Celebrating 50 years of IB - #IB50 - Schools Week
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Supplement
#IB50
In comparison: State or private: Myth busting:
A-levels or IB? 4 Who offers more IB? 6 Is IB too expensive? 18
SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK | @SCHOOLSWEEK
Celebrating
50 years of IB
@IBORGANIZATION JUNE 2018
Getting to know you: The IB programme explained
So why don’t more schools do it? Our sixth-form IB programmes most commonly
Cath Murray case studies take a look at some of the studied in the UK on page 8.
FEATURES EDITOR
@cathmurray_ schools offering the IB in England, from Finally, there’s an overview of the data
independent (page 10) and international on pages 6 and 7, with charts showing how
schools (page 9) to the new wave of state many schools and pupils are studying the IB
schools in Kent taking up the Career-related in the UK and internationally, and looking at
programme (page 15). trends over time.
With the additional teacher-training it We hope you enjoy the read. Do get in
T
he International Baccalaureate requires, many school leaders may assume touch and let us know what you think!
Diploma programme is recognised as the IB is simply too expensive to run. Our
a rigorous preparation for universities myth-busting article offers some responses
in the UK and worldwide (see page 5). to the most common misconceptions about
And since 2012 the IB Organization has IB, from the principal of a state boarding
been offering a Career-related programme school on page 18.
that schools can run in parallel, which offers There’s a place for A-levels and the IB to
a mix of academic and vocational training coexist, says one headteacher whose school
(page 8). offers both (page 4), but since “better the
Employers also appreciate the qualities devil you know” can often feel like the safer
the IB brings to job applicants (page 17). bet, we’ve laid out the basic structure of the
UK PUPIL ENTRIES
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
A-Levels or IB? We asked What Bath University’s How many schools - and Global trends: Is the IB on The IB Career-related and
a headteacher whose director of admissions 0 pupils - are studying IB in the rise, or on the decline Diploma programmes
2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018
school offers both... thinks of IB applicants the UK today? internationally? explained
P4 P5 P6 P7 P8
Case study: International Case studies: Meet some Why are non-selective Educators and employers ‘It’s too hard for most
schools in England of the independent state schools in Kent share what they think students...’ Busting myths
schools offering the IB switching to the IB? about the IB about the IB
P9 P10 P15 P16 P18
SCHOOLS WEEK TEAM
Managing editor (interim) Shane Mann Financials: Helen Neilly
Features editor Cath Murray Sales team leader: Bridget Stockdale
Chief reporter Freddie Whittaker Sales executive: Clare Halliday
Sub editor Tom Mendelsohn Administration: Georgina Heath
Senior reporter Alix Robertson PA to managing director: Victoria Boyle
Senior reporter Jess Staufenberg
Reporter Pippa Allen-Kinross
Head designer: Nicky Phillips Managing director: Shane Mann
If you are interested in placing a product or job advert contact
Liaison with IBSCA and IB schools: E: advertising@schoolsweek.co.uk
Alison Roberts, Director of Marketing, Sevenoaks School
Get in touch.
T: 020 81234 778
CONTACT: NEWS@SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK
OR CALL 0203 4321 392
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SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK 50YEARS.IBO.ORG
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WELCOME TO IB
John Claughton
IBSCA DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, FORMER CHIEF MASTER OF
KING EDWARD’S SCHOOL, BIRMINGHAM
It’s an exciting time for the to attract IB students. years programme created in
International Baccalaureate in The IB was founded in 1994, the original Diploma
the UK. The return to a world 1968 by a group of educators programme, and the
of three A-levels is making who wanted to create an most recent addition, the
schools – and students – think educational model which Career-related programme
again about the true value of combined European breadth established in 2012. leaders tired of constant
their 16+ offering. with British specialisation. The IB’s mission is “to reform. Being completely
All of the evidence shows Although it was set up in develop young people who independent of any
IB students are much valued Geneva, the first director- help to create a better and government control, the
by universities, and pupils general Alex Peterson was more peaceful world through curriculum doesn’t change
of a whole range of abilities British. intercultural understanding according to political whim,
are getting into better In 1968 seven schools and respect. IB’s courses and there has been no grade
universities than their A-level offered the new Diploma encourage students across inflation in 50 years.
counterparts. programme. In 2018, 1.5 the world to become active, We’re pleased to bring you
A number of major million students from 4,871 compassionate and lifelong this supplement on IB, to
universities, including King’s schools in 153 countries learners, who understand show how IB can not only be
College London, Leeds, study the IB, which now has that other people, with their implemented successfully,
Bath and Birmingham have four different curricula: the differences, can also be right.” but also the rich benefits to
substantially reduced their Primary-years programme Crucially, the IB is an students and teachers when
offers as a deliberate attempt created in 1996, the Middle- attractive option for school it is.
Registered charity 1101358
From the School of the Year,
expect a winning formula.
Maya Raman Jones came to Sevenoaks
when she was eleven. In the Sixth Form she studied
Chemistry, English, Maths, History, Biology, Russian and
Theory of Knowledge.
“At eleven I really loved English. Later on,
the sciences turned my head! But as the IB curriculum
at Sevenoaks is so broad, I didn’t have to choose between
the arts and sciences until I applied to university, by which
time I was sure Chemistry was the one for me.”
Which explains why Maya is now reading Chemistry
at the University of Oxford and dreaming of a PhD and a
career in scientific research.
www.sevenoaksschool.org
Maya scored an impressive 44 in the International Baccalaureate (IB) and is now in her second year at Oxford.
Our commitment to the IB is unwavering after 40 years, thanks to world-class, life-shaping results like this.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 3
@IBORGANIZATION JUNE 2018
Which are better, A-levels or IB?
INTERVIEW WITH ROD MACKINNON, HEADTEACHER, BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL
CATH MURRAY | @CATHMURRAY_
R
od MacKinnon has spent the
past 23 years as head of two
grammar schools – first in the
state sector at Bexley Grammar in Kent,
then at the independent Bristol Grammar
School. He introduced the International
Baccalaureate alongside A-levels in both.
So with all the additional work it
involves, and when universities are
perfectly happy to accept A-levels, why
did he introduce the IB?
“A-levels work,” he explains, “but you’re
always looking for ways to develop. The
IB is a great experience for kids. It’s even
better for teachers.”
He talks passionately about the breadth
of the learning experience: “The idea
that you should give up the study of
your native tongue or maths at 16 is
preposterous. We siphon children into
narrow channels too early.
“The IB is always a whole-student
approach – it’s a whole learning
Students at Bristol Grammar School
experience. All the teachers I’ve known
who’ve been on IB training, they always
come back, even the long-in-the-tooth didn’t get the Diploma. However, they because of a team effort,” he enthuses.
ones, thinking it was great. They’ve spent got a certificate and went to Canterbury So if the IB is so amazing, why does he
time talking about their subject, how to study primary teaching – what they run it alongside A-levels?
they communicate it, and how it relates wanted to do.” “Although the IB is established, parents
to everything else.” Staff development is another theme and staff can be anxious,” he explains.
But can students really get into a MacKinnon keeps returning to. “To jump straight from A-levels to the IB
subject as deeply as they can at A-level? “What’s really appealing is the quality would be a courageous step. And by that I
What if they wanted to go on and study of learning. It’s an enriched opportunity mean, I wouldn’t do it if I were you!
pure maths at a top university, for for staff. We as teachers have to reflect on “In an ideal world, I’d run both. The
example – how can they achieve the the fact that we are whole teachers, not more choice we can give students, the
same depth when they are studying six focusing exclusively on our own subject more likely they will buy into what
subjects, plus the IB “core”? knowledge, but also how it fits into they’ve signed up for.”
“The academic rigour of the IB is learning in other disciplines.”
serious,” he counters. “One of the The success of any pupil is a collective
concerns we always had about maths, endeavour, he explains. Since university
was that historically IB maths higher offers are given on the basis of an overall
was harder than A-level. So the depth is score, it doesn’t matter whether they get
definitely there, but it’s balanced by an their top grades in one subject or another
appropriate level of breadth.” – meaning there is less competition
Which must mean it’s only the most between departments, and more
academically able who can study the IB – collaboration.
or at least the Diploma programme? “What they learn in each subject will
“The IB is genuinely suitable for all be relevant to others. They will draw on
students. We’ve had Oxford medics do skills they’ve picked up in other classes.
the IB. But I’ve also had students who If they get to their first-choice university,
were academically very weak, and who you know the success came about Rod MacKinnon
4
SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK 50YEARS.IBO.ORG
#IB50
Opinion
Mike Nicholson
Director of undergraduate admissions
and outreach, the University of Bath
How the International Baccalaureate Diploma
has come to rival – or even surpass – A-levels
T
he International college to university.
Baccalaureate Diploma Project planning: The
is now 50 years extended essay requires
old, and at most selective students to undertake a
universities in the UK, it substantive piece of work,
is, after A-level, the most using research skills and
common qualification taken demonstrating evidence of
by applicants for admission. independent learning.
At the University of Bath, Nuanced: The mark
around 20 per cent of our scheme for the IB Diploma
international admissions consider viewpoints from operate at the intersections provides a great deal of
have the IB, and there are multiple perspectives and between subject disciplines. detail and nuance, giving
over 1,000 undergraduates standpoints. It also prepares IB students are comfortable admissions tutors a great
who hold the qualification students well for degree in this environment, rather deal of understanding of a
currently on courses. schemes with study-abroad than feeling threatened by candidate’s strengths and
So why is it such an international placement stepping outside their subject qualities.
effective qualification to opportunities. discipline. This attitude is Stability: There is
secure entry to selective Critical thinkers: The particularly helpful when continuity and trust in the
courses and universities? IB encourages students students wish to study joint quality of the qualification,
Academic rigour and to question, and develops or combined degrees, or as there is no national
content: The IB Diploma in them strong analytical take courses such as natural government oversight. The IB
develops learners who are skills through the theory sciences or liberal arts. is also responsive to change,
able to deal with challenging of knowledge course. The Builds resilience: The IB but when this occurs, as with
concepts and develop the qualification encourages is a demanding qualification, the current development
capacity to engage with students to development which requires students of the maths content, it is
university-level subject discernment by sifting to develop their time- consultative and is grounded
matter. evidence and challenging management, and learn in evidence.
Global outlook and conventional viewpoints. to prioritise competing In recent years, offers
perspectives: Students Interdisciplinary: workloads. The CAS in to IB candidates from UK
taking the IB have an Students have a breadth to particular encourages universities have generally
international dimension their study by taking six students to develop a range decreased to a point where
to their studies and a subjects, but are encouraged of interpersonal skills, applicants with most other
transnational knowledge of to examine how their courses team-working and coping qualifications have had to
their subject disciplines. The interrelate. Many exciting strategies that assist in the demonstrate the ability to
IB encourages students to areas of academic research transition from school or secure higher grades.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 5
@IBORGANIZATION JUNE 2018
IB in the
UK today UK PUPIL ENTRIES
6,000
5,000
JESS STAUFENBERG | @STAUFENBERGJ 4,000
3,000
2,000
The first IB school opened in the UK in 1971, 1,000
and there are currently 143 schools offering 0
one of the four programmes 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018
14 schools offer the Primary-years
programme for three- to 12-year-olds IB schools have been in decline in the UK for a decade
12 schools offer the Middle-years programme
In 2008, there were 230 schools doing the IB. But then
for 11- to 16-year olds
many began to drop it, because of the funding cuts at
112 schools offer the Diploma programme for state schools to sixth-form provision. A small number
16- to 19-year-olds
of private schools have dropped out because they could
38 schools offer the Career-related not get enough pupils to study the curriculum.
programme for 16- to 19-year olds
However, overall pupil numbers have grown because
There are 62 state and 81 independent and
more pupils have chosen the IB in schools which
international schools offering the IB in the
UK. offer the programme, such as St Edward’s Oxford,
Wellington College, Bradfield College and Worth
The UK scores well against the global average
School in Sussex. Other schools like Dartford Grammar
School, Sevenoaks, King Edward’s School, Birmingham,
GLOBAL UK Tonbridge Grammar School, Bexley Grammar School
AVERAGE PASS RATE 78.4% 94.5% in Kent and King William’s College, Isle of Man offer the
AVERAGE TOTAL POINTS 29.87 34.97 IB Diploma to 100 per cent of their students, so overall
AVERAGE SUBJECT GRADE 4.81 5.54
pupil numbers remain steady.
6
SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK 50YEARS.IBO.ORG
#IB50
IB in the world today 6,000
NUMBER OF IB SCHOOLS GLOBALLY
There are 4,871 schools offering the IB globally. This
5,000 4871
means it provides an education for about 1.5 million 4433
4756
pupils in 153 countries. 4,000
3794
4112
3417
Overall, 55 per cent are state schools and 45 per cent 3,000 2909
3135
2654
are private. 2122
2382
2,000
The number of IB schools has more than doubled in
1,000
the past decade:
0
DIPLOMA CANDIDATES 2017
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
US 85,508
CANADA 10,963 GLOBAL PUPIL ENTRIES TO IB 4919
180,000
UK 4,871
160,000
NETHERLANDS 4,558 140,000
INDIA 3,650 120,000
100,000
CHINA 3,701
80,000
MEXICO 3,422
60,000
ECUADOR 3,059 40,000
SPAIN 2,755 20,000
HONG KONG 2,235 0
2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018
GERMANY 1,808
“A clear-eyed, energetic, forward-thinking school”
- The Good Schools Guide
Building upon our nationally- By the time they leave us,
recognised FOSIL framework for Oakhamians are well-rounded
inquiry learning, our work on and confident young adults,
Learning Habits, and our equipped to ask the right
exceptional wider curriculum, the questions and to know how to
IB MYP is Oakham’s next chapter find the answers for themselves.
of educational development. Our Our genuinely holistic approach
IB Middle Years Programme will to education is underpinned by
“At Oakham we believe that learning should never
be confined to just the four walls of a classroom,
or constrained by the boundaries of subject areas.”
be for 11-13 year old pupils outstanding pastoral care, and our
before they embark on their GCSE friendly & supportive community
and IGCSE courses. In the Upper is central to nurturing bright
School, our students can then young minds.
choose to take the IB Diploma
Nurturing or A-levels, Pre-U or BTECs.
Bright Young Minds
For 2030 +
Oakham has always been at the forefront of ambiguous world, we must prepare our students to
pedagogical development. We are educational adapt to new challenges, to embrace new opportunities
innovators. We were the first UK independent school and to be innovators themselves.
to move to co-education; we were amongst the first We have been an IB World School for close to two
UK schools to introduce the IB Diploma Programme decades. From September we are developing the IB
alongside A-levels. Middle Years Programme for our students aged 11-13.
In this increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and Find out more, visit www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk/IBMYP
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 7
@IBORGANIZATION JUNE 2018
IB today What are the IB Diploma and
Career-related programmes?
The International Baccalaureate can be studied to investigate a particular topic in which they are THE CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME (IBCP)
at any phase, with separate programmes for especially interested.
primary, middle years, and sixth-form. However, The programme is made up of the “IBCP core”,
the Diploma and Career-related programmes Pupils must also choose one course from each courses from the Diploma programme and Career-
for 16- to 19-year olds are the most commonly of the six subject groups below. If they wish, they related studies.
adopted IB programmes in the UK. can also choose a second course from one of the
subject groups. The IBCP core involves:
THE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (IBDP) • Studies in language and literature – pupils • A course in personal and professional skills, so
are introduced to a range of texts from pupils develop the attitudes and strategies for
The curriculum is made up of the “IBDP core” and different periods, styles and genres, and the workplace.
courses from the six subject groups. develop their analysis, written and oral • A course in service learning, in which
communication skills. pupils undertake research to develop an
The IBDP core involves: • Language acquisition – pupils can learn understanding of how to meet a community
1. Theory of knowledge, in which pupils reflect on a modern language, including Mandarin, need.
the nature of knowledge. They ask questions such or classical languages, including Latin and • A reflective project, in which pupils research
as “what counts as evidence for…?” in relation Greek, either from a beginner or a more and evaluate an ethical issue arising from
to various issues. It’s assessed through an oral advanced level. their career studies.
presentation, in which pupils have to apply theory • Individuals and societies – pupils choose • A course in language development, in which
of knowledge thinking to a real-life situation, and from the following: business management, pupils must be able to communicate in more
a 1,600-word essay. economics, geography, global politics, than one language.
history, information technology in a global Pupils also take at least two courses from the
2. Creativity, activity and service, in which pupils society, philosophy, psychology, social and Diploma programme, from any of the subject
take part in a range of experiences and at least cultural anthropology, and world religions. groups above.
one project. These activities and projects are • The sciences – pupils choose from the Finally, pupils also undertake Career-related
not prescribed by the curriculum, though they following: biology, computer science, studies. The IB works with career studies providers
must involve “out-of-the-classroom experiential chemistry, design technology, physics and around the globe, allowing schools to offer further
learning”. For example, a pupil might learn a sports, exercise and health science. learning for pupils. For instance, one partner is
particularly difficult piece of music, reach a level • Mathematics – pupils choose from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England
in rock climbing, or take part in a community the following: mathematical studies and Wales, which offers subjects such as principles
group. standard level, mathematics standard of tax. The pupil then complements this with a
level, mathematics higher level, further Diploma course such as business management or
3. The extended essay, which is an independent, mathematics higher level. mathematics.
self-directed piece of research concluding in a • The arts – pupils may opt to study another Pearson BTEC is another partner, offering
4,000-word paper and a vive voce, or interview, course from the subjects above, instead of subjects such as health and social care. Again,
with their supervisor (usually a teacher in school). a course in the arts. However, if they wish the pupil then takes Diploma courses, perhaps
It’s intended as a practical preparation for they may choose from one of the following: psychology or biology, which complement that
undergraduate research, but also allows pupils dance, music, film, theatre or visual arts. Career-related study path.
8
SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK 50YEARS.IBO.ORG
#IB50
AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
ALIX ROBERTSON | @ALIXROBERTSON4
Bryan Nixon is the headteacher the IB adds “real depth, variety and
of TASIS The American School in insight”, but requires the pupil to be
England, an international school in “really organised and committed to their
Surrey. TASIS began delivering the studies”.
IB Diploma for 16- to 19-year-olds in “You must be an independent thinker
2005. Nixon tells Schools Week why the and learner, you must be able to
school has embraced the IB. communicate your learning well,” he
explains.
Around half of the year 11 and 12 The course encourages pupils to
students at TASIS take the IB, while consider and appreciate views they don’t
others study the “advanced placement”, a hold themselves, which “deepens their
US college preparatory course similar to understanding of global and local issues”. himself has been an IB workshop leader
A-levels. It also enables them to “take risks” with and site evaluator for the last 18 years.
The school takes over 700 students their learning, provided they get to grips Last year, the school achieved a
aged three to 18 from 57 different with the criteria they will be assessed on. 100-per-cent IB Diploma pass rate
countries, and over 30 languages are “There are students who fly in the and its average score is around 34.
spoken on site. IB Diploma and there are others who “I’m really grateful for that.
Around 99 per cent of its graduating struggle – that is really down to their What is import to me is supporting
pupils in 2018 will attend top universities ownership of the process.” the development of independent,
in almost a dozen different countries. TASIS offers internal and lifelong learners,” he adds,
Nixon considers it important to choose external IB training workshops with pride.
the course that is right for the pupil. As for teachers, and sessions
a two-year course in six subject areas, to inform parents. Nixon
SIXTH FORM • OXFORD
Meet the Headmistress - Dates in September & October
Open Morning - Saturday 6th October 2018
Book your place at our open events at www.headington.org or call 01865 759872
www.headington.org
Headington School is a leading educational charity. Registered Charity No. 309678 (1942)
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 9
@IBORGANIZATION JUNE 2018
case studies CATH MURRAY AND SAMANTHA KING
SPONSORED CONTENT
St Edward’s, Oxford
St Edward’s, Oxford is currently celebrating
its tenth year offering the IB Diploma
programme.
To mark the occasion, the coeducational
independent school is offering two
fully-funded places on the programme to
local state-school pupils, advertising the
opportunity through its local paper, The
Oxford Times.
It won’t be the first time the day-and-
boarding school, which also offers A-levels, the lower sixth, and 50 per cent in the upper theory of knowledge module. It’s something
has reached out to local students in this sixth, proportions which have been on an very different to A-levels which are solely
way. upward trajectory for the past six years. academic. It really pushes you and makes
“For the school’s 150th anniversary we ran Now, the figures look set to rise again. you do a lot more,” she explains.
a bursary scheme through the Times as well. “Next year we anticipate our lower sixth Students on the A-level and IB courses are
We said we’d take one pupil and we ended being 70 per cent IB students. We think taught by the same teachers, who are keen
up taking three, of whom one did the IB and about two thirds is where we’re going to be to instil the same skills in all their students.
two did A-levels,” explains Stephen Jones, happy,” adds Jones. “Once you run the IB alongside A-levels,
the school’s headteacher. “Of the three, the The school’s passion for the programme what you realise very quickly is that the
IB student and one A-level student are now is echoed by pupils; Pippa Smith in the values of the IB you can then stretch into
going to Oxford University.” lower sixth believes the course has already your A-level cohort,” says Jones. “It would
Currently uptake of the IB programme made her a more “well-rounded” person. be wrong for us to have an overspecialised
stands at just below 70 per cent of pupils in “It expands the mind, especially with the teaching force because it’s just not helpful.”
Sevenoaks School
When Sevenoaks School made the decision
to drop A-levels completely in favour of an
IB programme, it made the front page of
The Times.
The decision was met with widespread
criticism as well as fears from teachers and
parents who were unsure how it would
affect the future of the Kent independent
school.
“We were basically the first to go ‘let’s
ditch the national system at 16. It was the
front-page story along with some cartoon years, so pupils joining the school at the age anniversary of running the IB, making it
along the lines of ‘Top school abandons of 11 could still have the option of A-levels. one of the programme’s earliest adopters.
A-levels’,” reminisces Katy Ricks, the The last A-level exams were sat in 2006. “The school has been fully IB now for 12
headteacher. “My memory from that era is “It was a generous approach,” Ricks or 13 years,” adds Tim Jones, the school’s
people being fearful and saying the results says. “All the fears were just wrong. Our deputy head. “Some schools try to run
will go down, the school roll will fall and results went up, our applications increased A-levels and the IB at the same time – I call
teachers won’t want to come here.” and more people wanted to come to teach them zombie schools.
The decision to become fully IB was here because they thought it would be “These schools aren’t really getting the
made by governors in 1999, who weren’t interesting to teach the IB. We’ve really best out of the IB because in a full-cohort IB
pleased with the new A-level curriculum at never looked back.” school like we are, you see the power that
the time. The change took place over seven The school is now approaching its 40th the IB has with the weakest.”
10SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK 50YEARS.IBO.ORG
#IB50
Westminster Academy
Westminster Academy prides itself on
giving students from all backgrounds the
chance to study the IB.
A comprehensive school, it fully
switched to the IB five years ago, ditching
the A-levels and BTECs it had offered in
favour of running only the Career-related
programme and a Diploma programme.
Beforehand, the school had partnered
with a college to help it deliver the two
IB programmes, introducing the the IB
Diploma in 2008, followed by the Career-
related programme in 2013.
“Our students are aware of alternative
sixth-form courses, and in electing to
stay with us, they are choosing a course
which they know will push them,” explains
Dr Saima Rana, the principal. “The key
to running a successful programme is to
ensure that students feel that they belong
on their course.”
Take-up of the two programmes is outstanding teachers from abroad, who IB programmes with not just knowledge of
currently a 50/50 split of the nearly 200 have come here specifically because we’re their subjects, but with the values to ensure
pupils who attend the sixth-form. an IB school,” Rana adds. “The staff love it. they go out and change the world for the
“We’ve been able to recruit some They love to see students graduate from our better.”
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 11@IBORGANIZATION JUNE 2018
case studies
SPONSORED CONTENT
Oakham School
Oakham School’s director of IB is well
placed to get feedback on the programme,
as she happens to live next door to one of
her students.
Appointed during the introduction of the
school’s IB programme in 2001, Simone
Lorenz-Weir has earned valuable insight
into how students experience the course
through Edward Siddle.
“After he’d done his exams we were sitting
in the kitchen having a chat about what it every child”. Currently around a quarter of From September, the school will be
was it like. It was a completely awesome the school’s 200 sixth-form students take trialling a three-year IB Middle-years
conversation which was everything you the IB. programme with years 7, 8 and 9, to develop
would ever hope a student to say when “We are considered a big IB cohort school conceptual and enquiry-based learning
they’d finished,” she says. within the UK,” Lorenz-Weir explains. approaches in pupils ahead of their GCSEs.
“I know his parents well, so I didn’t want “We get an average of 36 and 37 points. “There’s stigma that the IB is only
to interfere or push the IB when he was first That might look marginally lower than for smart people, but there’s not any
making his decision.” some other IB schools, but we think it’s intelligence limit to do the IB,” Edward says,
The school runs A-levels and BTEC an unbelievable achievement considering having completed his course. “It offers extra
courses alongside the IB Diploma, to offer the breadth of students that come into the skills outside of just learning for an exam, so
what Lorenz-Weir calls “a curriculum for Diploma programme with us.” it’s really good life preparation.”
North London
Collegiate School
North London Collegiate School is on a
mission to dispel any myths surrounding
the IB programme.
The school currently runs a website,
www.nlcsib.com, which provides
information on the programme’s structure,
frequently asked questions and posts about
their experiences from NLCS IB students
past and present.
“If you Google the question ‘how hard “We make sure that there are lots of the average offer is around 36 and 37” said
is the IB?’, the first 78 answers will tell you opportunities for year 11s to interrogate Copin. “It just puts them in such a fantastic
the IB is impossible and will ruin your life,” older girls. We have a breakfast where the place for their university applications.”
says Madeleine Copin, the school’s director year 11 form will have some pastries with To counter the pressure of the IB
of IB. “We need to make sure students are some girls in year 12 to ask how everything’s programme, students have the chance
accessing sensible and correct information going on the programme. That works really, to take part in Christmas ice-skating
when they’re making their decision. Not really well,” she adds. sessions, and are offered cupcakes and fake
being influenced by random rubbish they This next academic year, 40 students will champagne to celebrate when exams are
read on the internet.” be taking up the IB out of a cohort of 120. completed.
A website isn’t the only way the school, “On average the UCAS offer that an IB “One of the things we’ve been focusing
which has been running the IB Diploma student will get is five points below the on quite a lot is our students’ experience on
since 2004 alongside A-levels, is tackling IB average score of IB students at NLCS. Our the programme. They need to be having a
misinformation. average score is around 41 and 42, and sense of fun about it,” she says.
12SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK 50YEARS.IBO.ORG
#IB50
Headington School
When Headington School first began
implementing its IB programme in 2007, it
had to send teachers around the world for
training.
The job of training the Oxford school’s
workforce fell to the newly appointed IB
coordinator at the time, James Stephenson,
who was told to meet the International
Baccalaureate Organisation’s requirements:
each IB teacher had to attended an
approved workshop, and one teacher per
subject had to have attended a workshop on
the most recent version of the subject guide.
“In those days it was at a time when there to five days, teachers learned the basics of explains. “Teachers tend to like to do things
was a growth in UK schools but still a lot the IB and how each subject linked with from a point of understanding things fully
of the courses were few and far between,” other areas of the curriculum. before they throw themselves into it. That
says Stephenson, who is now the school’s Currently the school runs A-levels and the challenge has just disappeared now.”
assistant head and director of IB. “Fifteen of IB programme concurrently, but it wasn’t all In 2018, IB training courses can be found
us went to Athens in Greece over a three- plain sailing convincing its workforce that a little closer to home.
week period. I went to Paris the next year offering the IB was a good idea. “These days you go for a course you go to
for physics training, and we had teachers go “Convincing some folk what the need Birmingham or Coventry for three days. Not
to Toronto, various locations in Europe and of the IB was and why we needed this Athens. You sit in a hotel room on the M1 or
even Dubai.” when A-levels seemed to work perfectly something like that. Those were the golden
During the courses, which ran from three well was a challenge initially,” Stephenson years,” he jokes.
Sixth Form Open Evening
Tuesday 21 November International Baccalaureate World School
Average IBDP point score of 33 in 2017
5-7pm 100% of students achieve university offers
Exciting curriculum with opportunities for foreign
travel
Students achieve places at leading universities,
including three Oxbridge places in 2017
Westminster Academy warmly welcomes
prospective students, parents and carers to
meet Sixth Formers and staff, tour our
facilities and find out more about the
Westminster Academy, Sir Naim Dangoor Centre International Baccalaureate Diploma
255 Harrow Road, London W2 5EZ Programme and International Baccalaureate
Tel: 020 7121 0600
Career-related Programme at our Sixth Form
Web: www.westminsteracademy.org.uk
Open Evening.
Email: sixthformadmissions@westminsteracademy.org.uk
Twitter: @WestminsterAca
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 13@IBORGANIZATION JUNE 2018
case studies
SPONSORED CONTENT
Stonyhurst
“The whole Jesuit vision of education
matches the IB very closely,” says
Stonyhurst’s headmaster John Browne.
The Jesuit pupil profile – which includes
values such as curiosity, intentions, expensive, more students are also looking The school will offer sport and business
eloquence and discernment – “matches the to apply to American universities, as well as modules in the pilot year.
IB ones very closely”. English-language courses in Italy or Spain, “Top marks in the IBCP is equivalent to
“The IB doesn’t have any element of according to Deborah Kirkby, Stonyhurst’s three As at A-level,” he is keen to point out.
God, belief or faith, but if you put it into a director of IB. In terms of progression routes, six
Catholic school like ours, it marries very “I think the IB has a particular strength subjects “keeps you very broad rather than
strongly. We provide the rest.” in being flexible to prepare students specialising too early”, says Browne, whose
The international connections offered by for different programmes of study,” she IB pupils have gone on to study medicine
the IB are also important for the Lancashire- suggests. and engineering as well as the humanities.
based boarding school, which hosts about About a quarter of the school’s 240 sixth- “At 17 it’s hard to know what you want
15 students every year from Jesuit schools formers study the IB Diploma programme, to do. We have one student who’s going to
in Italy, for the first year of the Diploma and it hopes to see good take-up for the IB Stanford and he’s always wanted to work for
programme. It also has links with schools in Career-related programme, which is being NASA – but most don’t,” he continues.
Sydney, and is preparing to open a school introduced from September. “The drop-out rate at university is also
in Penang, Malaysia, which will become an The IBCP is “in no way easier” than the much lower than A-level as they’re taught in
IB school. IBDP, insists Browne, “just more focused a different way. I’m just sorry I didn’t have
As UK universities become more for those for whom six subjects is not right”. the opportunity to do the IB!”
We have a consistent
record of success,
and we are one of the
highest-achieving IB
schools in the world
with an average point
score of over 41 for
the last 5 years
If you would like to find out more about studying the IB at NLCS, come to our Sixth Form
course consultation on Thursday 11 October
Visit our website for further details. Bursaries and Scholarships available.
An independent school for girls aged 4-18
Canons, Canons Drive, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 7RJ 020 8952 0912
www.nlcs.org.uk @nlcs1850 nlcs1850
14 66045 Sixth Form - Record of Success Ad.indd 1 13/06/2018 12:04SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK 50YEARS.IBO.ORG
#IB50
King Ethelbert School her previous
role as head of 3” which is
CATH MURRAY | @CATHMURRAY_
sixth form at a about “making
The IB Career-related programme is non-selective links between
“hugely, hugely important” for the school that different subjects”
aspirations of the young people coming offered and making
up through King Ethelbert School’s A-levels, she “coherent sense
which, as part of Kent’s selective system, sees “massively of the content Kate Greig
Paul Luxmoore
is technically a secondary modern. less drop-out” areas”, says Paul
One of the best things about the with the IBCP. Luxmoore, the trust’s executive head.
IBCP, according to the school’s head She praises the “brave” move taken by Luxmoore sees the IBCP as “perfectly
Kate Greig, is the destinations to which another school in their multi-academy suited to middle- to lower-ability post-16
her students progress: “What I’m most trust, Dane Court Grammar School, by students”.
delighted about with the IBCP is the supporting their application to run the “In its most basic sense it’s at least two
progress they go onto from the end of IBCP, in such a way that means they academic subjects with a recognised
year 13, which is so amazingly brilliant. effectively become accountable for King vocational subject, and a core that links
“The IBCP keeps your options open. Ethelbert’s results. them together. So for a student who
You can go to university or transition to “But we’re not the lesser cousin,” Greig may struggle academically, they’ve still
employment.” insists. “It was a risk for Dane Court got that academic challenge, and that
This year’s cohort plans to apply initially, but the children make really, gives the vocational part some academic
to university courses as varied as really good progress here and it actually credibility,” he explains.
mathematics and physical engineering, adds a lot of value.” “It is coherent, thought out, brilliant
forensic psychology and human rights Dane Court offers both the Diploma in how it’s designed, flexible to suit
law. Others are looking at engineering or and the Career-related programme, your local needs and context, but it’s
paramedic apprenticeships. whereas King Ethelbert offers only the accessible for those sorts of students.
Once they get to college or university, IBCP (see page 8). “So we’ve always argued that the
more students stick out their courses The Coastal Academies Trust, to which IBCP is the perfect model for the
because the IBCP develops resilience, the schools belong, is also using the comprehensive sector of England,
and the kind of self-confidence that IB’s Middle-years programme (MYP) to especially for the very large and wide
means they dare to change course if they redesign its key stage 3 curriculum, to middle ability range.”
are not happy. prepare students for the new, tougher The IBCP has been so successful that
“I love that, because I would never GCSEs. since September there are now 27 non-
have done that at university, but they do,” The MYP is “a philosophy about how selective schools in Kent running the
she says, admiringly. Comparing this to to organise a curriculum in key stage model.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 15@IBORGANIZATION JUNE 2018
TOP NAMES FROM THE WORLD OF EDUCATION
EXPLAIN WHAT THEY LIKE MOST ABOUT THE IB
What do you
think about LORD JIM KNIGHT
Former education minister
the IB? “The IB is the best curriculum in the world right now.
It combines academic rigour with real world skills
in a global context. Not only do Diploma programme
students do better at university, they are also better
prepared for success in work.”
PETER CHETWYND DAVID LAKIN
Associate director for Head of education, Institution of
undergraduate admissions, KCL Engineering and Technology
“Our students tell us that the IB leaves them feeling “Education programmes such as the International
very well prepared for their study. Our academics Baccalaureate provide a broad education for three- to
also speak highly of students who have studied the 19-year-olds, including Maths and a science, rather
IB. We often find that IB students, generally having a than the three subjects at A-level. This gives young
broader subject grounding than A-level students, find people longer to discover their real strengths and
themselves well prepared for us.” interests before making life-affecting choices.”
ALIX DELANY ANDREAS SCHLEICHER
Head of admissions, the Director for education and skills,
University of East Anglia OECD
“If we could fill our university with IB students we “IB schools have evolved into one of the most
would. It’s perfect for going on to university. An IB innovative models for forward-looking education,
student settles down much quicker into university life. developing students who can think for themselves and
They have more independence and resilience, and are work with others, and who are open to the world and
geared up more for academic study at degree level.” to the future.”
LORD DAVID WILLETTS JESS HEANEY
Executive chair, the Education outreach lead officer,
Resolution Foundation the University of Leeds
“I’m a fan of the IB. I think it tackles the fundamental The IB creates independent and critical learners, with
problem of early specialisation. That’s why it’s a strong analytical and communication skills, all of
tragedy the IB hasn’t really taken off in England on which are skills central to undergraduate study. The
the scale that we all hoped for. We are way behind breadth of the IB curriculum encourages students
other advanced western countries in terms of the IB. contribute to university life academically and in an
extracurricular sense.”
16SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK 50YEARS.IBO.ORG
#IB50
WHAT DO employeRS THINK?
ALIX ROBERTSON | @ALIXROBERTSON4
morgan stanley and self-motivation, and that equips
Becci McKinley-Rowe is a managing you for when you actually go into the
director at Morgan Stanley, an workplace,” she explains.
investment bank and financial Managing a wide range of subjects
services company. In her 23 years of to a high level encourages a “very
experience she has worked extensively mature” approach, and the style of the
with a range of schools on outreach IB programme teaches pupils to take
programmes, including some which ownership of their own learning.
solely teach the IB, such as Sevenoaks “From an employer’s perspective, an
School in Kent. She told Schools Week applicant who has gone through the IB
what she appreciates about students of is already pretty familiar with having
the IB to juggle an awful lot, be efficient, for example.
and prioritise, and that organisational While the programme is “clearly tough”,
Morgan Stanley partners with 45 element is very useful. That’s very similar with its six subject areas, IB students
different schools and recruits employees to the skills needed in the workplace, are likely to find themselves a few
with a diverse range of qualifications. whether you’re going into investment steps ahead if they choose to go on to
While A-levels still dominate the banking, corporate law, accountancy or university.
applications, Becci McKinley-Rowe management consultancy.” “IB students are not afraid to challenge
says employers appreciate the different Proving that you are “well rounded” is or question and they’re naturally curious
experiences an IB pupil can bring to the also something companies will look for. because of the way they approach their
table. This extracurricular side is built into the subjects,” she adds.
“The breadth of the IB means that the IB Diploma programme, which includes “It’s really important from an
pupils have to act like university students a compulsory “creativity, activity, employer’s perspective to have young
much, much earlier, because there’s service” strand that students may fulfil people coming through that are open
an awful lot that relies on self-learning through music, sports or charity work, minded.”
Ferrari
Ravin Jain is in his second year as He found the IB a positive way for Ravin Jain holding
the Canadian
an engineer at Ferrari, after studying young people to step out of their comfort Grand Prix trophy
the IB at King Edward’s School, zone.
Birmingham and physics at the “Not only are you forced to study
University of Oxford. He told Schools subjects you might not otherwise post-
Week how he felt the course prepared 16, it also formalises a lot of the things
him to enter the world of work. that young people do at school anyway,
such as project work, individual research
Ravin Jain entered King Edward’s and sporting activities.”
independent school in Edgbaston at the Maintaining this breadth of activities
age of 16 in 2010, the year the school prepares young people for “the rest of
made the switch from teaching A-level to their lives”.
only delivering the IB. It was the prospect “This is especially true in a world where
of joining this pioneering cohort that people are changing careers more and to something that they know has a
drove his decision to enter the school. more during their working lives – it’s track record of producing intelligent,
“Being able to continue studying very difficult to know at age 16 what well-rounded young people. In terms
English and French – subjects that I you’re going to be doing at age 26!” of specific skills, learning efficient and
would not have had time to formally Now an engineer at Ferrari, he believes effective time management early on is
study had I done A-levels – was useful that employers are becoming more vital.
and interesting for me,” he says. familiar with the IB and appreciate its “By doing the IB, you give yourself an
“This is only possible with the IB as it “outward and international nature”, amazing opportunity to learn so many
offers you the ability to study additional and the way it encourages a flexible things and you only get out of it what
subjects while not compromising approach. you put in. I’d encourage young people
those that are vital for your degree “I think that a lot of employers are to engage fully with their teachers and
applications.” moving from treating it as a novelty peers.”
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 17@IBORGANIZATION JUNE 2018
BUSTING
MYTHS
ABOUT IB
Richard Markham, principal of
Hockerill Anglo-European College
T
here are more than a few myths
and misconceptions surrounding Richard Markham Hockerill Anglo-European College
the International Baccalaureate.
Richard Markham, the principal of year, we sent 97 per cent of our students means students have a great deal to
Hockerill Anglo-European College, a to their first-choice universities. IB assimilate.
state boarding school with 850 pupils in schools send students to study medicine, With the three standard-level subjects,
Bishop’s Stortford is here to clear things engineering, dentistry and mathematics again, if the programme is well designed,
up every year. there will be curriculum coherence, and
a lot of interrelated strands running
Myth: The IB Diploma programme is Myth: Doing six subjects as well throughout the subjects. In this
increasingly competitive, globalised
much harder than A-levels as theory of knowledge and the market, the fact that all Diploma
IBDP and A-levels are different, and extended essay is too hard students study maths and a modern
almost impossible to objectively I think six subjects in a well-designed foreign language places them at a huge
compare. They are testing quite different programme are accessible to all. advantage.
skills, although I think IBDP skills are Students need more breadth – The extended essay is typically written
more useful in later life, and are more people now change career several in one of the student’s higher-level
applicable to university study. times throughout their lives, and early subjects. We recommend exploring the
IBDP is a programme, whereas A-levels specialisation isn’t the best preparation. subject area they are most interested in
are a set of exams. So to pass the IB, The programme can be tailored studying at university. It’s like the wider
pupils need to be organised, diligent and to suit the specialist interests of the reading you have to do for A-level, and
be able to sustain that effort across six student. After that, it’s all about attitude. great preparation for university entry
subjects. A-levels require a singular focus The IB learner profile provides a set of essays and interviews.
on three subjects. attitudinal and cognitive behaviours
However, being excellent at anything which are required; I like to think it Myth: the IB is much more expensive
shouldn’t be easy. Just as an A or A* at comes down to the qualities of diligence
A-level is hard to come by, so are 6s and and organisation.
to run than a-levels
7s in the IB.
Myth: Doing so many subjects It probably is, but if you commit to it,
Myth: IBDP doesn’t allow you to doesn’t allow for enough depth
you prioritise it. We are an IB world
school. Yes, we bear the higher cost in
apply to specialist courses at UK terms of the range of subjects, but we
universities Usually the three higher-level subjects make savings elsewhere. Our staff are
will be interrelated, as they will be in the committed to the philosophy of the IB,
Not true! IBDP-only schools regularly area the student wishes to study further. and they accept slightly larger classes
send students off to specialist courses The depth of coverage is considerable, of up to 22 pupils in the core subject
such as medicine or maths. In fact, last and the style of questioning in the exams classes.
18SCHOOLSWEEK.CO.UK 50YEARS.IBO.ORG
#IB50
Myth: You need more teachers to run Myth: It’s way too complicated to boarding school. We’ve been running the
IB since 1998, and we manage to run the
the IB properly switch to the IB programme on our state-allocated funding.
There’s such a good network of IB schools There are certainly start-up costs in
Like A-levels, this depends on which which are at different stages of their involved, but these can be offset and in
subjects you decide to offer. We run a range journey, that there’s always someone to exceptional circumstances, the IB does have
of subjects that guarantee that students help. We’ve been doing it for 20 years, and some grants available.
can pick freely, including lots of modern Anglo-European and Sevenoaks have been It requires a commitment, and the
languages, music, psychology, economics, going for even longer – there are lots of acknowledgement that you’re going to have
and social and cultural anthropology. long-established schools to depend on, all of to be careful in other areas, but to my mind
However, a school can limit the number which are more than happy to share advice it’s worth it.
of subjects it can offer, in the same way It may seem daunting, but there is a
smaller sixth-forms limit A-level choice. wealth of expertise available. You become Myth: The amount of staff training is
part of a very tight-knit circle of schools
too much
Myth: Parents don’t like the IB keen to share practice. IBSCA, the IB Schools
and Colleges Association, provides expert The IB does require more staff training than
Our parents love the Diploma! When we support for UK schools. A-level, but that is a good thing. There’s an
do open mornings and explain, by the end The IB is one of the very few examples authorisation process that your school has
of the session, I could probably sign every where you will find absolutely equal to go through, which is part of exercising
parent up to study the IB themselves. relations between state and independent due diligence.
Those who are past their own school days schools, where everyone acknowledges The absolute minimum is that one teacher
can see how different it is to traditional that they can learn as much from one other, is trained up for each subject, with the
A-levels, and how applicable it is to the without a whiff of condescension. agreement that you will then cascade that
world beyond university. training internally. My staff enjoy doing the
In fact, it actually can be the students who Myth: State schools can’t afford the IB training, and this provides opportunities to
need more persuading than the parents! meet teachers from around the world and
I am head of Hockerill, which is a state share best practice.
‘The spires of Oxford and the 100 acres
of green loveliness make St Edward’s a
winning co-ed boarding ticket.’ Tatler Schools Guide
IB & A Level | 13-18 | New school coach from London via Beaconsfield every weekend
www.stedwardsoxford.org Registered Charity No: 309681
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 19THE INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE
Taking students beyond
FOUR academic success
PROGRAMMES
FOR AGES 3-19
ONE
MISSION
4,871
SCHOOLS WORLDWIDE
50 YEARS
OF INSPIRING A
LIFELONG
QUEST FOR LEARNING
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