IB: International Baccalaureate in Scotland for international students

Education in Scotland for international children, schoolchildren, students is becoming increasingly popular today for many reasons, among which the main one is the fact that Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. Studying in Scotland is equivalent to a diploma in the UK, but there are some specifics. You will find a detailed look at the features of education of the IB in Scotland.

Due to some historical features inherent in the relations between Scotland and the UK, the Scots themselves believe that education in Scotland, both in secondary schools and universities, is much better than the British, and there is a rather long confrontation between the systems of Scotland and the UK.

According to general rankings of  IB schools in Scotland,  international students or their parents can choose the most appropriate variant. 3 schools and 4 educational programs to choose from with IB in Scotland: International Baccalaureate (16 - 18 summer) in Scotland. We ask you to familiarize yourself with the educational institutions tested by SMAPSE specialists, offering unsurpassed quality in the field of education and character education, discipline of students. This section offers comprehensive information about schools, international educational programs, prices and reviews. If you have any questions, you can always consult with our specialists. FREE enrollment services in partner institutions, the number of places is limited. Assistance in the selection of institutions, advice on what documents need to be collected, what are the requirements for submission and the terms of enrollment to the best schools and colleges in Scotland with IB.

International Baccalaureate in Scotland, as in the UK, includes the following four stages:

• Primary Years Program - the first stage for foreign and local students aged up to 12 years, creating conditions for the development of children by active participants in learning, which is understood as an educational journey that has no boundaries. International children learn to take responsibility and analyze their activities, educational process takes place in a practical contest. This course is available in 109 countries, and in each country it is adapted to national educational standards. The program has been in existence since 1997 and has established itself as a high-quality educational alternative to national educational standards with in-depth study and international emphasis.
• The Middle Years Program is a five–year program that provides excellent academic preparation for high school graduation. The course is aimed at students from 11 to 16 years old. The curriculum includes 8 subject areas that provide a broad and balanced education. International students with any interests and goals will be able to benefit greatly from the program, choose disciplines from a wide list for in-depth study. The Middle Years Program was introduced in 1994. Students will be able to discover the connection between theoretical areas of knowledge and the world around them through practice-oriented learning.
• The Diploma Program (DP) is aimed at schoolchildren aged 16-19 and is aimed at developing versatile students with excellent education in the intellectual, emotional, ethical and physical fields. This educational stage was developed in 1968. This direction is widely recognized all over the world and has great authority, therefore it will be an excellent pre-university preparation. The educational plan consists of six areas of knowledge – theory of knowledge, creativity, practice and service.
• The Career-related Program (CP) is aimed at students aged 16 - 19 years old, who are aiming for admission to universities or employment. With the help of the program, international students will be able to deepen their knowledge in priority disciplines and master valuable practical skills.

Since International Baccalaureate in the UK is not the only program known worldwide for its quality, many parents have to make a choice between the national A-Level program and its international counterpart IB.

The A-Level course involves the study of 3-4 subjects from the scientific field or the humanities. IB students study 6 subject areas, which should include both scientific and humanitarian areas, as well as three additional elements:

• Theory of cognition;
• Physical training;
• Volunteer and creative activities.

According to experts, there is no better A-Level for international students aimed at studying mathematics and natural sciences. On the other hand, the IB International Baccalaureate program will allow you to learn to think critically and understand the essence of subjects more deeply. According to statistics, IB international baccalaureate students are more likely to enroll in the TOP 20 universities in the world, in general, they are more likely to receive a bachelor's degree and continue their studies in postgraduate programs.

Jake Wilson

Russia, the CIS and Europe Students Admission Regional Director at the National Mathematics and Science College

What subjects have been most commonly chosen in recent years?

STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) is becoming incredibly popular: it is logical, because it is the real key to the future, capable of providing you with a great job and a high salary. Biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, mathematics are consistently popular because they are basic to any STEM degree.