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

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.

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.

Click on the link below to express your interest in the IB Programme and IB Scholarships

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.

  • As well as being internationally recognised, the IB Diploma is recognised by all major tertiary institutions in Australia. Some universities offer advanced placement, credit and bonus schemes for IB Diploma Programme students.
  • IB students have very high success in receiving offers of application for university compared to non-IB students. According to UAC, about 2 per cent of IB students receive a perfect ATAR of 99.95, compared with just 0.1 per cent of HSC students.
  • University course completion rates are significantly higher for IB students than for non-IB students.
  • There are no high or low ranking subjects. The IB is marked against pre-determined criteria and every subject carries the same worth. A grade 7 in theatre or music is worth the same as a 7 in physics.
  • 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.

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@stursulakingsgrove.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).

For information regarding school fees, please refer to the latest School Fee Information Booklet, which is available on the school’s website.

Merici IB Diploma Scholarships

IB Diploma Scholarships are awarded annually to students in Year 10 who are interested in completing the IB Diploma Programme in Years 11 and 12. Applicants will not only show academic potential but also embody the spirit of Serviam. Learn more about the IB Diploma Scholarship.