Excellent IB results

Published by Oakham School on Wednesday 9th of July 2014

Oakham School is celebrating its 13th year of excellent International Baccalaureate (IB) results, which are once again considerably higher than the international average.

Two Oakham students achieved an outstanding 44 out of a possible 45 points this year. Given that 38 points is equivalent to more than 5 As at A Level, these are particularly excellent results. Monty Fynn, who is going on to read Philosophy at Durham, and Malte Neuss, who will take Physics at Imperial, join the top 5% of IB students worldwide to achieve this level.

"This is a superb achievement for our students," says Headmaster Nigel Lashbrook. "To be consistently achieving such high levels, in an exam system where there is no grade inflation, is a testimony to the quality of the IB provision here at Oakham School."

Simone Lorenz-Weir, Oakham's Director of IB adds, "Our students have worked hard, and I am very pleased with their results. Whether they achieved 44 or 30 points, what they have gained from working towards the Diploma will help them both at university and in the workplace. Our students can work independently, have learnt to manage their time, they can present and work in teams, and, most importantly, have advanced critical thinking skills. By the time they leave us, our scientists can write well, and our humanities students are numerate. This qualification is so much more than just grades - it sets students up to achieve in all areas of life after school."

This is due to the fact that the IB offers a broad and challenging education where students choose six subjects to study, as well as taking Theory of Knowledge (an interdisciplinary critical thinking course), writing an Extended Essay (independent research), and have to take part in activities beyond the classroom in 'Creativity, Action and Service' projects, in order to pass.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the IB has become increasingly popular with UK universities. Head Girl Arabella Trower will be taking up her place at Durham, whilst Issy Guy and Laura Weir also exceeded their university offers of 36 points (three As at A Level) and will start medical school in the autumn. Other students will be taking up places at a range of universities in the UK including LSE, Warwick, Leeds, Bristol and Exeter, as well as places across the world, such as in the USA, Barcelona, Germany, Switzerland (St. Gallen) and Milan.

Oakham School has an excellent reputation as an IB school both in the UK and internationally. Many teachers are IB specialists (IB examiners and teacher workshop leaders) who also develop curricula for the IB. As a result, there are 118 students currently studying the IB at Oakham, which places the school as one of the largest Sixth Forms in the country to successfully offer the choice of both IB and A Levels.

Of our students who sat the IB exam:

* 59% gained 34 or more points (equivalent to ABB at A Level), meaning they are above the threshold for University admission places, and are considered highly qualified candidates.
* 47% gained 36 or more points (equivalent to AAA at A Level)
* A third gained 38 or more points (equivalent to 5 As at A level)
* Six students gained 40 or more points. Two of these pupils achieved 44 points. As 45 points is the maximum IB score, these are excellent results.

(Please note, that these are our average results, prior to any remarks that may take place. More detailed results will be published late August.)