14/07/2020
ACS Cobham students secure global university places
Students at ACS International School Cobham have secured places at top universities across the globe, including Oxford, following success in their International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) results.
The cohort of 108 students studying the DP at ACS Cobham this year achieved a 93% pass rate, with an average point score of 34 – placing them ahead of the global average of 29.9 points. The average point score equates to an equivalent of 3 A*’s at A Levels, according to UCAS, and many students will now begin their undergraduate courses studying subjects including: biomedical sciences, computer science, law and philosophy, politics and economics at universities including Oxford, Bath, St Andrews, London School of Economics, Navarra (Spain) and British Columbia (Canada).
ACS Cobham is committed to preparing its students to be internationally minded, global citizens, and the students will take this mind-set with them as they progress to higher education and begin careers around the world.
This was an unusual and particularly challenging year for DP students with the International Baccalaureate cancelling this year’s spring examinations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, like other awarding bodies in the UK and around the world. However, this year’s DP qualifications are not based solely on teacher-predicted grades (like A levels and GCSE awards), but rather on externally-marked coursework that represents students’ demonstrated academic achievement. The IB’s altered award process resulted in some candidates receiving lower grades than expected. ACS is supporting affected students in their university applications, monitoring global trends and reviewing results at all levels to ensure that graduates can progress as smoothly as possible to the next stage in their education.
Because of how interconnected IB classes are and how they collectively boost our holistic understanding of a topic, it’s difficult to choose just one favourite IB course. However, the IB has taught me about the importance of comprehensive knowledge on a topic, rather than just considering one context or perspective.
Recent ACS Cobham graduate Sarah is looking to study at Brown University in the US with the ultimate goal of becoming a journalist.
“What I’ve found most enjoyable about ACS is the holistic experience I’ve been able to reap the benefits of. I’ve had the opportunity to explore not only a variety of academic subjects through the IB, but also a wealth of extracurricular opportunities. Not only have these experiences aided in balancing out the academic rigour of the IB, but also provided the opportunity to become involved in activities and philanthropy work that I hope to continue in the future.
“Because of how interconnected IB classes are and how they collectively boost our holistic understanding of a topic, it’s difficult to choose just one favourite IB course. However, the IB has taught me about the importance of comprehensive knowledge on a topic, rather than just considering one context or perspective.”
The DP is an academically challenging programme of international education that prepares students aged 16 to 19 for success at university and in life beyond.
Barnaby Sandow, Head of School, ACS Cobham, comments: “We are enormously proud of this year’s cohort of IB students for all of their hard work, their academic excellence, and their sheer resilience in the face of the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus. Congratulations are in order, and we wish our students all the best of luck as they enter the world of higher education and work. Where some of our students did not receive the grades they were expecting, we are working closely with them to take appropriate action. We are proud to see so many students pursuing further study across the globe, and are excited to see how they continue to make valuable contributions to the world.
“It certainly has been a challenging year for our students due to the virus, school closure and exam cancellations, but they have continued to do well in their academic studies, as well as in their service activities and personal development. Over the past few weeks and months we have seen a number of students stand up and take positive action to support their community and their peers, despite the unusual circumstances, and these are invaluable experiences they will take with them throughout their lives.”