For some students, the traditional route of three to four subjects at A-level is ideal. They can focus on their strongest subjects with a view to specialising at university. But what about academic all-rounders or those with their sights set on international higher education options? A more flexible approach may be needed. One that enables 16- to 19-year-olds to take advantage of a diverse range of subjects, boost their critical thinking skills and log in to purpose-built virtual classrooms wherever there’s wifi.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma is academically rigorous and forward thinking, preparing teenagers for both university and life beyond. It sees students take on six subjects across two years, three at a standard level and three at a higher level, to encourage greater depth of learning. There’s also an extended essay (a 4,000-word independent research project), a theory of knowledge component that supports critical thinking skills and one that covers creativity, activity and service.
