The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two year educational programme offered by many international schools in Hong Kong. It’s a well-regarded option for high school graduation and university applications, not to mention a popular choice among expat families in 140 countries around the world. For senior students who haven’t been previously studying in an IB school, launching into the IB Diploma Programme can feel like an academic baptism by fire. Others take it all in their stride.
So, what are the options for non-IB families requiring additional academic or language support in the lead up to those important (and intense) final years? One option to prepare the foundations for the IB Diploma Programme is to join the Pre-Sixth Form programme at MCHK. We find out more.
Pre-Sixth Form Programme
This one-year programme has been launched by the school to cater for those pupils in Hundred (Year 11) who might be new to the IB. According to the Founding Headmaster of Malvern, DR ROBIN LISTER, “The programme provides the opportunity for pupils with no previous experience of the IB curriculum to develop essential skills needed to embark on the IB Diploma programme in the Sixth Form (Years 12-13).”
How does it work?
“Pre-Sixth Form pupils will generally follow the same curricular programmes as the MYP pupils but will not be expected to take MYP eAssessments,“ explains Dr Lister. Pupils are able to focus on settling into the IB curriculum and its structure, rather than preparing for exams. At the same time, they’ll also have the opportunity to complete MYP formative and end-of-unit summative assessments along with other Hundred pupils where this is realistic.
“They’ll be developing their understanding of ATLs (Approaches to Learning), international-mindedness, service as action and interdisciplinary learning, all core areas of the IB Diploma programme,” says Dr Lister. “They’ll develop independent study and research skills as well as their capacity for critical and creative thinking.
How to apply
Applicants to the Pre-Sixth Form programme are expected to continue onto the Diploma Programme at MCHK. Candidates will be assessed via:
- review of school records, including the last two years of school reports;
- online tests covering verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning;
- written assessment in English;
- pupil interview with a member of MCHK’s leadership team; and
- parent interview. Additional tests and contacting of the pupil’s current school may also form part of the application process.
What they’ll study
The available Pre-Sixth Form subjects and activities include the following:
- English
- Chinese (or alternative second language supported by tutor)
- Maths
- Integrated Sciences
- Individuals & Societies
- Design/Art/Music/Drama (two to be selected from options available)
- PSHE (Physical, Social and Health Education)
- Daily tutor time
- Co-curricular and enrichment activities
The IB Continuum
Primary Years Programme: Ages 3-12
Middle Years Programme: Ages 11-16
Diploma Programme: Ages 16-19
* Malvern College Hong Kong is an authorised IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), it is also a candidate school for the Diploma Programme (DP).
3 Fo Chun Road, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories
3898 4688 | malverncollege.org.hk
admissions@malverncollege.org.hk
This article first appeared in the Spring 2021 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
