Westbourne School in Penarth has delivered the IB Diploma Programme rather than A Levels for well over a decade. Facilitating top university entry globally, the IB is widely considered the 'gold standard' in secondary education.

This November, Westbourne School in Penarth is running two events for local families, designed to raise awareness of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme as a leading alternative to A Levels at Sixth Form.

These include:

- IB Sixth Form Taster Day - Wednesday 8th November - Explore the IB Diploma advantage compared to A Levels. An immersive IB study experience for local Year 10 and 11 students

- Sixth Form Information Evening, Thursday 9th November, 6pm - An information session on how the IB Diploma outperforms A Levels for interested parents and students

Taught in 159 countries in the world, the IB Diploma Programme (or IBDP) has seen a dramatic increase in popularity in the UK over recent years. Its unique approach to learning and self-development goes far beyond what is taught by traditional A Levels, and university admissions teams are now actively seeking IB Diploma candidates for their most competitive degree courses.

According to a report by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, IB Diploma Programme students are more likely to earn first-class honours degrees compared to A Level students.

Academic Director at Westbourne, Ms Lisa Phillips, said: "The IB Diploma encourages students to be critical thinkers, open-minded and reflective. Rather than being taught to memorise and recount facts, what to think, they are taught how to think, analysing information, evaluating arguments and drawing conclusions based on evidence. The IB challenges students to be intellectually curious, nurturing invaluable skills for university and beyond."

Whilst at A Level, students take individual subjects, often weighted towards the sciences or the humanities, IB students complete a broad range of subjects spanning the humanities, sciences, mathematics and the visual arts. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that they are well-rounded, equipped with a diverse skillset. The IB also places great emphasis on the development of language skills, essential for communication in our increasingly globalised world.

A defining aspect of the IB is the emphasis on community and extra-curricular activities, including volunteering, fundraising and internships. This part of the programme encourages the development of leadership skills, independence and a sense of social responsibility - transferable skills that are highly prized by university admissions tutors. Students also write a 4,000-word university-style extended essay, which undoubtedly makes them stand out.

Westbourne offers the world's first truly global network of IB schools, with IB colleges in Sydney, Singapore and Penarth. Supported by the latest innovative technology, students work together globally, collaborating in real-time to share ideas, research and best practice across continents. Immersive global exchange trips ensure that they build a lifelong network of like-minded peers, for both support and inspiration.

Ms Phillips continued: "The success of our approach is evident in the outstanding achievements of our students. 90% of graduates gain entry to prestigious universities around the world, including the elite Russell Group and international equivalents. Pursuing careers in fields such as engineering, medicine, law and business, they are poised to make a transformative impact not just in this country, but globally, as the leaders of the future. And that's the IB difference."

To book your place at one of the events at Westbourne, visit: https://lp.westbourneschool.com/sixth-form-open-evening-november