dr Roseanna Cross
Head of Undergraduate Admissions
University of Bristol