Decision to scrap IB "disheartening"

Monday 26 February 2024

A decision to scrap the international baccalaureate programme has been described as "disheartening" by a student who lauded the A-Level alternative for giving teens "freedom and flexibility" to study more subjects.

Hautlieu is the only school in Jersey to offer the programme, but has decided to discontinue it after current students have finished their studies due to the low number of students enrolled on the course.

Introduced to Jersey in 2009, the IB course saw students take a broader range of subjects than they would study with A-levels. They select subjects from six categories, some of which they can take to a more advanced level. In addition, they take a module on “theory of knowledge” and an extended essay.

Maria, a Year 13 student, said she had chosen to study the IB because it gave her "more freedom and flexibility within [her] choices".

Pictured: The IB was introduced in Jersey in 2009.

She added: "I find the wide range of subjects helps students develop critical thinking skills and research skills in a lot of areas, which is a mind opener for those who don't know specifically what they want to do in the future.

"It's disheartening to hear that the IB program won't be happening from next year onwards. It's quite sad because the IB curriculum has been critical in shaping students' holistic development and preparing them for the challenges of higher education and beyond while also encouraging international mindedness."

She added that the programme helped develop "problem-solving and critical thinking skills along with holistic development (creativity, communication, leadership skills)", but that it came with its challenges, such as a higher workload and more deadlines.

"It's important to be organised and hand them in at the right time," she said.

Students might find it daunting to sit exams in six subjects, she said.

"People get anxious and discouraged when they see that you must take six subjects, however it's not scary at all.

"You learn how to be very organised and balanced between the subjects and personal life."

Commenting on the cancellation of the course, new Education Minister Rob Ward said: “I recognise that, for some students, this alternative qualification to A-levels offers the opportunity to study a wider range of subjects.

"I would like to understand how we can satisfy the needs of students in the future, in a sustainable way.”

Pictured: Education Minister Rob Ward said he wanted to look into how to "satisfy the needs" of future students "in a sustainable way".

Maria added: "I think it would be great if the option remained in the school as in future years, there might be a chance and possibility that more students will take the IB.

"Maybe if it's talked about more and presented to students in different light, they would not be that discouraged to pick it."

Current students in Years 12 and 13 will be able to finish their diploma as planned.

Express has requested information on student numbers on the IB programme over the past three years.