We have no plans to bring in the IB (International Baccalaureate) at this stage, but we do review our curriculum periodically. The two most recognisable global qualifications in post 16 education are A Levels and IB. The A Level programme we offer at Alice Smith is supplemented with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and significant Enrichment activities which offers a breadth of experience similar to the IB with the IB equivalents being the extended essay, CAS and Theory of Knowledge.
A Levels are still the most widely understood pathway into UK universities and around 70% of our students regularly only apply to UK universities, so it makes sense for us to offer an A Level programme – a programme of in-depth study that we are excellent in delivering. A Levels are also readily accepted by universities all over the world. By supplementing A Levels with the EPQ we are enabling our students to offer themselves to universities as well rounded students who have demonstrated an ability to think critically and work independently at a university style level.