International baccalaureate 'offers breadth and independence'

February 24 2011

The international baccalaureate diploma (IBD) offers a broad approach to study, giving students the opportunity to take six subjects, rather than three or four as with traditional A-levels. However, it is not the right option for everyone.

This is the opinion of headmaster Martin Priestly, who said that his own school gives sixth form pupils a choice between the two qualifications.

Writing for the Independent, he explained: "Many young people are not ready, at the age of 16, to specialise. The IBD, with its requirement of maths, a science, a humanities subject, a foreign language, one's own native language and one other elective subject, provides a highly respected but broad liberal arts education."

However, Mr Priestly pointed out that for some careers, it pays to specialise early.

Pupils hoping to study veterinary science are advised to go down the A-level route, he added.

The government recently introduced an English baccalaureate qualification for GCSE students, which requires them to gain an A* to C-grade in maths, English, science, a foreign language and a humanities subject.

Posted by Andrew Jones

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