During their time at the Village, the students all study for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma at Academy 6. This is an international qualification, roughly equivalent to A-levels, but in many ways more demanding. The diploma is recognized as a university entrance qualification by universities around the world, and was chosen by Pestalozzi as the ideal academic component of the Head, Heart and Hands philosophy.
GENERAL AIMS
- Students learn to ask challenging questions.
- Learn how to learn.
- Develop the all round academic ability of its graduates.
- Develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture.
- Develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.
SIX SUBJECT GROUPS
Students study 3 subjects at a Higher Level which requires 240 hours teaching over 2 years and 3 subjects at a Standard Level, which requires 150 hours teaching over 2 years.
- Languages (usually English)
- Second language
- Social Science
- Experimental Science
- Mathematics
- Arts or one other from above list
In addition to the six academic subjects, the IB course includes a number of other requirements, including at least 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS).
At Pestalozzi, there is a particularly strong emphasis on the Service element of CAS, to help encourage students' commitment to helping others through the 'Heart'. Encouraged and supported by the Pestalozzi Development Education Centre, the first year students work once a week as classroom assistants in local schools. We also encourage students to volunteer regularly at organisations such as St. Michael’s Hospice and the Conquest Hospital in Hastings, while others give up some of their time during college holidays to help out with the Surviving Christmas project for the homeless, or at workshops for young disabled people held at the Orpheus Centre in Surrey.
More information on the IB is available from the International Baccalaureate Organisation in Geneva.
