 | St Brendan's Launches the International Baccalaureate |
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St Brendan's Sixth Form College is proud to announce that we will be offering students the opportunity to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma from September 2010. The International Baccalaureate Organisation visited the College in February as the final part of the authorisation process, and was very happy with both the College's approach, and its facilities. The inspectors were particularly impressed by the overall atmosphere of the College and the professionalism and enthusiasm of the staff that they interviewed. The report said: "The College has thoughtful and dedicated members of teaching staff who are clearly engaged with the IB. The College has a caring and welcoming atmosphere and excellent facilities, which facilitate and encourage student-centred learning." St Brendan's was nominated by the local authority as the preferred provider of the IB for the area, and we are delighted to be able to introduce this exciting and challenging qualification to the students throughout Bristol and Bath. St Brendan's will be offering the IB on two sites, at the main College in Brislington and at St Bede's Catholic College. The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The course is a two-year programme, during which time students will follow a broad range of subjects, while at the same time specialising in subjects that are of greatest interest to them. Candidates study six subjects, three at a higher level and three at a standard level. Alongside the six subject choices, there is also a core element to the Diploma that all students study. Students take Theory of Knowledge which aims to develop their critical thinking skills, and also produce an Extended Essay which fosters independent learning styles and knowledge of academic research. They also need to acquire 150 hours of Creative, Action and Service that allows them to develop into well-rounded and compassionate citizens. Through these three core elements and students' subject choices the International Baccalaureate's goal is to educate the whole person and is a mode of study designed for highly motivated 16-19 year olds. As an alternative to A Levels, the Diploma is an international qualification widely recognised by all universities in the UK as well as by Higher Education centres in more than 50 countries worldwide. The demands of the course mean that students are extremely well prepared for university study because they have been able to deepen their understanding of what knowledge is, how to acquire it and how to relate it to the world around them. IB students are also seen as excellent potential employees by companies who are looking for young people with knowledge of a second language, the ability to communicate well with others and those who have other interests outside their academic studies. Amanda Salaou, Curriculum Manager for the International Baccalaureate and Languages, is excited about the prospect of the qualification. She says: "It is a great privilege to see St Brendan's become part of an international network of schools and colleges offering the IB Diploma. The Diploma Programme offers students a complete package which allows them to grow as a person as well as academically. The exciting introduction of the IB Diploma in September 2010 will further enrich the wide range of courses and subjects that St Brendan's already offers. All students regardless of background, nationality or status will have exceptional educational opportunities that match their individual needs and ambitions." If you require any more information on the IB then the College will be holding an official celebration launch on Wednesday 31st March from 5.30pm - 7.00pm. To register your interest in the IB, please email: Internationalbaccalaureate@stbrn.ac.uk You can also download an application for the IB using the following link: |