Page 13 - Malvern Times - Spring Term 2021

Malvern Times Malvern Times Baccalaureate (IB) – Which one?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Route
The IB was founded in in in 1968 and aims ‘to develop inquiring knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create
a a a a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and and respect’ It is is this wide-reaching remit with international issues covered across subjects that makes the the IB so interesting and prepares pupils well for the the global world we live in in With its focus on developing learners that are inquirers knowledgeable thinkers communicators principled open-minded caring risk-takers balanced and reflective the the IB focuses on on not just content but the the development of skills for for learning that pupils will carry forward to university and their adult lives One feature of the IB is that it enables pupils to maintain a a a a a a breadth of of study Pupils interested in in a a a a range of of subjects and across disciplines can continue to study various subjects without sacrificing depth their Higher-Level subjects (3 of the the 6 they study) will become their specialist subjects This enables for example a a a pupil interested in in in in pursuing medicine long term to to continue to to study a a a language they enjoy whilst specialising specialising in in in in the the sciences or pupils specialising specialising in in in in the the humanities to to continue to to develop their mathematical skills The IB has coursework (Internal Assessment) for each subject which takes the pressure off final examinations and makes the IB a a a good option for those able to work steadily well throughout the year The IB requires pupils to complete an an Extended Essay an an independently researched essay on a a a subject of their choosing This provides them with a a good grounding for the the research skills required at university giving them an early experience
in in in academic planning research and writing as as well as as referencing It also offers a a a a a chance to further specialise in in an an area of interest giving pupils something to discuss on on personal statements when applying to university Another element of the the IB core is the Theory of Knowledge course which helps pupils develop critical thinking skills as it it teaches them to reflect on how they they know know what they they know know giving them analytical skills invaluable for university The final element of the IB core is CAS or Creativity Activity and Service This element requires pupils to engage in extra curricular activities throughout their IB study and is something well-integrated into life at at Malvern where pupils engage in a a a a a range of and and Super-Curriculum and and Co-Curriculum activities The IB maintains a a a a a philosophy of international mindedness which sees the syllabus focus on different countries and cultures and develops in in pupils an an appreciation of other points of view The IB is well regarded by universities and for some courses the the IB entry requirement is therefore more achievable To conclude in the IB pupils select six subjects and complete a a compulsory core programme comprising of of Theory of of Knowledge an an an Extended Essay and an an an evaluation of a a a a a a a pupil’s CAS The pupil has to “pass” this core as as as as well as as as as secure good scores in the the six subjects to be awarded the the Diploma IB uses a a a a points system and the perfect score is 45 with a a a a Diploma being awarded for points of 24 upwards Above all it it is the ability to maintain a a a a a a well-rounded education that is is the the advantage of the the IB and we would advise pupils to consider the the course whether planning future study or or careers in the UK or or abroad 13