Route C - International Baccalaureate

Whitchurch High is one of few state schools in Wales to give students the chance to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma. This course is studied in many public, private international and state schools in over 120 countries around the world.

The Diploma programme was developed over 30 years ago, and was designed as an International University entrance qualification. Colleges, such as Atlantic college, have successfully taught the Diploma since the 1960’s. We introduced the Diploma here at Whitchurch six years ago.

IB courses are entirely separate from As/A2 courses.

The Diploma is an internationally recognised qualification. All UK Universities accept the IB Diploma.

The Diploma provides a broad curriculum, and is considered to be excellent preparation for University.

Students study six subjects, one from each area of academic study, three to Higher Level and Three to Standard level. The choice of subjects is designed to maintain a breadth of academic study. The syllabus in each subject is NOT the same as A–level programmes of study. IB courses are designed for students to find the six subject curriculum academically challenging but manageable.

In addition, students follow a programme of ‘Theory of Knowledge’, complete and ‘Extended Essay’ on a subject of their choice, and engage in ‘Creative, Active and Service’ projects.

IB subjects are examined at the end of the second year. Each subject also has coursework.

Each subject is awarded a points score of up to 7 points (both Standard and Higher). The core elements of ‘Extended Essay’ & ‘Theory of Knowledge’ also gain students up to 3 points. Maximum score is therefore 45 points.