International Baccalaureate

In 2011 Thirty-five of the Upper Sixth were awarded the world-renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma.  25% of our students attained the 40 or more points out of 45 that puts them in the top 5% worldwide. 40% of the cohort achieved at least 38 points, the minimum requirement for Oxbridge entry, and 60% achieved 7s or 6s in their Higher Level subjects, the equivalent of A*s and As at A Level.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma programme is a two year course of study designed to provide academic rigour, breadth and coherence. It is genuinely international, with more than 45,000 students across 100 countries studying for the Diploma each year. As such, it is recognised by universities throughout the world.

In order to gain a Diploma, students must study six subjects across six distinct curriculum areas. Normally three subjects are studied at higher level, and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level. Students are examined through internal assessment and examinations in the May of the final year of the course. Each subject is graded on a scale from 1 to 7. In addition, up to 3 points are awarded for the compulsory core: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Action and Service. To be eligible for a Diploma, a student must score at least 24 points out of the maximum 45

Diploma subjects available at Ardingly from September 2012:

Group 1: Language and Literature - English, French, German, Chinese (Italian on request)

Group 2: Language acquisition- French, German, Latin, Spanish (Chinese on request)

Spanish ab initio, (Italian ab initio - subject to approval)

Group 3: Individuals and Societies - Business and Management, Economics,

Geography, History, Philosophy, (Psychology – subject to approval)

Group 4: Experimental Sciences- Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology, Physics

Group 5: Mathematics - Mathematics, Mathematical Studies

Group 6: The arts - Music, Theatre Arts, Visual Art OR a second subject from group 2, 3 or4.

Core Programme:                              

Theory of Knowledge (ToK): This is a compulsory component of the IB Diploma and, therefore, all IB students follow this course. ToK is designed to get you to think about what you know and how you know it. It is unique in that it ties together the entire curriculum under the question ‘How and what do we know?’ It encourages students to use language clearly and precisely. Students are required to think about the nature of truth and about systems of knowledge in a wide range of subject areas. Students have to evaluate the basis on which we develop knowledge and sound judgement.

 Creativity, Action and Service: Each student spends about an hour per week on some form of creative or aesthetic activity, physical exercise and community service. They need to demonstrate completion of 18 months involvement and personal target setting over the course.

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 Extended Essay:  A 4000 word piece of independent research.

 Ardingly is proud to have been certified as one of the Top UK International Baccalaureate Independent Schools in 2011 in the league tables published on http://www.best-schools.co.uk/