The IB @ Priestley - Introducing a world of opportunities

Priestley will be introducing the IB Programme from September 2010. Please read below for all the latest information. Alternatively you can listen to and see what students currently studying the programme think by clicking here or on the banner below.

What is the IB?
The IB is a two-year programme which:
• Is a genuine alternative to A Levels and BTEC Nationals
• Offers breadth and academic challenge
• Includes additional activities as part of the core programme
• Prepares you for university and employment
• Is recognised by all universities in the UK and most abroad
• Encourages independent learning and thinking for yourself
• Develops fully-rounded, caring and responsible young people

The IB is an internationally recognised qualification which was first developed in 1968 and by May 2008 there were 86,000 students worldwide taking IB qualifications.

It is one of the fastest growing qualifications in the UK. In 2009 there were 179 schools offering the IB compared to 129 in 2008. Priestley became a candidate for IB World School status in April 2009.

Schools and colleges currently offering the IB include: Manchester Grammar School, Colchester Sixth Form College, St Mary’s Sixth Form College Blackburn, King George V College Southport and Calday Grange Grammar School on the Wirral.

Priestley will be one of the first Colleges offering the IB in Warrington, Cheshire, Halton and St Helens offering even more choice to local young people.

How does the IB work
All students study a balanced programme consisting of six subjects together with a Compulsory Core.

You will take 3 Higher and 3 Standard/Ab Initio subjects. The level of the Higher and Standard subjects is comparable to A Level. The main difference between a Higher and Standard IB subject is the amount of work you cover. Typically you will study a Higher subject for 4 hours per week and a standard subject for 3 hours per week. An Ab Initio language is a beginners’ course that will get you to slightly above GCSE standard over the two years.

Course Groupings
The offer currently being planned for Priestley is:

Group 1 - English Higher and Standard.

Group 2 - French Higher and Standard, Spanish Standard and Ab Initio, Japanese Ab Initio, Mandarin Ab Initio.

Group 3 - History Higher and Standard, Psychology Higher and Standard, Information Technology in a Global Society Higher and Standard, Environmental Systems Standard, Economics Standard and Higher.

Group 4 - Biology Higher and Standard, Chemistry Higher and Standard, Environmental Systems Standard, Physics Standard.

Group 5 - Mathematics Higher and Standard, Maths Studies Standard.

Group 6 - Film Higher and Standard, Visual Arts Higher and Standard, Theatre and Performance Standard and Higher

You are also be able to elect to take a second subject from groups 2, 3 and 4 if you wish to in this group. Note: Our final subject offer will depend on the subjects people apply to take next year.

What is the Core?
The Core of the IB hexagon represents the heart of the IB programme. It comprises Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). The Core really distinguishes the International Baccalaureate from other educational programmes.

Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge is central to the educational philosophy of the Diploma Programme. At Priestley you will have two TOK lessons per week.

During the TOK programme you will be helped and supported to consider different ways of knowing and different areas of knowledge. TOK will prompt you to see yourself as a thinker and to recognise the need to act responsibly in an increasingly complex world. TOK links the academic subjects of the IB hexagon, thereby helping you to see ways in which you can apply and connect your knowledge.

The Extended Essay
The Extended Essay is an independent, piece of research, brought together in a 4,000 word essay. It provides excellent practical preparation for university. It is an opportunity for you to engage in an in-depth study of a topic of interest within a chosen subject. You will be supported throughout the process with advice and guidance from a supervisor.

Creativity, Action Service
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) is a fundamental part of the IB programme, it values the importance of life outside the class room. The CAS programme at Priestley is flexible and includes a wide range of activities, some of which will be artistic and others sporty and involve action and expeditions: It all depends on what kind of person you are. The common element is that your participation in CAS will involve some kind of service to a community, for example coaching a football team, helping at brownies, volunteering in an old people’s home or organising a charity event.

What is the IB worth?
• All of the World's leading universities recognise the IB
• Points are awarded for each subject from 0 to 7
• You also get 3 points for the Core
• The very best candidate scores are equivalent to 5 Grade A* at A Level

Those who gain 24 points on their IB will have obtained the equivalent of two Bs and one C grade at A Level. The most common score obtained by IB candidates is 30 points and this is equivalent to three A grades at A Level.

The maximum IB score is 45 points and this is the equivalent of six grade As at A Level or 768 UCAS points.

Should you take the IB?
If you want to keep your options open, are interested in becoming more internationally minded and would like to create a better world, the IB may be right for you and just what you are looking for.

The IB is for a special type of learner, you do not need to be a high flyer
but you do need to be a hardworking all rounder who is:

• An inquirer
• Knowledgeable
• A thinker
• A good communicator, in both written and oral work
• Principled with integrity, honesty and a strong sense of fairness
• Open-minded
• Caring
• A risk taker, prepared to take on new challenges
• Balanced
• Reflective, prepared to give thoughtful consideration to your own learning and experiences

What Qualifications do I need to take the IB?
5 GCSEs at Grade A* to C with an overall average GCSE pass of Grade C.

You will need to have at least a Grade C in English Language and Literature and Mathematics. To take Mathematics at Higher Level we recommend that you have at least a Grade A at GCSE To take a language at Higher or Standard Level you will also need at least a Grade C at GCSE in the language of your choice.

Places on the IB are limited, so make sure you apply in plenty of time. Interviews for the IB will be held in January and February 2010.

If you are unsure about the IB, we recommend that you apply for it, in the first instance, as you would be able to change to an AS/A Level or BTEC programme at a later date if you wished.

Outline of subjects

Group 1 Language A1

English Standard and Higher
This is a literature course, offering exciting opportunities for students who enjoy reading and discussion. You will be introduced to a wide range of literary texts from across the world. Through the study of these texts from different periods, genres, styles and contexts you will be able to enhance your personal appreciation of literature as well as be encouraged to see the links between different works from diverse ages and cultures. Some of these works will be in translation. You will develop skills to critically comment on the style, structure and technique employed by authors. You will have the chance to give an oral presentation on a topic of your choice based on text(s) studied, as well as develop your writing skills in internal and external assessments.

Group 2 Language B

French Standard and Higher
You will enhance your skills in speaking, reading, listening and writing in French as well as your grammatical competence as you learn about the French speaking world. Through reading and writing different types of texts, such as news articles, literature, songs, interviews and letters, you will develop an understanding of global issues such as matters associated with young people, political institutions; employment and immigration; energy and the environment; war and terrorism, all with particular regard to Francophone countries.

Spanish Standard
You will develop your skills in speaking, reading, listening and writing in Spanish, as well as your grammatical competence, as you learn about the Spanish speaking world. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of issues which affect Spain and South America for example traditions; young people; employment and immigration; energy and the environment; war and terrorism. You will learn about Hispanic culture and language through the reading and writing of a range of different text types, for example poems, letters, interview transcripts, extracts from novels, songs etc.

Spanish Ab Initio
This is a beginners’ course. You will develop the primary language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as developing your understanding and ability to use Spanish grammar patterns. The main focus of the course will be to enable students to learn Spanish required for every day situations in Spain and Spanish speaking countries. You will have the chance to develop your skills in class activities whilst at the same time developing an awareness and appreciation of Hispanic cultures.

Japanese Ab Initio
This is a beginner's course. You will develop the primary language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as developing your understanding and ability to use Japanese grammar patterns. The main focus of the course will be to enable students to learn Japanese for every day situations. You will have the chance to develop your skills
in class activities whilst also developing an awareness and appreciation of Japanese society and culture.

Mandarin Ab initio
This is a beginner's course. You will develop the primary language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as developing your understanding and ability to use Mandarin grammar patterns. The main focus of the course will be to enable students to learn Mandarin for every day situations. You will have the chance to develop your skills
in class activities whilst also developing an awareness and appreciation of Chinese society and culture.

Group 3 Individual and Society

History Standard and Higher
This course is intended to help students understand key factors which have shaped world history. At Standard and Higher Level you will study a range of different events in 20th century history and develop a critical understanding of how these international events of the past have impacted on the world you live in today. You will study international relations from 1928 – 1936, examine the effects of war and look in particular at the Cold War. You will also study the Great Depression in America. You will carry out an historical investigation on a topic of your choice. At Higher Level you will look at Aspects of the History of the Americas.

Psychology Standard and Higher
This course gives you a chance to find out what psychology is all about. Psychology is described as the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes, and tries to explain behaviour from a diverse range of theoretical perspectives. You will study biological perspectives which include the nervous and endocrine systems and genetic explanations of behaviour, emotion, body rhythms, and imprinting. You will also study different theories of learning and examine conditioning and modelling. You will be able to carry out your own experimental investigation.

Information Technology in a Global Society Standard and Higher
This course offers you the chance to consider and evaluate the impact of IT on the global community. You will examine the advantages and disadvantages of the use of digitised information both at local and global levels. You will study issues such as acquiring and processing, storing and manipulating digital information, as well as the social impact of the digital age on many aspects of society, for example, on a political, economic, and psychological level. You will also investigate the ethical considerations and responsibilities of those involved in the use of IT.

Environmental Systems Standard (group 3 and 4)
Environmental Systems will be of interest to learners who would like to focus on science and the environment but who may not anticipate a future career based in science. The prime intent of the course is to provide students with a coherent perspective on the environment which is essentially scientific. This means that you will develop skills to describe and analyse data, to look for patterns and to draw conclusions. In this way you will develop a scientific understanding of environmental issues, rather than a more journalistic approach, and you will thereby be able to take an informed and responsible stance on a wide range of pressing environmental global issues.

You will study the Earth’s global cycles from the atmosphere to its soil. There is a strong focus on how ecosystems work and how they can be measured. You will also study the concepts of carrying capacity in human populations and also the management of pollution. You will have the opportunity to carry out a collaborative scientific project, in which you will apply the concepts of environmental science studies with peers from biology and chemistry. The emphasis is on sharing ideas and working successfully as a whole team. You will read news articles, carry out research using books, journals and the internet and work individually and in groups.

Economics

Group 4 Experimental Sciences

Biology Standard and Higher
The IB Biology course combines the study of basic biological topics with a consideration of recent developments in a global context. You will learn biological facts and at the same time develop a broad understanding of the principles of biology. You will learn to apply, analyse and evaluate scientific information and be aware of the importance of effective collaboration and communication during scientific activities. You will develop investigative scientific skills and at the same time become aware of the ethical issues and international dimensions of studying science today. Your studies will include statistical analysis, and the study of cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, ecology and evolution, and human health and physiology. You will have the opportunity to carry out a collaborative scientific project, in which you will apply the concepts of biology with peers from chemistry and environmental systems. You will carry out investigations and report back to the whole group. The emphasis is on sharing ideas and working
successfully as a whole team.

Chemistry Standard and Higher
Chemistry is an experimental science which combines academic study with practical skills of investigation. The IB course involves understanding complex concepts and is analytical. Around one third of the topics involve calculations, so you should be confident in mathematical techniques, for example manipulating equations and logarithms. Your studies will include quantitative chemistry, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, organic chemistry, modern analytical chemistry and organic chemistry. You will have the opportunity to carry out a collaborative scientific project, in which you will apply the concepts of chemistry with students from biology and environmental systems. You will carry out investigations and report back to the whole group. The emphasis is on sharing ideas and working successfully as a whole team.

Physics

Group 5 Mathematics

Maths Studies Standard
This course is designed for students from a variety of maths backgrounds and with a range of maths abilities. It aims to build your confidence and appreciation of mathematics. It is ideal if you do not anticipate a need for maths in your future studies. You will need to have fundamental skills and an elementary knowledge of basic
mathematical processes. The course covers pure maths, and some statistics and probability and will involve using a graphic display calculator. You will study number and algebra, sets, logic and probability, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics, introductory differential calculus as well as financial mathematics. You will also
complete a maths project.

Standard and Higher
Standard Level mathematics caters for students who anticipate a need for a sound mathematical background in preparation for future studies. You may be thinking of going on to study a degree with a significant mathematical content. It is suited to students with a sound grasp of GCSE mathematics. You will study algebra, functions and equations, circular functions and trigonometry, vectors, matrices, statistics and probability, and calculus. There is no decision maths or mechanics. At Higher Level you will study maths at a deeper level and at a faster pace than Standard Level, it is for students who have an excellent grasp of maths. It will suit you if you plan to study a degree in which mathematics is a major component or if you enjoy the higher level
challenges which mathematics presents.

Group 6 Arts and Electives

Film Standard and Higher
Film is a powerful medium of communication as well as an art form. If you choose to study film you will, of course, come to the course with your own personal experience of watching films, which can be very helpful in the classroom. Film Studies will help you develop your skills of analysis and interpretation and make film texts. You will study film
sequences and consider and analyse key elements e.g. genre and narrative. You will also study film history and theories including film making traditions from around the world. You will have the chance to put theory into practice and produce a short film or sequence for a longer feature film. There are no exams in Film Studies. You will produce a portfolio and an independent study based around the production of a short documentary or aspect of film theory or history.

Visual Arts Standard and Higher
Through the study of visual art, you will develop your ability to respond in a personal and creative way and your practical skills. You will be introduced to many different traditional and contemporary techniques in Fine Art. You will use a range of media and materials including drawing, printmaking, painting, collage and digital media. This will enable you to develop an enquiring and imaginative approach. You will develop an understanding of the work of artists, both historical and contemporary, which will encourage you to make important contextual links with your own work. As the course progresses you will have the opportunity to explore and develop your own interests in
greater depth. The course is predominantly practical with supporting written work which will develop both analytical and evaluative skills.

In this group, students will also be able to elect to take a second subject from groups 2, 3 and 4, if they wish.

Theatre and Performance