In September 2009, Headington School, Oxford, introduced the International Baccalaureate (IB) to its Sixth Form programme.

Headington School’s IB co-ordinator, James Stephenson, said: “Our decision to offer the IB as an alternative to A-Levels stems from our desire for each girl to make the educational choices that are right for her.

“Students who choose the IB will develop international awareness and independent thinking alongside working skills, in a context that rewards their co-curricular, cultural, sporting and community involvement.

“For those who want to keep their options open and experience university-style independent learning, the IB offers a great mix of stimulation and challenge.

“Graduates of the IB are articulate in more than one language, ready to debate real-world issues and prepared for the challenges that they will meet at university and beyond.

“We are keen to offer each Headington student the opportunity to choose the post-16 education that will best prepare her to fulfil her own aspirations and ambitions.

“Over half-a-million students in 140 countries have studied the IB since its introduction in 1968, and the world’s leading universities recognise and admire the rigour of its curriculum. For hard-working independent learners eager to expand their horizons, it provides a complete educational programme that is both challenging and fulfilling.

“In addition to excellent academic qualifications, universities look for an individual who has a broad understanding of the wider world.

Those who ‘stand out’ are students who have the ability to learn and think independently; to inquire, explore and address complex problems, to communicate balanced ideas and to offer open-minded and reflective responses.

“Beyond this, universities look for an individual with a wealth of extra-curricular experience.

“IB students study six subjects, three of which are studied at Higher Level.

“Each student completes a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, an extended essay of 4,000 words and a minimum of 150 hours’ participation in the Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) course.

“The IB provides breadth and challenge for the most academically able students, and is a compelling option for students who do not wish to specialise in just three or four subjects.

“The IB offers a complete and balanced course, with an emphasis on developing both academic and extra-curricular skills.

“For Headington School’s IB students, success comes in many guises. Laura has decided to combine her academic study with creative writing, Swahili lessons, fundraising for the charity ZAP in Zanzibar and looking after children in the after-school club at St Andrew’s Primary School.

“Another student, Elisabeth, has performed with London acting company Star EFX, completed her silver Duke of Edinburgh and is currently training for a marathon.

“Headington Sixth Form students choose higher education courses ranging from classics to criminology, English to engineering, at some of the top universities in the world.

“IB students will leave Headington School with an internationally respected qualification that they can be proud of, but more importantly, they leave us with a well-developed sense of their own strengths and abilities; confident, adaptable and free-thinking, ready to play their part in a future full of possibilities.”

For more information on the International Baccalaureate, e-mail James Stephenson at jstephenson@headington.org Alternatively, join us for our next open event for the Senior School on March 24. E-mail: admissions@headington.org to book your place.