IB Diploma

[ITS IB support]

[IB: what it is] [What you will study] [How you are assessed] [UCAS Tariff] [where it can lead]

ITS Tutorial School offers full tuition and tutor support for the IB Diploma programme:

Support is available for:

• Individual IB subject(s) tuition

• Extended Essay (EE)

• TOK (Theory of Knowledge) essay and presentation

• Internal assessment requirements

• English World Literature requirements

• Oral language requirements

• Practice exams

• Proofing / editing services – ITS will never condone plagiarism or ghost-writing of any kind. Essay support including proofing and editing is done on a consulting basis where advice is given through discussion. Please don’t ask us to write your work for you.

Individual one to one tuition fee for IB: $620 or ($690 for A1/A2 languages)

International Baccalaureate: what it is

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised qualification for students aged 16 to 19. It is based around detailed academic study of a wide range of subjects, including languages, the arts, science, maths, history and geography.

It leads to a single qualification, rather than separate qualifications for individual subjects. However if you don't achieve the full diploma, you'll be awarded a certificate for each subject taken.

It's designed to encourage you to:

• learn how to learn

• ask challenging questions

• develop a strong sense of your own identity and culture

• develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures

The IB Diploma Programme is at level 3 on the UK National Qualifications Framework.

What you will study

The IB Diploma Programme is made up of a compulsory 'core', plus six separate subjects where you have some choice over what you study.

Compulsory core

The compulsory core contains three elements:

• theory of knowledge: you'll learn about the bases of knowledge, and how to analyse evidence and express yourself in rational argument; you'll also be encouraged to draw on experiences you've gained outside the classroom

• creativity, action and service: this part of the programme encourages you to get involved in theatre or music activities, sports and/or community service

• extended essay: you'll investigate a particular topic of interest and be asked to write a 4,000 word essay about it

Optional subjects

As well as the three core elements, you'll also select one subject from each of the following six areas

• first language (normally your mother tongue)

• second language (this could be a language you already study, or a new one)

• experimental sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, design technology)

• mathematics and computer science

• the arts (visual, music and theatre)

• individuals and society (history, psychology, geography)

Normally, you'll study three of your six optional subjects at a ' higher' level (240 teaching hours per subject), and the other three at a 'standard' level (150 teaching hours). However, you can also opt to take four subjects at the higher level and two at the standard level.

How you are assessed

Most of the assessment is done through exams, marked externally. However, in nearly all subjects, some of the assessment is carried out by your teachers, who mark individual pieces of coursework. – the IAs or Internal Assessments.

The Diploma normally takes two years to complete, with exams taking place in May and November.

Points

You are awarded points for each part of the programme, up to a maximum of 45:

• up to seven points for each of the six optional subjects you take

• up to three points from your performance in the core elements

To achieve a full diploma, you must score 24 points or more.

UCAS Tariff

Successfully completing the Diploma earns points on the 'UCAS Tariff' for getting into higher education.

An IB Diploma total of 24 points is worth 260 UCAS points - the same as a 'B' and two 'C' grades at A level.

The maximum of 45 points earns 720 UCAS points - equivalent to six A levels at grade 'A'.

Click this link for more information on the : The UCAS Tariff

Retakes

If you are not happy with your results, you can retake one or more Diploma subject. The higher mark from your two attempts will count towards your Diploma points score. But think carefully before you jump into retakes; they are not always the only, or the best, option. Make an appointment with an ITS counselor to help make decisions on what to do if your IB grades turn out lower than you expected or needed.

Where it can lead

Most students who take the IB Diploma Programme go on to higher education; the qualification is recognised by universities in more than 100 countries. However, you may be asked to gain a certain number of points at the 'higher' level in specific subjects if you want to study a particular course. ITS is a full UCAS Centre so you can ask us about all the options that are open to you using the IB Diploma to access higher education in the UK.

UCAS Tariff
Successfully completing the Diploma earns points on the 'UCAS Tariff' for getting into higher education.
An IB Diploma total of 24 points is worth 260 UCAS points - the same as a 'B' and two 'C' grades at A level.
The maximum of 45 points earns 720 UCAS points - equivalent to six A levels at grade 'A'.
Click this link for more information on the : The UCAS Tariff

You could also use the qualification as the route to a job, or to work-based training. Again, please make an appointment to ask our advice.

Source: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/DG_10039027

For more information please call or email: info@tuition.com.hk

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