Wednesday, July 14

EXETER College’s departing International Baccalaureate (IB) students have good reason to end their final summer term on a high.

The 33 students who completed their two-year diploma this year have achieved average points of 33 – well above the worldwide average of 29.49.

Meanwhile, the average grade obtained at Exeter College was 5.26 compared with 4.65 globally.

Breaking these results down into subject areas, for English at Higher Level, for example, the average grade at Exeter College was 5.33, compared with 4.71 internationally. In Chemistry at Higher Level, it was 5.00 compared with 4.36; in Standard Level Film, 5.80 to 4.63; and in Visual Arts at Higher Level, 6.00 to 4.92

In addition, a number of students also attained the highest grade possible – 7 – across a broad spectrum of subject areas, among them English, Spanish, Geography, Biology and Maths.

Out of a total of 14 History students, five gained a grade 7 and a further six a grade 6.

Students who excelled included Marissa Schubert, aged 17, of Paignton, who will begin reading for a degree in Medicine at Oxford University in the Autumn, having scored 41 out of a maximum of 45.

A German national, who grew up in Berlin, Marissa studied at the Gatehouse School in Dawlish, and the Steiner School and Redland High School for Girls in Bristol, before enrolling at Exeter College in 2008.

She says: “I chose to take the IB for so many reasons, but particularly because I liked the fact that it covers such a large variety of subjects, and because of the international aspect of the course.

“Not only is it a qualification that is recognised everywhere, but it means I’ve now met people from so many different backgrounds. That was something I was not really aware of before, and something I really enjoyed about the IB while I was doing it.”

She adds: “Obviously, I’m thrilled to be going to Oxford later this year; at the moment, it all seems a bit surreal.”

IB students take six different subjects, as opposed to the three traditionally taken by A level students. In addition to studying core subjects, such as Maths, English, Languages, Sciences and Arts, candidates also complete an extended essay and voluntary work.

Exeter College was one of the first in the country to offer the IB 17 years ago, and was the first in Devon to do so.

Assistant Principal Anne Oxborough says: “Once again, we are delighted to hear of the IB students’ success, particularly as this recognises the enormous amount of work which has been put in by both teaching staff and students to achieve these results.”

Jane Russell, Head of English Languages, Communication, Classics and IB, adds: “The IB also attracts a number of students for whom English is their second language. This enriches the cultural experience of all the students and, in doing so, reflects the international nature of the qualification.”