The International Baccalaureate

Sevenoaks School believes the International Baccalaureate to be the best educational experience on offer today. It is the gold standard in international Sixth Form education and has been shown to provide the best preparation for the most competitive universities.

The IB is most distinctive, however, in that it is more than simply a qualification; it is a broad and coherent educational vision, supported by a clearly defined set of values.

The IB Diploma is recognised by all UK and US universities, and in surveys Admissions Tutors regularly support the claim that the IB provides an excellent – and better – preparation for university and the world of work. Leading universities like the fact that the IB results allow them to discriminate at the top end and that, unlike other qualifications, there has been no grade inflation over the last twenty years.

In 2011 the Higher Education Statistics Agency* conducted research on the relative success rates of IB Students and concluded:

• 19% of IB entrants achieved a first-class honours degree, compared to 14.5% with A-Level or equivalent.
• IB students are almost twice as likely to study medicine and dentistry: 5.1% compared to 2.9% of A-Level

For over 40 years the IB Diploma Programme has been the gold standard in 16-18 international education. It was developed in 1968 for schools in Britain and Geneva, and since then the IB has flourished as an international, non-governmental, non-profit making organization, remaining independent of governmental policies. It continues to grow, having developed programmes for students from 3 to 18, which are now delivered to nearly 1 million students across the world in over 3600 schools. Throughout, it has maintained its close links with the UK where its Curriculum and Assessment offices are located. The diploma is an excellent prep

The IB’s distinctive feature is its view that for students to be successful in an everchanging world, they must have a wide range of skills and abilities to take on new challenges. All IB pupils develop this breadth by studying six subjects: English, Mathematics, a Science, a Humanities subject, a Modern Language and a Creative Arts subject.

While gaining expertise in this broad range of subjects, students also have the opportunity to specialize in a subject of their own choosing, drawing on their personal strengths and interests. For instance, students choose three of their subjects to study at Higher Level and three at Standard Level; as part of this, they may opt for a second course in Modern Languages, Science or Humanities .

aration for, and passport to, leading universities and top jobs across the globe.

The IB Diploma comprises six subjects

1. English and world literature

English Literature is a mandatory element of the IB Programme. As such, all students pursue it and have a choice of opting for either Higher or Standard Level.The IB English course is dynamic, varied and exciting.

The IB English course is dynamic, varied and exciting.

Higher Level students study 13 texts in all. Standard Level candidates study tentexts. The programme is flexible covering a comprehensive range of authors and literary traditions, from Classical texts to contemporary novels, poetry, plays and literary non-fiction.Departmental prescription ensures that Higher Level candidates study Shakespeare,and students cover a full range of genres and periods, so preparing them for English literature courses at university.Candidates develop many skills during the course, enhancing their facility to write essays, acquiring knowledge of specific texts.

1. MODERN LANGUAGESThe study of a foreign or classical language is a compulsory part of the IB programme ateither Higher or tandard Level. Both levels give the opportunity to increase competence in the written and spoken language, and alsoto develop knowledge of the culture and civilisation of the target-language country through reading both literary and non-literary texts, and working with native languageassistants in weekly conversation lessons.The extensive range of languages offered enables students for whom English is not their mother tongue the opportunity to continue to develop their first language by pursuing a native speaker programme. This is a specific objective of the IB.There are three distinct courses offered to reflect each student’s existing knowledge of the language and to provide them with an academically stretching programme. The school places students in the appropriate course based on the following criteria:Language A: Language and Literature(SL or HL) is for a fluent language user.

   Students who complete this course will receive a Bilingual Diploma as they will also study English A1. This course is for a student who:

   l is a native or near-native speaker; (s)he will be bilingual in reading and/or writing l and/or: lives, or has lived for a significant period, in a country where the target language is spoken

   Language B

   (SL or HL) is for a language learner who:l has learned the target language for two ormore years, eg to (I)GCSE or equivalent l and/or: has lived and been taught outside the country where the language is spoken

   Ab initio

   (SL only) is for a beginner who:

   l has little or no previous experience of the language l may, in the case of a language with a written script ifferent from the English one, have had formal lessons for up to one year in the target language The following modern language courses are normally offered and taught as part of the Sixth Form curriculum. However, their provision is subject to the condition that five or more pupils opt to take that course. Sometimes SL and HL sets may be combined.

2. CLASSICAL LANGUA GES

   Students studying Latin and Greek at Higher and Standard Level read a selection of the works of ancient authors so that, while all the

   time improving their linguistic competence,they can develop critical understanding and appreciation of the literary qualities, historical

   and cultural contexts, and philosophical ideas contained in these works.

   Pupils are encouraged to become aware of the place of such texts in the history of European literature and ideas, and to consider the essential differences and similarities between the classical civilisations and their own.

For Latin the topics comprise

• Epic – Virgil;
• Philosophy – Lucretius;
• Elegaic and Lyric Poetry – Catullus and
• Horace;
• Historiography – Tacitus
• Letters – Pliny

For Greek

• Epic – Homer;
• Tragedy – Euripides;
• Comedy – Aristophanes;
• Historiography – Herodotus
• Philosophy – Plato

For each topic a text from each author is set,which is read in the original. Higher Level students read a longer prescription than Standard Level.

• Сlassical civilisation

This is an exciting course, devised in large part by Sevenoaks School itself to fit the requirements of the International Baccalaureate. It studies the literature and culture of the Greeks and the Romans through primary and secondary texts, all read in English.

There is no requirement to study Latin or Greek. The course is divided into four topics:two literary and two historical.

 Сlassical civilisation

This is an exciting course, devised in large part by Sevenoaks School itself to fit the requirements of the International Baccalaureate. It studies the literature and culture of the Greeks and the Romans through primary and secondary texts, all read in English.The course is divided into four topics:two literary and two historical.

Economics

Economics is a dynamic social science, and is essentially about the concept of scarcity and the problem of resource allocation. It is a well-established and popular subject in the Sixth Form with approximately 130 students currently in each year of the course.All students start the subject from scratch and

there is no presumption of prior knowledge.Although the subject involves the formulation and understanding of theoretical concepts, the theories are applied to real-world examples to give it a much more applied flavour. It should also be remembered that Economics is not a discrete subject, since it incorporates elements of History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology,Political Studies and many other related fields of study.

Geography

Geography is a dynamic subject firmly grounded in the real world. The focus is on the interactions between individuals, societies and the physical environment in both time and space. It also investigates the way that people adapt and respond to change and evaluates management strategies associated

with such change.

Geography describes and helps to explain the similarities and differences between spaces and places. These may be defined on a variety of scales and from a range of perspectives.

History

The study of History helps to create thoughtful, inquisitive and reflective students.At its core the subject is about argument,and lessons and written assignments aim to capture the vibrancy of historical debate.

The course will help students to develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities of the past which we believe to be invaluable in helping to make sense of the world today.

The department offers Higher Level students a choice of either a Modern or Medieval History course. A Standard Level course in Modern History is also available.

Philosophy

Elements of the Course

The Core theme asks what it means to be human, and offers different perspectives on issues such as the self, personal identity and consciousness.

Other themes include Theories and Problems of Ethics, the Philosophy of Religion, and Political Philosophy. Higher Level candidates study the Core and two optional themes;Standard Level candidates study the Core and one optional theme.

Biology

Both Higher Level and Standard Level courses in Biology have a thematic approach.

The IB Chemistry

The IB Chemistry course is divided into three sections: Core, additional Higher Level and Options. Throughout the course the emphasis is on understanding rather than rote learning.

The Core is make up of 11 topicsl,

Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. Students study the nature of the atom. This leads on to a study of the trends in physical and chemical properties within the Periodic Table. Students learn about the key factors which influence how and why chemical reactions take place and how changes in conditions can affect the

rate and yield of a reaction.

Design technology

The programme is based on a model of learning which incorporates knowledge, skills and design principles in problem-solving contexts. The aim is not solely the acquisition of knowledge but about learning how to adapt to new experiences and to approach problems with the appropriate skills and relevant

techniques so that students may identify the important elements of a design problem and develop an optimum solution.

Physics

The IB Physics course is divided into three sections: subject specific Core, additional Higher Level, and Options.

The Core introduce basic ideias and concepts from different areas of Physics (e.g. mechanics, thermodynamics etc); these ideas are explored in more depth and breadth in the additional Higher Level material. The Standard Level options include Sight and Wave Phenomena, Quantum and Nuclear Physics, and Digital Technology.

Higher Level Physics is an excellent and essential course for any student intending to study Physics or a Physics-related course at university, such as Natural Sciences (Physical) or Engineering. It also provides good support for other courses such as more general science courses, Mathematics, Economics and

Medicine. Standard Level Physics is suitable for students with an interest in or curiosity about the natural world.

SPORTS

This exciting Standard Level course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics,psychology and nutrition, which are studied in the context of sport, exercise and health.

Mathematics

Higher Level (HL)

This course is designed for students with a very strong background in, and enthusiasm for, the subject. It comprises a Core syllabus and one of five Options; the Core includes work on Number and Algebra, Vectors,Matrices, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus and Probability.

Theatre

The IB Theatre student, at both Higher and Standard Levels, engages in an integrated study of many aspects of theatre, both practical and theoretical. These include the study of play texts and theatre traditions from different cultures, the practical application of performance skills and production techniques, and the the evaluation of live theatre performances.

VISUAL ARTS

The Visual Arts course helps students to become effective, powerful and contemporary artists. Samples of student work can be seen at: www.sevenoaksschoolartspace.com.

LEADERSHIP

All students at Sevenoaks School exhibit leadership potential, and there are countless opportunities for students to develop these skills over their two years in the Sixth Form.

Sevenoaks students’ results are among the highest in the world. The maximum diploma score is 45. The average world-wide score is consistently just under 30. Our students’ average Diploma score at Sevenoaks is close to 40.