IB Qualification Helps Students Stand Out From The Crowd

The acclaimed International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification continues to attract students from all over Lincolnshire, the UK and Europe to study at the newly-extended Tollbar Sixth Form College.

The Waltham College, which has an outstanding Ofsted report and a Principal with an OBE for services to education, is the only one within a minimum 50-mile radius to offer post-16 students the opportunity to study the IB.

Revered as a truly global qualification that puts A-levels in the shade, this two-year, internationally approved course ensures students stand out, be it in their applications to university, or in the world of business.

For those living outside of the North East Lincolnshire area, Tollbar will offer a college bus service beginning in the next school year and, for those who prefer, there is already provision for approved placement with local families during study time.

Set alongside the award-winning Tollbar Business, Enterprise & Humanities College, which last summer had a 99.7 per cent pass rate for five GCSE's and above, Tollbar Sixth Form College is an entirely separate entity, with its own entrance and brand new facilities.

A new teaching block has been added, comprising 10 classrooms, which include two state-of-the-art ICT suites and three digital language labs. In addition, there is Wi-Fi access and all students now have their own laptop lockers.

IB offers a unique and highly rated qualification. Students spend less time doing exams and more time making progress in their studies. It prepares them for academic life in higher education by encouraging independent learning and equips them with skills for the world of work. It is accepted by universities throughout the UK, including Lincoln and Oxford.

Staff at Tollbar trained intensively for two years prior to the college being accredited for the International Baccalaureate in 2008.

Tollbar Sixth form College Principal David Hampson OBE, said: "It is no longer enough to do well at exams.

"Students can achieve the most fantastic A-level results at Tollbar and they have done so with a 99 per cent pass rate last summer, but they need something extra to set them apart.

"We believe the International Baccalaureate gives them that edge."

Article from The Grimsby Telegraph - Wednesday January 21st 2010