2021 Introduction to Diploma Programme

INTRODUCTION

The programme of studies leading to the International Baccalaureate Diploma is a comprehensive and rigorous pre-university course taken in Years 11 and 12. The programme aims to: 1. Provide a balanced and challenging academic experience, which emphasises the education of the whole person, thus developing socially responsible citizens of the world. 2. Prepare students to succeed at university, as well as providing an internationally accepted entrance qualification into universities in Australia and in over 158 countries. 3. Promote international understanding through shared academic experience and development of global awareness. 4. Build and reinforce a student’s sense of identity and cultural awareness. 5. Make transfer between international schools more convenient for internationally mobile families. The IB Diploma Programme is successful and growing. IB students attend over 5300 IB World Schools in nearly 155 countries who teach IB Programmes. Nearly 70 schools are currently offering the IB Diploma in Australia and Somerset College is one of three independent schools in Queensland to offer. The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO founded in 1968 is registered as a foundation with the Swiss Federal Government and holds consultative status with UNESCO. The IBO works with schools and educators around the world from its three Global Centres (The Hague, Bethesda and Singapore; the Foundation Office (Geneva); the Assessment Centre oversees two examination sessions per year in May and November. Somerset College prepares our students for the May session (for Italian ab initio) and the November session for all other subjects. Thousands of individual examiners worldwide participate in the assessment of student work.

“It is a challenging and exciting curriculum and we are privileged to offer it.” - Dane Oman Diploma Economics and Business Management Teacher Assistant Head of Department - Business

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