Buckswood School, celebrating another 100 per cent pass rate

More IB success for UK independents

We round up more great results for this year's International Baccalaureate Diploma

Posted by Stephanie Broad | July 17, 2015 | International

• #international-baccalaureate
• #ib-diploma
• #independent-schools
• #bedford-girls-school
• #plymouth-college
• #buckswood-school
• #manchester-high-school-for-girls

More than 141,831 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) students around the world received their results recently. They join a community of more than 1,300,000 IB graduates in 140 countries across the world. The number of students receiving their diplomas in the UK this year is 4,997, which marks an 11% increase in five years. 

The May 2015 session showcases an average global DP score of 29.88 points (out of a 45 possible maximum), with 160 students achieving a perfect score.   

Dr Siva Kumari, IB Director General, said: “I want to congratulate all of the Diploma Programme graduates, and wish them the very best as they proceed to their next phase of learning. 

“An independent study recently confirmed that the IB increases students’ academic achievement, as well as the probability of high school graduation and the probability of college enrolment, so we know that our students are well-prepared to succeed in post-secondary settings. And, perhaps more importantly, they’re prepared to make important and inspiring contributions to help make the world a better place. Along with our schools, we at the IB are proud of this calibre of future citizens.” 

Bedford Girls' School has achieved an average score of 37.5 points, exceeding the international average.

Over 70% of the Higher Level subjects were awarded a grade six or seven, which is the equivalent of an A or A* at A level.  

Six students recorded over 40 points, out of a possible 45, and three students achieved an impressive 43 points, placing them in the top one percent of IB students worldwide. 

Three students – Rebecca Swaney, Juliet Allen and Esther Platt (pictured below left to right) have achieved the required points to take up Oxbridge places, whilst their peers are accepting places at leading universities.   

Headmistress Jo MacKenzie said: "I am thrilled with the results and extremely proud of our students.  

“As our IB results continue to go from strength to strength, Bedford Girls’ School is embedding its reputation as a leading school for the IB Diploma in the UK. Our IB students leave us exceptionally well prepared to seize the opportunities of the wider world. We wish them well and look forward to watching them succeed.” 

Bedford Girls' School IB students

Plymouth College is celebrating achieving its highest-ever results for the Diploma.  With a 100% pass rate, the average point score of 34.125 equates to 482 UCAS points, which is the equivalent of more than four As at A level. 

Their top scorer is Kevin Vandabona (pictured below), who has achieved an impressive 43 points.  This score places Kevin in the top 1.9% of the global IB cohort.  His mark equates to 676 UCAS points, which is the equivalent to just under 5 A*s at A level.  Kevin will be studying Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College University of London. 

Plymouth College student Kevin

Earlier this year, Plymouth College was awarded World Academy of Sport status and from September will be one of only two schools in the UK to be part of a pilot to offer high performance athletes the flexibility to study the IB over up to four years instead of two. 

Plymouth College has been an IB World School since 2008 and is currently the only school in East Cornwall and West Devon to offer the qualification, which runs alongside an extensive range of traditional A levels. 

 “I am delighted to see such an outstanding set of results, which are testament to both the commitment of the students and the dedication of the teachers,” said Plymouth College Headmaster, Jonathan Standen.  “We not only have a strong position for IB within the UK but we also continue to exceed the global points average. 

“During a time of major change to the A Level system, IB has proven to be a safe haven of consistency and we have more students than ever before starting the course in September.”

In Sussex, Buckswood School is celebrating a 100% pass-rate for IB Diploma for the third year in a row. Under the IB system, students study six academic areas, a theory of knowledge and have to undertake a creative action service element which includes voluntary, charitable works.

The school has also seen the Duke of Edinburgh program (which is used in the IB course) becoming more popular extending to younger students who have started the Bronze award in the Junior School. 

Programme Co-ordinator, Mike Lawless, said: “Buckswood is all about thinking outside the box and getting some real world experience. The Duke of Edinburgh awards fits in perfectly with the school’s ethos and the pupils have really stepped up to the plate learning to live outdoors independently and face any challenge that presents itself”. 

Commenting on the school’s success, Headteacher Mark Redsell said: “I am delighted with yet another year of 100% success for our students, and commend the staff who have supported this year’s cohort to achieve another set of great results. These students have got their results a few weeks ahead of their friends taking A levels, so can now relax for the summer knowing that their university placements are secure.”

Manchester High School for Girls is also celebrating another year of exceptional IB results for their sixth form students. The 2015 cohort has achieved an average points score of 38.

A third of students that opted to take the IB Diploma at Manchester High have ranked within the top three percent of IB results worldwide. This is no mean feat considering there are 5,300 IB programmes running across the globe, undertaken by over 140,000 students.

Phoebe Price and Gianina Dwek (pictured below) are two students that have placed within this top three percent, both scoring 42 points from a possible 45. Phoebe will read English Literature at Durham University, with Gianina headed for Bristol University to study Theatre and Spanish.  

Phoebe Price commented: “I am absolutely elated that all my hard work has paid off. The teachers here have been so supportive and I’m thrilled to have secured my place at Durham. I can’t believe I am going to one of the top 100 universities in the world.”

She added: “The IB encourages a very analytical mind set which is great for problem solving and evaluating situations. I feel like studying the IB has really transformed me into an independent young woman ready for whatever life brings.” 

Gianina said: “The IB has been an extremely challenging yet rewarding experience, and I am absolutely thrilled with my results. I chose to study the IB because of the broad variety of subjects and the global perspective that one can develop over the two years.” 

Gianina continued: “The IB has provided me with a greater appreciation for the wider community and the environment, and I have learned that with great determination, I can make a positive impact on the world around me. I was so fortunate that Manchester High offered this course to me, as I have loved every subject and risen to every challenge.”  

Manchester High School for Girls students

Claire Hewitt, Head Mistress at Manchester High School for Girls, said: “I want to congratulate our girls and their teachers on this outstanding set of results. The IB represents the ‘gold standard’ in preparing our students for both higher education and future careers in an increasingly globalised marketplace. The critical thinking skills and breadth of experience it provides really does give our girls a competitive edge.” 

Manchester High School is the only girls’ school in the North West to provide the IB programme of study. 

How did your school do in the IB Diploma? Let us know in the comments below!