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College gets backing of Helena Kennedy for launch of International Baccalaureate

5 January 2010

Internationally-renowned human rights lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy QC has thrown her support behind City and Islington College, as the college announced that it has been awarded the right to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP).

The prestigious IBDP will be available to the college’s sixth form students from September 2010. The two-year international qualification is accepted by universities worldwide.

Offered at over 700 schools and colleges internationally, the IBDP is an alternative to the A-Level route to university. It offers a broader education than A-Levels, enabling students to continue with six rather than four subjects. Students are also assessed on their creativity and theory of knowledge.

Helena Kennedy QC, said: “I am so pleased that the IBDP will be available to students at City and Islington. My own daughter studied on the programme and really enjoyed it, but as it wasn’t then available in North London, she had to travel to an independent college in South Wales. All students considering their options for sixth form study should think about the benefits it offers. It’s so much more than just another qualification.”

Melissa Marsh, IBDP Coordinator, City and Islington Sixth Form College, said: “It’s great news for the college to be able to offer the IBDP, which is widely respected by universities all over the world. The IBDP gives learners a broad and balanced education leading to a prestigious, international qualification. It will prepare them for university and the global society of the 21st century.”

For more information about City and Islington College’s International Baccalaureate Diploma, call The Course Information Unit on 020 7700 9200 or go to International Baccalaureate.

Student profile

Asima Hakim

I enjoyed all my subjects, particularly Sociology because of the way it encourages you to look at society in new and different ways, says Asima, who studied A-levels at the College. I did find my courses quite hard at the beginning because of the jump from GCSE, but the teachers were very supportive and offered a lot of help which quickly bolstered my confidence. The atmosphere at the Sixth Form College is lovely and the new building is very appealing, so you're studying in a nice environment all the time.