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International Baccalaureate Diploma

Gain a global perspective with International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

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IB Facts

Why study IB at Worthgate?

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we are recognised for our commitment to providing an all-round education that encourages students to thrive in our connected world. The prestigious IB Diploma is highly popular with top ranking universities looking to offer places to the brightest candidates.

99.8%
of students achieved the IB Diploma in the last six years

†in 2023

81%
of the Russell Group universities have accepted our IB students†
†between 2012 and 2022
94%
of students achieved the IB Diploma in the last seven years
“The International Baccalaureate is fantastic if you want to have more diversity on your choice of subjects. By having those six subjects you can really mix and match all sorts of disciplines which can be really powerful.”

Vice Principal Dr. Nicola Robinson

IB Course Overview

The IB is a globally recognised qualification that challenges, encourages and inspires students to become creative problem-solvers and lifelong independent thinkers. This programme is perfect for preparing students for university study and an international career.

graduate hat

Explore the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique Theory of Knowledge course

Develop an excellent knowledge of key academic subjects

Explore the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique Theory of Knowledge course

Complete an extended essay similar to a university dissertation

Develop as an individual through Creativity, Activity and Service

Become a life-long problem solver

IB Subject Choices

The IB curriculum is made up of the Diploma Core and six Subject Groups. Students study six subjects during the two-year IB course, choosing one from each subject block.

Three Elements of the Diploma Core

Theory of Knowledge

The Theory of Knowledge asks you to reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know. It is assessed through an oral presentation and a 1,600-word essay.

Extended Essay

The extended essay prepares you for the study skills required at university.

Creativity, Activity, Service

Creativity, Activity, Service comprises arts and other experiences that involve creative thinking; physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, which improves and complements your academic studies; and an unpaid/voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit.

Six Subject Groups

Block A
Block B
Block C
Block D
Block E
Block F
English A
English A S-T
English B
French AB Initio
Spanish AB Initio
Economics
Global Politics
Psychology
Business Management
Biology
Physics
ESS
Maths AA HL
Maths AA SL
Maths AI
History
Chemistry
French AB Initio
Spanish AB Initio
Visual Art

*For beginners

On arrival, our IB coordinator will meet with each student to assess their ability to successfully access English Language and Literature in the first subject group, or whether they will need to study their mother tongue. Please note: This may require independent tuition with additional fees.
Depending on which English is studied, students could also study French or Spanish in Block F.

IB Course descriptors

Please find the full course descriptors for each of our IB courses in our Student Hub. They entail:

  • Subject Overview
  • Prior Learning Requirements
  • Exam Board Information
  • Course Content
  • Assessment
  • Textbooks/Revisions Guides
  • Higher Education Pathways
  • Complementary Subjects of Study

Questions about the IB

Subjects are assessed through both internal and external coursework which is written or practical work that you complete during the year and which counts towards your overall grade. You also take examinations at the end of Year 2 in May and June. To ensure that you are well prepared, you will also take  mock exams so that your teachers can help with anything you are finding difficult. English is assessed through an IELTS examination, ready for university admission.

IB results are published every July. Your IB Diploma is marked on a numbered scale. Each of the six subjects taken is marked out of 7, and there are an extra 3 points available for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge parts of the programme. To gain the Diploma, you need at least 24 points, and the maximum score available for the most academically gifted students is 45 points – equivalent to six A levels at grade A*.

IB pointsIB points UCAS (university points)A level grades
45720A* A* A* A* A* A*
35400A* A* A*
28348A A B
24280B C Social

IB Students Testimonials