A NEW sixth form course running at an Ingatestone school has been such a success, students are flocking to sign up.
The Anglo European was the first state school in the country, and only the 12th in the world, to run the IBCC – the International Baccalaureate Career-related Certificate – in 2010. Its first cohort of 12 students received their results this year and all, some unexpectedly, achieved places at their first choice of university.
Co-ordinator of the IBCC Deborah Gallagher, said she and her colleagues at the Willow Green school were thrilled.
She told the Gazette: "Originally we thought it was ideal for people who do not know if they want to go to university or go straight out to work. However, our entire first cohort during the course of the two years decided they did want to go to university. They were ambitious and applied to institutions they did not think they would get into.
"They received really good offers, and despite some not quite making the grade they were asked for, they all got in, which is amazing. I do not think they would have got into those universities had they taken straight A-levels."
Having seen the success of the first cohort, numbers of students signing up to the course, which allows students to undertake a combination of practical and academic A-levels, are steadily rising. There are now 14 in the current upper sixth, and 19 in the lower sixth form.
Mrs Gallagher said: "It was a big step to take to start the IBCC, and it was particularly crucial to me to make it work, but it could not have been more successful.
"However its success is a double edged sword. Obviously we are pleased the course is popular but the key to its success is keeping the groups small."
Part of the IBCC is an Approach to Learning course which is run by Mrs Gallagher, allowing her to see how individual students are progressing with their studies, and if they are not on track put in place measures to help them.
She said: "I make sure they're all performing as they should be. They really benefit from being monitored much more closely and working together as a whole group at that time."
Students taking the IBCC study a vocational A-level such as business studies, textiles or product design, alongside an academic A-level, plus two IB subjects at IB standard level. If none of these courses is a language they must also study one additionally.
As well as undertaking the Approaches to Learning course, the teenagers must also complete a reflective project, and undertake 50 hours of service to the school or community.
Co-head teacher David Barrs said: "The IBCC is for students who are good all-rounders but want a more applied rather than academic programme.
"I think part of why our first cohort was so successful when applying to university was because they stood out from other candidates. Most universities value breadth and these students show they have it. It is also ideal for our students who are considering applying to European universities, as having the IBCC will give them a head start."
