THE Anglo European School has become the first state secondary in the country to offer a new globally recognised course.

In September, seven students signed up to the International Baccalaureate Career-related Certificate (IBCC) which involves learning a foreign language and studying for an Applied A level – one which has a work-related focus.

The sixth formers will also undertake a community service project, a 'reflective study', and a course to help them improve their study techniques.

One of the main benefits of the IBCC, according to school bosses, is the scope for students to create their own syllabus by choosing from a broad set of subjects.

There is also a strong emphasis on youngsters building up their work experience, not a feature of traditional A-levels.

The Ingatestone school, which was the first in the country to lay on the IB Diploma in 1977, is only the 12th centre in the world to offer the course, of an equivalent standard to A levels.

Co-head teacher of the Willow Green secondary, David Barrs, is convinced the new scheme will be beneficial for his students.

He said: "We are in a very good position to pioneer this course and to influence the eventual programme which will be approved by the IB. In the meantime this is a Level 3 course which attracts university points

"The school has already influenced IB thinking by convincing them to accept a wider range of language qualifications. We also hope to build in a central role for work experience."

The course is proving to be popular among students who harbour ambitions to live and work abroad in the future.

Emma Pewsey, 18, of Loughton, said: "I am doing business studies as part of the course and am interested in going into events management and this is a really good course to lead into that. I just find that the IBCC has a very good range of subjects.

"I am also interested in working abroad in America at some point, so doing this makes sense if that's your plan."

Sophia Ugiz, 16, of North Weald, wants to work as a counsellor and is enjoying the group's community project discussions.

"We are all doing our bit and no-one is moaning about it," she said.

"We are coming up with ideas at the moment and I am looking forward to getting on with it."

Ingatestone pupil, Michael Going, 17, has picked a combination of travel and tourism and sociology to study and he appreciates the flexibility offered within the course. He said: "It's going really well so far."