Felsted School achieves excellent International Baccalaureate Diploma results

Felsted is delighted to announce continued strong performance in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Felsted once again achieved a 100% pass rate and maintained our three year average of 34 points, 5 points above the world average. 

Across all 174 individual subjects taken by the 29 students, more than three quarters of results were a Level 5 or better; this is seen as equivalent to a B grade at A level. 43% of examinations were awarded a Level 6 or 7, equivalent to an A or A* at A level. Five students secured 38 points or more, placing them in the top 10% of students globally.

Headmaster Chris Townsend comments: “There are many outstanding results among this excellent group of students. The IB is a very demanding, but hugely rewarding course that encourages those that study it to become academically inquisitive, socially aware, and globally literate. Thanks to these results, the students are well prepared for highly successful university careers. Thanks to the ethos and breadth of their education, they are well prepared to go out into the world and make a real difference. I would like to congratulate all the students and wish them every success in their futures.”

Felsted’s top performer was Olga Adhikari, age 17, a full boarder from Poland, who achieved a world class score of 43 out of a possible 45 points. She hopes this will secure her offer to read Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Homerton College, Cambridge University. During her two years in Felsted’s Sixth Form, Olga inspired others in her commitment to environmental issues including food waste reduction, meat free meals and measures to reduce the use of single plastics - she managed to replace all plastic milk cartons at Felsted with glass milk bottles! Olga also gained huge experience editing the Felsted Politics Magazine and chairing the Environmental Committee at Felsted’s own Model United Nations Conference. She was also Vice Chair of the Felsted Round Square Conference held in 2018 and took an active part in a MUN Conference in Athens.

Olga

Lea Wolf, age 18 from Germany, gained 39 points, securing her academic scholarship to The American University in Paris to read International Business Administration (major) with Environmental Sciences/Global Communications (minor). As well as excelling in her studies, Lea contributed a great deal to an outstanding 1st XI Hockey squad, helping Felsted to reach the national quarter finals earlier this year.

Lea 

Amber Aitken, 17, from Great Leighs achieved an excellent 38 points and will be going on to study International Business with French at the University of Birmingham in September. At Felsted since the age of four, Amber was Deputy Head Girl and a Sports Scholar, captaining the 1st XI to reach the final eight in the country earlier this year and helping the 1st VI tennis team to an unbeaten season this summer. She also gained her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award this year, a huge achievement for someone still at school and embraced many international opportunities at Felsted, not least going on an exchange to Colombia while in Year 10 and volunteering at Felsted’s International Summer School over three summers.

Amber

Jannik Ugelstad, age 19 from Norway, has secured his place at St Andrews University to read Economics & Philosophy by gaining 38 points. He hopes to begin in 2020 after completing his Military Service at home in Norway. Having never played rugby before Felsted, Jannik realised his ambition to learn and went on to represent Felsted in school matches. Jannik joined Felsted Sixth Form as a full boarder and comments; “all the teachers have been so supportive and I have enjoyed my experience at Felsted so much”

Jannik

Josephine Molfino, age 18 from Japan, also scored 38 points, securing a Purple and Gold Scholarship to the University of Washington, where she is looking forward to securing her ambition to be a Doctor by majoring in Biochemistry. Josephine balanced her studies with playing 1st team badminton for Felsted, co-leading the Biosciences Society and being a member of the Andrew Academic Society.

Josephine

The following students not only secured top results but also demonstrate the range of future career opportunities open to holders of the IB Diploma.

Anel Alpysbayeva, age 18 from Kazakhstan, secured 36 points and aims to go on to study Architecture at the University of California. Anel, a prefect, enjoyed taking part in Model United Nations events whilst at Felsted.

Anel

Fiona Bourlos-May, age 18 from Germany, secured 36 points. A keen artist, Fiona is hoping to secure some work placements in the field of Art to pursue her passion.

Tatiana Diakonova, age 18 from Russia, also gained 36 points and is going on to pursue her passion for Graphic Communication at Norwich University for the Arts. Tatiana participated in the Felsted Model United Nations and enjoyed taking a lead role in the Felsted Photography Club, taking pictures of key drama productions for school publications.

Marlene Hertenstein, age 18 from Germany secured 36 points and is planning to study Economic Law in Austria. Marlene was a school prefect with a passion for music taking part in many musical events at Felsted. She was also an active member of the Felsted Combined Cadet Force. She comments; "studying the IB definitely opened my eyes to many global issues, different cultures and different approaches to whatever challenge one might face.”

Hana Smart, age 18 from Bishop’s Stortford, gained 36 points and is heading to Loughborough to read Industrial Design and Technology. Hana enjoyed taking part in the Felsted Combined Cadet Force, the Felsted Steel Band, the Duke of Edinburgh Award (currently completing Gold) and representing the school in both hockey and tennis.

Tatiana and Hana

Ben Page, age 17 from Great Waltham, gained 35 points and will go on to study Biochemistry at Kings’ College London. He balanced his studies with playing badminton for the school.

Ben