IB Diploma Route (IBDP)
In order to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), students are required to meet the matriculation requirements for the subjects they wish to study and our general matriculation requirement of GCSE Grade 5 or above in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics. Evidence of an international perspective is required for external students, together with a reference from their current school.
We require that the student has obtained a grade 6, or above, at GCSE for any subject that they wish to study at Higher Level and a grade 5, or above, for any subject that they wish to study at Standard Level, with the exception of Mathematics.
Our Sixth Form is unusual in that we offer you the IBDP as an alternative to A Levels. The IBDP is accepted as an entry qualification to Higher Education and professions throughout the world and our experience shows that it is particularly highly regarded by all Universities. The educational philosophy of the IB is simple: to provide a balanced academic programme which avoids over–specialisation but does not sacrifice depth to breadth.
In the IBDP you will take six subjects, three at Higher Level (the equivalent to A Level) and three at Standard Level or Ab Initio Level (the equivalent to AS Level). The six subjects must be chosen by selecting one from each group.
| GROUP 1 | |||
| English Literature | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| GROUP 2 | |||
| French | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| German | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| Italian | Higher Level | Standard Level | Ab Initio |
| Mandarin | Standard Level | ||
| Russian | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| Spanish | Higher Level | Standard Level | Ab Initio |
| GROUP 3 | |||
| Economics | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| Geography | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| Global Politics | Standard Level | ||
| History | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| Philosophy | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| Psychology | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| GROUP 4 | |||
| Biology | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| Chemistry | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) | Standard Level | ||
| Physics | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| GROUP 5 | |||
| Mathematics Analysis and Approaches | Higher Level | ||
| Mathematics Applications and Interpretation | Standard Level | ||
| GROUP 6 ELECTIVE | |||
| Chemistry | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| Economics | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| French | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| History | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| Mandarin | Standard Level | ||
| Psychology | Higher Level | Standard Level | |
| Spanish | Higher Level | Standard Level |
Additionally students will be required to:
- Follow the Theory of Knowledge course which encourages logical, critical and philosophical thought, completing an exhibition in year 1 and an essay in year 2
- Participate in a range of Creative, Activity and Community Services (CAS)
- Write a research-based Extended Essay in one of the six subjects
The grades for each subject range from 7 (highest) to 1 (lowest) and a minimum of 24 points is required to obtain a Diploma. Candidates can obtain up to 3 additional points for a good Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge mark.
SSST (Self taught option for bi-lingual students)
Please find below the IB's guidance for students on the Self-taught option for bi-lingual students which are only available at Standard Level. We can provide information on SSST tutor support.
For additional information, please email admissions@aesessex.co.uk