On Wednesday evening, parents, staff and educators alike from both BGS and Bedford School were delighted to welcome former Chief Master of King Edward’s School (KES), Birmingham, John Claughton.

John, a keen advocate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), passionately discussed the battle between depth and breadth in education; reminding the audience that the traditional purpose of education was to give young people a broad appreciation of a wide range of subjects and develop their character.

He illustrated how the IB provides a balanced curriculum and avoids specialising too early, as well as preventing students from giving up on subjects they find more challenging. Most importantly, he conveyed how the interdisciplinary learning of an IB education prepares students for an economy and society that increasingly crosses national boundaries. This philosophy is at the centre of what we do at BGS, underpinning our values and cementing our position as expert educators of girls in the 21st century.

Dr Walters (Director of Sixth Form) adds: “The IB Diploma is not always an easy thing to describe to an audience but John captured all the warp and the weft that makes the IB education genuinely holistic. He busted some myths and showed us that universities certainly recognise it, a person graduating in the decade ahead needs more than three subjects, and that excellent outcomes come across the age and ability range.

John laid out the myth that the IB is too hard and challenging. However, he did not deny the challenge and instead explored the nature and advantages of the IB and left many of us feeling that we really wanted to meet that challenge.

“We understood more clearly about how three of your subjects are at standard level and will secure you your breadth of experience and skills – no fear! We were pleasantly surprised by what the universities might ask of our results. In addition, the turnout of interested people alongside the global scope of the qualification, made us see what an extraordinary network the IB Organisation is, and what an extraordinary network it could be in Bedford.”

One current BGS student said the talk reflected the decision she took: “I wanted to leave more doors open. I didn’t want to choose my career at age 15 but learn what I wanted during the Sixth Form.”

Another student said that the breadth is important to her too: “I wanted a programme that would make sure I have the specialisms I need to get onto the university course I want, and that would make sure I am well rounded.”  

View John Claughton’s Why IB presentation here.