International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate, recognised worldwide as a qualification for entry to higher education, has been offered by leading schools, and some further education colleges, for many years. Now the programme is available to a growing number of colleges in the further education sector.
This September an inaugural cohort of 20 students began their studies for the International Baccalaureate at Newcastle College. Over the next two years, as well as studying a wider range of subjects than would have been possible on an A-level course, the students will have opportunities to focus on non-academic areas and develop critical thinking, independent learning and other life skills.
As more colleges introduce the International Baccalaureate, Ofsted will be drawing on its experience of inspecting schools and colleges which run the programme
‘The International Baccalaureate is more holistic than A-level provision, helping the most gifted and talented students to realise their full potential,’ says Lakh Dharmi, Newcastle College spokesman. ‘Young people who gain this qualification are going to be more valuable as students in higher education and in terms of their employability.’
A significant factor in Ofsted’s ‘outstanding’ judgement was the presence of the International Baccalaureate
Warwickshire College introduced the International Baccalaureate in 2004, describing this as ‘an obvious and natural progression’ following excellent Ofsted inspection results. Truro College, the only college to offer the programme in Cornwall, describes its latest exam results as ‘exceptionally good’. David Walrond, Director of Curriculum and Quality, says, ‘The A level remains an excellent qualification in my view but the International Baccalaureate offers a richer and broader curriculum to those students who are natural all-rounders.’
As more colleges introduce the International Baccalaureate, we will be drawing on our experience of inspecting schools and colleges which run the programme (currently 126 schools in Britain, including 52 maintained schools). 
The Anglo European School, a mixed comprehensive in Ingatestone, near Chelmsford, Essex, was the first state school in Britain to offer the qualification in 1976. At its latest inspection, its sixth form was judged by Ofsted to be outstanding. ‘A significant factor in this judgement was the presence of the International Baccalaureate,’ comments co-headteacher David Barrs.
The Anglo European School logo (right)
In 2007/08, we made best practice visits to five schools offering the qualification. These visits focused on the business management and economics modules but made judgements about more general aspects of the course. ‘There’s no doubt that it is intellectually challenging,’ inspectors concluded. ‘The nature of the course, with its emphasis on the theory of knowledge and its continuing study of languages and literacy and numeracy skills, has a major impact on the personal development of students.
Senior leadership commitment to the International Baccalaureate is crucial for its success. Equally, students must be fully committed because workloads are heavier, simply because of the number of subjects studied.’
For further information about the International Baccalaureate, visit www.ibo.org
The Anglo European School’s Ofsted report
