IB (International Baccalaureate)
Kent College Dubai is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Welcome from the Head of Senior School
Welcome to the Sixth Form at Kent College Dubai. We are one of the best British Curriculum and Top IB Schools in Dubai, and as such, the Sixth Form (year 12 and 13) represents the pinnacle of your school career with us. Our Sixth Formers play an integral role in the school – they are seen as role models, and their leading by example sets the tone for what makes our school so unique: we believe in a whole-student education, and so as much as a strong academic program is at the heart of Sixth Form life, our offering extends far beyond academics. We have a wide offering of Extracurricular Activities (ECAs) that enable students to develop skills that build character, build confidence, help them to practice leadership skills, and will ultimately make them future-ready and world-ready.
Kent College Dubai unlocks the individual potential in each and every child. We provide performance guidance and pathways that are as unique as the pupils that attend this school. By the time pupils graduate from Kent, they are internationally-minded adults that see themselves as global citizens. They are confident in their opinions, have the courage to stand by their convictions, hold previous generations accountable for their actions, and are confident to be catalysts for change into the future. KCD students know that they hold the future in their hands, and they do not shy away from the weight of this responsibility, because they know that they are equipped with all that’s required for life in an ever-changing world; they are inquirers, principled, open-minded, risk-takers, knowledgeable, thinkers that are caring and balanced.
Kent College Dubai is a leading provider of a wide range of graduation pathways; from British A levels and BTEC vocational qualifications to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). We know that every student learns in a different way, and we believe that offering these multiple pathways allows each student the opportunity to challenge their individual strengths and abilities in the way that suits them best.
Tim Hollis – Head of Senior School
Kent College Dubai Sixth Form at a glance:
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP):
The IB Diploma is an exciting programme that focuses not only on the academic enrichment of the student, but their personal development as a well-rounded individual. It is highly-respected internationally and recognised by all UK and International universities. The Diploma offers a breadth of knowledge and range of skills that are sought after by employers and higher education alike.
The IB Diploma allows students to follow six subjects from different areas of study including literature, a foreign language, humanities, science, maths, and an optional arts subject. Students also research and write an Extended Essay in an area of interest to them; this is highly regarded by universities. At the core of the programme, their academic study is complemented with a course on the Theory of Knowledge, their also opportunities to gain leadership skills and credit for their extracurricular activities in Creativity, Action and Service.
The Diploma is a challenging course that will suit students who are hard working, well organised and have a genuine curiosity for the subjects of their study.
The current selection of subjects available in the IB Diploma Programme has been selected in response to current student preference and is up for review each year as the cohort grows.
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) focuses on personal development outside the classroom. The student engages in Creativity, through the arts and creative thinking; Action, through physical activity, contributing to a healthy lifestyle; and Service, volunteering to benefit others. A personal journey of self-discovery, CAS is a challenging endeavour in personal growth. Students are supported in the innovative completion of CAS in community, local and global projects.
Extended Essay
The Extended Essay is an in-depth study on a topic of the student’s choosing. It is the perfect opportunity to show knowledge, understanding, and enthusiasm for the student’s academic interests through high-level research and intellectual discovery- this excellent preparation for the expectation of university level academic writing.
Theory of Knowledge
The Theory of Knowledge focuses on critical thinking, challenging the notion of learning as the mere acquisition of facts. The complexities associated with knowledge are closely considered; we look at what we believe to be true, the reasons we have for holding these beliefs and whether or not our reasons for holding them are ‘good or useful’. The aim is not only to introduce students to a range of ideas and debates, but to encourage them to view their own ideas, beliefs, and opinions in light of those of others.
The IB Diploma consists of six subject groups:
- Group 1: English (or first language)
- Group 2: Second language
- Group 3: Humanities
- Group 4: Science
- Group 5: Maths
- Group 6: The Arts
Kent Colleg, Dubai is also a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate Career-related Certificate and pursuing authorization as an IB World School.
CLICK HERE to find out more about our IBDP Subject Options. Please feel free to contact our IBDP Coordinator Ms Boyes for more information: cboyes@kentcollege.ae
Choosing the right course for you:
As one of the top schools in Dubai, Kent College Dubai offers multiple graduation pathways for our Sixth Form Students. We offer A Levels, the IB Diploma Programme and BTEC in Sports, Business or Performing Arts. Herewith a side-by-side comparison of our offerings. We also have a Careers Counsellor that can help you to make this choice based on what you plan to do after school:
| A Level | IB Diploma | BTEC |
| Pupils specialise in their chosen area of study, focusing only on their preferred subjects. | Pupils gain a breadth of knowledge across the languages, social sciences, sciences, maths, and the arts. | Pupils specialise in their chosen area of study, through vocational training and assessment. |
| Most pupils study four subjects in Year 12, and can reduce to three by Year 13. | All pupils study six subjects and the DP core over two years, three at higher level and three at standard level. | Most pupils complete a Level 3 BTEC, which can be equivalent to 1, 2 or 3 A levels, depending on the number of units covered. |
| Pupils can expand their subject offering with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This can be in the form of a dissertation, investigation, performance or artefact. | The core subjects are the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course (TOK) and the Creativity, Action, and Service programme (CAS). They support the development of links between the subject groups. | Pupils can manage their BTEC qualification easily due to its modular makeup, and they are encouraged to take advantage of the Sports Leaders Award, CAS and EPQ. |
| Although there is no formal requirement for their academic programme, all A Level pupils take advantage of the wide variety of extracurricular programmes on offer. | Through the CAS programme, pupils focus on personal development beyond the classroom through acts of creativity, service, and physical activity. | Although there is no formal requirement for their academic programme, all BTEC pupils take advantage of the wide variety of extracurricular programmes on offer. |
| A-Levels are graded from A*-U. | The IB Diploma is awarded out of a maximum of 45 points, with 7-1 points per subject, and ToK and EE count for 3 points. | BTEC qualifications are marked from Distinction* to Pass. |
World Ready, Future Ready
We are very flexible when it comes to constructing the timetables for Diploma candidates and encourage applicants to identify courses and subjects they wish to study. Kent College Dubai offers outstanding levels of teaching and support for the IB Diploma with mentorship available as standard to ensure the very best outcomes for individuals.
The academic life of the IB student is complemented with rich and diverse extracurricular programs at Kent College Dubai. There are large numbers of clubs and societies for every interest and new ones established each year to meet the changing desires of our students. National representation in sport, Music and Drama is common and students are supported to pioneer the introduction of their extracurricular pursuits, leading to regular student leadership opportunities, there is simply something for everyone at Kent College Dubai. The pastoral system in the school is highly valued and central to our ethos, the family atmosphere and supportive environment in the school means that well rounded global citizens leave the school on graduation from the IB Diploma Programme.
For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org
**Mission Statement from the IB
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
QUICK LINKS
CLICK HERE for more information about Admissions
CLICK HERE for more information about Scholarships
CLICK HERE to Contact Us
CLICK HERE for information about Fees
CLICK HERE to return to our Home Page
IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.**
*Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary YearsProgramme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.
For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org