Ellesmere offering the International Baccalaureate from September 2006

Following two full days of Inspection by the International Baccalaureate organisation the School has been authorised to commence teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme from September 2006.

Ellesmere College has taken a significant step towards becoming an international centre by announcing their intention to introduce the International Baccalaureate in their Sixth Form. The International Baccalaureate will run alongside the existing A Level syllabus.In the tenth year of his Headship at Ellesmere College, Brendan Wignall stated 'We are delighted to be able to offer the International Baccalaureate as an additional part of our academic range. We have no plans to replace any of the twenty A-levels subjects being taught currently. The IB Diploma programme represents a more challenging and stimulating course of study than AS and A2 levels. The IB is widely recognised at universities as being a better preparation for further study. With the ever increasing difficulties of achieving places at top universities, it is clear that studying the IB will give our candidates aiming for entry to those universities a better chance.'

The School has appointed the Head of Geography, Helen Scarisbrick, as International Baccalaureate Co-ordinator who commented 'Young people of today live in a globalised world and need an education with an international perspective. The IB is the qualification of the 21st century. At Ellesmere College, great emphasis has always been placed on breadth of opportunity. The IB Programme will widen this breadth whilst encompassing already established strengths within the College such as the sporting reputation, outward bound opportunities, community based activities and creative arts programme.'

The International Baccalaureate was established in 1968 and has expanded to 119 countries with over half a million students already in possession of the IB Diploma. As well as studying six subjects, IB students need to fulfill three core requirements that are integral to the curriculum and which makes the IB Diploma Programme unique. Through the Theory of Knowledge, students question the bases of knowledge and reflect critically on how they know what they believe to be facts or truth. In addition, an extended externally assessed research assignment of 4,000 words has to be written. Real life experiences beyond the classroom have also to be gained to develop leadership skills. To fulfill these requirements, students must take part in artistic activities; sports, expeditions, local or international project involvement and community or social services projects.

For additional information about Sixth Form entry into Ellesmere College, contact the Admissions' Secretary on 01691 622321.

3rd April 2006  Back to News