6th form - IB Diploma Programme

Prepare for your future at Europa: Explore, Engage and Excel with the IB Diploma Programme

Welcome to Europa School UK Sixth Form.

We are extremely proud to offer the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programme here at Europa School UK, free of charge to all students.

The IB diploma is a world renowned university entry qualification, offered in 159 countries across the world. It is fully respected by all UK universities.

The programme encourages students to become independent learners and critical thinkers, cultivating an international mindset ready for university study.

“Sixth-form students demonstrate exceptional attitudes towards their learning” -OFSTED 2024

What to expect

At Europa School UK we offer a broad curriculum with compulsory study of English, mathematics, science, languages and humanities. Students also choose either an arts subject from a sixth group, or another subject from one of the above subject groups.

Our bilingual model, unique in the region, offers students the scope to explore advanced language learning and the opportunity to study subjects in other languages. This is also accessible to students with a good GCSE in French, German, Italian or Spanish.

This is an academically challenging programme with final examinations that prepare students for university and working life. As a result, our students become mature, resilient people, which supports them in achieving their full potential.

The programme also includes:

Extended Essay: a 4,000 word essay based on the students own research and in-depth study, centred around a topic of their choice.
Theory of Knowledge: a compulsory subject which focuses on critical thinking and learning.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): enhances student’s personal and interpersonal development – combining a range of activities alongside academic study to engage in creative thinking, physical activity, and service in the community.

All lessons take place in small-medium sized classes and are taught by expert teachers. Our subject specialist teachers offer bespoke supervision for the extended essay, specific lessons and guidance on the Theory of Knowledge coursework, and CAS supervision, all overseen by the IB Coordinator.

The majority of students continue their studies at competitive universities in the UK or in Europe and some have recently embarked on Degree Apprenticeships. Each student is supported in their university application process by a UCAS/HE advisor.

“Teachers ensure that all students are expertly supported to help them learn and achieve highly” – OFSTED 2024

Why do the IB Diploma at Europa?

ACADEMIC RESULTS

Outstanding OFSTED rating. Our sixth form is recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED (May 2024), reflecting our commitment to academic excellence and high-quality education. Students at Europa School achieve outstanding pass rates.

CHALLENGING

The structure of the programme allows for a depth of learning which will challenge the student and prepare them for the future. Our programme emphasises developing students as well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.

EXTENDED PATHWAYS TO MAKE LIFE CHOICES

Europa’s broad curriculum and extended educational approach allows students ample time to explore diverse fields and passions, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future. The IB programme encourages independent learning and critical thinking: teaching students to learn to understand rather than just remember facts and stats.

NO FEES

We are Oxfordshire’s only state school offering the IB Diploma free of charge to all students, making high quality international education accessible to all.

VIBRANT COMMUNITY AND CULTURE

Europa is set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside with a community who values diversity and inclusion. Fostering an environment where every student is encouraged to thrive. Europa offers various events, clubs and extracurricular activities that cater for a wide range of interests and talents.

EXPERT TEACHERS AND SPECIALISTS

Our outstanding rating ensures that students receive excellent education, guidance and support from teachers. Students benefit from personalised support and guidance as they navigate their academic and career journeys, ensuring they are well-prepared for future success.

GLOBAL

Students become globally minded. The IB Diploma programme is globally recognised for its rigorous academic and personal development standards, opening doors to prestigious universities and careers worldwide.

FIRST TO FINISH

IB examinations end in May with results being shared at the start of July. This allows more time for students to secure a place at their preferred university.

Open Events

To hear more about Europa School and how the IB Diploma Programme can prepare you for your future, please sign up to one of our Open Events.

2024 Results

We are pleased to share the latest news about our students’ performance in the recent International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma examinations.

Europa School UK is delighted that this year one of our cohort, Aidan, a Europa student since it opened in 2012, achieved the maximum possible IB Diploma score of 45 points. This is a fantastic accomplishment, as only 0.5% of students globally attain this score. Congratulations to Aidan, who will be heading to Durham University to study Mathematics.

Our students achieved an average passing grade of 32, which is above the global average of 30.3. This indicates the consistent effort and quality of education at Europa School UK.

We are also very proud to report that over 30% of higher level subjects were graded the equivalent of an A or A*.

2023 Results

100% pass rate
Average Points Score: 35 points (global average: 30.2 points)
Destinations include Cambridge, Bristol, Durham, Kings College, St. Andrew, The Courtauld Institute of Art as well as Universities across Europe

2022 Results

100% pass rate
Average Points Score: 36 points (global average: 32 points)
35% achieved 40 points or above
49% Bilingual diplomas

More information is available here

Entry Requirements

Students will be able to enter the IB Diploma Programme provided that they:

Show strong academic potential through their Year 11 exams or GCSE equivalents, with a minimum entry requirement of at least five Grades 5 to 9 or equivalent. This includes Mathematics and English Language. Grade 7 is required for the Higher Level courses.
Have been promoted from Year 11 to Year 12, or from an equivalent year group in another country.
Have a sufficient French, German, or Spanish level to do the Group 2 Language B Standard Level *
Have a sufficient level of English to do the Group 1 Higher or Standard Level English course.
Have a sufficient level of English to follow the English subjects (B2). More information can be found in this document.
Show maturity and motivation in their application letter.

*Should we have sufficient interest to offer another language in group A or B (e.g. Polish or Italian), we would be happy to look into it, so please don’t hesitate to contact us to register your interest. At any rate, Polish and Italian are available as a self-taught language A Standard level group. For other languages – please get in touch.

Application Form

Assessments & Exams

Assessments

For external students, who currently do not attend Europa School UK, there will be a number of entry tests, which are to make sure that the student can follow the curriculum and achieve the IB Diploma Programme.

These tests are not aimed at discouraging students from applying, and students should not have to prepare for them, other than being rested and ready to sit them.

They can be taken at home, supervised via a google meet, or at school.

1. English as Foreign language Speakers: B2 Level Tests For IB – English

For English as a Foreign language speakers, your level can be assessed here. The test itself will consist of a section on grammar, a reading comprehension, and a listening comprehension.

2. English language A

Candidates will be asked to write a response to either an unseen literary or non-literary text.

3. Second language (Language A or B)

Spanish LangB test
German LangB reading comprehension text.
German LangB Test
French LangB reading comprehension text.
French LangB A french written task: you will be asked to write 150/200 words on a subject.

4. Maths

You can find an example maths test here.

The assessments usually take place in January/ February.

Exams

For S7’s the IB DP mock exams usually take place in February with the main exams taking place in April and May. The results are released in early July.

IBDP at Europa Brochure

Europa-IB-Programme-Leaflet-2023-25-e-version

FAQ’s

What are your fees?

As a state school, we don’t charge any fees. We ask for a voluntary contribution though.You can find more information on our fundraising page.

Are you a boarding school?

We are not a boarding school, so our students will need to have a place to live. We are sometimes contacted by people that would offer lodging, so do check with us if you are looking for a place to live and we can maybe put you in touch.

I live abroad, can I join you next year?

Please read the government guidance carefully. As a state school we cannot enter students on a student visa, so you will have to have a right to stay and study in the UK that does not rely on a student visa.

Do I need to speak another language than English?

Yes, the IB is a multilingual program, so before you start you have to have a decent level of either German, French or Spanish.*

I don’t speak English very well, can I still join you?

Most subjects are taught in English, so you will need to be able to read, speak and write English. In doubt, we will ask you to do an entry test. We would recommend level C1 for most subjects. Depending on the subjects chosen, we could consider level B2.

What career advice is available?

There is a well-resourced Careers Room containing information on Higher Education and Careers.
We have a careers guidance team, including the Careers Coordinator (overseeing the whole secondary careers programme), the UCAS/HE Coordinator and the Work Experience Coordinator who between them deliver the programme as well as organising talks from university representatives, as well as career days where parents or other professionals come in and talk with the students.

There is also an independent Careers Adviser who has specialist careers guidance qualifications and has regular meetings with the students particularly in S5 and S6 (Years 11 and 12).

Our PTA has just funded a subscription to Xello – an online careers education programme. https://www.cascaid.co.uk/ “Inspire and engage every student in future planning”

What is the school community like?

The school community is international and there are strong links between parents and between parents and the school and students among each other.

We always have a number of ex-students coming back to work as teaching assistants in a gap year.

Our S7 students organise events for the younger students throughout the school year, like junior balls and senior balls, music soirees, a bratwurst sale, a pancake sale, and a mini-festival with music for the whole school.

A considerable number of school governors are from our parent body and our PTA (Parent teacher organisation) is a very supportive and active body involved in many fundraising and social activities. These include a summer and winter school fete, regular coffee mornings for parents and sporting events, like a fun run. The PTA website shows you more: https://www.europa-pta.org

General School information:

Bus routes: https://europaschooluk.org/parent-zone/transport/
Applications for younger year groups: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/schools/apply-school-place/transferring-or-moving-school
Canteen: https://europaschooluk.org/parent-zone/canteen/

Further details can be viewed on our website and by attending our open events.

Contact details

To find out more about studying the IB Diploma, please email the IB team at:

ib-admissions@europaschool.uk.