The International Baccalaureate Diploma Proves its worth
A recent report on the progress of IB Diploma students in Higher Education published by
Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), compares the outcomes of IB Diploma with
those of A-level students in a number of key areas. The advantages of an IB Diploma are
clear.
IB Diploma students:

are more than twice as likely to enrol at one of the UK’s top 20 universities.

are nearly twice as likely to succeed in application for courses in Medicine and
Dentistry.

are significantly less likely to drop out of courses.

are 30% more likely to gain a first-class honours degree.

are twice as likely to continue with further study after the first degree.

have a significantly higher starting salary, after university.
The full report is available to download from here.
MORE FACTS ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

Dane Court Grammar School started teaching the IB Diploma in 2008. There are
218 schools in the UK offering this programme with approx 100 waiting for
authorisation.

The maximum number of points achievable for the IB diploma is 45 (720 UCAS
points).

This is the equivalent of 6 A grades or 5 A* grades at A level.

The Dane Court average point score for the Diploma this year, 2011, was 34. The
new UCAS equivalent is 480 points or 4 grade As at A level

Universities favour the full diploma but it is possible to take a single IB subject
and obtain UCAS points. From 2010 the new UCAS tariffs will give students who
do not pass the full diploma credit for the subjects they complete.
o
7 HL130
SL70
o
6 HL110
SL59
o
5 HL80
SL43
Students with the IB diploma gain the following advantages:

A qualification with international currency and recognition

An international outlook

A positive attitude to independent learning

Learning beyond traditional subjects

Opportunities for in-depth enquiry

Critical thinking skills

Research-based learning skills

University recognition of the level of challenge
Furthermore…

The IB diploma is not subject to frequent tinkering and political pressure

The IB diploma is not subject to grade inflation, it is assessed and moderated in
different parts of the world

The revised UCAS tariff recognises the IB’s challenging programme. It gives IB
students an excellent chance of gaining a place on their preferred course at
university.
All students complete “The Core”:

Theory of knowledge

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

Extended Essay
Students choose six subjects within the IB, three at Higher Level and three at Standard
Level. Students select one subject from each group:
Group 1

English

Literature and Performance*
Group 2

French

Spanish

German

Italian ab initio*

Spanish ab initio*
Group 3

Environmental Systems – this counts as a group 3 and 4 which means you
can chose 2 subjects from group 6 if you wish

Geography

History

Information Technology in a Global Society

Philosophy

Psychology
Group 4

Biology

Chemistry

Design Technology

Physics
Group 5

Mathematics

Mathematical Studies*
Group 6

Film

Music

Theatre Studies

Visual Arts

or another subject from groups 2-5
There are opportunities for PE within the IB programme and this is recognised within
CAS.
*Offered at Standard Level only
^Groups are subject to staffing and viable numbers of students