1 Year Pre-IB Programme
When students leave us for 6th Form study, they may choose to study the IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate Diploma) as an alternative to A Levels. This qualification, as its name suggests, is internationally recognised and more details can be found at www.ibo.org.
An increasing number of independent UK schools are offering this qualification, including Taunton School. Students study 6 subjects, 3 at Higher level and 3 at Standard level, and these subjects must include English, Mathematics, a science subject, a humanities subject, a language and an arts subject or another subject from one of the other groups. Thus students on the IB course avoid the early specialisation that the A Level course involves.
In addition to this range of subjects, students will write an Extended Essay (EE) on a subject of their choice, complete a course in the Theory of Knowledge (ToK), and participate in the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) programme. The Theory of Knowledge course is designed to develop a coherent approach to learning and encourage an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. The essay requires independent research and the type of writing skills that will be needed at university.
Taunton School International boarders live in comfortable boarding houses and are cared for by dedicated house staff. There is a medical centre on the campus providing 24 hour medical care. Good telephone and wireless access throughout the campus make it easy for pupils to keep in touch with home.
Bedrooms are usually allocated on an age basis with the older students having their own single study bedroom and the younger students sharing in mixed nationality bedrooms. The bedrooms are comfortable and well equipped.
Taunton School International places a great deal of emphasis on providing excellent pastoral care, with supportive and caring staff available 24 hours a day. We want to help students to adjust to boarding school life in a small, safe and friendly environment.
As well as sharing Taunton School’s excellent facilities, Taunton School International has its own garden leading on to playing fields, two recreation halls, a laundry, two IT rooms and classrooms with interactive whiteboards.
Taunton School International is a house in the Taunton School house system and our students participate in the house singing, house drama, house basketball, house football and house chess competitions.
The school provides three hot meals a day for students. All students in Taunton School eat together in the school dining room. The food is offered as a buffet selection and includes fresh vegetables, fruit and desserts. There is plenty of choice so all diets are catered for.
