International Baccalaureate Malaysia

[Jenny]

Marlborough College Malaysia achieved accreditation to become an IB World School in April 2014. This is the outcome of going through the rigorous and stringent IB authorisation process which began in May 2012. As a result, we were able to start delivering the IB Diploma Programme from September 2014 to our first Lower Sixth cohort.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma is an internationally recognised qualification of high academic standing. It was originally launched in 1968 and approximately 150,000 students studying in nearly 150 countries achieve the Diploma annually. The IB Diploma is recognised by all UK universities and is highly regarded internationally. According to the IBO, diploma graduates head to high education in almost 90 countries.

The IB is also highly attractive to employers, because of the variety of skills and attributes which are fostered during the course of the programme. A range of exciting and challenging courses will be offered that will stretch the most able pupil, but which are well within the grasp of any pupil at Marlborough if they are prepared to commit to their studies.

The philosophy of the IB emphasises high academic standards,  the heart of the IB Diploma lies the Learner Profile. This sets out the key attributes which the programme seeks to develop. These mirror the College’s ambition to develop fully the potential of all its pupils and to instil a love of learning for its own sake.

Academic excellence is coupled with an emphasis on personal development. The IB supports the philosophy of a rounded education and the development of the whole person, rather than a narrow focus on the academic alone. To achieve this, pupils are encouraged to reflect upon both their academic subjects and their personal growth. Students are required to demonstrate initiative, independence and organisation. All important collaborative skills are also fostered.

Pupils study six subjects: three subjects are studied at higher level and three at Standard Level. This allows pupils to gain a greater depth of knowledge in those subjects which particularly interest them, whilst still developing further skills in their subsidiary subjects. In choosing their courses, students are required to maintain breadth. A subject must be chosen from Groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the hexagon. Group 6 offers the opportunity to study a creative subject (Art, Music or Theatre Arts) or to select a second subject from Groups 2, 3 or 4. At the core of the Diploma are the Theory Of Knowledge Course, the Extended Essay project and Community, Activity and Service experiences.