Pre-IB (age 15-17)

Background Information

When students leave us for 6th Form study, they may choose to study the IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate Diploma) as an alternative to A Levels. This qualification, as its name suggests, is internationally recognised and more details can be found at www.ibo.org.

An increasing number of independent UK schools are offering this qualification, including Taunton School. Students study 6 subjects, 3 at Higher level and 3 at Standard level, and these subjects must include English, Mathematics, a science subject, a humanities subject, a language and an arts subject or another subject from one of the other groups. Thus students on the IB course avoid the early specialisation that the A Level course involves.

In addition to this range of subjects, students will write an Extended Essay (EE) on a subject of their choice, complete a course in the Theory of Knowledge (ToK), and participate in the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) programme. The Theory of Knowledge course is designed to develop a coherent approach to learning and encourage an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. The essay requires independent research and the type of writing skills that will be needed at university.

One-Year pre-IB Course

Age	15-17
Start date	September
Duration	3 terms
Entry requirements	Intermediate level of English (B1 Common European Framework)
Maximum class size	10 students

This is an intensive course which includes the One Year GCSE Programme and adds to it the distinctive approach to learning of the IB. Students take up to 8 GCSEs but also take a Theory of Knowledge (ToK) course. This focuses on the essay writing skills that students will need to write the 4,000 word essay and also develops the unifying approach to learning and appreciation of other cultural perspectives which is necessary for the ToK element of IB. It is the best possible preparation for the IB course.