The document provides information about academic pathway options for 10th grade students at ACS Egham International School. It discusses the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), and taking IB courses along with the American high school diploma. The IB Diploma requires six subjects, three at the higher level and three at the standard level. The IBCP allows students to specialize in a career field by combining two to three IB courses with a career-related qualification like BTEC, work experience, and core components. Taking some IB courses can provide flexibility while still earning an American high school diploma. The school aims to help each student choose the option

1. ACS Egham International School
IB Options Information Evening – Nov 2015
Grade 10 – Pathways and Option Choices

2. • To start the process of choosing which pathway to
follow in your final High School years
• To begin the discussion between parents and students
of life after school
• To attempt to demystify the IB Diploma, the
Courses/Certificates option, the IBCP and the American
HS Diploma
• Opening up discussion about your thoughts re our work
to continue to improve variety of choice
Apologies – There is a lot of information and…

3. …DON’T PANIC
REMEMBER THIS IS
THE START OF A
LONG PROCESS,
AND SHOULD BE…

5. IB Diploma Around the World – Over 2211 schools
• Full IB Diploma 49%,
30% Courses, 1%
retakes, 20% Anticipated
(one year)
• 56% female, 44% male
• 79.3% world pass rate for
Diploma May 2014–
Average score of 30.1
• Top Grade 45/45 which
only 0.31% (208) of
students achieved in May
2014, from 137,330
candidates

9. Known Advantages of Being an IB Diploma / Courses
Student
• Have depth at HL, and Breadth of SL
• All speak a Language and have Maths and
English to a high level – which job/career does not
need this?
• Consistency – No Grade Inflation…
• Global Outlook – appreciation of other cultures
• Ability to advance argument and discuss, debate
ideas
• Extended programme of experiential learning

10. • IB Students are independent learners and better
prepared for University
• Have research and analytical skills from
EE/TOK
• Early Results
• GCSE Problems / A Level Problems – Politics!
• Number Controls have now been scrapped –
and so continuing expansion, next year 60,000
extra places in UK
• The Wooly but NOT UNIMPORTANT Stuff…

12. What Degree Did they Get?

14. Top 20 most popular Universities for IB in UK?

15. Does the IB Diploma Make it More Difficult…?

16. Sample University Destinations: Past 3 years
Brighton & Sussex Medical
School
Imperial College, London
King’s College, London
London School of Economics
University College, London
University of Bath
University of Bristol
University of Edinburgh
University of Exeter
University of Nottingham
University of St Andrews
University of Southampton
University of Warwick
American University
Boston University
College of William & Mary
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Elon University
Florida Institute of
Technology
Georgetown University
New York University
Purdue University
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
UC Los Angeles
University of Pennsylvania
McGill University
University of Toronto
Erasmus University,
Rotterdam
Universiteit Utrecht
Maastricht University
IE University

17. ACS Commission - University Admissions
Independent Research Each Year...
• Research now in its 11th year –
and the evidence is stacking up.
• In UK, the IB Diploma is rated
more highly against 9/10
attributes compared with A
levels
• The IB Diploma is rated in 9/10
skills more highly compared to
Advanced Placement in the
states
See Diploma wiki on Forum for
links…(and some copies outside)

18. Please let us not forget the US…
• “88% of IB Diploma Programme
graduates achieve a bachelor’s
degree within six years of
entering University, compared
with 58% of all students.” US
Census, National Centre for
Educational Statistics (NCES)
• “With a Grade point average of
3.11 IB Graduates score 5%
higher than their non IB peers
after their first year at University.”
– University of California

19. Admission to the Programmes…at ACS Egham
• Full IB Diploma
The course aimed at motivated and organised students – high
workload - full requirements.
• IB Career-Related Programme
More to follow – from Mrs. Sedlacek…
• Egham HS Diploma / IB Courses
More flexible still demanding – but students do not need to
follow core. Gives time for those students to focus and achieve.
• Egham HS Diploma Only
All students who graduate earn an American High School
Diploma. See requirements in guide.
Pg 9 +

20. But Who is it Aimed At…The Academic Elite?
• Differentiates…
• Organisation is key…
• Commitment…
• Study Skills…
• Appetite for
Learning…

22. Basic Structure of the IB DP Programme…
• 6 subjects – 3 Higher Level
and 3 Standard Level
• Study Time - 240 hours
HL,150 SL
• Can do 4 HL but not
recommended
• The Core – Extended Essay,
Theory of Knowledge and
Creativity Action Service
Pg 7

23. Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature
• Literature (A – best language) –
English or other Mother Tongue
Language focusing on Literature
Study
• Native Languages supported
depends on availability of tutors –
this year Italian, Danish, Dutch,
Indonesian, Norwegian, German
and French (Please see restrictions
and payment policy – pg 10)
• Possibility of Self Taught at SL
Literature A
- Higher Level
- Standard Level
Pg
10

24. Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature
• New programme introduced 3
years ago …combines
Literature with study of
Language often suited to
students who may not be going
on to study Law / Politics /
History / English as a Major
(however…)
• Same level and difficulty as
Literature (or in fact…)
• Native Languages supported in
some subjects and depends on
availability of tutors…
Language and Literature A
- Higher Level
- Standard Level
Pg
10

25. Group 2 – Second Language Acquisition B
• Second Language (B) – Studied at
two levels – English, French,
Spanish are our main B subjects.
• Ab Initio - Provided in French,
Spanish and German.
• We will support other Language B
classes chosen with tutors ( as
Group 1 – please see pg. 12)
Language Acquisition B
- Higher Level
- Standard Level
- Ab Initio (also SL)
Pg 11
Note students can take a second Language A also, and receive
the Bilingual Diploma

26. Group 2 – Choice of Second Language
Language Acquisition B – Restrictions
The Languages department will be able to discuss with you the
appropriate level for your son/daughter…related to the Phase
they are studying in at MYP…
Pg
12
Must provide challenge, central to philosophy…

27. Group 3 – Individuals and Societies
• Psychology
• Information Technology in a
Global Society
• History
• Economics
• Business Management
Choice of Humanities -
All subjects offered at:-
- Standard Level
- Higher Level

28. Group 4 – Experimental Sciences
• Environmental Systems (A
good choice for those less
Science orientated) – Only SL
• Biology
• Physics (Higher Level should be
taken in combination with at least
SL Math)
• Chemistry (note most often
taken as a second science in
Group 6)
• Design Technology (a more
practical base – although
demanding on workload)
• Sports and Health Science SL
Choice of Science -
Most subjects offered at:
- Higher Level
- Standard Level

29. Group 5 – Choice of Mathematics
• Myth of Math Studies – has
large statistics element
• Higher Level is difficult and
according to many discussions
pitched above ‘A’ Level
• Math department will be able to
discuss with you the
appropriate level for your
son/daughter
• Continued improvements in
Grade 10 - have led to courses
being set as preparation for
Diploma
Mathematics
- Higher Level
- Standard Level
- Studies (also Standard
Level)
Most importantly what level of Math's do you need to enter your
chosen University course?

30. Group 6 – Choice of Arts/ Elective
• Visual Arts
• Theatre Studies (All Internal
Assessment)
• Music (Offered if enough
students)
• Choose Elective from Group
3 or 4 usually
(Note Chemistry in this block as most
often chosen by students with another
science. Often Economics/Psychology
from Group 3 chosen with History in
Group 6 for example.)
Expressive Arts
All subjects offered at:
- Higher Level
- Standard Level

31. Think …

32. …Planning your Course of Study
It is not possible to offer all subject combinations due to student numbers and schedule
limitations. The options available to students in the last academic year are shown above.
It is likely that this year’s option sheet will be similar.
Please see Appendix for Curriculum Overview of Each Subject

33. Statistically the single most
important thing to ensure a
student’s success in the IB is
choosing the correct pathway,
alongside options and subjects
that suit their abilities and
enthusiasms so…

35. • Ability Vs. Work Ethic – choose what you do well?
• Interests – all research suggests…
• What do Universities want?
• Teacher – Yikes?
• My friends are doing it…YUK!
• Traditional vs Creative …
• “I want to be an engineer?”
• “I want to be a doctor?”
• Appearance of rigour / over Higher grades? – US
• Are languages important? – UK / US
• Maximise grades – so called “easy” subjects

36. Pamoja and IB Course Online Option…
Please see Appendix for Curriculum Overview of Each Subject
Subjects now offered…
Will discuss these if
students are interested
during Option Interviews.

37. The Core: Creativity – Action - Service
• C – Jazz Group, Young Enterprise,
Debating Club, Photography, Art,
Music performance, Drama or Theatre
projects, Entertainment at children’s
home and Yearbook
• A – Hiking expeditions, Inter-School
Sporting Activities, Environmental
Projects, Extra-curricular sporting
activities and Peer coaching in sport.
• S – Peer mentoring or tutoring,
Clothes collection, Environmental
projects, Nepal Iniative, Student
Council, GOSH, Dementia Support,
Volunteering at an orphanage,
StreetINvest.
It is not about hours it is
about the commitment
and the reflection!
Pg 21

38. Extended Essay…
• Independent focused research topic
• Skills needed – Creative Critical
Thinking, Research and
Communication, Systematic
Process of Research, Appropriate
knowledge from specific subject
• Max of 4000 words
• Most popular are Group 3 subjects –
however often the best Extended
Essays come from Science or Maths
• If students get an E it is a failing
condition
Pg 19
Example Questions in Guide :-
“To what extent are the security methodologies and technologies being used by
HSBC and Bank Nagara Malaysia effective in guaranteeing the safety and
security between banks and clients when banking online.” - ITGS

39. Theory of Knowledge…
TOK is not a philosophy course/ it is
simply about the question “How do we
know what we know?” Holistically
brings together programme.
• Assessed – one 1200 to 1600 word
essay which is externally assessed
• Internally assessed presentation
• If students get an E it is a failing
condition
“To what extent is truth different in
mathematics, in the arts and
ethics?”

40. How is it Examined…
• Coursework from 36% – 10%
(Apart from Visual Arts and
Theatre where it is 100%)
• ‘Synoptic’ Exams
• 2 Year Programme
• Each subject out of 7
• 3 points for EE +TOK
• TOTAL = 45

41. Assessment and Grading…
• Combination of
assessments for learning
styles
• Internal Assessment - orals,
projects, student portfolios,
class presentations,
practical laboratory work etc
• External Assessment –
exams, essays etc
Passing Conditions: -
• 24+ is a Pass
• 33+ is Good
• 40+ is Excellent
• No 2’s at HL – need minimum of 12
points from HL
• 1 E = fail
• 8 more conditions – see pg 27 for
conditions

42. Pg 25

43. Let Us Not Forget…

44. IB Learner Profile – Diploma Takeover…
Resilience - Organisation

46. Any Questions so far?

47. HOWEVER the IB Diploma is not the only way!
Please see Appendix for Curriculum Overview of Each Subject• Each student is different
• The most important element is that each student has a
successful experience in High School
• Not all students need or want to do the Full IB Diploma
for a number of reasons
• The IBCP or the Courses programmes combined with
the American HS Diploma can be as good, if not a
better stepping stone to life after ACS Egham
During the Pathways / Options process we will strongly
recommend the pathway that we believe best suits the student

48. • Alternative to the IBDP
• Allows students to specialise in, and focus on, a
particular career-related pathway leading to higher
education
• Provides a more “hands on”, experiential learning
approach
• Develops a student’s passion
• Enables students to reach their full potential
• Bridges the academic/practical ‘divide’
(IBCP)

49. IBCP Framework
Four-part framework designed to comprehensively link
tailored, career-focused instruction with the academic
challenge of the Diploma Programme and the international-
mindedness of the IB.
1. Career-related program (BTEC)
2. DP courses
3. Core
4. Partnership with industry

50. Core
• Personal & Professional Skills
– Intended to develop students’ critical thinking, intercultural
understanding, effective communication, and applied ethics
• Service Learning
– Service learning related to career pathway
• Reflective Project
– In-depth research paper analysing an issue relevant to the
career-related topic
• Language Development
– Development of a second language
– No exams

51. DP Courses
• Must study at least two (up to three) Diploma
Programme courses
• May be studied at standard or higher level
• Can come from any of the subject groups in the IB
Diploma Programme
• Choice of DP course creates flexibility
– Complement career-related pathway according to interest
– Change level of rigor of IBCP
– Match with university entrance requirements

52. IBCP with American HS Diploma
Pathway
DP Course Options - 2 or 3 courses
(SL or HL based on student choice and ability)
First course from Group 1—English
Second course from Group 5 – Math
Alternatively, math can be taken just for High School credit for one year or
two years, especially if student is planning on attending an American
University
Third course from Group 3 or 6
(See page 11 of the options booklet for a list of classes in Groups 3 and 6.
Course selection also will depend on scheduling availability.)
**Alternatively, this course could be the second IB Diploma course if the

53. IBCP Only Pathway
DP Course Options - 2 or 3 courses
(SL or HL based on student choice and ability)
First course from Group 1—English
Second & Third course, any course from 3, 5
or 6
(See page 11 of the options booklet for a list of classes in
these groups. Course selection also will depend on
scheduling availability.)
(Note: this option is only viable for students planning to
attend a UK or European university)

54. Career-related Programme
• BTEC Level 3
– Applied learning brand
– Equivalent to A levels
• Mandatory units and optional units
• Tailor the optional units to student interest
• Assessments
– Internal
– Small external assessments (some tasks, some have a test)
– Application of acquired knowledge to a real-life situation
– External verification

55. Career-related Programme
Based on initial student interest, we are considering
offering the following BTEC Level 3 Nationals at
Diploma Level as the career related options:
1. BTEC Business
2. BTEC Art and Design
3. BTEC Performing Arts
4. BTEC Sport & Exercise Science

56. What is it?
• BTEC has been engaging learners in practical,
interpersonal and thinking skills for over 30 years.
• BTECs are work-related qualifications for learners taking
their first steps into employment, progressing through
their careers or planning to enter university.

58. Art&Design

59. Business

60. PerformingArts

61. Sport&ExerciseScience

62. Work Experience Partnership
• Partner with organisations in a related career
field
• Integrated with the IBCP programme
• Provide experiential learning
• Provide practical experience

63. Example IBCP Programme
• Career-related programme: Sport and Exercise Science
• DP Courses:
– Language & Literature (SL or HL)
– Biology (SL or HL)
– Psychology (SL or HL)
• Core:
– ATL
– Community and Service
– Reflective Project
– Language
• Work experience partnership:
– Surrey Human Performance Centre (Surrey Sports Park)
– Kingston Human Performance & Biomechanics Lab (Kingston University)
– St Mary's University & Loughborough University – Practical lab and field
testing

64. IBCP vs IBDP
IBCP IBDP
“Traditional” coursework
At least 2 DP courses
Either SL or HL
6 DP courses:
3 at HL and 3 at SL
Career-focused coursework
BTEC Career-related
programme
Experiential learning
Industry work
experience
Language
“Development” of
second language
Portfolio, no exams
2 years
Exams
Assessment
Internal assessments
in the form of
assignments
Internal exams
External exams at end
of 2 years
Development of critical thinking ATL TOK
Independent Research Reflective Project Extended Essay
Development of civic responsibility and
personal growth
Community and
Service
CAS

65. University Recognition
of IBCP
• Recognised by OFQUAL and UCAS
• Equivalent to 2 A levels
• Possible to earn up to 540 tariff points by taking a
BTEC Diploma and 2 HL DP courses
• ~ Equivalent to 37 Diploma points (out of 45)

66. UK Universities
That Have Accepted IBCP Students
• Bournemouth
• Brunel
• Kingston University
• University of the Arts, London
• University of Brighton
• University of Hull
• University of Kent
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Reading
This is a sample – a full list is available on the table outside

67. UK Universities
That Recognise the IBCP as an
Entrance Requirement:
• City
• Edinburgh Napier
• Queen Mary’s, University of London
• Royal Holloway
This is a sample – a full list is available on the table outside

68. European Universities That
Recognise the IBCP as an
Entrance Requirement:
• Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne, Switzerland
• European University, Munich
• John Cabot, Rome
• American University of Rome
• American University of Paris
This is a sample – a full list is available on the table outside

69. US Universities
That Have Accepted IBCP Students
University Avg GPA Avg SAT
Georgia Tech 3.83 2096
Grinnell 3.88 2063
Missouri State 3.51 1700
Rhode Island School of Design 3.64 1929
St. Olaf College 3.66 1874
University of Georgia 3.64 1964
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 3.68 2019
University of Iowa 3.41 1869
University of Maryland (College Park) 3.48 1905
University of Minnesota 3.63 1999
University of Oregon 3.48 1810
• All US universities accept high school diploma/IBCP
• Selectivity varies based on GPA and course requirements
• In particular:
This is a sample – a full list is available on the table outside

70. So Why Choose the IBCP?
Because it:
• Combines career-focused courses with DP courses
• Benefits students who are passionate about a subject and
want hands-on, focused study with integrated work
experience
• Still has a “core” focus as well, universities like this
• Provides a pathway to US, UK, and European universities
• Is FLEXIBLE!
Also note:
• Students will be in classes with their peers – not isolated

71. What does set Egham apart?

72. • Collegiality – International cohort
• Teachers – are highly experienced and care
• Campus and Facilities – including the Diploma Centre 
• College Counseling experience both in the US and UK
• Guidance Counselor support for students
• We believe in the HOLISTIC nature of the IB – and the
core is the CORE
• All students whichever pathway are treated equally, in
the same classes and building…
• Student Services provide specialised support,experience
of IB students and needs – including Study Skills
• Proven track record of getting students from a wide level
of abilities to achieve & attain excellent Uni placements
AND OF COURSE THE ACADEMICS…

73. • Read guide carefully and discuss options
• Listen to teachers advice
• Enquire about the programme / pathways
• Start thinking about careers
• Speak to Grade 11/12 students – they do not bite!
• Meet informally with College Counselor
• Take Tests (PSATS etc.)
• Speak to your Mr. Perkins or Mrs. Sedlacek – and
hand in your Choice form by December 7th
• 1-to-1 interviews will take place on 1st to 3rd
February
Remember to use the Diploma Forum site –
www.ibegham.wikispaces.com
Next Steps…

74. …please Ma and
Pa let me make
the decisions it
is my future you
know!

75. Time for Action and Decisions…
Any Questions?