Leighton Park's IB students celebrate

Leighton Park’s IB students marked the official end of their Sixth Form careers yesterday with the announcement of their International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) results. Having successfully completed this internationally recognised course, the class of 2018 will go on to accept their places at top ranking UK, European and international universities.

Serafina Lee, whose 40 points have secured her place at Bristol to read English Literature in the autumn was delighted with her results. “I have been preparing myself for the worst case scenario so I was ready for anything,” she laughed. “I’m still shocked now; it’s just a feeling of disbelief! I think the secret to the IB is to pace yourself and make sure you do everything as soon as you get it. That helps to keep it manageable. It was a stressful experience but definitely worth it!”

Serafina holds scholarships in Art and in English and was the recipient of the very first Malnick Bursary. The bursary was introduced in September 2016 following the legacy of Old Leightonian and actor, Michael Malnick, whose kind donation helped to formalise the Bursary Fund. In recognition of his generous gift the school’s new music and media centre, scheduled for completion in the autumn term, is to be named the Michael Malnick Centre.

Serafina’s mother, Yasmin Watson, also an Old Leightonian, was ecstatic about Serafina’s results. “I am over the moon, it is absolutely fantastic. She worked really hard, revising morning and night. The values at the school have given her a sense of independence and responsibility and helped develop a mature and reflective attitude.”

Shirin Schnelle flew in from Germany to be with her friends and fellow students on results day. “I landed an hour ago and have to get back on the plane in two hours.” she smiled, “I wanted to be here today though. I haven’t even told my mum my results yet!”

Jonty Hyde, who is studying three A Levels at the school, decided to pursue the Philosophy module of the IB as an additional course of study and was thrilled to have scored the highest possible mark, a 7! “ It was an extra opportunity that the school could accommodate and it was a great experience to be able to do both A Levels and IB.” he grinned, “ I am glad it paid off as it was a lot of work!”

Head of Sixth Form and IBDP Co-ordinator, Helen Taylor, commented, “I am really pleased with the results our students have achieved. The breadth of the education they have received on the IBDP means they can go on to study a wide range of courses, equipped with a skill set that will stand them in good stead in this rapidly-changing world.”

The IB is celebrating its 50^thanniversary this year and differs in its approach from other Sixth Form courses in that it offers a greater breadth of subjects and it aims to teach study skills and an attitude to learning, not just knowledge. This is fantastic preparation for later life and is sympathetic with the schools’ aim to produce independent learners, equipped for further education in its many guises, and beyond.

Leighton Park students averaged a score of 30.2, with four of the nine candidates also gaining a bilingual diploma. Last year Leighton Park’s results put the school in the top three co-educational boarding schools in the UK for small cohort IB results and although this year’s rankings have not yet been released, these results are a real tribute to the hard work and dedication of our students. Leighton Park was recognised in the Government’s league tables earlier this year as the highest performing school in Berkshire and in the top 40 nationwide for adding value to Sixth Formers academic achievements.

Leighton Park School, located in 65 acres of beautiful parkland, opposite the University of Reading, offers Sixth Form students the opportunity to choose between studying A Levels and the IBDP. IBDP students follow a diverse and inspiring curriculum across six core subjects in addition to an extended project, and modules in Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). In addition to the IBDP, Leighton Park offers a rigorous one-year Pre-Sixth Form course primarily for international students seeking an intensive programme of study prior to Sixth Form.

The school is offering Year 11 students the opportunity to learn more about the IBDP at their Sixth Form evening on Monday 8th October, 6.00pm – 8.00pm.