International Baccalaureate

What is the International Baccalaureate Programme?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an internationally recognised qualification for pupils aged 16-18 as an alternative to other qualifications, such as A levels.

The programme is designed to inspire a quest for learning throughout life, with the aim of developing the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalising world.

It provides a broad pathway for individuals and their learning styles, which is in keeping with the Stonyhurst Jesuit ethos of ‘Cura Personalis’ (development of the whole person), and challenging pupils to excel in their studies and personal growth.

Stonyhurst has been running the IB Diploma since 2013, and our IB pupils now make up one third of Higher Line (Sixth Form). Our 2023 results place us as the top-performing IB Sixth Form in the north of England.

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)

Why study the IBDP at Stonyhurst?

Renowned for its commitment to nurturing well-rounded, globally aware individuals, the IBDP has a curriculum that opens up the world to our pupils and prepares young people for life beyond Stonyhurst, be that higher education, the workplace, or an apprenticeship. IB programmes are unique qualifications for the 21st century, empowering pupils with the skills and knowledge that they can apply for further education or jobs anywhere in the world.

Broad 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. Unlike the 3-subject minimum for A levels, which limits choice and provides a challenge for some when faced with the decision of further study options aged just 16, the IB pathway encompasses six academic subjects, designed to produce highly-educated all-rounders.

The subject curriculum covers languages, science, humanities and the arts, ensuring students neither need to specialise at just 16, nor restrict their university or other further study options. It also provides the advanced depth that is necessary to pursue specific careers, such as medicine or architecture, in three subjects.

Synergy with Jesuit Virtues

There is a strong synergy between the International Baccalaureate and the virtues upheld by the Jesuit education tradition. We are proud to be the only Jesuit IB school in the UK and we continue to uphold those values through the Jesuit pupil profile, which outlines how our pupils learn, live and grow at Stonyhurst, guiding not only what they learn but also who they become as individuals.

The Jesuit Pupil Profile values and the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile are two educational philosophies that harmoniously align in their commitment to fostering intellectually competent, socially responsible, globally aware individuals and the pursuit of knowledge for the greater good. Both philosophies recognise the importance of education as a means to empower students to create positive change in the world, and by embracing these values, students can truly become "Men and Women for Others" in the spirit of Jesuit education, while also embodying the IB Learner Profile attributes.

Academic Excellence

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is challenging due to its rigorous academic demands, emphasis on critical thinking, and comprehensive assessments. The programme mandates a wide array of subjects, fostering a deep understanding across multiple disciplines. Higher-level (HL) courses delve into complex content, pushing pupils to reach an advanced level of knowledge. The Extended Essay (EE) requires independent research and substantial academic writing. Additionally, the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course challenges students to question and analyse the foundations of knowledge. The balance between Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements and academic workload necessitates effective time management and multitasking. Internal and external assessments, including exams and presentations, demand a high level of comprehension, analysis, and effective communication. Altogether, these aspects make the IB a challenging yet immensely rewarding educational experience, preparing pupils for academic excellence and global citizenship.

Rural, Countryside Setting

Set in a safe, 1,000-acre estate in the north west of England, Stonyhurst overlooks Pendle Hill and the beautiful Ribble Valley countryside. Many varieties of wildlife inhabit the ponds and woodland that surrounds the campus, including herons, otters and several species of deer, to name just a few.

This idyllic setting provides an ideal environment for pupils to immerse themselves in their studies, free from any potential distractions, and truly connect with their academic pursuits. It's not just a school; it's an inspiring place for focused learning that has inspired countless artists, writers, and thinkers throughout its history.

History & Heritage

Stonyhurst has a fascinating heritage, being the oldest continuously active Jesuit school in the world. It was founded in St Omer in 1593 and moved to its present site in Lancashire in 1794, where it remains set in a magnificent Grade I listed building, with its very own museum - the oldest museum in the English-speaking world, and historic libraries containing 37,000 artefacts and 65,000 books.

Our museum is a valuable resource to ignite the minds of young people and bring the curriculum to life. There aren't many schools where pupils can handle dinosaur fossils, as well as a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio, and also take a closer look at fascinating artefacts like the Holy Thorn that was believed to be part of the actual Crown placed on Christ’s head, and Henry VII's Cloth of Gold Cope.

We are privileged to have been able to embed our Theory of Knowledge course within this rich resource. All students attend regular tutorial-style classes within the historic libraries to discuss how these artefacts can allow us to explore important knowledge questions such as the links between knowledge and culture, and the importance of the context in discerning truth. The students produce their own exhibition of objects which they have chosen to explore such knowledge issues, and this is one of the most memorable parts of their IB journey at Stonyhurst.

Pupils looking at Shakespeare's First Folio in Stonyhurst's Museum

Preparation for the Future

The rigorous academic nature of the IB programme prepares pupils well for higher education, setting a strong foundation for further academic pursuits and, subsequently, professional success. Evidence suggests that the skills developed in the Diploma, which at Stonyhurst is modelled on university-style learning, see pupils thrive in Higher Education, having already had experience of project-style assessments, managing multiple deadlines, engaging in critical thinking, and conducting their own academic research and referencing through the compulsory Extended Essay component. These skills are valuable in the workforce, where individuals are often required to stay abreast of industry trends, conduct research, and take initiative in their roles.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a competitive edge in the professional world by cultivating a global mindset, critical thinking, and effective communication. Its emphasis on international perspectives and cultural understanding positions graduates to navigate diverse workplaces seamlessly. The rigorous curriculum hones problem-solving skills, encouraging individuals to approach challenges with resilience. These qualities are crucial in the dynamic and rapidly changing workplace, where individuals need to navigate uncertainties and bounce back from challenges.

Multilingual proficiency, a common outcome of the IB programme, is an asset in today's globalised job market, especially for roles that involve international communication, negotiations, and collaboration.

Overall, the IB program not only prepares individuals for higher education but equips them with a comprehensive skill set — including critical thinking, multilingualism, and a global perspective — that enhances their competitiveness and effectiveness in the contemporary professional landscape.

Pastoral & Social Integration

Teachers at Stonyhurst are involved in delivering both the IB and A Level courses at the College, with pupils studying the IB Diploma now making 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 do still have the opportunity to integrate fully with those taking A Levels through the plethora of co-curricular activities, sports, boarding and Theology General.

IB School Ranking

Meet us at international event to find out more

We know it's not always possible or practical for families living outside of the UK to attend one of our open days, so, alongside our virtual events, a number of our senior members of staff will be travelling the world to attend events throughout the 2024/25 academic year to allow you exclusive opportunities to speak with us in person and find out everything you may be wondering about life, learning and boarding at Stonyhurst.

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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 also often leave with bilingual diplomas.

Evidence suggests that the skills developed in the Diploma, which at Stonyhurst is modelled on university-style learning, see students thrive in Higher Education, having already had experience of project-style assessments, managing multiple deadlines, engaging in critical thinking, and conducting their own academic research and referencing through the compulsory Extended Essay component. As a result, the IB Diploma is highly regarded by universities worldwide as excellent preparation for HE study, and is of particular value to students who want to apply to US and European universities.

“The International Baccalaureate forces students to push their learning through a much broader context. That’s probably the thing we most like about the IB programme – it’s not just learning maths or science, it’s understanding maths or science in the context of societal issues and values. Students explore the ethical and social implications, and historical context. It requires deeper understanding of the material, and high levels of discussion and argument in the classroom, learning from peers and working in teams – all these things ideally will set them up for the workplace in the future.”

Ramiro Prudencio, Mckinsey & Company, The Future Skills Report, IBSCA

What our past pupils have to say about studying the IB at Stonyhurst

Hear more from our OS IB pupils on YouTube.

Where do you want to go next?

International Baccalaureate

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