CHELMSFORD: New qualifications offered at school

By pdent-jones

A CHELMSFORD school is to be the first in the town to offer its sixth formers the prestigious International Baccalaureate qualification.

Chelmsford County High School for Girls has been given the go-head to teach the IB Diploma Programme - an alternative to A-levels which is recognised around the world - from September.

Up to now the nearest state school to offer the qualification was the Anglo European School in Ingatestone, which has run the programme for many years, and Notley High School in Braintree.

The IB requires students to study six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, and subjects must include English, Maths, a science, a humanities subject and a foreign language.

They must also study a compulsory 'core' which involves looking at the theory of knowledge, undertaking sport, artistic pursuits and community service, both inside and outside of school, plus an extended essay of 4,000 words.

The aim of this core is to prepare students for university life.

Though Chelmsford County High staff believe A-levels will remain the chosen courses of most students they wanted to widen choice.