The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is our principal academic programme at Impington International College, which enables students to develop an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, academic independence and the intellectual skills that allow you to stand out in a crowded market of applications for university and employment.
The DP curriculum is made up of six subject groups, including: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts. Through studying three subjects at higher level and three at standard level, you can tailor the programme to your own strengths, while continuing to develop essential skills, including Languages and Mathematics.
The challenging but rewarding programme offers you a global perspective by cultivating international-mindedness and prepares you for successful transition to higher education through the development of key skills needed to succeed in such as research, inquiry, independent study and critical analysis.
The core
The six subject groups are wrapped around the DP core, which is designed to bring together the different elements of the programme, and provides you with an opportunity to develop skills such as independence and inquiry. Through the core, you will complete:
- Creativity, Activity, Service: a number of activities that compliment your academic studies, including creative and artistic pursuits, physical activity and volunteering. You will have access to workshops, advisors, and a CAS and service learning coordinator to support your choices and ensure you are accessing a broad range of experiences, which can be used in the next stages of your life journey. During your DP, you will maintain a portfolio of your CAS experiences, which is not assessed and does not contribute to your diploma score.
- Extended essay: a 4,000 word essay that relates to one of your six DP subjects or examines an issue of contemporary global significance across two IB disciplines. The extended essay helps to prepare you for undergraduate research by developing your critical analysis, research and evaluation skills. Throughout the process of researching and writing your essay, you will receive advice and guidance from a supervisor, including three reflection sessions, to discuss your topic of interest. Points awarded for your essay will contribute to your overall diploma score.
- Theory of Knowledge course: aims to help enhance your awareness of the interpretative nature of knowledge through reflections on the diverse ways of knowing and the role of knowledge in your own, and others culture. Your ability to apply theory of knowledge thinking to a real-life situation is assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600 word essay. Points awarded for your presentation and essay will contribute to your overall diploma score.
Discover the subject options we offer.
Choosing the right course of study for you is an important decision and we understand that you will have questions about the programme. Please visit our FAQ page to discover the answers to some of the most common questions that we receive or contact us.
The six subject groups are wrapped around the DP core, which is designed to bring together the different elements of the programme, and provides you with an opportunity to develop skills such as independence and inquiry. Through the core, you will complete:
- Creativity, Activity, Service: a number of activities that compliment your academic studies, including creative and artistic pursuits, physical activity and volunteering. You will have access to workshops, advisors, and a CAS and service learning coordinator to support your choices and ensure you are accessing a broad range of experiences, which can be used in the next stages of your life journey. During your DP, you will maintain a portfolio of your CAS experiences, which is not assessed and does not contribute to your diploma score.
- Extended essay: a 4,000 word essay that relates to one of your six DP subjects or examines an issue of contemporary global significance across two IB disciplines. The extended essay helps to prepare you for undergraduate research by developing your critical analysis, research and evaluation skills. Throughout the process of researching and writing your essay, you will receive advice and guidance from a supervisor, including three reflection sessions, to discuss your topic of interest. Points awarded for your essay will contribute to your overall diploma score.
- Theory of Knowledge course: aims to help enhance your awareness of the interpretative nature of knowledge through reflections on the diverse ways of knowing and the role of knowledge in your own, and others culture. Your ability to apply theory of knowledge thinking to a real-life situation is assessed through an oral presentation and a 1,600 word essay. Points awarded for your presentation and essay will contribute to your overall diploma score.
Do you want to progress with your academic studies but don’t want to give up your passion for sport? We offer a number of scholarships that are designed to enable you to combine your studies with specialist training from elite coaches. Each scholarship has been developed to complement the DP and is accessible to all students. For more information on our scholarship opportunities, please get in touch.
Football scholarship in partnership with Norwich City FC RDP
Our Football Scholarship in partnership with Norwich City FC RDP gives you the opportunity to train six hours a week (Monday, Tuesday and Friday), attend and play in weekly matches and national competitions, receive specialist coaching from elite coaches and use of the College gym throughout the day.
Rugby scholarship
Benefit from access to specialist training with through our Rugby Scholarship. Through the scholarship you will train six hours a week (Monday, Tuesday and Friday), attend and play in weekly matches and have use of the College gym throughout the day.
Rowing scholarship in partnership with Rob Roy Rowing Club
In partnership with Rob Roy Rowing Club, our rowing scholarship covers the cost of the annual membership to the Rowing Club alongside the opportunity to enter national competitions, receive specialist training from elite coaches and use of the gym throughout the College day.
Netball scholarship in partnership with Serena Guthrie and Legacy Netball
Through the netball scholarship in partnership with Serena Guthrie and Legacy Netball, you have the opportunity to train for six hours a week (Monday, Tuesday and Friday), attend and play in weekly matches, have specialist training from elite players and coaches, benefit from links with netball Super League clubs and free gym membership during the College day.
Handball scholarship in partnership with Cambridge Handball club
The scholarship will cover the cost of membership at the Club and will see students participating in specialist handball training three times a week. Alongside this, those enrolled on the programme will take part in regional matches each week and have the opportunity to represent the men's and women's teams in the England Handball Premier League. Sports scholars will be given valuable university application support, including tips for applying for higher education overseas, particularly in countries such as Germany, France and Spain, where handball is a well-esteemed sport and an attractive asset to universities.
You will need at least seven GCSEs with an average of Grade 6, including English Language and Mathematics, or a total of at least 28 points with a Grade 3 or higher in each IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) eAssessment. For subjects you wish to study at higher level, you will need ideally at least a Grade 7.
Click the download buttons to learn more about each course available at the College:
Choosing the right course of study for you is an important decision and we understand that you will have questions about the programme. Please visit our FAQ page to discover the answers to some of the most common questions that we receive or contact us.
