The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programma (IBDP) at St. George Madrid is the perfect preliminary step towards higher university education.
Our IB (the equivalent of Baccalaureate in the Spanish educational system and to Sixth Form -A Levels- in the British system) provides a real opportunity for our students to develop and grow into self-confident adults with professional ambitions that contribute to society in a meaningful way.
At St. George Madrid, we know that learning and recognising our key values are essential to our students’ education, and even more so in IB International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). We place a strong emphasis on integrating the school´s values with the IB learner profile, which identifies key attributes of successful learners.
IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate)
St. George Madrid is an IB World School, meaning that we are authorised to teach the IB Diploma (or International Baccalaureate). At St. George Madrid we follow the programme in English.
The Diploma Programme (DP) is a prestigious and rigorous pre-university course of study designed for students in the 16 to 18 age range. It is a broad-based two-year course that aims to encourage students to be knowledgeable and inquiring, but also caring and compassionate. There is a strong emphasis on encouraging students to develop intercultural understanding, open-mindedness, and the attitudes necessary for them to respect and evaluate a range of points of view.
The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is divided into six specific groups, and students choose a subject from each of these groups:
- Studies in Language & Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals & Societies
- The sciences
- Mathematics
- The arts (or a second subject from one of the other groups above)
It is this comprehensive range of subjects that makes the Diploma Program a course of study designed to prepare students effectively for university entrance. In each of the academic areas, students have flexibility in making their choices, which means they can choose subjects that particularly interest them and that they may wish to study further at university.
Normally, three subjects are taken at higher level (HL), and the others are taken at standard level (SL). Standard Level subjects have 2,5 hours of classes per week, whereas Higher Level subjects have 4 hours per week. Subjects at HL are studied in greater depth and breadth than at SL.
In addition, three core elements – the extended essay (Extended Essay, EE), theory of knowledge (Theory of Knowledge, ToK) and creativity, activity, service (Creativity, Activity and Service, CAS), are compulsory and central to the philosophy of the program.
An IB education is one of a kind – it is recognised all over the world and meets rigorous academic and teaching standards. The programme encourages students to stand out from the crowd, not only in their studies but also in their personal growth as it promotes enthusiasm, empathy and a constant curiosity for learning. It also shapes inquisitive, open-minded and reflective adults who are well-informed, independent thinkers and good communicators.
Preparation for University
The aim of our International Baccalaureate in Madrid is to prepare our students to face their next stage of education with confidence, with a special focus on personalised guidance and skills support.
At St. George Madrid, our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is committed to preparing our students for their applications to the best national and international universities. In addition to the guidance that we offer throughout this decision-making process, students have access to all of the school’s resources and to a team of teachers willing to help them at all times. This also includes a University and Careers Guidance Counsellor (responsible for applications to international universities), a Technical Director (responsible for applications to Spanish universities) and an IB Coordinator.
University career guidance
Our university orientation programme is designed to guide students through the complex process of selecting and applying to Spanish and international universities.
From the moment our students begin choosing their IB subjects they start working with our Careers Advisor; it is extremely important for our students to have the support they need. Our team provides all students with pathway guidance to ensure they meet the requirements of their desired university courses, working with students to gain access to prestigious universities around the world and also in Spain.
The support we offer is designed to guide students through the complete process when thinking about their possible futures and priorities in life, researching university options around the world, writing personal statements, applying to universities and preparing for university life./vc_column_text]
Recently we are seeing increasing numbers of our students going on to study university courses in English in other EU countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium.
Individualised support for skills and talent development
We understand the importance of developing essential skills for academic and personal success, so we provide individualised support to our students. Our holistic approach seeks not only to strengthen academic performance, but also to foster confidence, resilience and autonomy in our students, preparing them for future challenges.
Equivalence to the British system
St. George’s International Baccalaureate in Madrid follows the equivalent educational programme to the British Sixth Form (A-Levels), and our students have the possibility to obtain the IB diploma in English in order to apply to the best English-speaking universities in the world.
Validation for entry to Spanish universities
The exams and the preparation that our students follow for the International Baccalaureate in Madrid are also valid for students who wish to enter Spanish universities.
As a British international school, we guide our students in the process of validation to gain access to Spanish universities. We ensure that they meet the academic and language requirements, offering guidance at every step of the process of validating their qualifications, to ensure a smooth transition to higher education in Spain.
Our Technical Director (Director Técnico) looks at the technical side of convalidating our students’ IB results, ensuring that students’ results are authenticated by the Ministry of Education in Spain and UNED, and advising on PCE pathways. This important role ensures our students can access the best universities in Spain.
Why choose our International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in English in Madrid?
We are committed to providing the best environment during the pre-university years, creating an enriching experience that truly prepares our students for international challenges at the highest level.
Modern, safe and secure facilities for excellent learning
Our international school prides itself on providing modern, safe and secure facilities that foster a stimulating learning environment throughout the pre-university years. Our school boasts fully equipped classrooms, advanced science laboratories, inspirational art spaces and world-class sports facilities, each space designed to support the holistic development of our students.
Our track record of excellence in education
Over the years we have set a standard of educational excellence, recognised both locally and internationally. Our dedication to a comprehensive language-based education enables our students not only to achieve outstanding academic achievements, but also to develop vital skills for their future.
Constant innovation in our teaching methods and commitment to excellence have made us a benchmark in the field of education.
Highly qualified and committed teaching staff
We have a team of highly qualified native teachers who are passionate about teaching. Their commitment goes beyond the classroom, offering personalised support to each student to ensure their academic and personal success, which is essential at this educational stage.
Our legacy in the IB Programme
Our experience in International Baccalaureate (IB) courses reflects our commitment to global education. Implementing the IBDP means encouraging our students to become lifelong learners, being critical and reflective citizens, and preparing them for success at world-class universities and in their future careers.
With more than five years of experience in the IB Diploma Programme, we are very proud of the results achieved by our students, as a result of their hard work and the dedication of their teachers.
This proves that we’re excellently equipped to support your child through this crucial stage in their education. Here are the last results from our IB cohort to show you why you should choose the IB and St. George:
At St. George Madrid we understand the need for effective student support from the moment students start thinking about their subject choices right through to starting university. We have a dedicated IB team to look after all our students’ needs in the final two years of their school education.
All the students at St. George follow the IB Diploma during their last two years at school, and we are very proud of them. Our IB students do not need to be selected, instead, we work with them closely to guarantee that they can achieve their maximum target, whilst also acknowledging that they are all different and have different abilities and interests.
Admission and enrolment process
To apply for admission to our International Baccalaureate in Madrid, please contact our Admissions department.
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FAQs
It is one of the most prestigious and recognized baccalaureate programs for students in the last two years of school. It can only be offered by schools authorized by the prestigious IB association, after a rigorous selection. At St. George we offer the IB Diploma entirely in English.
During the two years, students study 6 subjects (3 at standard level and 3 at high level). They also develop three complementary areas: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a research project (Extended Esay-EE) and Creativity, Activity and Action (CAS, a program they carry out outside the classroom).
Both to Spanish universities, public and private, as well as international universities. Approximately 40% of St. George’s students choose Spanish universities and the other 60% international universities. From the school, we advise and help them in their application.
This is a program for motivated and enthusiastic students. To access the IB Diploma, students must have a good academic record and have motivation and enthusiasm to learn and to mature not only in the academic field, but also personally. Most students opt for the IB Diploma, but they can also access the IB Certificate. At St. George we carry out exhaustive monitoring of each student and recommend in each case what is best for them, taking into account the studies they want to pursue next and in which country.
It gives them a degree that gives them access to all types of universities around the world. Going through the IB Diploma program provides them with the necessary tools to succeed at university: they feel better prepared, have greater confidence in themselves, know how to develop research projects and manage their time better.
The IB Diploma program does not focus exclusively on transmitting an academic syllabus, but rather students develop a much more complete program, which aims to ensure that they reach their higher education with the appropriate preparation and maturity.
In the IB Diploma, students receive more extensive training; In addition to the high level and standard level subjects, they also develop the following areas:
EXTENDED ESSAY
The Monograph is an independent research work, on the topic that each student chooses, which culminates in a 4,000-word essay. They have a tutor at school to guide them in their research.
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
It offers students the opportunity to reflect on the nature of knowledge and the way in which we know what we claim to know. It is evaluated through an oral presentation, individually or in a group.
CAS
Project that they carry out individually or in groups, developing actions outside the classroom. CAS allows students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning.
The three areas of CAS are characterized as follows:
Creativity: The arts and other experiences that involve creative thinking.
Activity: Activities that involve physical effort or challenge and that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Service: A voluntary exchange that means learning for the student, and in which the rights, dignity and autonomy of all people involved are respected.
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