The International Baccalaureate at South Wolds

The Diploma Programme Model Group 1 - English and World Literature Group 2 – a Foreign Language Group 3 – History or Geography Group 4 – Biology or Chemistry Group 5 - Mathematics or Mathematical Studies Group 6 – Music or Visual Arts All students then complete the following: Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS).

In addition to the timetabled subjects IB Diploma students will be expected to carry out the following … approximately three hours of Creativity, Action and Service per week, 150 hours over the two years approximately three hours of Creativity, Action and Service per week, 150 hours over the two years An independent study of approximately forty hours to write an Extended Essay on a topic of their choice An independent study of approximately forty hours to write an Extended Essay on a topic of their choice to study an exciting course entitled the Theory of Knowledge

Time allocation Four hours per week for Higher Level subjects Three hours per week for Standard Level Subjects One hour per week for the Theory of Knowledge Grand total of 22 periods per week out of a possible 25! A level students - 5 hours per week per AS plus 1 hour enrichment = 21. Not much difference !

Support Systems – for the extended essay How to do research from multiple sources – sessions in South Wolds LRC and in Nottingham University Library Supervisor – from the chosen subject area will be available for discussion and to set regular deadlines Summer term – week off-timetable for completion of first draft

Support systems - general IB Coordinator – role to give guidance and find out answers to questions from students, parents and subject teachers Sixth Form tutor – will monitor progress and pass on concerns to the Coordinator Head of Sixth Form - will be kept informed of all that is going on

Workload 22 timetabled hours CAS – approximately 3 hours per week, 150 hours in total over the two years Homework – recommended 15 hours per week EE – approximately 40 hours of independent study in year one of the course

Assessment Exams in each of the six subjects at the end of the two years (May of year 13) Coursework in each of the six subjects, assessed by the subject teacher ToK - an essay of 1,200-1,500 words plus a 10 minute class presentation A log-book showing 150 hours of CAS with student evaluation

UCAS and the IB Maximum point score is 45 points, i.e. 7 points from each of the six subjects plus 3 for the Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay 24 points is a pass so university offers start here. Most common offers are 30 to 36 points with the stipulation of a 6 or a 7 in certain subjects where appropriate From 2008 universities may use the new UCAS tariff which says that 24 IB points = 280 UCAS points up to 768 for 45 points. Wow!

Comparison of IB and A level scores IB Majority of offers made Top 5% A level CCD BCC ABB AAA AAAA

Qualities needed Determination to succeed Time-management and personal-organisation skills An interest in the world around us and a desire to know more A keenness to develop a strong sense of one’s own identity and culture alongside developing the ability to communicate with, and understand people from other countries and cultures