Glenunga International 4

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is a comprehensive and exciting pre-university course. The programme gives students a well-rounded and holistic experience.

Introduction

At Glenunga, the IB Diploma is only offered to students in Years 11 and 12. 

The IB Diploma Programme curriculum is made up of:

  • six subject groups.
  • the Diploma Programme core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay.

Through the Diploma Programme core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service.

You can learn more about the IB Diploma Programme in the Year 11 IB Information Booklet.

The Value of IB

The IB aims to:

  • Provide a balanced and challenging academic experience, which emphasises the education of “the whole person”, thus developing socially responsible citizens of the world.
  • Promote international understanding through shared academic experience and development of global awareness.
  • Builds and reinforces a student’s sense of identity and cultural awareness.
  • Develop critical and compassionate thinkers and informed participants in local and world affairs.
  • Prepares students to succeed at university as well as providing an internationally accepted entrance qualification to universities in Australia and in over 90 other countries.
  • Make transfer between international schools more convenient for internationally mobile families.

There are several misconceptions about the IB Diploma. These include that the programme is only for students who want to study overseas and that it is too hard to achieve top results. These are common myths which are false. Learn more about the realities of IB Diploma via the video below.

IB at Glenunga

Glenunga International High School has been teaching the IB Diploma program since 1990. The number of students in the program has increased five-fold over this period. Over the last five years, the average ATAR was 95.15.

“One of my favourite parts of completing IB at Glenunga was the real sense of community which IB students have. You really get to know all your peers, and everyone is always willing to help each other out. I was able to build some great relationships with my teachers over the course of the 2 year programme, which really helped me to grow as a learner.” – Caitlin West, 2022 IB Graduate with 45/45

IB students at Glenunga consistently achieve high results. You can view previous results below:

Pathway to University

A significant advantage for university-bound students is that IB Diploma students do not experience a sudden increase in academic standards from school to university like many SACE students do. Majority of students report how well the IB experience prepares them for university success.

The key skills gained through the IB are applicable in future study and throughout life, including organisation, critical thinking, analysis of language and behaviour, scientific reporting, clear communication and being able to connect or apply abstract concepts. I am using these skills while studying medicine at Monash University. – Donna Peng, 2017 IB Graduate with 45/45

IB students are eligible for Adjustment Factors when applying for entrance to a South Australian university based on satisfactory achievement (Grade of 3 in High Level and 4 in Standards Level) in Maths, a second language and English.

Advanced Placement (early university entrance) is also available to IB students during Year 12, based on predicted IB grades, at prestigious Australian universities such as University of Adelaide, Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of NSW, and University of WA.

You can learn more about reason why the IB Diploma is ideal preparation for university below:

Entry into the IB Diploma Programme

If your student is interested in applying, you can learn more about the programme in our IB brochure below.

If your student currently enrolled in Year 10 at Glenunga International High School:

If your student is currently enrolled in Years 7 to 9 at Glenunga International High School:

If your student is not currently enrolled at Glenunga International High School:

  • Limited places are available for entry into the IB Diploma program in Year 11 for local and international students not currently enrolled at Glenunga.
  • Follow the enrolment steps on our Year 7 or Year 8 to 12 enrolment pages

Further Information

You can learn more about the IB admissions policy and general regulations in the documents linked below.

If you would like any further information or have any questions, please contact IB Leaders, Simon Turk Simon.Turk566@schools.sa.edu.au and Luke Reichstein luke.reichstein869@schools.sa.edu.au