The International Baccalaureate

2008-07-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

Length of course: 2 years

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students should have achieved an average GCSE score of greater than 45
points.

COURSE CONTENT

BeauSandVer is the first group of schools in the St Albans area to offer the
International Baccalaureate. This prestigious qualification is welcomed by
universities both in the UK and overseas.

The course is constructed of the following elements:-
Three subjects studied at Higher Level (4 hours per week per subject)
Three subjects at Standard Level (2.5 hours per week per subject).
Theory of Knowledge (1.5 Hours a week)
Extended Essay
Creative, Action and Service (2 hours per week)

SUCCESS CRITERIA

To gain the diploma students must achieve 24 points or more out of a total of
45. Students can be awarded up to 7 points in each subject, a score of 4
points and above is a pass. The other elements of the course, TOK,
Extended Essay and CAS, are worth a total of 3 points. The hexagon shows
the different subjects available at BeauSandVer – those in italics will be new
for 2008 and will be offered subject to demand. Students choose one subject
form each group as well as completing the Core.

Theory of Knowledge
TOK develops critical thinking by examining the role of knowledge and our
approach to it through a wide variety of academic disciplines. As such the
course aims to forge links between the different subjects students are
studying as well as to develop independent learning and thinking skills. The
course is assessed through a coursework essay and a presentation.

Extended Essay
All students complete an extended essay of up to 4000 words on a topic of
their choice. Students normally choose a topic form within a subject they are
studying but need not do so. Students therefore have the chance to direct
their own learning and study whilst being supported by staff through tutorials.
As such the extended essay is excellent preparation for university study.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
Completion of the CAS programme is a compulsory part of the IB. Students
are expected to spend around 2 hours a week on enrichment activities which
should cover all three areas over the two years. These can take place in and
out of school. Typical school based activities would include Duke of
Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise, Community Sports Leaders Award,
mentoring younger students, sports teams, drama productions, orchestra. Any
community service or other activities which students do out of school, can
also count towards CAS. Students keep a log of their activities and will be
supported by a member of staff in school.

Consortium Organisation
The IB is taught across the three consortium schools. Each school teaches
English, TOK and runs their own CAS programme with the other subjects
divided as listed below. Please note that these are not yet finalised for next
year and students should not make choices on the basis of where a subject is
being taught.

Beaumont: French, Spanish (for pupils with GCSE), Biology, Geography,
Theatre Studies, Philosophy, History, Maths (Standard/Studies), Art, Italian

Sandringham: Spanish (beginners), Chemistry, History, Psychology, Maths
(Higher), Music

Verulam: English (Higher), German, Physics, Economics, Computing,
Chemistry, Design Technology

BeauSandVer IB

The International Baccalaureate