‘World of opportunity’ for SJD students

SIR John Deane’s has become one of the first colleges in Cheshire to be able to offer students the chance to study for the prestigious International Baccalaureate qualification.

The announcement comes after SJD’s was awarded World School Status – paving the way for students to study for the IB from September this year.

Andrew Jones, Principal of SJD, said he was extremely proud that the college had been awarded the status and thanked staff for their hard work in achieving the high standards needed.

“SJD’s already has a wide range of A Level subjects and by also offering the International Baccalaureate programme of study our students will continue to have the very best choice available,” said Mr Jones.

Sir John Deane’s College joins just a handful of schools and colleges to have introduced the prestigious IB, including Manchester Grammar School, Priestley College, Warrington and Calday Grange Grammar School, on the Wirral.

The IB provides the opportunity to study a wider range of subjects than A Levels and places a strong emphasis on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship.

Developed in 1968, it is one of the fastest-growing qualifications in Britain and is welcomed by all British universities and most universities abroad.

It is highly-regarded as academically challenging and is considered the gateway to a wide range of professions.

Louise Tipping, SJD’s Director of Teaching and Learning, explained: “It’s the international focus that sets the IB apart from other qualifications. It is ideal for students who are thinking about working or even studying abroad, or for those who do not want to narrow down their studies and enjoy a range of subjects.

“The world is changing and by introducing the IB we are proud to be offering a prestigious qualification that prepares students for the challenges of the global marketplace.”

Students planning to take the IB will need to have achieved six B grades (which must include English and Maths) at GCSE or equivalent level. They will then study six subjects, three at higher level and three at standard level.

Applications are still being accepted for the IB. For more details, please call the college on 01606 810020 or log on to http://www.sjd.ac.uk/.