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International Baccalaureate

Penrith Anglican College is an authorised IB World School and offers the IB Diploma as an alternative university entrance course. The College aims to educate students to become informed and responsible global citizens who follow Christ and serve others.

Introduction

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit international educational foundation. The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

The IB Diploma Programme offered at Penrith Anglican College is for students in Year 11 and 12. This course may be selected instead of the Board of Studies Preliminary and HSC course. The Diploma Programme encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Communicators
Principled
Open-minded
Caring
Risk-takers
Balanced
Reflective

Specific Diploma Course Information

Students who undertake the programme must complete a Theory of Knowledge course, a 4000 word independent Extended Essay and CAS (creativity, action and service). They also study 6 subjects selected from the groups shown below.


At PAC the following group subjects are offered:

(Note: SL = Standard Level, HL = Higher Level)

Group 1
Language A1		 English HL/SL
Group 2
Language B 2nd Language		 French ab initio SL
Group 3
Individuals & Societies		 Geography HL/SL
Psychology HL/SL
History HL/SL
Economics HL/SL
Group 4
Experimental Sciences		 Biology HL/SL
Physics HL/SL
Chemistry HL/SL
Group 5
Maths & Computer Sciences		 Mathematics HL/SL
Mathematical Studies
Group 6
The Arts		 Music SL
Visual Arts SL/HL

Gaining the Diploma and University Entrance

At the end of the course assessment will result in the following:

  • Each subject graded on a scale of 1 to 7
  • Six subjects resulting in a maximum of 42
  • 3 bonus points may be awarded if performance in the extended essay and the TOK essay is of a very high standard
  • Total maximum score : 45
  • Minimum score to receive a Diploma : 24
  • Note a range of regulations apply

Students will also receive a UAI which is based on their final Diploma score.
The IB diploma is a passport to higher education. Universities around the world welcome the unique characteristics of IB Diploma Programme students and recognise the way in which the programme helps to prepare students for university level education.

IB students routinely gain admission to some of the best known universities in the world. Most of these institutions have established recognition policies for the IB diploma.

Who should consider the IB Diploma Course?

  • Motivated students who are independent learners
  • Learners who achieve average to above average results
  • Learners who can cope with formal examinations
  • Learners willing to study a second language
  • Learners who wish to have a broad education
  • Learners willing to actively participate in creativity, action and service
  • Learners wanting to develop excellent critical thinking skills
  • Learners wanting to develop global perspectives
  • Learners wanting opportunities to attend university in Australia or overseas