What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) aims to develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalising world.
The IB Diploma is a demanding programme which provides a pathway for individuals and their learning styles, which is in keeping with Stonyhurst’s Jesuit ethos of ‘cura personalis’ – development of the whole person.
We have been running the IB Diploma programme since 2013, and our results speak for themselves. Our IB Diploma pupils have consistently performed above the world average, and IB Diploma pupils now make up just under one-third of Higher Line.
Download our IBDP brochure here
Why study the IBDP at Stonyhurst?
A broad IB curriculum
Pupils who take the IB Diploma programme relish the fact that they can study a range of subjects rather than narrowing down their choices. The pathway encompasses six academic subjects, designed to produce highly-educated all-rounders. A Levels narrow subjects down to just three subjects, limiting choice and for some providing a challenge when faced with the decision of which university course to take at aged just 16.
The subject curriculum covers languages, science, humanities and the arts, ensuring students neither need to specialise at just 16 nor restrict their university options. It also provides the advanced depth that is necessary to pursue specific careers, such as medicine or architecture, in three subjects.
Pastoral and social integration with pupils throughout the school
Teachers at Stonyhurst are involved in delivering both the IB and A Level courses at the College. IB Diploma students now make up just under one third of Higher Line (Sixth Form). Small classes and exceptionally good teacher pupil relationships enable pupils to learn at their own pace, developing their talents to the full.
IB pupils have the opportunity to integrate fully with those taking A Levels, through the plethora of co-curricular activities, sports, boarding and Theology General.
I was very happy with my results and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to study the IB Diploma at Stonyhurst College – the experiences have shaped me for life. I chose the IB Diploma route because it would provide me with lots of options for the future.Louisa (OS18)
Where will the IBDP lead?
IB Diploma pupils at Stonyhurst have consistently performed above the world average and have gone on to study at a range of prestigious UK universities, including Russell Group, such as Durham, University College, London and Bristol, as well as many well-regarding institutions across Europe, the US and Canada. Subjects studied, reflecting the broad nature of an IB curriculum, have varied from Medicine, Law and Engineering, to Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Psychology and Creative and Film studies. IB pupils at Stonyhurst often leave with bilingual diplomas.
There is growing evidence, supported by the Higher Education Statistics Report 2011, that IB graduates outperform peers who sat A Levels, at university and in the world of work. The IB Diploma is also highly regarded by universities worldwide, and is of particular value to students who want to apply to US and European universities.
