International Baccalaureate Diploma
Why study the IB Diploma at our IB World School?
We are a co-educational sixth form college for day and boarding students in beautiful north Oxford. The atmosphere is informal and friendly, with an equal emphasis on hard work and encouraging personal responsibility. We put our success down to a combination of factors:
- Status as an IB World School: We have been teaching the IB Diploma for over 45 years, longer than any other school or college in England. There are only 13 other institutions in the world that have taught the IB for longer than us.
- Academic excellence and outstanding results: Our strong worldwide reputation is due to consistent quality academic results. We consistently achieve significantly above the world average and our students are regularly awarded places at leading UK and international universities.
- Quality teaching: Our unique approach to study, student life and personal development creates culturally aware, inquiring minds who demonstrate a lifelong passion for learning. They are excellent global citizens.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Our charity status means all income is channelled back into the school, and over the last few years, we have spent over £6 million has been spent on new, cutting edge facilities.
- International outlook: Internationalism is a core part of our values. Our sixth form attracts students from around the world, including a significant number of British students. We currently have students from over 40 countries living and studying with us. This truly international community makes it a special place to live, study and make friends for life.
- Careers Development Institute (CDI) accredited advisors: Specialist careers and higher education support is embedded in the learning experience. Our in-house team guide you on all aspects of careers development including CV writing, university applications, gap years and internships.
- University success: Our students regularly win places at leading global universities such as University of California Los Angeles, University of California Berkeley, the University of Southern California, Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University in the USA as well as Science-Po, Bocconi, IE University and Amsterdam University College in Europe.
- Excellent staff to student ratio: Our class sizes are capped at 15 students. This high staff-to-student ratio supports the learning process because it helps teachers understand individual learning needs for personal support. You will be cared for by teachers, residential staff, a Personal Tutor and College Nurse.
- Breadth of our subject offering: We offer a wide range of academic subjects and extra-curricular activities. Our variety of subject options at higher and standard level, including literature in over 25 different languages, makes it an accessible and varied study programme, whatever your interests or academic background.
- Access to world-class resources: Oxford provides a stimulating study environment. This world-famous student city enables you to immerse yourself in the academic resources available.
- Student support: We cultivate a sense of belonging within our safe and supportive community. Our approach is designed to foster the development of the student’s independence and responsibility in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.
- Accessible education: Our prestigious academic scholarships are open to all UK and overseas students interested in studying the IB Diploma as a day or boarding student.
The quality of the students’ academic achievement is excellent’ – ISI report 2019
Learn why this is the ideal course to prepare for university:
What is the IB?
Why choose the IB?
The IB v. A levels
IB study options
How do I choose the subjects I want to study?
A number of factors need to be considered before making subject choices. What do I want to study at university? What subjects do I enjoy? What subjects am I good at?
The IB Diploma allows students to choose subjects from six subject groupings. This means that every student chooses one subject from each of the following groups. Three subjects are studied at Higher (H) Level and three at Standard (S) Level for two years.
- The three Higher Level courses should be subjects you enjoy and which support your career aspirations. These are the subjects you will study in depth.
- The three Standard Level courses will provide you with an interesting, balanced programme.
We offer an exceptionally wide choice of IB subjects. You will choose one subject each from groups 1 to 5 and then a sixth subject from either group 6 or another from groups 1 to 4.
International Baccalaureate subjects
| Group 1 |
|---|
| Studies in Language and Literature First language or native language |
| This is your first or best language. The following Literature courses are offered: H and S: English, German, Italian. S only: Albanian, Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, Dutch, French, Greek, Icelandic, Japanese, Korean, Lithuanian, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, and other languages on request. Language and Literature is available only in English. In the past, we have offered the above Standard Level subjects, however, whilst we will make every effort to offer any language within Group 1, there may be exceptional circumstances when we cannot provide a given language due to staffing reasons. In such cases, we will discuss alternatives with the applicant. |
| Group 2 |
| Language Acquisition Second language |
| This is the language you are learning. Most students choose English as this helps with the study of other subjects. Some of our students are bilingual or trilingual and study another second language. H and S: Dutch, English, French, Spanish, Chinese B and German. Previous study of at least three years is necessary. S only: Dutch, Chinese for beginners and Spanish for beginners. |
| Group 3 |
| Individuals and Societies |
| Individual and Societies currently includes: H or S: History, Geography, Psychology, Economics.H only: Business and Management. S only: Global Politics. |
| Group 3 or 4 — Interdisciplinary |
| There is only one course in this group — Environmental Systems and Societies. When making a subject choice, Environmental Systems and Societies can be included in either Group 3 or Group 4. |
| Group 4 |
| Science |
| H or S: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. |
| Group 5 |
| Mathematics |
| Mathematics: Analysis and approaches is intended for students who wish to pursue studies in mathematics at university or subjects that have a large mathematical content; it is for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem solving and exploring real and abstract applications, with and without technology. Mathematics: Analysis and approaches will be a development from the current Mathematics HL and SL subjects. At HL, the course is intended for students who wish to study Mathematics at university, or subjects with a substantial mathematics content such as engineering or physics. Mathematics: Applications and interpretation is being designed for students who enjoy describing the real world and solving practical problems using mathematics; those who are interested in harnessing the power of technology alongside exploring mathematical models and enjoy the more practical side of mathematics. Mathematics: Applications and interpretation SL will be developed from Mathematical studies SL. The HL course will include new content and elements of the current HL statistics and discrete content At HL, the course is intended for students who wish to study social sciences, psychology, economics, business management, medicine or design at university. |
| Group 6 |
| Arts and Electives |
| You can choose to study Music, Theatre or the Visual Arts from this group OR you can choose one of the following: another language another subject from Individuals and Societies another science |
Related IB courses
You will benefit from our experience as an IB World School, which provides the possible best chance for success in the IB study route:
- Preparatory-IB course – Enhance your study skills for the IB Diploma and gain up to 2 IGCSEs
- IB Introduction (3 week summer course) – Provides excellent preparation if you wish to start the IB Diploma in September
- IB Teacher Workshops for new and experienced teachers, in collaboration with the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO)
