A SECONDARY school in York is to become the first in the city to offer the new International Baccalaureate qualification.

Huntington School has received news it has been authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) in its sixth form from September this year.

The news comes following 18 months of intensive preparation and a two-day visit by the International Baccalaureate Organisation in December. Huntington will be the first school in the city to offer this qualification.

The IBD is a well-established, internationally recognised qualification that will provide Huntington School’s students with an alternative to traditional A-levels. It is a qualification that is becoming increasingly attractive to universities and employers as students study a wider range of subjects, develop independent research skills and engage in a programme of community service.

Head teacher John Tomsett said: “The IBD seemed a distant dream back in November 2006 when the local authority nominated us to offer the qualification in York.

“We were keen to pursue the IBD because we believe in its philosophy of cultural tolerance and taking a global view of life.

“We think it will prepare our students well for the world in front of them, and the qualification is well-thought of by University Admissions tutors.

“We will still run our full range of A-levels, but students can now choose from a broader range of pathways in the Sixth Form. We hope to be able to work with other learning providers in the city as we develop the IBD. We are very proud to be an IBO World School.”

Jonny Uttley, Huntington’s director of sixth form, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the news that we have been authorised. Our staff have been preparing for the last 18 months for this moment. We believe that the IBD offers a unique and exciting opportunity to young people across the city. For the first time, students will have a real choice to make between A-levels and this exciting and highly-regarded qualification.

“In keeping with our school’s core purpose. the IBD gives young people the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to thrive in a changing world. We are all looking forward to September”

Anyone wanting to know more about the IBD at Huntington School should phone Jonny Uttley, director of sixth form, on 01904 752100 or email jr.uttley@huntington-ed.org.uk