Varndean25 - Flipbook - Page 42
ADVANCED LEVEL COURSES
INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is an
exciting and popular alternative to A Levels.
Varndean College has been an IB World School
since 2008. We chose the IB because we think it
offers something exciting and different: a broad,
academically rigorous education for the whole
person. The IB Diploma is taught world-wide and
is internationally recognised and understood
by universities and employers as excellent
preparation for further study or employment.
Here at Varndean we like the IB Diploma
because it challenges, encourages and inspires
internationally-minded students to become caring,
critical thinkers, ready for university study and
a globally focused career and we are currently the
only state funded provider of the IB Diploma in
the county of Sussex.
The IB Diploma differs from A Levels in its breadth,
as well as its integration as a complete programme
of study. All students are required to study English
literature, a modern foreign language, a humanities
subject, natural science and maths. However,
students have lots of options and opportunities
to customise their Diploma to suit their needs,
interests and career aspirations.
Students choose one course from each of the
six subject areas, three at Higher Level and
three at Standard Level. The content of Standard
Level courses is smaller than that of Higher Level
and they are usually a little less demanding
academically meaning they are also taught over
fewer hours. It’s important to point out that if
you choose the IB Diploma you are not studying
towards 6 A-levels but you will have a few more
lessons during the week than your peers studying
A Levels!
You should seriously consider the IB if you:
• are a well-organised student who enjoys a wide
range of subjects and activities and who is keen
not to narrow your education too early
• want a course that will extend and challenge you
personally and intellectually
• want a course that will encourage you to think
independently and to speak and write well in
more than one language
• want to keep all your university and career
options open at 16 plus
• want an international qualification, which is
recognised all over the world for your future
career
42
MEET OUR STUDENTS
FLORA BURLEIGH
STUDIED
International Baccalaureate
PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Our Lady of Sion
“The IB seemed like the perfect alternative to
taking A Levels because it didn’t force you narrow
down your choices. it’s much more holistic and
interdisciplinary, but also enforces extracurricular
activities through the CAS programme. Subjects
like Philosophy and Psychology particularly
interested me because I’d never taken them
before so they made me think about about the
world in a new way.
I’ve really enjoyed the pace of learning that
comes with the IB. As much as it can be crazy at
times, it’s amazing to look back and think about
how much we have covered for each subject
within the space of two years.
I’ve also enjoyed the people I’ve met studying the
IB, it was unexpectedly an incredible community
and hopefully I’ve made friendships that I’ll
cherish for the rest of my life.”
WHAT NEXT?
Psychological & Behavioural Sciences,
University of Cambridge
