St Ursula’s College is proud to be an accredited IB World School.

From 2023, senior students at the College can choose to undertake either the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the Higher School Certificate. This choice in pathways provides young women greater opportunity to tailor their learning and shape their future.

In undertaking the International Baccalaureate Diploma, our students join young people from over 3,000 schools worldwide who are active, compassionate and lifelong learners, well-prepared for the world beyond the school gates.

Merici IB Diploma Scholarships

IB Diploma Scholarship Applications for for Year 11 2025 are now closed. Learn more about the IB Diploma Scholarship.

The IB Diploma is an internationally-recognised qualification that provides Years 11 and 12 students a rigorous and comprehensive course of study, giving them a leading edge in a fast-changing world. The Diploma develops inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are highly engaged learners, well-prepared for university study and attuned to how they can use their talents to make a difference in the world. The IB gives students distinct advantages by building their critical thinking skills and nurturing their curiosity and their ability to solve complex problems.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma provides an academically rigorous qualification that is both global in its perspective and tailored to the student’s individual interests and aptitudes. The requirement for students to undertake courses in each area of a broad curriculum ensures they receive a well-rounded education that maximises their potential.

IB qualifications have internationally benchmarked standards, so students who undertake these programmes broaden their study and career options and increase their post-school mobility and adaptability, particularly at international universities. The IBO works closely with universities around the world to gain recognition for its programmes and to ensure the academic rigour of its course content.

Educators who teach IB subjects undertake professional development over and above the already stringent requirements for teacher accreditation in Sydney Catholic Schools. Students benefit from learning from teachers who are truly experts in their field.

IB Diploma students undertake the six subjects listed below, three (or four) of these are taken at Higher Level and three (or two) at Standard Level:

  • Studies in Language and Literature
  • Language Acquisition
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • The Arts (may substitute with a second subject from Language, Acquisition, Individual and Societies or Sciences)

In addition, students undertake the three core elements of the IB Diploma Programme:

  • Theory of Knowledge: This course supports students to ask, ‘How do we know what we know?’ with an emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills.
  • Creativity, Activity, Service: Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. Activity supports students to develop a healthy lifestyle through a physical activity of their choice. Service encourages students to consider how their values, skills and interests can be used in service to their community.
  • Extended Essay: Students choose a topic of interest, undertake in-depth research and then produce a 4,000 word essay under the mentorship of a supervisor who is an expert in their topic of choice.The supervisor supports each student to formulate a research question, communicate ideas and develop an argument — all essential skills for university study.

The IB is assessed both internally and externally, culminating in examinations taken at the end of the second year.

Interested in the IB Diploma? Contact the College on 02 9502 3300 or info@stursulaskingsgrove.catholic.edu.au to find out more about this pathway.

If you’re ready to apply to undertake the IB Diploma at St Ursula’s College, you can submit an application form (NOTE: In the “Additional Questions” section, please write “IB Programme” to express interest in this pathway).