Top 10 Reasons the IB Diploma is Right for You

If you are considering what to study at Sixth Form, maybe it's time for you to look at an alternative to traditional A Levels - the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Commonly known as the IB or IB Diploma, the globally recognised qualification provides a strong foundation for Higher Education and further career opportunities worldwide. Our IB Diploma Coordinator, Mrs Westwood, explains why this may be of interest to you:

The IB Diploma Programme offers a broad, balanced curriculum. It also encourages a commitment to creativity, action and service, which our students demonstrate in abundance through their extracurricular activities, as well the completion of an in-depth piece of research by way of the Extended Essay.

Globally, over 3,000 renowned schools offer the programme, with more than 180,000 candidates entered each year. Ellesmere College has been running the IB Diploma since 2006 and the consistent demonstration of above-average results demonstrates our students’ commitment to an intellectually challenging curriculum, as well as their readiness for the challenges of the global workplace.

These are our top 10 reasons why you may want to choose to study the IB Diploma at our Sixth Form:

1. Globally Recognised Qualification: The IB Diploma is offered in around 150 countries globally and recognised by universities from almost 90 countries, as well as by employers worldwide. This provides a strong foundation for you to study at a Higher Education facility abroad or to pursue international career opportunities. With 45.7% of IB students attending a top 20 university, our previous IB students have gone on to attend prestigious universities such as Harvard, Oxford and Minerva, as well as a range of Russell Group institutions in the UK.

2. Holistic Education: The IB focuses on developing well-rounded individuals. You study academic subjects, critical thinking, creativity and personal development. The goal is for you to become a responsible global citizen, who is ready for and adapted to the modern world. The IB enhances lots of areas of soft skill development, as well as academics, making students versatile and adaptable.

3. Rigorous Academic Standards: The challenging curriculum, which includes higher-level (HL) and standard-level (SL) options, prepares students for academic success at university and beyond, by fostering in-depth knowledge and analytical skills. The purposeful choice to commit to creating and maintaining a variety of skills is well-regarded by educators and shows that students are ready to be challenged at university level. The course is mentally stimulating and inspiring, it allows you to truly push yourself and see what you are capable of achieving and rewards those who are able to express themselves and their original ideas, as well as listen to and be informed by other perspectives. 

4. Take Ownership of Your Studies: Within the IB course, there is a lot of emphasis on independence, as you take the onus is on you to learn, guided by your teacher. You are encouraged to speak up and voice your opinions, giving grounded reasoning and factual backing to your arguments. You have the freedom to seek out what interests and inspires you, then link these ideas together to develop into a personal project of study - the Extended Essay. A high percentage of final IB marks is gained through Internal Assessments (coursework) in each subject, relieving some of the ‘terminal exam’ stress that other modes of study encounter.

5. Study a Breadth of Subjects: Let's be honest, it's hard to know exactly what you want to do after school when you're only 16. Whereas in A-Level study you have to specialise straight away and restrict yourself to three or four subjects, IB students study courses from six different subject groups, including languages, humanities, sciences and maths, as well as a philosophy and ethics course, called Theory of Knowledge (ToK). Students also produce an Extended Essay (EE) in an area of their choice, gaining valuable quantitative and qualitative research skills. This educational approach allows real breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding in several areas and is complemented by components of Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).

6. International Perspective: The IB programme encourages students to explore global issues, cultures and perspectives. As the world landscape changes because of wars, post-Covid issues and post-Brexit changes, it's imperative that we develop a broader worldview and intercultural understanding. The cultural awareness and global perspective which is honed in our IB students allows them to become strongly outward-facing global citizens and future leaders.

7. Develop Skills Needed at University: Through the EE and the TOK course, you develop essential research, writing and critical thinking skills, preparing you for academic challenges at the university level. You're required to understand the issues you explore, rather than just memorise facts and figures, developing your ability to analyse and evaluate information and performing your own independent research, in an organised and methodical manner.

8. Personal Growth: The CAS component of the IB program encourages you to engage in extracurricular activities, promoting social responsibility, a balanced lifestyle and experiential learning. Acting in the interest of others, students take part in co-curricular activities such as volunteering, sport and hobbies. Being motivated and engaged in these activities, you master your personal work-life balance, while reaching for the betterment of yourself, others and the planet. 

9. Time Management: As you are encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning, it's important to learn to manage your time effectively and develop strong organisational skills, valuable for both academic and professional success. Establishing healthy patterns of behaviour in your study habits, revision techniques and time management are crucial throughout the IB but also throughout life.

10. Early Results: IB examinations end in May, which has real impact and advantage. You receive your results in July, which means you can plan for, adjust and secure your next academic steps six weeks before the August results are even announced.

If you would like to learn more about entrance to the IB Diploma Programme at Ellesmere College, please contact us by email at admissions@ellesmere.com or telephone us on +44 (0)1691 626510.