How is IB examined and administered?

The Headquarters of the IBO are in Geneva but examinations for UK candidates are set and marked by the International Baccalaureate Curriculum and Assessment Division which is based in Cardiff. The whole programme is classified by the UK government as a Level 3 qualification by the DCSF. However, it is entirely free of government control in terms of curriculum and marking.

How do universities regard it?

IB is now accepted and understood by all universities. Indeed, there is evidence that universities are increasingly supportive of IB candidates: the points system of IB offers universities a better way of differentiating between good candidates and pupils who have studied IB do well at university because of the breadth of their education and the emphasis in IB on independent learning.

Is IB harder than A levels? Will all KES boys be able to cope?

There is no doubt that IB demands more organisation than A levels, but the content is no harder. King Edward's is one of the strongest academic schools in the country and there are many schools taking IB with a pupil body substantially less able than our own. IB is not an elitist course, nor is it the preserve of independent schools. We would not have gone down the road to IB if we were not clear that all King Edward's boys would be able to cope with the demands of the course.

What will be different for boys doing IB?

The key difference will be in the shape of the timetable. At the moment, we try to enrich the AS/A level provision with General Studies. Under IB, boys are likely to spend 6 periods per week on their three Higher Level subjects and 4 periods per week on their Standard Level subjects plus time allocated to Theory of Knowledge. However, there will be no change to the provision of games or Friday afternoon activities. Indeed, these activities will take on an even greater relevance in the CAS programme.

Why not offer A levels and IB?

We firmly believe that the IB Diploma is the right path for this school and all of its pupils for all of the reasons outlined above. By doing the IB Diploma, and only the IB Diploma, we will ensure that all of our efforts are directed towards its successful implementation. This means that every member of staff, and every element of the school will be dedicated to the IB Diploma. It won't be a side-show or a minority provision. It will be what every pupil is studying, what every teacher will be teaching.

Will the school be able to make the change in terms of teaching and training?

From the decision to introduce IB until its actual introduction is two and a half years whereas most schools make the move within 18 months. Thus, we have time to get it right. During that time we have to pass a rigorous accreditation process by IBO and a large number of the staff have already been trained by the IBO. Mr John Fern, the Director of Studies who took up his position in September 2009, taught IB at Oakham before spending four years at Fettes College, Edinburgh where he was responsible for the successful introduction of the IB Diploma.

Further details about the International Baccalaureate Organisation and about the IB Diploma are available at www.ibo.org