International Bacalaureate (IB)

GCSEs, A and AS levels are not the only 'academic' qualifications. For example, the International Baccalaureate is an 'international' alternative to A level study available at a few schools and colleges in this country. The qualification is designed for students who have at least four GCSEs at grades A-C and it is normally a two year course.

Students usually study six subjects: three at a 'higher' level and three at a 'subsidiary' level, a little like minor and major subjects at universities. At least two of these six subjects must be languages, although one of those languages can be English.