International Baccalaureate - Diploma Course

Course overview

The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised qualification, accepted and welcomed by all British universities, and many others throughout the world. 

The programme combines in-depth study with a wide range of subjects. It allows students to retain a broad range of subjects: all students continue to study the literature of their native language, learn a foreign language, a scientific subject, the humanities and mathematics. Students do not, therefore, specialise too soon. 

The IB also recognises the educational value of independent study and participation in creative, sporting and community service activities, the CAS programme.

Course content

• Six subjects, three at Higher level and three at Standard level.
• An Extended Essay – a personal research project of up to 4000 words.
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – a practical philosophy course.
• Creativity, Action and Service – a programme of sports, artistic and cultural activities and voluntary service to help others. 

The six subjects include:

1. Your first (native) language. This is a literature course, covering literature of the language, plus world literature. It is usually possible to offer every student teaching in their native language.
2. A second language such as English, French, German or Spanish for those with some knowledge already; Spanish and Chinese are available at beginner’s level.
3. A humanities subject such as History, Geography, Economics, Psychology, World Politics or Business and Management.
4. A science such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy or Environmental Systems and Societies.
5. Mathematics.
6. An arts subject such as Visual Arts, Music or Theatre.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment in the International Baccalaureate Diploma follows the following structure:

• A set of examinations at the end of the 2 year course and by a programme of internal assessment.
• You score up to 7 points for each subject and can get up to three extra points for the Extended Essay and Theory
• of Knowledge.
• You must also complete the CAS programme – which involves a minimum of 150 hours of activities.
• The maximum score for the IB Diploma is 45 points and the pass mark is 24 points.

What guidance will I get for my university application? 

The careers and higher education programme is exceptional in both its scope and provision as our students go on to career paths related to their interests and abilities. 

The school’s attend highly selective universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Johns Hopkins, Penn, MIT, McGill, Sciences Po; and they also attend specialist vocational courses in art, theatre, music and hospitality. 

The college has a dedicated, experienced careers and higher education adviser who is available all year round to assist and support students in their choices for higher education around the world, careers and gap years. There is a specialist adviser for all US applications and we are a centre for SAT Reasoning and Subject tests. 

 

'Real world' careers advice and assistance

The programme develops students’ career management skills by raising their awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses as well as helping them to explore options in education and work.

Student's are enabled to make informed decisions and taken through the application processes they need, supported to make effective university applications and CVs as they require. 

Through a range of workshops, tutorials, lectures, visits and discussions, students build skills and knowledge so that they can progress to university and be successful global citizens and workers. 

Emphasis is placed on helping students to analyse the transferable skills they are developing through subjects and extra curricular activities, and they are encouraged to develop these to maximize their chances in life.

The school's advisers manage a large dedicated careers and higher education library and a comprehensive website which students are taught to use for their research.

Activities and excursions

Every evening and weekend the school offers a wide range of activities for the students. These provide an important complement to the academic work and offer opportunities for each student to excel. 

There is a busy Music Department which offers instrumental and vocal lessons and the chance to play and perform in chamber, choral and jazz groups. 

Regular concerts in College are supplemented by performances in and around Oxford. The Theatre and Dance groups offer the chance to participate in workshops and performances, and to experience new styles such as Latin Funk and Capoeira.

Choice of sports and out of school activities

Students can participate in a team sport, such as football, basketball, volleyball, rugby or an individual activity such as yoga, aerobics, fitness training or swimming. Rock climbing, hill walking, and gym membership are also popular. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is well established and a number of our students earn the prestigious Gold Award each year. 

Study visits enrich the academic curriculum, and may include field trips for Geography, Environmental Systems and Societies or Biology, or visits to galleries, museums and theatres. 

During College vacations there are opportunities to travel further and recent expeditions have taken students to Barcelona, Belfast, Paris and Jordan.

How has the school performed in terms of results?

Based on the UK Government Education Performance Tables published in January each year, for the 4th year in a row our school, St Clare’s, has the best sixth form results in Oxfordshire and has the 8th best sixth form results amongst all state and independent schools in England. 

In May 2014, 121 students took the International Baccalaureate Diploma resulting in an average points score of 36 out of 45 points; the average worldwide points score for all schools and colleges is less than 30 points.

Four students were awarded the maximum 45 points something less than 0.2% of the student body achieve worldwide.