A GROUP of students at Warrington’s Priestley College were the first in town to study the International Baccalaureate.
They celebrated its launch with a presentation and afternoon lunch.
The college was awarded World School Status by the IBO in Geneva in September.
It went through a rigorous assessment before being given the green light to offer the programme which is respected throughout the world.
It is now one of the fastest growing qualifications in the UK and Priestley are one of the first providers in the North West to offer it.
Students opting for the IB study six subjects, and a core which encourages independent thinking, social awareness and responsibility. All elements of the IB have an international perspective and offer students of sixth form age something completely different to traditional A-Levels.
As the qualification is relatively new in Warrington, Priestley took the opportunity to welcome a number of important figures to campus in order to give them an insight into the programme.
Those visiting included Warrington South MP David Mowat, Steve Clarke, executive head at St Gregory’s and Newman high schools, Maggie Williams, head teacher at William Beamont and John Sharples, head teacher at Sir Thomas Boteler High). Members of the Connexions service were also in attendance alongside Jacky Forster and Kate Guise from Warrington Borough Council’s 14-19 Strategy Division.
Carol Mtitimila, IB co-ordinator at Priestley, said: “It was great for us to welcome in so many people who have such a direct and positive impact on the lives of young people in Warrington. The lunch was all about spreading the word and gave the guests an opportunity to hear about the programme from the current Priestley IB students.”
Students who will be starting college in September can find out if the IB is for them at an open evening on Thursday, January 27, from 6-8pm. A special IB presentation will also take place on the night starting at 6.45pm. All other information is available on-line at www.priestley.ac.uk
Pictured: MP David Mowat joins Priestley principal Mike Southworth and the current IB students during their presentation.
