Here are some of the reasons why our current IB students chose the International Baccalaureate at Biddenham:
Name:Meredith Major
GCSE grades:9 A*s, 3 As and 1B
Why I chose to study the IB at Biddenham:"The IB gives me a chance to be the very best I can be and it has begun to shape me into the person I always hoped I could be. I love the structure of the diploma - it feels like I'm studying a course, not six isolated subjects."
Name: Aaron Crawford
GCSE grades: 1 A*, 8 As and 3Bs
Why I chose to study the IB at Biddenham: "I chose to study the IB as I bleieve it gives me more breadth as a person, a better standing when it comes to appyling to universities, as well as preparing me for life at uni with such things as the Extended Essay as well as other aspects. Not only that, but I feel the ethos reflects who I am as a person and the whole idea of the IB really appeals to me."
Name: Jessica Hallett
GCSE grades: 7 A*s, 5 As, 2 Bs
Why I chose to study the IB at Biddenham: "For me, the IB was a great opportunity to study the subjects that I really enjoy. It was the breadth of the course that attracted me, as taking six subjects suited me well and enables me to keep my options open."
Name: Abii Aldridge
GCSE grades: 1 A* (100% in Geography), 6 As and 7 Bs
Why I chose to study the IB at Biddenham: "I was instantly drawn to the IB Learner Profile and Mission Statement, and felt that being an IB student would allow me to be part of something global, and could perhaps give me the opportunity to go out in the world and find other people who share the same philosophy. I also like the fact I could have a better breadth of subjects to take, and that I would have the opportunity to study the Theory of Knowledge."
Name: Elli Priston
GCSE grades: 2 As, 4 Bs and 2 Cs Why I chose to study the IB at Biddenham: "To study a broader curriculum and to be part of an innovative new course at Biddenham."
Name:Harriet Fender
GCSE grades:5 A*s, 6 As and 2 Bs
Why I chose to study the IB at Biddenham:"I chose the IB because it keeps more options open for me than A-levels would. I am also very keen to travel and I think the IB suits this; I can take it nearly anywhere in the world as it is globally recognised."
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Why do we like teaching the IB?
Here are some of the reasons why the IB Team enjoy teaching the various components of the course:
Name:Mr. Rob Tomalin
Subject:Theory of Knowledge
Why I enjoy Teaching this part of the IB: "I love coming out of TOK sessions with a headache! The course is designed to really shake the IB students and their belief systems, to challenge why we think we know what we think we know, to look at what knowledge really is, and how it can be broken down. It is about deconstructing what we take for granted and reconstructing it again afterwards while bearing other things in mind. But personally, while I am busy trying to challenge the students I also get challenged by them. It is the prefect forum for some very deep thinking and is one of the highlights of my week. I have to admit that three lessons a fortnight with my TOK students is a real privilege for me. TOK is everywhere, not just in the classroom, and as an ex-IB student myself I have continued to encounter it on a daily basis."
Name:Dr. Paris Michaelides
Subject:Biology
Why I enjoy Teaching this part of the IB: "The students!! They are so interested in the subject that during discussions they ask very deep and unusual questions about the science. They seem really motivated and the course allows us time to explore these areas that interest them. The course seems to bring out their enquiring nature."
Name:Mrs. Agnes Inness
Subject:French HL and SL
Why I enjoy teaching this part of the IB: "This will sound a bit corny, but I enjoy teaching this part of the IB programme because I am meeting students who are highly motivated, inquisitive and fun!
The IB students are taught alongside the A-Level students so we all benefit from the larger class size; as their bank of vocabulary increases, the debates we have move along with greater pace, and they bring a wide variety of opinions on topics such as 'marriage', 'the role of modern technology in the lives of young people' and ' friendship', to name but a few.
I find myself eager to experiment with resources and teaching materials, and the students themselves, with their general enthusiasm, their willingness to take risks, have a go, bring a certain 'je ne sais quoi' to each lesson!
I particularly like the IB students' ability to work independantly, they already show signs of being good self-managers.
I look forward to delivering the Langauge B part of the IB programme for many years to come."
Name: Mr. Paul Spyropoulos
Subject: IB Biology Why I enjoy teaching this part of the IB: "Lessons that include a healthy debate on issues such as Stem Cell research, Emergent Properties, the 'C-Value paradox' and of course the Meaning of Life."
Name: Miss Linda Pridgeon Subject: Language A1 - English Why I enjoy teaching this part of the IB: "Teaching the IB is an amazing experience; not only do I get to share some of my favourite novels, poems and plays with the students but also discover their views and opinions on the variety of cultural and historical issues they cover. Being able to link the texts with other subjects and their personal experiences makes it relevant, interesting and acessible, not to mention lively and contentious at times!"
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IB Pioneers (2009-2011)
As IB pioneers, you know how proud of you we are! This area here has the information which is most important for you in terms of rules, regulations, academic honesty and your deadlines!
Please check this area regularly, as I will populate it with more info as and when you need it.
As ever, if things begin to feel too much, pop in to my office, sit in the massage chair, get your concerns off your chest, have a cup of tea, and by the time you leave you'll be armed with options, possible solutions and hopefully feeling a LOT better. PLEASE don't wait for your "little" issues to become big problems. I am always here for you, you know that!
In order to help support our IB Parents I have attached some useful information for you to ensure you are up to date with what is going on in your son/daughter's IB World.
Biddenham International School and Specialist Sports College is now officially an IB World School!
Two years ago Mike Berrill said that he would like Biddenham Upper School to consider delivering the International Baccalaureate as a possible alternative for students who may wish to study something other than A-Levels as a pre-university course.
As a school, we began looking into this and researching whether or not this would be viable for our students.
What we were not aware of at that time is that schools cannot merely decide they want to deliver it! They must apply for permission to deliver it and prove to the International Baccalaureate Organization in Geneva that they are in fact able to do so - and that they support, believe in and commit to the philosophy that lies behind this globally recognised qualification.
After three long application forms, official residential IB teacher training sessions for staff and a two day inspection visit from the Head Quarters in Geneva, Biddenham is now proud to be able to say that we have been officially recognised as an IB WORLD SCHOOL!
This means that as of September 2009, we have begun offering the IB! Current Year 11 students who are predicted/able to achieve five GCSEs at grades A*-C (including English, Maths and Science), and who are the kind of students who possess the IB Learner Profile (see the video clip above), will also have the opportunity of studying the IB Diploma with our IB Pioneers.
The diagram below gives you a simplistic overview of what the IB entails.
Please look at the different files, PowerPoint presentations and information located here on Biddenham's IB webpage. If you have any further queries about what the course entails, or would like further information, please do get in touch. As an ex-IB student myself I have experience from both sides of the Diploma Programme, and have my group of IB "Pioneers" who would also be very keen to answer any questions you may have.
The IB team really look forward to working with you in the future.
With best wishes,
Mr Tomalin
Mr. Rob Tomalin Director of International Baccalaureate and Internationalism Biddenham International School and Specialist Sports College Bedford MK40 4AZ UK
+44 (0) 1234 342 521 - Main Reception +44 (0) 1234 334 557 - Direct Line
