Coombe Introduces the International Baccalaureate (Surrey Comet - Feb 2010)

In September, three years of hard work at Coombe Girls' School will culminate in the introduction of the International Baccalaureate (IB), a qualification that will give 50 boys and girls in the sixth form a challenging alternative to A-levels and vocational study. Carol Campbell has taught at the school for around 30 years, 13 of them as headteacher, and has seen big changes as first the sixth form and later the secondary school itself federated with the old Beverly Boys' on the other side of the A3.

She said: "At first the girls were a bit reluctant to go to the sixth form at the boy's school but it is not a problem now. It is nice to see the same children grow up at both sites. "They have more opportunities there. Some have become head girl which they might not have become at the girls' school. Perhaps some who have been overshadowed on the academic side have blossomed." Accreditation to the IB programme, achieved after working closely with King's College School, Wimbledon, brings world school status. Mrs Campbell said: "From our point of view, the addition of the International Baccalaureate in September is a really important additional offer. Being accredited is quite an achievement, and it fits in really well with our ethos and our specialism which is languages. "We are not getting rid of A-levels - it is another route route we will be offering. The A-levels will remain very important and the IB is not for everyone because it requires a huge amount of work. Instead of taking modular exams, all the exams are at the end." Last year Coombe was the borough's top placed non-selective school for A-levels, with 17.5 per cent of students achieving grade A, and in 2007 Ofsted judged the secondary school outstanding and the sixth form good. The inspectors wrote: "Students of all abilities and backgrounds are choosing the school sixth form precisely because it provides an effective vocational and academic curriculum that caters well for their needs. This is a good indicator of the esteem in which external and internal students view the work of the sixth form." The school is proud of its specialism in languages, something assistant headteacher Nick Power said has two aspects - adding an international dimension to the school, as well as encouraging students to speak foreign languages themselves.

Coombe Girls' teaches seven languages plus Latin, three as part of the main curriculum and four in school clubs, and has seven partner schools in different countries, something Mr Power believes will give the school an international feel. He is quick to point out the IB will complement this. He said: "We are promoting an international dimension, understanding other parts of the world and perspectives. We hope that comes across in as many subjects as possible. "One student wanted to be a vet, and studied Spanish because it is her passion. She went to Argentina and had a lot more opportunities because she had studied the language along side another subject." Almost a third of the school's 1510 students are at the sixth form, and have a self-confidence they credit to the opportunities the school gives them. They are currently preparing for their annual rag week, a chance to display their dramatic talents as well as raise money for charity. Last year the total topped £3,000.

Mrs Campbell is reflective when asked what changes she has noticed during her time at the school, and said: "I think there are hugely more demands on children these days. The endless testing puts enormous pressure on them. I think they do find it very stressful and the weight of expectations on them is very huge. "The syllabuses have definitely changed and the range of subjects and range of skills they have to get has changed out of all recognition. The range is very good but the pressure on them is enormous."

Holly, 16
I am doing Duke of Edinburgh Gold. You only have to do three hours a week when you do volunteering and then you do a residential trip. I volunteer at a race every Saturday doing timing. It is at Richmond Park and it is all run by volunteers.

Eissra, 17
Extra curricular activities help to build you up as a person as when you go into that world of opportunities you are ready for it. It is really important and drummed into us.
I'm really interested in development economics so I will be studying that at university.

Pippa, 18
We did Young Enterprise last year, and got to the south London regional finals. We made a little card game which was conversation starter. One pack was for boys and another was for girls. We were worried about Facebook and texting because people do not meet each other face to face.

Tessa, 17
I was the member of the youth parliament for Kingston. I have debated in the House of Commons, the first time anyone other than MPs have been there. I have never been so nervous before, and the speaker said my name wrong. My debate was about the economy and the effect on young people.

Daniel, 18
I know that if I had stood for head boy at the boy's school I would not have had the confidence to do it. The things they have allowed me to do outside the class room make it easier for my to show my talents. I have noticed the change in myself.

Samrand, 17
I'm a house official. It does not matter who you are, you can do things you could not do without the house system. We also put on assemblies each term which are about certain topics. This term we are thinking around the Haiti appeal.