A Prestigious and Highly Respected Qualification

The International Baccalaureate Diploma is a prestigious qualification and a highly respected alternative to A levels. The IB Diploma is recognised by all the universities in this country and throughout the world. If you are highly motivated and enjoy a wide range of subjects and believe that there is more to education than what happens in the classroom the IB will probably suit you.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the IB programme or making an application at Havant College, please go to our Further Information section at the bottom of this page.

What does the course consist of?

You choose six subjects to study which are similar to AS and A levels as well as the special feature of the IB - its 'inner core'.

Which academic subjects can I study?

You must study one subject from each of the following groups:

  • English (World Literature)
  • Mathematics
  • A modern foreign language (French, Beginners Spanish or Beginners Japanese)
  • A science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • A humanities subject (History, Geography, Economics or Psychology)
  • Visual Arts or, if you prefer, you can take a second foreign language, a second science or a second humanities subject

You will have to take three subjects at Higher Level (which is a bit like A level) and three subjects at Standard Level (which is a littler harder than AS level).

Subject teachers will go through the options in detail with you and help you to decide which subjects would suit you best and at which level. At this stage it is important to think about what you might want to do when you leave Havant College and go on to university or into a job.

What is the 'inner core'?

This consists of (i) a 4,000 word essay on a topic of their own choice, (ii) a Theory of Knowledge course which is similar to critical thinking and (iii) Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). For this you might take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, play a team sport, play in an orchestra or band, help with a charitable organisation or do anything else which involves you in some aspects of CAS.

Are there particular entry requirements?

If you have taken GCSE examinations you should have at least five grades A* – C (including English, Mathematics and Science). We would expect you to have grade B or higher in English and Science. There are three levels at which you can study Mathematics. If you are very good at Mathematics you might want to take the Higher Level Mathematics, if you are quite good the Standard Level course would suit you. If you have got a grade C at GCSE you will probably want to take the Standard Level course called Mathematical Studies. However, all students are interviewed and decisions will be made on an individual basis.

If you do not have a GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language then that is not a problem as you can study an ab initio language – in other words study a language (either Japanese or Spanish) for the first time.

The most important qualification is your enthusiasm.

Further Information

Applying and Enquiring Online
To make an online application for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, please click the button below where you will be guided through the application process. If you have any further questions there is also an online enquiry form available.

Alternative Methods of Applying and Enquiring
If you prefer, you can download a pdf version of our Application Form and post it to the address on the form.

For further information, please contact us on the details below:

Telephone: 023 9248 3856
Email: enquiries@havant.ac.uk