Southbank International School on the value of an IB Diploma

Southbank International School on why the IB Diploma is a smart choice, delivering a well-rounded education with a global focus

With over 5,000 schools teaching the International Baccalaureate and more than one million students studying the curriculum worldwide the IB offers many benefits. It is more comprehensive than A levels – comprising six subjects from broad curriculum groups rather than the usual three at A level – as well as other enriching elements. More importantly, the IB offers student-centred learning and teaching.

Diploma students will study at least three subjects at higher and three at standard level. These include languages and literature, language acquisition, sciences, maths, the arts, and individuals and societies. Students receive an overall score to a maximum of 45. They must also write an extended essay on an area that inspires them, complete the creativity, activity and service (CAS) element and explore the theory of knowledge, which asks them to assess how they know what they know. This encourages a sophisticated approach to different perspectives on global issues.

So, what type of student does the IB suit? The answer is most students, but particularly those who are keen for a broader perspective and who welcome an inquiry-based approach. The subject courses are rigorous, teaching students to think critically, and become thoughtful, empathetic individuals.

“Students learn far more than content – focus on approaches to learning prepares them for university and beyond”

One concern parents sometimes express is that the IB is too broad. It’s true that if you study sciences at A level, for example, you may go into these individual subjects in greater depth. But age 16 can be too soon for students to restrict themselves. What students learn during the Diploma is far more than content. The focus on approaches to learning prepares them for university and beyond.

Students don’t just complete assignments, take a test and move on. They take ownership and explore how they learn best – designing their own experiments and research in science, for instance, and independently setting and meeting milestones. They learn skills for research that they can use throughout life.

“The long-term nature of these projects is good practice for university,” says Duncan Blair who teaches biology to Diploma students at Southbank International School. “Some kids know they want to be scientists or doctors, but many don’t – and the fact they’ve been forced to have a university-level experience in secondary school gives them a leg up.” Blair believes this can ensure better students, well equipped for that important first year at university.

UK universities are familiar with the breadth and depth of the IB. Its core elements allow students to demonstrate much more than their academic achievement. This plays to the UK university pre-qualification application system. UK universities are increasingly knowledgeable about international qualifications and all of them accept the IB, with more selective institutions specifying a total score and also higher-level grades.

Southbank International School southbank.org

Further reading: ISL London on the importance of developing leadership qualities