The International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate is a prestigious qualification and a highly respected alternative to AS/A Levels for motivated students wishing to study a broader range of subjects.

The IB Diploma is recognised and welcomed by universities in this country, and throughout the world, as a rigorous preuniversity course of studies. Established over thirty years ago, the IB Diploma runs in over seven hundred schools and colleges in nearly one hundred different countries.

If you are someone who enjoys studying a wide range of subjects and do not wish to restrict your learning to four AS subjects, then the IB Diploma could be the ideal course. You may also be interested in participating in sport, drama or community service. The IB allows you to follow these interests as an integral part of your course.

You choose six subjects in the IB Programme

Three at Higher Level (approximately equal to A Level) and three at Standard Level. You must study one subject from each of the following groups:

1. English: World Literature
2. Foreign Languages: Choose either French, German, Spanish or Spanish (ab initio)
3. Humanities: Choose one subject from: Economics, Geography, History or Psychology
4. Sciences: Choose either Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems or Physics
5. Mathematics: Choose either the Higher or Standard Course or Mathematical Studies (for non specialists)
6. Choose either Art or Music or one other subject from Biology or Physics (for those wishing to take two sciences) or French (for those wishing to take two post GCSE languages) or History (for those wishing to take two humanities)

The IB Diploma programme also offers special features in addition to your chosen studies

You will study Theory of Knowledge (ToK) which helps you develop your skills of rational argument and stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience you have gained both in your studies and generally in your life.

You will also produce an Extended Essay which offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest in greater depth. The Extended Essay is seen by universities as a great strength of the IB Diploma because it introduces the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at universities.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) is an important part of the Diploma curriculum, which recognises the importance of personal development outside of academic work. Credit is given for skills, talents and participation in activities such as sport, theatre, community service and voluntary work.

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Results

Please see our 2009 IB Results.

Entry Requirements

Please see our Entry Requirements page.

Downloads

Please see our IB Diploma School Pack.

Related Items

• Course search results:
• IB subjects

• Additional details:
• Theory of Knowledge
• Creativity, Action, Service
• Extended Essay

• Application details:
• Alton College Foundation scholarships

Further Details

• IBO General information:
• IB Diploma Programme

• Our IBO Page:
• 

Student Comments

"I did the IB course because it allowed me to continue to study all the subjects I enjoy. I also wanted to leave all my options open.

There are loads of opportunities to go out on trips and visits. Later on this year I will be going to Greece to take part in a reforestation project. I can't wait!

I chose Alton because people had told me how they had enjoyed their time here and it's one of the best colleges for results!"

Jemma Hucker (Alton Convent)