Our IB Diploma Programme (or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) is a two-year programme for students in the Sixth form. The programme provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education. Thousands of universities worldwide recognise the IB Diploma. Scarborough is an IB-school and teaches the IBDP to its Sixth Form students.
The IBDP is an academically challenging and broad examination that introduces interdisciplinary thinking to students. The examination consists of a minimum of six subjects. Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) complete the diploma course. Students who wish to study the IB Diploma must also study these core requirements.
The Extended Essay is an independently researched essay of up to 4,000 words. Students can pick a subject from a list of approved Extended Essay subjects. They can choose a topic within a subject they are studying or an interdisciplinary topic.
Theory of Knowledge introduces students to theories about knowledge and critical thinking. The TOK requires 100 hours of instruction, completion of an externally assessed essay of 1,600 words and an internally assessed presentation.
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) provides students with opportunities for personal growth. This course includes self-reflection as well as intellectual, physical and creative challenges through participation in social work. Students may also do community service, sporting or creative activities.
Students study six subjects from six different Groups. Each student must choose three higher level (HL) subjects and two standard level subjects (SL). The difference between higher level and standard level is the depth of study and the instructional time. The latter is approximately 240 for higher level subjects and 150 hours for standard level subjects.
Students choose their six subjects from six different groups. There are two language groups, consisting of students’ native language and foreign languages. One group consist of maths while the sciences make up another group. Humanities and the arts make up the last two groups.
Studies in Language and Literature tend to be a student’s native language. Worldwide, students can study well over 80 different native languages. Language acquisition is the study of a foreign language. Students can study a foreign language from scratch, called Ab Initio, or continue with a foreign language they know (Language B).
Maths is a separate group but it consists of two different types of courses. Students who are unsure about whether to study Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations can talk to our Head of Maths. The group Science consists of the major sciences such as Physics and Chemistry. However, please have a look at our option blocks to find out about lesser-known sciences.
Individuals Sciences are the humanities, which also include History, Business Studies and Geography. The arts subjects are Music, Theatre Studies and Visual Arts.
