Questions and Answers on the I.B @ Priestley

Send your questions to c.mtitimila@priesltey.ac.uk about the I.B and we will add the responses to this section of our website.

• We would like information on which universities do not recognise the IB
The number of UK IB students has increased significantly over the last few years. All UK universities accept the IB Diploma to our knowledge. A full list of the UK Universities is available on the IB website at ibo.org. There has been some research undertaken by ACS on the UK universities perceptions of the IB. This link takes you to the report at acs-england.co.uk. The IB Diploma has been awarded very high UCAS points by its Expert Group however many Universities tend not to reflect this in their offers. Our intelligence from IB schools is that there is an increasing awareness of the IB from the HE sector and that they are often very generous to IB students who may have just missed their offer. It is also the case that the TOK programme, Extended Essay and CAS programme make IB students particularly attractive to universities. The best advice is for students to contact those universities they may wish to attend in the future and question them on their admission arrangements. It is also worth noting that IB students have their results at least six weeks before A Level students and therefore are able to contact Universities before the August clearing rush.

• I think students need more information on the choices they have to make. I am not clear how the college plans to ensure they are able to make an informed decision.
As parents are aware, we are very keen that students make an informed choice. We will be holding an IB Information Evening on Monday 18th January 2010 at 6pm to help prospective students and their parents understand the IB and the choices available. The Priestley IB booklet also explains choices and more IB information is available on the college website and can be accessed by clicking here. You can also contact the college admissions staff or Carol Mtitimila, the IB Coordinator, to discuss further.

• My son / daughter is good at PE and wanted to take it at A Level. Can she do PE on the IB?
Currently Physical Education / Sports Science is not included in the IB Diploma programme.

• Is Law included in the IB and is it needed to take Law at University?
Law is not included in the IB Diploma programme. It is not necessary to take A Level Law to read Law at University.

• We have concerns about the language part of the course. My son / daughter is not a confident linguist and wants some advice about continuing with his current language or starting a new one?
The IB Programme offers greater breadth than A Level and it is recognised that students will perform better in some areas than others; which is why they take three subjects at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. However, it is the case that some students have had enough of a particular language by the time they finish the GCSE course. The perfect option for these students is to take an ab initio language. The ab initio standard is roughly equivalent to GCSE and there is no listening component required.

• What results in a certain subject are needed to do that subject at IB?
The Entry Requirements for the IB at Priestley College are the same as for the A level programmes. That is 5 x A*-C grades. All students need to have at least a C grade in English Literature, English Language, Maths and Science to do the IB. It is advisable they have at least a B grade in a subject they wish to study at Higher Level.

• Will the students be given guidance on their suitability to study the IB?
All students who apply for IB will have an interview at registration with Carol Mtitimila or a member of the IB teaching team to discuss their decision and subject choices. This meeting will provide an opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance. It is of the highest importance to Priestley that we offer high quality advice to the students so they take the course that will release their potential and offer them the best opportunity to compete in the increasingly competitive Higher Education application process.

• Is the IB Diploma suited to the most able?
The IB Diploma course provides a broad, balanced, international and socially engaged education. It is academically rigorous and demanding, it suits all students who are organised and enthusiastic about learning. We believe that many applicants for Priestley have the ability to take the IB Diploma course. Students and parents should feel free to contact Carol Mtitimila to discuss.

• Is it true that students can only take one Science if they choose the IB?
This is absolutely not true. IB students may take two Science subjects if they wish. In addition all IB students take Mathematics.

• Will there be a limit on the number of pupils taking IB?
Places on the IB programme at Priestley are limited to 30.

• Will the 2010 cohort be disadvantaged by being the first group to take the IB Diploma?
We do not believe they will be disadvantaged. Obtaining authorization to offer the IB Diploma is a rigorous process involving a great deal of preparation over the last two years. As part of the process, all teachers must prepare detailed programmes of study which are reviewed by the IB. In addition all staff teaching the IB courses must be trained and fully conversant with their subject areas. The college has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and our excellent results support this view. As our first ever IB cohort this group of students can expect our full support.