2019 International Baccalaureate Diploma - PROGRESSIVEDISTINCTIVESUCCESSFUL - Varndean College
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
International
Baccalaureate
Diploma
2019
PROGRESSIVEDISTINCTIVESUCCESSFUL
What is the International What does the course involve?
Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD)? You choose one course from each of six subject areas,
Varndean College has been an IB World School three or four at Higher Level and the rest at Standard
since 2008. We chose the IB because we think it Level. The content of Standard Level courses is smaller
offers something exciting and different: a broad, than that of Higher Level courses and they are usually a
academically rigorous education for the whole little less demanding academically.
person
The IBD is taught world-wide and is
internationally recognised and understood
by universities and employers as an excellent
preparation for further study or employment. It is
administered by the International Baccalaureate
Organisation, a body which is independent of
any government and which has an international
perspective. Students wishing to study at
university abroad should check country-specific
2
requirements and the entry requirements of
individual universities on the IBO website..
IB students work hard, but get an education which
is neither driven by assessment requirements
nor subject to any Government policy. The
course encourages them to be open-minded,
intellectually curious and keen to learn. They
seem to have a lot of fun too!
Do come along and find out more if you think it
may be for you.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Talk
Thursday 18 October 2018
6.30pm (Doors open at 6pm)
No advance booking necessary
The Mission of the IBD
To develop inquiring, knowledeable and
caring young people who help to create a
better and more peaceful world through
intercultural understanding and respect.
2 International Baccalaureate Diploma
What subjects are on offer in the IBD at Varndean College?
STANDARD HIGHER
GROUP SUBJECT
LEVEL LEVEL
1. Literature Literature
2. Second Language French
Spanish
Spanish for beginners (“ab initio”)
German
3. Individuals and Societies History
Global Politics
Psychology
4. Experimental Sciences Biology
Physics
5. Mathematics Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
Mathematics: Applications and
Interpretations
6. The Arts or a further Visual Arts
subject Chemistry
Philosophy
German
Spanish
Theatre
Film
* Students who want to study Maths, Physics, Engineering or Economics at university are advised to
take Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches.
Everyone also follows the Core Programme What are the Entry Requirements at
This is made up of: 3 Varndean College?
Theory of Knowledge We require a minimum of at least 7 GCSEs at Grades
9-6 including English, Maths and Science. Certain
You study the foundations of knowledge in
particular areas (see page 9). subjects (at both Standard and Higher Level) have
particular subject requirements. For these, see the
specific subject sections in this booklet.
The Extended Essay
You will write an extended essay of 4,000 words Varndean College also welcomes an increasingly
which researches a topic of particular interest large number of students from all over the world.
to you in any subject. A teacher will work with International students should provide evidence of
yowu individually to help you prepare, write qualifications gained over the last two years and will
and present your project. The essay is externally then be interviewed by the College. We may also ask
assessed and counts towards your final mark you to complete an entrance test in English or Maths if
(see page 9). you do not have GCSEs or IGCSEs.
Creativity, Activity, Service
A central, worthwhile and exciting part of the COLLEGE OPEN EVENTS 2018
IB programme. You will take part in a variety
of extra-curricular activities, comprising
Saturday 29 September 11am - 2pm
some creative work, activity and service in the Wednesday 7 and
community (see page 10). Thursday 8 November 6.30pm - 9.00pm
3 Varndean College Brighton & Hove 3
How will I be assessed? Some very good reasons why the IBD
All external written exams take place in May of Year
might be the right choice for you
Two and the results are published in July. We also hold You keep all your options open for another two years.
internal exams in May of Year One and January of Year No future career path will be closed down for you at
Two. Coursework comprises up to 30% in most subjects. the age of 16. You have free choice about which subjects
In Literature and Modern Languages, the coursework you take at Higher Level. All degree courses and
consists of oral assessment. Theory of Knowledge is employment opportunities remain open to you. You
assessed by an externally-marked coursework essay. gain an internationally recognised qualification known
The maximum possible score is 45: a maximum of and understood by universities and employers all over
seven points for each subject, plus a maximum of three the world.
for the Core. In order to pass the Diploma, you need a Universities are enthusiastic about the rounded
minimum of 24 points. education which the IBD provides. Students who have
studied the IBD have a wide knowledge, a capacity to
Do I have to pass everything to get a think for themselves and a proven ability to carry out
qualification? independent research.
It is rare for any of our students not to achieve the full Taking a subject at Higher Level prepares you just as
Diploma. In the past, one or two have decided that well for degree level study as an A Level in that subject
taking all six subjects is too much and have become IB would do, if not better. Last, but certainly not least,
Diploma Course students. This means that they take the stated aim of the IB Organisation is ‘to develop
three, four or five of their subjects and achieve IB grades enquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who
in each. help to create a better and more peaceful world through
intercultural understanding and respect’.
Both HL and SL IB individual certificates are accepted
by some universities for entrance to degree courses, Group One: Literature A
although the full Diploma is preferred.
Entry requirements: for Standard Level a Grade 5
If a student were to complete the course but fail to in GCSE English Language or English Literature; for
achieve enough points overall for the full Diploma they Higher Level a Grade 6 or in GCSE English Language or
would still be awarded Course Grades in all six subjects. English Literature
What might my timetable look like? This is an exciting course covering a wide range of
English and world literature: novels, plays and poetry
IBD students have fuller timetables than A Level
from the past and the present. You read 13 texts for
students. A sample Year One timetable is shown below:
Higher Level and 10 for Standard Level. Some are
4 studied in depth and closely, some more rapidly. We
will read from a historical and political perspective,
always being aware of how literature speaks about
human experience in different cultures. We’ll also look
at what kind of knowledge of the world and of ourselves
we can gain through literature. Assessment is by
coursework, oral presentation and two exam papers.
Group Two: French or Spanish or German
Entry requirements: for Standard and Higher Level a
Grade 6 in GCSE French, Spanish or German
This course will quickly develop your language skills as
well as your knowledge and understanding of French,
German or Spanish culture and society. Topics will
develop from the context of the individual in society,
to the consideration of more complex global, political,
cultural, social, moral and ethical issues by the end
of the second year, when you will be able to engage in
discussion and debate. These topics or issues will be
studied through a range of authentic media sources -
television, press, radio, internet, film and through some
literary texts and extracts. A novel is studied at HL
4 International Baccalaureate Diploma
Psychology No specific entry requirements
Students should be advised that sound personal
organisation and essay writing skills are desirable as there
are broad range of topics covered which are typically
assessed by short or extended essay questions. Psychology
is the study of human behaviour and experience. You
will gain a critical understanding of the ways that human
behaviour is studied from biological, cognitive and social
perspectives. During the two years you will develop an
appreciation of Psychology as an academic discipline and as
a body of knowledge which is relevant to the world around
us. Topic include Mental Health, Human Relationships,
Memory, Social Identity and Brain Plasticity, among
others. Teaching and learning include lectures, discussions
Spanish (ab initio ) (SL only) and student presentations. 75–80% of the overall grade is
Entry requirements: No specific entry requirements though terminal exams and 20-25% is assessed through a
Psychological Report on a Practical Experiment conducted
This course assumes no prior knowledge of the Spanish as a group.
language. It is a fast-paced course that will enable you
to reach a good level of communicative competence
so that you will be able to communicate orally and in Group Four: Experimental Sciences
writing in a variety of everyday situations. A general
awareness and appreciation of the culture of Spain and
Spanish-speaking countries will be fostered.
Group Three: Individuals and Societies
History No specific entry requirements
You will study a broad range of historical issues and
controversies from the 19th and 20th centuries to
enable you to develop a critical and comparative
understanding of themes in world and European
history such as authoritarian states and the
development and fall of Communism. Higher Level
students also specialise in 19th century European
history, exploring revolutions and the rise of the 5
nation-state. Through case studies, you’ll get to grips Biology
with concepts such as continuity and change over time,
and explore varied historical perspectives. You’ll also Entry requirements: for Standard Level 2 x Grade 5
investigate a historical question of your own choice, in combined GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 5 in separate
equipping you with essential research skills and sciences; for Higher Level 2 x Grade 7 in combined
preparing you for study beyond college. GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 7 in separate sciences.
This course will give you an understanding of the
Global Politics No specific entry requirements
structure and functioning of organisms at all levels
In our inter-connected world the decisions that from the molecular level to the whole organism. You
politicians make increasingly have a global impact. You will be encouraged to appreciate the diversity of life and
will study the people, power and politics behind the how different organisms show adaptations that enable
conflicts and decision-making which affect citizens them to exploit different environmental conditions
on an international scale. Central to this will be an and to recognise that these adaptations are a result of
investigation of concepts such as sovereignty, human evolutionary change. Both Standard and Higher level
rights, development and peace. Studying a range of are offered and assessment is by external exam papers
contemporary conflicts and issues, you will gain a plus teacher-assessed practical skills. You will also be
greater understanding of the global consequences of required to participate in a collaborative project.
the actions of politicians on all sides of the debate. You
will also have the opportunity to study a number of
global political challenges such as poverty, identity and
security.
5 Varndean College Brighton & Hove 5
“I chose the IB as it enabled me to keep my options open and study everything I love.
I have particularly enjoyed the camaraderie and sense of community support, as well
as developing my skills in a variety of subjects. Varndean has been really supportive
and friendly and I would like to go on to study Veterinery Science at university.”
Rebecca Bridges (ex-Longhill High School)
Group Five: Mathematics
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
Entry requirements: for Standard Level a Grade 6 in
GCSE Maths, for Higher Level a Grade 8 in GCSE Maths
and Grade 7 in GCSE Science.
Physics This course is appropriate for students who enjoy
developing their mathematics to become fluent in
Entry requirements: for Standard Level 2 x Grade 6
the construction of mathematical arguments and
in combined GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 6 in separate
develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. They
sciences; for Higher Level 2 x Grade 7 in combined
will also be fascinated by exploring real and abstract
GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 7 in separate sciences.
applications of these ideas, with and without the use of
What is Physics? From Quarks to Quasars, Physics technology. Students who take Mathematics: Analysis
is all about understanding and predicting nature. and Approaches will be those who enjoy the thrill of
We will look at how our world (and beyond) behaves mathematical problem solving and generalization. This
and try to make sense of it. You will enjoy Physics subject is aimed at students who will go on to study
if you want to find out about life, the universe and subjects with substantial mathematics content such
everything, develop models to explain how the universe as mathematics itself, engineering, physical sciences,
works, sharpen your problem-solving skills and see how or economics. The content is very similar to A Level
Physics is used in the world around us. Maths.
You will discover how our ideas of how things work
have changed over the centuries; scientists are not
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations
always ‘right’. A theory only lasts until an experiment Entry requirements: for Standard Level a Grade 6 in
proves it wrong! Then we need a new one. GCSE Maths, for Higher Level a Grade 8 in GCSE Maths
This course is appropriate for students who are
IB Physics places great emphasis on the practical uses of interested in developing their mathematics for
the subject, the scientific method and how discoveries describing our world and solving practical problems.
are communicated to other physicists around the world They may also be interested in harnessing the power of
as well as the public. The course is assessed by exams technology alongside exploring mathematical models.
at the 6
end plus teacher-assessed practical skills. You Students who take Mathematics: Applications and
will also take part in a collaborative project with the Interpretation will be those who enjoy mathematics
Chemists and Biologists. best when seen in a practical context. This subject is
aimed at students who will go on to study subjects such
as social sciences, natural sciences, statistics, business,
some economics courses, psychology, and design.
“We positively welcome applications from students with the International Baccalaureate because they
arrive with an open mind, broad knowledge and a capacity for individual research work.” DR LEO
MELLOR, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
6 International Baccalaureate Diploma
“I chose the IB because of the broad range of subjects and the idea that it produces
independent learners who are better equipped for university. I have particularly
enjoyed the challenge of balancing six subjects alongside TOK and CAS , as well as
maintaining playing sport and enjoying a social life.”
Louie Garnett, (ex-Downlands School)
critically examine your
own experiences and their
ideological and cultural
biases. It will introduce
you to the plurality of
philosophical traditions and
should develop in you a way of thinking that draws on
personal reflection and a knowledge of philosophical
traditions. You will be introduced to diverse approaches
to philosophical reflection that encourage you to
engage both academically in a range of materials from
primary and secondary philosophical texts, literature,
arts, contemporary media and first-hand experience.
Group Six: The Arts & Further Subjects Visual Arts
Chemistry It is very helpful if students following Visual Arts within
Entry requirements: for Standard Level 2 x Grade 6 the IB Programme have some prior experience of art-
in combined GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 6 in separate making at a level equivalent to GCSE, but this is not
sciences (minimum); for Higher Level 2 x Grade 7 in essential for Standard Level.
combined GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 7 in separate Our Visual Arts IB programme aims to engage you
sciences (minimum). You should also be taking Maths successfully with your own creative practice, developing
SL, not Maths Studies for HL. ambition, confidence and success. You will have the
The course starts with ideas of atomic structure, the opportunity to experience a broad range of ideas and
mole concept, bonding and energetics. This leads on to processes before focusing on an area of creative interest
group chemistry, equilibrium and kinetics. The more and strength. Gallery trips, European study visits,
demanding concepts involved in thermodynamics and meetings with artists, designers and photographers will
equilibrium will challenge students, stimulating and help you extend your understanding of the changing
extending their appreciation of chemistry. Knowledge contexts in which art is made.
of organic chemistry will be developed to include
7
Your tutors are themselves practising artists. You will
important industrial and environmental aspects. You build a portfolio of work on a range of scales, selecting
will be encouraged to consider the impact chemistry pieces from this for your final exhibition.
has made on society and the responsibilities those
connected with the chemical industry have. The option
module is Medicinal Chemistry linking nicely with
the organic chemistry content. We have very strong
connections with both Brighton and Sussex Universities
and attend regular events there, plus competitions
such as the Olympiad exam, Cambridge Chemistry
Challenge and the Analytical Competition. Chemistry
is a key part of most vocational scientific occupations
and mandatory for medicine, veterinary and dental
sciences.
Philosophy No specific entry requirements
Philosophy will teach you how to formulate arguments
in a rational and logical way and to be able to
“Students coming to us with the IB have an intellectual inquisitiveness which makes them attractive to
us. They don’t have a narrowness of thought or that deadening specialism which limits their academic
development.” DR EWAN FERNIE, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
7 Varndean College Brighton & Hove 7
“I liked the idea of being able to study a high level of Maths and Science whilst
simultaneously developing other skills, such as foreign languages and essay
writing. I’ve really enjoyed the TOK and English and the IB has changed my
attitude towards the subjects I otherwise would not have chosen”
Tom Wright (ex-Downlands School)
French or Spanish or Theatre
German No specific entry requirements
Entry requirements: for
Theatre is a practical subject that encourages discovery
Standard and Higher Level,
through experiment, risk taking and presentation of
a Grade 6 in GCSE French, Spanish or German
ideas to others. It results in the development of both
This is a course that will quickly develop your language theatre and life skills; the building of confidence,
skills as well as your knowledge and understanding of creativity and working collaboratively. Students
French, Spanish or German culture and society. Topics have the opportunity to make theatre as creators,
will develop from the context of the individual in designers, directors and performers. There is a strong
society, to the consideration of more complex global, relationship between theory and practice; and research
political, cultural, social, moral and ethical issues by is an important part of the course. Students develop
the end of the second year, when you will be able to an appreciation of the diversity of theatre practices,
engage in discussion and debate. These topics or issues discovering and engaging with different forms of
will be studied through a range of authentic media theatre across time, place and culture.
sources - television, press, radio, internet, film and
through some literary texts and extracts. A novel is
studied at HL
Film (available at HL and SL)
No specific entry requirements
This course combines a study of the history and theory
of film from an international perspective with the
discipline of textual analysis.
SL and HL students produce a textual analysis (1750
words) of how meaning is constructed in a prescribed
8 based on a chosen extract lasting no more
film text,
than 5 minutes. SL and HL students produce a
portfolio of filmmaking exercises in three different There are four assessed units for HL and three for SL.
production roles (9 mins) and a portfolio evaluating the Students at HL research a theorist, and create present
processes and lessons learnt. Students at HL level also and evaluate a theatre piece. At SL students take part
create and produce an original film as part of a team or in practical text explorations and direct sections of a
as an individual (7 mins) along with a project report of play assessed as ‘Director’s Notebook’; research a world
2000 words. theatre tradition and demonstrate the performance
conventions to an audience; and collaboratively create
Students (HL and SL) produce a comparative study
(devise) an original theatre piece.
with a film focus carrying out research and presenting
it in a multi-media format (10 minutes max). "I've really loved the way the course has pushed my
emotional and intellectual understanding of theatre."
There are no final written exams: the course is
assessed by a mixture of practical work, multi-media Amelia Hilton, current Year 2 IB student
presentation and written assignments, including script
writing and production planning.
8 International Baccalaureate Diploma
“I studied the IB because it offered a wide variety of subjects and I was unsure what
I wanted to study in the future. I had many friends who did the IB and I wanted to
challenge myself by pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I have found myself
doing activities I wouldn’t have expected myself to as part of my CAS and TOK
has opened up my eyes to a variety of different concepts and ways of thinking.”
Jemmina Cottan (ex-British School, Jakarta)
THE CORE The Extended Essay
The Extended Essay is
Theory of Knowledge a perfect opportunity
What is the basis for our understanding of the world for you to engage with
and our beliefs? How do our individual beliefs relate to your favourite subject. It is written in the style of a
the subjects we study? What status should we give to university dissertation, being presented formally with
scientific knowledge as compared to artistic or literary an abstract, footnotes, bibliography and page numbers.
knowledge? What is the influence of society and culture The maximum length is 4,000 words. You can write
on what we think we know and believe? What problems on almost any topic in any subject available on the IB
of bias does our own experience present? How does Programme as a whole – not just the subjects available
language influence our experience and ideas of truth? at Varndean College.
What problems of communication does language
Each student has their own supervisor whom they meet
present? What is the relationship between perception
individually for advice on planning, researching and
and questions of “reality”? How does maths relate to
writing, but the essay remains very much their own
the world? Is it possible to have emotional truths? How
work. The essay is marked by an examiner somewhere
is knowledge acquired and justified and how might this
else in the world. The Extended Essay is important to
differ across subject areas?
the aims of the Diploma Programme because students
Theory of Knowledge is a central element of the IB in are responsible for their own independent learning,
which we ask fundamental questions about the nature through which they acquire and communicate in-
of knowledge and its relationship to the subject areas depth knowledge and understanding. The research
of the Diploma. Its principal aim is to explore the main process involves intellectual risk-taking and extensive
categories of knowledge with special reference to the reflection. Open-mindedness, balance and fairness are
various problems that students encounter in their key pre-requisites for a good Extended Essay.
everyday learning.
It is hoped that students will acquire a set of critical and
Some examples of past Extended Essays:
conceptual tools to enable them to reflect upon and Group 1 Literature: Symbolism in Toni Morrison’s
better understand the continual connections which 9 can Beloved
be drawn among the other parts of the IB programme. Group 2: French: Baudelaire’s poetry: Romanticism
The course takes as its content the academic, cultural or Modernism?
and individual interests of the students and subjects Group 2 German: Kraftwerk and the culture and
these to critical analysis through applying a set of technology of Germany in the 1970s
analytical tools which will be of vital and continuing Group 3 History: A comparison of the foreign
value as you progress through your courses. Apart from policy of two Soviet leaders, Stalin and Khrushchev
an appreciation of the role of language in thought and Group 3 Human Rights: The ethics of foreign
knowledge, an understanding of the requirements of intervention in domestic wars
logical rigour for knowledge claims and an investigation Group 4 Biology: Eye dominance and monocular
of various knowledge systems, you will examine depth perception
knowledge issues in across different subject areas. You Group 4 Physics: An investigation into the
will be stimulated to develop as questioning thinkers, effect on the range of a catapult of changing its
counterweight
who are empowered to explore the nature of subjects,
Group 6 Philosophy: An evaluation of a utilitarian
ethical debates and their personal contributions.
approach to voluntary euthanasia
The course is assessed in the second year with a Group 6 Visual Arts: A comparison of the work of
1,600 word essay on a choice of six essay titles about Klimt and Schiele.
knowledge issues and with a 10 minute presentation
that raises and evaluates knowledge issues in relation to
a real life situation of individual student’s choosing. The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are
each marked externally and given a grade A-E. The two
marks are combined to produce a core points score of
0, 1, 2 or 3 which contributes to the overall points score
for the Diploma.
9 Varndean College Brighton & Hove 9
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Because the IB believes that education should include
every aspect of life an important part of the Diploma
Programme core consists of Creativity, Activity and
Service.
Students complete a programme in all three areas.
CAS activity hours are not formally timetabled. Some
take place during the college day, such as team sports,
creative writing or choir. Others take place at times
convenient to you.
Personal tutors meet students individually to help
them to organise their CAS programmes. Students keep
a personal log in which they record what they have
done and reflect upon what they have learned as they
progress in each activity.
IB students at Varndean have undertaken a wide range IB student Portia Smith presenting at a BNMS Conference
of CAS creative activities: acting in plays; singing in the
choir; baking; learning a musical instrument; taking
part in the college’s creative writing programme. There
has even been an IB knitting group!
For activity, IB students have played in the College’s
netball or rugby teams, but they have also taken part
in fitness programmes, running, hill-walking, zumba,
skiing, yoga and pilates.
There are many service opportunities available.
Some IB students are active in the students’ union; a
considerable number volunteer in the NHS in Brighton;
some have worked with the elderly; others volunteer
at the Link College or local primary schools. Whatever
you do, the CAS programme is a crucial part of the core
of the Diploma Programme and its commitment to a
IB students staging a Christmas concert as part of their CAS
complete and principled education.
10
The IB Tutorial Programme
Every IB student has a personal tutor who meets
the student on a regular basis. The tutor is there
to help with work planning, to advise on CAS
and to support progress generally through the
Diploma programme.
As the course develops, attention turns to
university applications. The personal tutor
provides a great deal of help with the whole
process of choosing a university course and with
writing the application. The tutor also writes the
students’ reference.
All IB tutors also teach their tutees; they get to
know the student and their individual needs
very well throughout the course. The tutor also
provides a point of contact for parents with the
college.
10 International Baccalaureate DiplomaAfter the IB?
The breadth and challenge of the IB Diploma produces young people who have the wide knowledge, but also
the developed aptitudes, both personal and intellectual, to be highly employable. Universities value highly the
wide knowledge and intellectual qualities evident in applicants who have studied the IB Diploma. They know
that IB students have learnt to be self-reliant and to use their time well. They recognize that IB students already
understand academic research methods.
At Varndean College we have an outstanding record of placing IB students at the universities they want to attend
and, in particular, on the most demanding degree courses. Varndean IB students go on to study a wide range of
subjects at degree level. Pictured below are some of our 2017 and 2018 leavers.
Naomi Crisp (Steyning Grammar) Maria Gureeva (Downlands) Sam Hukin (Dorothy Stringer)
In 2017, Varndean's 47 IB students averaged 36 points, which universities regard as equivalent to three A grades
at A Level, with 88% going on to study at Russell Group universities. Six IB students gained places at Oxford or
Cambridge universities, with five of them choosing to take a year out and commence their studies in 2018.
Caroline Banerjee (English at Cambridge, 2017), Sam Corbett (English at Cambridge, 2018), Naomi Crisp
(Psychology, Philosophy & Linguistics at Oxford, 2018), Maya Gavin (Human, Social & Political Sciences at
Cambridge, 2018), Maria Gureeva (History at Oxford, 2018), Sam Hukin (Maths at Oxford, 2018). Three of these
students (Naomi Crisp, Maria Gureeva and Sam Hukin pictured above) gained an incredible 44 points each,
putting them into the top 1% of over 90,000 students worlwide.
11
Also celebrating were Alice O’Kane (Political Science & International Relations at Birmingham), Mieke Liebenberg
(Digital Media at Erasmus University, Rotterdam), Sabrina Cowan, (Veterinary Science at the Royal Veterinery
College) and Sacha Grover (Physics at Durham, deferred to 2018).
In 2018, our 42 IB Diploma students achieved an average of 36.12 points and, out of 28 UCAS applicants, 75%
have offers to take up places at Russell Group universities with two at Oxford or Cambridge. Six students are
going on to study Medicine. An outstanding result was achieved by Samuel Segal (pictured below), who gained
the maximum score of 45 points, putting him in the top 0.5% of students worldwide. Samuel is going to study
Medicine at Sheffield University. Gemma Robson and Portia Smith (also pictured) have places to study History at
Oxford and Medicine at Cambridge.
Samuel Segal (Chailey School) Gemma Robson (Patcham High) and Portia Smith (Brighton College)
11 Varndean College Brighton & Hove 11What people have said about the IB Diploma
“The college has a large and highly successful International Baccalaureate programme. Scores for the
cohort of IB students are exceptionally high. Student progress is outstanding.” OFSTED Report, 2016
“I honestly couldn't stress how much I'd recommend doing the IB, I enjoyed it so much. Although
studying so many subjects may seem daunting at first, in the end it is all about time management and
trying to enjoy the learning experience rather than feeling like you're studying for an exam. Once you start
studying, because you enjoy it the IB becomes lots of fun. I only had a few friends from secondary school
study the IB and at first that scared me, but I made two of my most genuine, closest, friends while on the
IB and even cycled to Paris with one of them for the CAS project. I honestly think if you enjoy studying
now, even just a little bit or for a couple specific subjects, the IB is the best choice. If you make use of all the
resources the College and the tutors offer you, then you'll have an amazing two years of college and you'll
come out feeling like you've grown immensely as a human being.
Be invested in the work because it's interesting (HL subjects more so than SL) but especially make the most
of CAS, Project and TOK too, as they all work towards the same mental growth. I am yet to meet someone
who regretted taking the IB so don't be put off when people say the IB is really difficult; it is challenging but
nothing good in life comes easy.” Ex-Varndean College student
“I chose Varndean College predominantly because I was looking for something that would give me an edge
in my dental school applications and I found that the extremely successful IB course was something that
could offer me this. When it came to my application, the university interviewers definitely took an interest
in the IB as its breadth indicated that I could handle a university workload. Varndean also runs a dedicated
group for prospective medical, dental and veterinary students which I found to be invaluable in helping me
through the university application process, offering practice interviews, talks from alumni and universities
and advice tailored specifically to my application.” Ex-Varndean College student
“The International Baccalaureate has offered my son the most amazing opportunity to grow and shine. He
has enjoyed his lessons and has been well-supported by his tutors and personal tutor. He got a lot out of
the CAS experience and, thanks to the extended essay, his research skills have been finely tuned, ready for
studying at University level. I would thoroughly recommend the IB at Varndean College.”
Parent of a Year 2 Varndean College IB student
“It was a great decision for my son to take the International Baccalaureate at Varndean College. He
enjoyed his time at Varndean enormously and valued the breadth that the IB offers, allowing him to take
12subjects including two very different subjects which were his favourites at school, Drama and Physics.
six
He also completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award with the Creativity, Action and Service elements of
the IB counting towards this. The academic rigour of the IB certainly prepared him well for university and
I would highly recommend this course." Parent of an ex-Varndean College IB student
For further information:
Tel: 01273 508011
www.varndean.ac.uk
or email
Lee Gray, IB Co-ordinator
lzg@varndean.ac.uk
12 International Baccalaureate DiplomaYou can also read
