State schools lead the way in uptake of International Baccalaureate
Most of the sixth-formers at George Green school, a comprehensive on the Isle of Dogs, are not on tenterhooks like those in the rest of the country.
That is because they are part of a growing trend in inner city secondary schools and are studying for the International Baccalaureate rather than A-levels, the results of which are published on Thursday.
The IB, widely recognised as being harder than A-levels, has traditionally been considered more a qualification for students in independent schools.
But the latest figures show the system is growing – with more than 200 schools in the UK now putting students in for it ahead of A-Levels – and reveal a majority, 122, are state schools.
“It was a big decision for us,” said Kenny Frederick, headteacher of George Green school. “A-levels weren’t doing it for our kids and didn’t prepare them well for university. We wanted something that was a bit broader.”
In that respect, the IB meets many of the Government’s tick boxes – all students study maths and English amongst seven compulsory subjects until 18 and they also have to take a modern foreign language.
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... (The Independent - 14 August)