Study the International Baccalaureate
In July 2023 our International Baccalaureate (IB) students celebrated an average of 31.9 points: this exceeded the global average score and secured the students places at many universities across the world, including the University of Oxford.
Since becoming an IB world school in 2007, we have helped over 370 students obtain the diploma and its popularity continues to grow with employers and universities.
Study IB at Taunton School
The IB Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised qualification, which focuses on developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. The IB is taught in 143 countries including the UK.
What subjects can you take in the IB?
The IB Diploma course consists of nine elements: six academic subjects and three core components called the Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and a self-development course called Creativity, Activity and Service. The IB Diploma student chooses three subjects at higher level and three at standard level.
The subjects are divided into six groups. These include a literature course, a second language, a humanity, a science and mathematics (at a level appropriate to the student).
Core IB Subjects
Theory of Knowledge
Develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. It deepens students’ understanding of knowledge as a human construction.
Extended Essay
Students engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of their chosen subjects.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Helps students engage in arts and creative thinking, develop a healthy lifestyle and serve their community. It enhances students’ personal and interpersonal development which is something that they do not leave behind when they complete the programme.
Assessment
Students take written examinations at the end of the programme and complete internal assessments over the duration of the course. Marks awarded for each subject range from one to seven. Students can be awarded three additional points for combined results in Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points. The highest total that can be awarded is 45 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?
The IB diploma programme is an internationally recognised qualification, which focuses on developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. The IB is taught in 143 countries across the globe.
Rather than refining their studies, the diploma programme allows students to maintain a broad learning curriculum providing them with real world insights and skills to provide them the best opportunities in the future.
The IB course, although challenging, appeals to all-rounders who are academically strong in several subjects.
- What is an IB World School?
Only registered IB World Schools are authorised to offer the IB diploma programme. To gain this status schools must prove they have met the IB programme’s standards, practices, rules, and regulations.
- Who can take the International Baccalaureate?
The IB diploma is for students aged 16-19. The IB is the equivalent of 5 A Levels in UCAS points and a well-respected qualification by top universities and employers.
To take part in the IB we recommend that students have a minimum of grade 5 at GCSE (or equivalent) in their chosen subjects and at least an 8 or 9 for HL Maths, a 7 for HL sciences and a 6 for other HL subjects. Students will need to be well motivated and passionate about the subjects they study, as well as being organised, self-disciplined and prepared for the challenge and excitement of studying six subjects.
- Why should you take the IB?
By nature, the IB is global. Taking the IB opens doors throughout the UK and the world.
The IB is designed to teach students to think critically, ask challenging questions and learn and develop their skills across various disciplines.
Unlike A-Levels, where students refine their field of study, the IB allows students to engage in a broad curriculum. The programme allows students to apply what they learn to the real world. The qualification is also very portable, allowing students to open many doors across the world.
Studying the IB provides students with an advantage when applying to top universities and colleges as many of the students already have the key skills and personality traits needed to be a successful at university.
IB Scholarship
Through the generous legacy of philanthropist Ian Evans Lombe we are in the privileged position to be able to offer the equivalent of one fully funded IB place (100% fee remission) each academic year. Depending on the financial need of the applicants we often make the choice to split the value of the award and support more than one deserving student. This scholarship offers students the opportunity to enrich and empower themselves with outstanding facilities and world class teaching.
Book your Visit With Us
Join our Head of Sixth Form Jennifer Taylor, and the Taunton School Leadership Team at an upcoming open event.
This is the best way for prospective families to experience Taunton School with the opportunity to meet members of staff, our current Sixth Form students, tour the state-of-the-art facilities and ask questions. Join our in-person open mornings or attend virtually. We run dedicated Sixth Form Open Evenings in the Autumn Term each year as well.