INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA (IBD)?

Varndean College has been an IB World School since 2008. We chose the IB because we think it offers something exciting and different: a broad, academically rigorous education for the whole person. The IBD is taught world-wide and is internationally recognised and understood by universities and employers as excellent preparation for further study or employment. It is administered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, a body which is independent of any government and which has an international perspective. IB students work hard, but get an education which is neither driven by assessment requirements nor subject to any Government policy. The course encourages them to be open-minded, intellectually curious and keen to learn. They seem to have a lot of fun too!

Students wishing to study at university abroad should check country-specific requirements and the entry requirements of individual universities on the IBO website.

WHAT DOES THE IB PROGRAMME INVOLVE?

You choose one course from each of six subject areas, three or four at Higher Level and the rest at Standard Level. The content of Standard Level courses is smaller than that of Higher Level and they are usually a little less demanding academically.

THE MISSION OF THE IB DIPLOMA

To develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

2 IB LEARNER PROFILE

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help create a better and more peaceful world. As IB learners we strive to be:

INQUIRERS OPEN-MINDED We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal research. We know how to learn independently and with histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing learning throughout life. to grow from the experience. KNOWLEDGEABLE CARING We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with commitment to service, and we act to make a positive issues and ideas that have local and global significance. difference in the lives of others and in the world around us. THINKERS RISK-TAKERS We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and We approach uncertainty with forethought and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise determination; we work independently and cooperatively initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions. to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change. COMMUNICATORS We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more BALANCED than one language and in many ways. We collaborate We understand the importance of balancing different aspects effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other of our lives, intellectual, physical, and emotional to achieve individuals and groups. well-being for ourselves and others. We recognise our PRINCIPLED interdependence with other people and with the world in We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of which we live. fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and REFLECTIVE rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and actions and their consequences. experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

3 WHAT SUBJECTS ARE ON OFFER IN THE IB DIPLOMA AT VARNDEAN COLLEGE? STANDARD HIGHER GROUP SUBJECT LEVEL LEVEL 1. English Literature English Literature   2. Second Language French   German   Spanish   Spanish for beginners (‘ab initio’)  Mandarin  Mandarin for beginners (‘ab initio’)  3. Individuals and Societies History   Global Politics   Psychology   4. Experimental Sciences Biology   Physics   5. Mathematics Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches   Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations   6. The Arts or a further Chemistry   subject Film   Philosophy   Visual Arts  

Students who want to study Maths, Physics, Engineering or Economics at university are advised to take Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches.

4 CORE PROGRAMME

All students also follow the Core Programme. This is made up of: THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (TOK) You study the foundations of knowledge in particular areas. Your essay is externally assessed whilst your presentation is assessed by your tutor. Both count towards your final mark (see page 22). THE EXTENDED ESSAY (EE) You will write an extended essay of 4,000 words which researches a topic of particular interest to you in any subject. A teacher will work with you individually to help you prepare, write and present your project. The essay is externally assessed and counts towards your final mark (see page 23). CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY, SERVICE (CAS) A central, worthwhile and exciting part of the IB programme. You will take part in a variety of extra-curricular activities, comprising some artistic or creative work, fitness and volunteering in the community (see page 24).

5 SOME VERY GOOD REASONS WHY THE IB MIGHT BE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU:

• You keep all your options open for another two years. • Universities are enthusiastic about the rounded education which the IB Diploma provides. Students who have studied • No future career path will be closed down for you at the age of 16. the IB Diploma have a wide knowledge, a capacity to think • You have free choice about which subjects you take at Higher Level. for themselves and a proven ability to carry out independent research. • All degree courses and employment opportunities remain open to you. • Taking a subject at Higher Level prepares you just as well for • You gain an internationally recognised qualification known and degree level study as an A Level in that subject would do, if not understood by universities and employers all over the world. better.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO STUDY THE IB DIPLOMA?

We require a minimum of at least 7 GCSEs at Grades 9-6, including English, Maths and Science. Certain subjects (at both Standard and Higher Level) have particular subject requirements. For these, see the specific subject sections in this booklet.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

All external written exams take place in May of year two and the results are published in July. We also hold internal exams in May of year one and January of year two. Coursework comprises up to 30% in most subjects. In Literature and Modern Languages, the coursework consists of oral assessment/listening. The maximum possible Diploma score is 45: a maximum of seven points for each subject, plus a maximum of three for the Core. In order to pass the Diploma, you need to achieve a minimum of 24 points.

6 DO I HAVE TO PASS EVERYTHING WHAT MIGHT MY TIMETABLE LOOK LIKE? TO GET A QUALIFICATION?

TIME MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY It is rare for any of our students not to achieve the Tutorial full Diploma. In the past, one or two have decided 08.40 - 9.25 Film SL Literature HL Biology HL that taking all six subjects is too much and have (Yr 1) become IB Diploma Course students. This means 09.25 - 10.10 Film SL Literature HL Biology HL that they take three, four or five of their subjects and achieve IB grades in each. B R E A K Spanish Ab Both HL and SL IB individual certificates are 10.30 - 11.15 Biology HL Maths SL History HL Literature HL Initio accepted by some universities for entrance to degree courses, although the full Diploma is 11.15 - 12.00 Biology HL History HL Literature HL preferred. If a student were to complete the course but fail to achieve enough points overall M O V E M E N T T I M E for the full Diploma they would still be awarded 12.05 - 12.50 L U N C H L U N C H Literature HL L U N C H L U N C H Course Grades in all six subjects. Spanish Ab 12.50 - 13.35 History HL Film SL Maths SL Initio Spanish Ab 13.35 - 14.20 History HL Film SL Maths SL Initio L U N C H B R E A K B R E A K Theory of 14.40 - 15.25 Biology HL History HL Knowledge Theory of 15.25 - 16.10 Biology HL Knowledge B R E A K

16.20 - 17.05

7 APPLICATIONS FROM OVERSEAS STUDENTS

Varndean College welcomes an increasingly large number of students from all over the ELIZAVETA TANDELOVA world. International students should provide evidence of qualifications gained over the last two years and will then be interviewed by the College. We may also ask you to complete an Elizaveta is a entrance test in English, Maths and Biology if you do not have GCSEs or iGCSEs, or an IELTS Year 1 IB student. score of at least 6.5. She attended school in her home Overseas students living in the UK with their parent/s who wish to complete the IB Diploma country of Russia, at Varndean should apply as normal. Overseas students from non-EU countries who do not but had always been plan to live in the UK with their parent/s, are able to take the IB Diploma over two years, interested in foreign education and living with a host family and supported by the College; however please note there will be learning languages. additional fees to pay. For more information contact the College’s International Department During one summer holiday, she attended a at [email protected] summer camp to improve her English skills and was so inspired by the teachers in England and the UK education system that she decided FIYINFOLUWA OLADIPO ZAC MURGATROYD to challenge herself and move to the UK to finish studying here. She chose the IB as she Fiyinfoluwa was Zac lived in was unsure about her future plans or specific born in the UK, but until he was subjects she wanted to do. The IB therefore moved Nigeria to 12 years old, before gave her a broad choice of subjects. ”Varndean achieve his West moving to New showed great results from previous students and African Senior York to complete I liked that it’s located in Brighton, a beautiful School Certificate the MYP at the UN town in the South of England. The college also alongside a set of International School. gave me an opportunity to live with a host iGCSEs. He chose He was pleased to family which makes international students feel to return to the UK find that Varndean like they are home. My favourite thing about with his family to complete his education on the recognised the MYP and allowed him to progress the IB is that it has educated me from different IB Diploma, with the aim of studying medicine at on to the IB Diploma. Zac found that lots of his perspectives, developing many useful skills a British university. Fiyin chose the IB because old friends from school were also at Varndean, such as critical thinking, essay writing, and “it presented something different” and gave but he has also made lots of new ones and is communication. After finishing the IB I want to him “the choice to follow a wide variety of “enjoying the challenge and global nature” of the take a gap year to travel around the world and subjects”. He has now completed his Diploma IB, as well as the “support from both friends and then go to the University to study Psychology or with an incredible 43 points and will be studying teachers.” Zac will now be studying History at a related subject.” Medicine at Imperial College, London. the University of Sheffield.

8 9 GROUP ONE: ENGLISH LITERATURE FRANCESCA (available at SL and HL) FAIRHEAD Studying: Entry Requirements: Literature, History, Standard Level: a Grade 5 in GCSE English Language or Philosophy (HL); English Literature Biology, French, Higher Level: a Grade 6 or in GCSE English Language or Maths (SL) English Literature Previous School: This is an exciting course covering a wide range of texts Priory School, Lewes from both English and World Literature. During the two UCAS Offers: years of study, you will explore a variety of literary forms English, University (poetry, plays, fiction and nonfiction), from the classical of Cambridge or period all the way to the present day. Reading each text in Edinburgh the light of its specific historical and political context, you will investigate links between texts and analyse the ways in which a series of global issues such as identity, power and creativity, are approached or represented in the texts, always looking at what kind of knowledge of the world and of ourselves we can gain through literature. Thirteen texts are studied for Higher Level and ten for Standard Level; some are studied in depth and closely, some more rapidly. Assessment in the first year is oral, by means of an analysis of two extracts and the ways that each represents the global issue of your choice. For HL, I wanted to study the IB and I knew that Varndean was a great place to do that. I also had many friends from secondary school who were going there this accounts for 20% of your final mark, for SL 30%. In and I thought Varndean had a very friendly environment. I have really enjoyed the second year, HL will write an essay which is externally the“ scope and number of subjects you study on the IB. I think that being in IB assessed and worth another 20% of your overall grade . classes is amazing, as everyone is really focused and teachers really work with us as students; actually ‘teaching’, rather than just focusing on learning facts for At the end of the course, both HL and SL are assessed by exams. Also, the coursework is really valuable because it teaches you to write means of two examinations worth 60% for HL and 70% and reference and work with a supervisor to get amazing results. Although it is for SL. very hard work, the IB is very rewarding.”

10 GROUP TWO: SECOND LANGUAGE (available at SL and HL)

French, German or Spanish (HL and SL)

Entry Requirements: Standard Level and Higher Level: a Grade 6 in GCSE French, Spanish or German This course will quickly develop your language skills as well as your knowledge and understanding of French, German or Hispanic culture and society. Topics will develop from the context of the individual in society, to the consideration of more complex global, political, cultural, social, moral and ethical issues by the end of the second year, when you will be able to engage in discussion and debate. These topics or issues will be studied through a range of authentic media sources - television, press, radio, internet, film and through some literary texts and extracts. Two pieces of literature are studied at HL.

Spanish (ab initio )

Entry requirements: No specific entry requirements This course assumes no prior knowledge of the Spanish language. It is a fast-paced course that will enable you to reach a good level of communicative competence so that you will be able to communicate orally and in writing in a variety of everyday situations. A general awareness and appreciation of the culture of Spain and Spanish-speaking countries will be fostered. Mandarin (SL or ab initio)

Entry requirements: Standard Level: a Grade 6 in GCSE Mandarin Ab initio: No specific entry requirements Spoken by approximately 900 million native speakers around the world, studying Mandarin as your Language B provides students with an exciting opportunity to acquire or improve new language skills, as well as develop an appreciation of the cultural difference of Mandarin-speaking communities and function successfully in a Mandarin-speaking environment, helping students improve their opportunities for employment, travel and entertainment. 11 GROUP THREE: INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES (available at SL and HL)

History

Entry Requirements: No specific entry requirements You will study a broad range of historical issues and controversies from the 19th and 20th centuries to enable you to develop a critical and comparative understanding of themes in world and European history, including authoritarian states and the development and fall of Communism. Higher Level students also specialise in 19th century European history with a focus on Imperial, Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia, exploring revolutions and the rise of the nation-state. Through case studies, you’ll get to grips with concepts such as causation, continuity and change over time, and explore varied historical perspectives. The course is assessed by written exams (75% SL 80% HL) and coursework (25% SL 20% HL), for which you’ll investigate a historical question of your own choice, equipping you with essential research skills and preparing you for study beyond college Global Politics

Entry Requirements: No specific entry requirements In our interconnected world the decisions that politicians make increasingly have a global impact. You will study the people, power and politics behind the conflicts and decision-making which affect citizens on an international scale. Central to this will be an investigation of concepts such as sovereignty, human rights, development, and peace. The nature of the course means that the case studies used will change according to events and student interest but in-depth studies of the re-emergence of Russia as a regional and world power, together with the causes and impact of Brexit have featured in recent years. Through these studies, you will gain a greater understanding of the global consequences of the actions of politicians on all sides of the debate. At Higher Level you will also have the opportunity to study a number of global political challenges such as poverty, identity and security. All students complete an engagement activity which takes learning out of the classroom to enable them to engage in a real life political issue and reflect on politics at a more local level. At Higher Level, 40% of the course is Internally Assessed and at Standard this is 25%. 12 Psychology AILSA FRASER Entry requirements: No specific entry requirements Studying: Psychology is the study of human behaviour and History, English, experience. You will gain a critical understanding of the Biology (HL); ways that human behaviour is studied from biological, German, Maths, cognitive and social perspectives. During the two years Visual Arts (SL) you will develop an appreciation of Psychology as an Previous School: academic discipline and as a body of knowledge which is relevant to the world around us. Topics include Mental UCAS Offers: Health, Human Relationships, Memory, Social Identity History & Politics, and Brain Plasticity, among others. Teaching and learning University of include lectures, discussions and student presentations. Edinburgh or 75–80% of the overall grade is though terminal exams Glasgow and 20-25% is assessed through a Psychological Report on a Practical Experiment conducted as a group. Students should be advised that sound personal organisation and essay writing skills are desirable as there are broad range of topics covered which are typically assessed by short or extended essay questions.

I chose to come to Varndean College because it struck me as a thoughtful, supportive environment during the open days, as well as being conveniently close“ by. It also offered the International Baccalaureate, which I already knew I was interested in studying. I’ve particularly enjoyed how the IB designs the subjects to connect, so how TOK may come up in Maths or History, or vice versa. It’s made it easier to study all the subjects, and also helped make sense of them all in conjunction with each other. I also like the breadth of each course and how it inspires natural curiosity if you want to know more and look into it further. I have really the very different atmosphere in comparison to secondary school, where students are given much more independence in terms of how and where they spend their time.”

13 FIYINFOLUWA OLADIPOPO

Studying: Biology, Chemistry, Literature (HL); Psychology, Maths, Spanish (SL) Previous School: Overseas UCAS Offers: Medicine, Imperial College, London

Varndean College gave me the opportunity to do“ the IB Diploma, as well as the necessary resources to succeed in the program. Above all, I would say the mere scope and breadth of the subjects has been the best part because I have I primarily chose to come to Varndean due to having heard been introduced to so many ideas and concepts stellar reviews about the IB. The IB has left me feeling better that I normally would have prepared“ for university and I feel like a more informed citizen of never thought to look at. the world. It allows you to take a step back from the exam and Even without a great grade-focused GCSE mindset and allows you to think for amount of background yourself.” Monica Richards, ex Blatchington Mill School, now knowledge in some studying PPE, King’s College, London. subjects, I have still been able to enjoy them to such What I have really enjoyed about studying at Varndean is the great depths as the course progressed and learned passion the teachers hold for their subjects which facilitates life-long skills. I think in an“ enjoyable and interesting course. As well as developing doing the IB, the academically, I have also developed more as an all-round person.” community feel has been Louie Garnett, ex Downlands Community School, studying the best part and how the Medicine at University of Leeds from Sept 2020. College enables everyone to look out for each other.” 14 GROUP FOUR: EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES (available at SL and HL)

Biology

Entry Requirements: Standard Level: 2 x Grade 5 in combined GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 5 in separate sciences Higher Level: 2 x Grade 7 in combined GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 7 in separate sciences This course will give you an understanding of the structure and functioning of organisms at all levels from the molecular level to the whole organism. You will be encouraged to appreciate the diversity of life and how different organisms show adaptations that enable them to exploit different environmental conditions and to recognise that these adaptations are a result of evolutionary change. Both Standard and Higher level are offered and assessment is by external exam papers plus teacher-assessed practical skills. You will also be required to participate in a collaborative project.

Physics

Entry Requirements: Standard Level: 2 x Grade 5 in combined GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 5 in separate sciences (inc Physics) Higher Level: 2 x Grade 6 in combined GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 6 in separate sciences (inc Physics) From Quarks to Quasars, Physics is all about understanding and predicting nature. We will look at how our world (and beyond) behaves and try to make sense of it. You will enjoy Physics if you want to find out about life, the universe and everything, develop models to explain how the universe works, sharpen your problem-solving skills and see how Physics is used in the world around us. You will discover how our ideas of the way things work have changed over the centuries; scientists are not always ‘right’. A theory only lasts until an experiment proves it wrong! Then we need a new one.

IB Physics places great emphasis on the practical uses of the subject, the scientific method and how discoveries are communicated to other physicists around the world as well as the public. Topics studied include Mechanics; Gravity & Orbits; Astrophysics & Cosmology; Atomic, Nuclear & Quantum Physics; Thermal Physics & Gases; Waves and Electricity & Magnetism. The course is assessed by exams at the end plus teacher-assessed practical skills; this internal assessment is worth up to 20% of your marks. You will also take part in a collaborative project with the Chemists and Biologists. 15 GROUP FIVE: MATHEMATICS (available at SL and HL)

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Entry Requirements: Standard Level: a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths Higher Level: a Grade 8 in GCSE Maths and Grade 7 in GCSE Science This course is appropriate for students who enjoy developing their mathematics to become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. They will also be fascinated by exploring real and abstract applications of these ideas, with and without the use of technology. Students who take Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches will be those who enjoy the thrill of mathematical problem solving and generalization.The content is very similar to A Level Maths. All students are required to investigate an area of mathematics related to a topic that they have personal interest. Past topics have been Pole vaulting, Ebola outbreak, dolphins and guitar playing. It contributes 20% to final grade. This subject is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects with substantial mathematics content such as mathematics itself, engineering, physical sciences, or economics.

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations Entry Requirements: Standard Level: a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths; Higher Level: a Grade 8 in GCSE Maths This course is appropriate for students who are interested in developing their mathematics for describing our world and solving practical problems. They may also be interested in harnessing the power of technology alongside exploring mathematical models. Students who take Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation will be those who enjoy mathematics best when seen in a practical context. All students are required to investigate an area of mathematics related to a topic that they have personal interest. Past topics have been Pole vaulting, Ebola outbreak, dolphins and guitar playing. It contributes 20% to final grade.This subject is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects such as social sciences, natural sciences, statistics, business, some economics courses, psychology, and design.

16 What our past students say about the IB EBEN The IB course is academically challenging and exciting. The RODDIS range of subjects made my learning broader and more balanced“ whilst the higher and standard level structure of the Studying: course allowed me to delve deeper into my favourite subjects and Maths, Literature, explore what I was specifically interested in. The nature of the History (HL); course means that you are part of a community full of amazing Philosophy, Physics, people. Varndean College has such a friendly atmosphere, it Spanish (SL) always felt like a social and supportive space and the teachers had Previous School: genuine passion for their subjects.” Hove Park Kate Granlund (Varndean College 2017-2019), now studying English, University of Cambridge. UCAS Offers: Maths & Philosophy, University of Leeds Studying the IB was one of the best choices I’ve made. It is (2021) quite a demanding programme but the teachers were excellent“ and so enthusiastic and I am constantly drawing on the things that I learnt, even in my final year of university. Varndean College is a special place to study because the campus is pretty and spacious and you really do feel part of one supportive and caring community.” Caroline Banerjee (Varndean College 2015-2017), now studying English, University of Cambridge. When I compared sixth form colleges, I found I preferred the support system and My enthusiasm for languages was really cultivated by the teaching methods of Varndean. I was still very unsure about what subjects I wanted to continue, so the option of IB over A Levels allowed me to continue a variety wonderful French and German teachers I had during my time “ of subjects and not feel like I was limiting myself. I’ve most enjoyed the wide range of on“ the IB at Varndean, and more broadly I think that the IB learning given by this choice, but also the wide breadth of the curriculum of each encouraged me to think beyond the UK and Europe in terms of subject, particularly in my Higher Level subjects. education and possibilities. I spent the second year of my During my time at Varndean, I have ran a few philosophy societies and spoke at a university degree studying in Tehran and travelling throughout couple of poetry events. I have been on a nationwide tour for spoken word outside of Iran and in my third year worked during the holidays in Rajasthan, college. This was an amazing experience and achievement for me and could not have India on mental health intervention for a maternal health charity. I been done without the support of my teachers. also ran the Amnesty International Society at Oxford.” I have most enjoyed the nice atmosphere at the college which has enabled me to meet Ella Cohen-Haddon (Varndean College 2013-2015), studied many new people. I have enjoyed learning about the genuinely interesting areas of many of my subjects and being challenged in class.” Persian Studies (Hindu & Urdu), (2015-2019).

17 GROUP SIX: THE ARTS & FURTHER SUBJECTS (available at SL and HL)

Chemistry

Entry Requirements: for Standard Level: 2 x Grade 6 in combined GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 6 in separate sciences (minimum) for Higher Level: 2 x Grade 7 in combined GCSE Science or 2 x Grade 7 in separate sciences (minimum) The course starts with ideas of atomic structure, the mole concept, bonding and energetics. This leads on to group chemistry, equilibrium and kinetics. The more demanding concepts involved in thermodynamics and equilibrium will challenge students, stimulating and extending their appreciation of Chemistry. Knowledge of organic chemistry will be developed to include important industrial and environmental aspects. You will be encouraged to consider the impact Chemistry has made on society and the responsibilities those connected with the chemical industry have. The option module is Medicinal Chemistry linking nicely with the organic chemistry content. We have very strong connections with both Brighton and Sussex Universities and attend regular events there, plus competitions such as the Olympiad exam, Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the Analytical Competition. The practical component includes an Investigative Assignment worth 20% of the overall grade. Chemistry is a key part of most vocational scientific occupations and mandatory for medicine, veterinary and dental sciences.

I wanted a course which allowed me to study multiple sciences whilst also continuing with a language, so that I’d have a well rounded experience and one that“ would set me apart when it came to university applications.” Elsie Houghton, ex , (Varndean College 2018-2020) going on to study Psychology & Neuroscience at University of Nottingham.

18 Philosophy TOM JAPES Entry Requirements: No specific entry requirements Studying: Philosophy will teach you how to formulate arguments in a Chemistry, Biology, rational and logical way and to be able to critically examine Maths (HL); your own experiences and their ideological and cultural Psychology, Spanish, Literature (SL) biases. It will introduce you to the plurality of philosophical traditions and should develop in you a way of thinking Previous School: that draws on personal reflection and a knowledge of Priory School, Lewes philosophical traditions. You will be introduced to diverse UCAS Offers: approaches to philosophical reflection that encourage you Chemistry, Imperial to engage both academically in a range of materials from College London or primary and secondary philosophical texts, literature, arts, University College London contemporary media and first-hand experience.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my subjects, with Chemistry being the subject I want to study at university. Thanks to excellent teaching and a more interesting IB“ curriculum, I have grown to love both English and Maths which I hadn’t previously enjoyed at school. Spanish and Psychology were not subjects I had taken before the IB, although I now find myself talking about psychological theories and speaking in Spanish all the time. Sometimes I even talk about psychological theories in Spanish. Studying the IB at Varndean College has been a rewarding and motivating experience for me. What I have enjoyed the most is how I have developed as a person during my time here. Thanks to great teachers, interesting subjects and support for the way I think, I have learned skills that will benefit me in any walk of life.”

19 Visual Arts

Entry Requirements: No specific entry requirements It is very helpful if students following Visual Arts within the IB Programme have some prior experience of art- making at a level equivalent to GCSE, but this is not essential for Standard Level. Our Visual Arts IB programme aims to engage you successfully with your own creative practice, developing ambition, confidence and success. You will have the opportunity to experience a broad range of ideas and processes before focusing on an area of creative interest and strength. Gallery trips, European study visits, meetings with artists, designers and photographers will help you extend your understanding of the changing contexts in which art is made. Your tutors are themselves practising artists. After following a fairly structured first term, you will then have the freedom to choose your area of work and build a portfolio on a range of scales and mediums including portrait, landscape, still life, sculpture, painting, drawing and mixed media, before selecting pieces from this for your final exhibition.

Visual Arts IB is assessed in three areas: Process Portfolio (sketchbook and artworks), Comparative Study (written essay) and Exhibition.

20 Film Entry Requirements: No specific entry requirements SL and HL students produce a textual analysis (1750 words) of how meaning is constructed in a prescribed film text, based on a chosen extract lasting no more than 5 minutes. SL and HL students produce a portfolio of filmmaking exercises in three different production roles (9 mins) and a portfolio evaluating the processes and lessons learnt. Students at HL level also create and produce an original film as part of a team or as an individual (7 mins) along with a project report of 2000 words. Students (HL and SL) produce a comparative study with a film focus carrying out research and presenting it in a multi-media format (10 minutes max). There are no final written exams: the course is assessed by a mixture of practical work, multi-media presentation and written assignments, including script writing and production planning. The weighting of marks is 60% practical in HL and 40% in SL.

21 THE CORE

Theory of Knowledge Theory of Knowledge is a central element of the IB in which we It is hoped that students will acquire a set of critical and conceptual ask fundamental questions about the nature of knowledge and tools to enable them to reflect upon and better understand the its relationship to the subject areas of the Diploma. Its principal continual connections which can be drawn among the other parts aim is to explore the main categories of knowledge with special of the IB programme. The course takes as its content the academic, reference to the various problems that students encounter in cultural and individual interests of the students and subjects these their everyday learning. to critical analysis through applying a set of analytical tools which will be of vital and continuing value as you progress through your • What is the basis for our understanding of the world and courses. Apart from an appreciation of the role of language in our beliefs? thought and knowledge, an understanding of the requirements • How do individual beliefs relate to the subjects we study? of logical rigour for knowledge claims and an investigation of various knowledge systems, you will examine knowledge issues in • What status should we give to scientific knowledge as across different subject areas. You will be stimulated to develop as compared to artistic or literary knowledge? questioning thinkers, who are empowered to explore the nature of • What is the influence of society and culture on what we subjects, ethical debates and their personal contributions. think we know and believe? Course assessment is by a 1,600 word essay on a choice of six essay • What problems of bias does our own experience present? titles engaging with different knowledge issues and a 950 word • How does language influence our experience and ideas of exhibition that aims to show how knowledge issues exist in the real truth? world around via an exhibition of three objects that illustrate such issues. The essay is worth 2/3 of your ToK grade and is marked • What problems of communication does language present? by the IB, whilst the exhibition is worth 1/3 and is marked by your • What is the relationship between perception and questions teachers and then externally moderated by the IB. of “reality”? • How does maths relate to the world? • Is it possible to have emotional truths? • How is knowledge acquired and justified and how might this differ across subject areas?

22 The Extended Essay The Extended Essay is a perfect opportunity for you to engage with your favourite subject. It is written in the style of a university dissertation, being presented formally with an abstract, footnotes, bibliography and page numbers. The maximum length is 4,000 words. You can write on almost any topic in any subject available on the IB Programme as a whole – not just the subjects available at Varndean College. Each student has their own supervisor whom they meet individually for advice on planning, researching and writing, but the essay remains very much their own work. The essay is marked by an examiner somewhere else in the world. The Extended Essay is important to the aims of the Diploma Programme because students are responsible for their own independent learning, through which they acquire and communicate in-depth knowledge and understanding. The research process involves intellectual risk-taking and extensive reflection. Open-mindedness, balance and fairness are key pre-requisites for a good Extended Essay.

Some examples of past Extended Essays: Group 1: The presentation and resolution of internal conflicts of Lucy Honeychurch in A Room With a View. How and to what Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay Mark Scheme effect does Eliot explore the abstract concepts of Burnt Norton? Group 2: Inwiefern haben Jugendliche mit Migrationshintergrund Theory of Knowledge einen neuen deutschen Dialekt erstellt? Group 3 How is suicide among prisoners affected by prison Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade A B C D E environment? Should the death penalty be abolished? Can we accept feminist epistemology as a viable way of knowing? Is soft Grade 3 pts 3 pts 2 pts 2 pts Fail power the reason for China’s rise to global hegemony? A Group 4: How does the velocity of water flowing from a tap Grade 3 pts 2 pts 2 pts 1 pt Fail affect the cross sectional area of the flow? How does the B position of the body affect blood pressure results during a Grade 2 pts 2 pts 1 pt 0 Fail reading? Does age affect the ability of skeletal muscles? C Group 5: What role did the four colour theorem have on the Grade development of graph theory? 2 pts 1 pt 0 0 Fail

Extended Essay Extended D Group 6: How does the film score create tension in Alfred Grade Hitchcock’s Psycho? Fail Fail Fail Fail Fail E 23 Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Because the IB believes that education should include every aspect of life, an important part of the Diploma Programme core consists of Creativity, Activity and Service. Students complete a programme in all three areas. CAS activity hours are not formally timetabled. Some take place during the college day, such as team sports, creative writing or choir. Others take place at times convenient to you. Personal tutors meet students individually to help them to organise their CAS programmes. Students keep a personal log in which they record what they have done and reflect upon what they have learned as they progress in each activity. IB students at Varndean have undertaken a wide range of CAS creative activities: acting in plays; singing in the choir; baking; learning a musical instrument; taking part in the college’s creative writing programme. There has even been an IB knitting group! For activity, IB students have played in the College’s netball or rugby teams, but they have also taken part in fitness programmes, running, hill-walking, zumba, skiing, yoga and pilates. There are many service opportunities available. Some IB students are active in the students’ union; a considerable number volunteer in the NHS in Brighton; some have worked with the elderly; others volunteer at the Link College or local primary schools. Whatever you do, the CAS programme is a crucial part of the core of the Diploma Programme and its commitment to a complete and principled education. CAS Projects: Litter picking (Zac Murgatroyd) and Charity Quiz (Francesca Creativity: Photography (Aaron Goff) and Embroidery (Tiegan Handley) Fairhead, Jenna Hussein, Libby Youngman and Lily Ratcliffe)

24 The IB Tutorial Programme ZOE Every IB student has a personal tutor who meets the student on GARRARD a regular basis. The tutor is there to help with work planning, Studying: to advise on CAS and to support progress generally through the Literature, Visual Arts Diploma programme. Global Politics (HL); Biology, Spanish, As the course develops, attention turns to university Maths (SL) applications. The personal tutor provides a great deal of help Previous School: with the whole process of choosing a university course and Davison CE High with writing the application. The tutor also writes the students’ School, Worthing reference. UCAS Offers: All IB tutors also teach their tutees; they get to know the Law, University of student and their individual needs throughout the course. Birmingham or Bath The tutor also provides a point of contact for parents with the Spa college.

I chose Varndean not just because it’s the only state college in the area that provides the IB, but because the college is near to Brighton town centre which I really“ love going to. Varndean has such a great environment for learning as well as socialising, is great for extra-curricular activcities, as well as student support which is why it made it so easy to choose. I’ve really enjoyed the independence we’re given to analyse. All the classes take on such a conversational tone, especially in Literature and Politics where we discuss interpretations and world issues. It really helps develop us, not just as learners, but as people. Before the IB I was a decent learner, but now I form judgements and opinions as an informed individual. Being at Varndean has been a completely different experience to high school. It’s really boosted my confidence being around new people since I only knew one other person when I started the course.”

25 After the IB Varndean’s IB students achieve an average of 36 points, which In 2019, out of 35 UCAS Anya Rehman-Wood universities regard as equivalent to three A grades at A Level. When applicants, 27 students compared to a global average of 29 points, this shows the dedication, received offers by Russell hard work and ability of our IB students. Group universities, including four with offers at Oxford or In 2017, Varndean’s 47 IB students averaged 36 points, with 88% going Cambridge and seven with on to study at Russell Group universities, including six at Oxford or offers to study Medicine. Cambridge universities. In 2018, our 42 Diploma students achieved Star performers included: Anya an average of 36.12 points and, out of 28 Rehman-Wood (ex Downlands School), whose near-perfect UCAS applicants, 75% had offers take up Dylan Ponsford places at Russell Group universities with score of 44 points out of 45 three at Oxford or Cambridge. Gemma placed her in the top 1% of Robson (History, Oxford), Portia Smith 169,000 IB students worldwide. (Medicine, Cambridge) & Bruno Buckley and is now studying Medicine (History, Cambridge). Six students went at University College London. on to study Medicine at universities. An Dylan Ponsford (ex Lewes outstanding result was achieved by Samuel Priory), with 42 points is reading Mathematics at the Segal (pictured right), who gained the Samuel Segal maximum score of 45 points, putting him Medicine, University of Sheffield University of Warwick and Kate in the top 0.5% of students worldwide. Granlund (ex Dorothy Stringer) Samuel went on to study Medicine at the University of Sheffield. Zoe with 40 points is studying Kate Granlund Alexander, who also left in 2018 with 42 points, chose to follow an Art English at the University of Foundation degree first at Brighton Met and is now studying History of Cambridge. Art at the University of Oxford.

What OFSTED say about the IB Diploma Students on the IB course make outstanding progress. Their achievement is exceptionally high and well above the international average.” OFSTED Report 2018 “ The college has a large and highly successful International Baccalaureate programme. Scores for the cohort of IB students are exceptionally high. Student progress is outstanding.” OFSTED Report 2016 26 “ DAVID COBBETT This year in 2020, almost half of the Eben Roddis 42 students achieved 36 or more Studied: Diploma points, with twelve gaining Biology, Chemistry,History an impressive 38 points or more. (HL); Literature, Maths, German Congratulations go to Fiyinfoluwa (SL) Oladipo who will read Medicine Previous School: at Imperial College, London after Downlands School achieving a stunning 43 points, placing him in the top 2% of students Progession: globally! Fiy is also a talented Dentistry at the University of Newcastle (2014-19) and in poet: earlier in the year winnng Ines Aranguena Aniceto 2019 was named as the UK’s second prize in Oxford University’s top undergraduate dentist prestigious Tower Poetry competition for clinical skills after winning and talented spoken word artist The Royal College of Surgeons Eben Roddis (ex Hove Park), 42 of Edinburgh and Dentsply points, who has chosen to take a Sirona skills competition. gap year but has a place secured at He is currently completing Leeds to read Maths and Philosophy his foundation year in a local in 2021. Also with 42 points was Ines I chose Varndean because I was practice and then applying Aranguena Aniceto, who will read looking for something that would for a hospital post, probably Politics and International Relations give“ me an edge in my dental school in maxillofacial surgery. This at Warwick and Nancy Farris, (ex Grace Hogben applications and I found that the year he has attended a dental extremely successful IB course was Dorothy Stringer) off to Leeds to conference in Chicago (one of something that could offer this. When it the prizes of the competition study Classics and History. came to my application, the university he won) whilst at the same interviewers definitely took an interest Also celebrating is Grace Hogben (ex in the IB as its breadth indicated that I time undertaken courses Varndean School) will read Liberal could handle a university workload. in restorative dentistry and Arts and Sciences at Birmingham and Varndean also runs a dedicated group dental materials. for prospective medical, dental and Francesca Fairhead (ex Lewes Priory) veterinary students which I found to be who has an offer from Cambridge to invaluable.” read English. 27 VISITING US

VIRTUAL INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA TALK Thursday 15 October 2020 6.30pm, Book Online www.varndean.ac.uk

COLLEGE OPEN EVENTS Saturday 26 September 2020 Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 October 2020 Further details available via our website www.varndean.ac.uk

For further information: email: Lee Finlay-Gray, Head of School and IB Diploma Programme Co-ordinator [email protected] Varndean College Surrenden Road Brighton, BN1 6WQ Tel: 01273 508011 www.varndean.ac.uk

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