International Baccalaureate (IB)

The IB Diploma Programme is a globally recognised and studied curriculum designed and administered by a charity founded and run by educators.

Continued breadth of learning is a founding principle, and all pupils take six subjects, including their native language and maths, with coursework contributing to the final grade in every subject.

The IB is admired by universities both in the UK and abroad for producing rounded, diligent, organised and driven students.

Pupils who take the IB access a programme that broadens perspectives and puts a structure in place ensuring that education is not purely academic but also about what the wider world can teach us.

The learning style in an IB classroom encourages pupils to become responsible, active members of their community. They learn to value diverse perspectives and cultures; understand how events around the world are interconnected; and solve problems that transcend borders.

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“The IB develops inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect.”

Designed by educators, not politicians, the IB is independent of any state influence, resulting in courses that are truly global in outlook.

Being taught in 150 countries the IB can maintain high standards and avoid grade inflation. It remains committed to its mission and vision without any outside pressures.

The IB offers a range of benefits to pupils, including breadth of learning, organisation, diligence, connections between subjects, practical coursework, international-mindedness, critical thinking, complex problem solving and preparation for higher education and the competitive world beyond.

Subjects

Pupils retain breadth in sixth form by choosing six subjects, which must include their native language and maths. However, appropriate specialisation is ensured by choosing any three subjects to study at Higher Level, equivalent to A levels.

All subjects include an element of coursework; the minimum contribution to the final grade is 20%.

Every seven years, all subjects are reviewed by the IB to ensure they reflect current educational thinking and future university and career demands. This way, pupils get the best education possible that prepares them for the future.

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Core

Alongside the six academic subjects, the DP Core is designed to broaden students’ educational experiences and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills. It includes:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK), which asks pupils to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know
The Extended Essay (EE), an independent self-directed research project on a subject selected by the student
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), which enhances students’ personal and interpersonal development by learning through experience, whether on the sports pitches, in the art or music school or through the myriad of extra-curricular activities offered at Bryanston

Supporting your options

Choosing between A-level and IB is not a decision any pupil will be making alone. The final decision will be based on what is best for the individual, with factors including their breadth of interest and their future ambitions. GCSE grade requirements for higher level subjects are very similar to A levels so academic ability is not a key factor.

With the help of their tutor, House Parent and collaboration with parents, every pupil will be supported through the decision-making process.

The IB at Bryanston

Our IB Diploma Programme has consistently produced impressive results. Our 2024 IB results, show that Bryanston pupils achieved an impressive average Diploma score of 38 points (well above the international average of 30 points), with 64% achieving 40 points or more – the equivalent of A*A*A*A* at A Level. Exceptional scores of 43, 44 and the maximum 45 were awarded.

Pupils from overseas looking to study IB in the UK can be assured that Bryanston ranks as one of the top 10 UK schools for IB.

IB pupils also receive all the essential elements of a Bryanston education. This includes the tutoring system and correction periods across all subjects.

IB pupils are in the same boarding houses as A level pupils, play the same sports and take part in all the same activities, including music, art and drama.

Answers to common IB myths

The IB is a world-renowned programme but is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions, leading some pupils and parents to question its value and reputation.

Myth 1: Universities don't understand or accept the IB

This is not true. In fact, universities across the world, including top institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge, fully recognise and accept the IB programme and entry requirement pages almost universally list IB requirements next to A level requirements.

The UCAS tariff system includes the IB, allowing universities to compare students’ achievements with those from other qualifications.
Myth 2: The IB is a new qualification

The IB programme has been around since 1968, and over 2,300 schools worldwide currently offer it. It is a well-established and respected qualification that has undergone constant development to reflect current educational thinking and university and career demands.
Myth 3: Getting a Level 7 in the IB requires nearly 100%

In reality, the percentage required for a Level 7 varies by subject and is often lower than 100%. For example, a Level 7 in geography may require around 76%, in maths around 83%, and in chemistry around 78%. These percentages fluctuate slightly year-on-year in the standardisation process.
Myth 4: A* is better than a Level 7

This is not true, as grades from different qualifications cannot be directly compared. A Level 7 in the IB is equivalent to the highest A-level grade, but the IB programme offers additional benefits beyond A-levels, such as a broader range of subjects and a focus on developing critical thinking skills.
Myth 5: The IB workload is too heavy

While the IB programme is demanding, it also teaches valuable skills such as time management and independent study. Pupils who are organised and manage their workload effectively can succeed in the programme without sacrificing their social lives or extra-curricular activities.
Myth 6: The IB does not provide enough depth in subjects.

The IB is a broad programme, but it does not suffer from a lack of depth. The IB offers a rigorous and comprehensive study of six subjects, with the option to specialise in three at a higher level. As well as this the IB has depth beyond purely academic bounds with CAS as a core component.

The IB programme is undoubtedly challenging, but it also offers a valuable and rewarding educational experience. With proper preparation and dedication, pupils can succeed in the programme and develop valuable skills that will serve them well in their future studies and careers.

We hope this is helpful and makes it clear that the IB programme is a well-established and respected qualification that offers a unique and valuable educational experience. By dispelling common myths and misconceptions, pupils can make informed decisions about their education and recognise the benefits of the IB programme.

Academic Subjects