AC A D E M I C
traditional boundaries between academic disciplines,
think critically across the curriculum and to appreciate
and analyse multiple perspectives. Additional
in-depth scholarship comes with the Extended Essay,
an independent, 4000-word project on a subject
chosen by the student, with a tutorial-style model of
supervision. It fosters independent learning and is a
superb preparation for undergraduate essays.
This strength of breadth and depth is one of the
reasons why IB students are very effectively prepared
for the future workplace.
2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the International
Baccalaureate Diploma at Sevenoaks School.
After its introduction to Sevenoaks by Headmaster
Alan Tammadge in 1978, the IB steadily became the
qualification of choice by students and parents, and
replaced A-levels completely nearly 20 years ago.
This year also marks the 50-year anniversary of the
conception of the IB. Designed to promote a global
perspective, understanding and communication, the
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme’s
(IBDP’s) values and identity have remained consistent,
and now, more than ever, Sevenoaks believes it is the
best education for the modern world. The programme
encourages students to value conflict resolution,
to respect cultural heritage and the environment
and to develop an attitude of responsibility to the
wider community.
Worldwide, the IB Diploma is now taken by nearly
142,000 students in over 2400 schools. Students
take six subjects, including Mathematics, their native
language and one other, and at least one science and
one humanity. They take a theory of knowledge course
developing critical thinking and reasoning skills, and
they follow a creativity, action and service programme
in sport, the arts and voluntary work.
The breadth of the Diploma programme, with
its requirement of six subjects, encourages an
interdisciplinary style of learning. Students develop
expert knowledge in the topics that most interest
them, but are also encouraged to look beyond the
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Universities therefore really like the IB; by maintaining
its standards, free from state interference, the IB has
succeeded in achieving a consistency of assessment
unparalleled elsewhere. Its 45-point scale enables
universities to make more nuanced offers than are
possible under other schemes. IB students start their
undergraduate careers with numeracy, literacy and
language competency, a broad understanding of a
range of disciplines, and strong employability skills
such as teamwork and problem-solving. They are
experienced at managing a varied workload and can
question, reflect and think analytically.
Sevenoaks has been a flagship school for the IB for
many years. The IB provides access to top universities
and develops impressive students and well-rounded,
resourceful employees – but just as importantly, it
encourages inquiry, evaluation and delight in learning.
Students leave us with a modern and international
worldview and with a desire to shape and to improve
the world.
Tim Jones
Deputy Head Academic
“The IB is the best curriculum in
the world right now. It combines
academic rigour with real-world
skills in a global context.”
Lord Knight
former education minister
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2017-2018
R E V I E W