Leighton Park’s IB students were excited to receive their International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) results yesterday. Their top flight marks will see them taking full advantage of this internationally recognised qualification, accepting their places at UK, European and international universities.
Kara Ellis whose 42 points have earned her a place at UCL to read Biochemistry, was very relaxed about collecting her results. “She’s been too busy worrying about passing her driving test and taking her Grade 8 Oboe exam which was this morning,” laughed proud mum, Allie Ellis. “I’m just really, really happy!” grinned Kara.
Not everyone was lucky enough to be blessed with nerves of steel. Aiyana Tandon spent the last 24 hours feeling so restless that she had to go to the gym and take the dog for a long walk to burn off some nervous energy. She needn’t have worried though; Aiyana’s 40 points confirm her 
place at the University of Edinburgh to read Psychology, which she chose because the university also offers such a strong dance and drama programme, building on her extra-curricular success at Leighton Park. The family are off to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival next month; a chance for Aiyana to start settling in to the city. “I might even know where I am staying by then!” said a delighted Aiyana, keen to embrace the next stage of her academic career.
Fellow future Psychology student, Shanaya Khan, celebrated her place at Goldsmith’s College, London, by rewarding herself with an early night; “I just couldn’t sleep a wink last night, I was so scared about my results!” she said, “It is such a relief now, I’m so pleased!”
Nigel Williams, Head, commented “I am delighted that the IBDP results again reflect the high calibre and hard work of our students and of the teaching at the school.”
Leighton Park students averaged a score of 33, with five of the fourteen candidates also gaining a bilingual diploma. Last year Leighton Park’s results put us in the top five in the UK for small cohort IB results and although this year’s rankings have not yet been released, these fantastic results are a real tribute to the hard work and dedication of our students. We look forward to August when we hope to add A Level achievements to the impressive IB
statistics and repeat last year’s success when 94% of Sixth Formers achieved their first university choice.
Deputy Head (Academic) and IBDP Co-ordinator at Leighton Park, Karen Gracie-Langrick, said, “The IB is a programme that has the advantage of offering the complete education with a moral purpose – encouraging students to look at the value of what they can contribute to the world whilst retaining breadth within their learning. The IB is varied, rigorous and international and encourages students to foster an approach which enables them to explore links between the subjects, complete an extended essay and develop critical thinking. An excellent, well rounded preparation for University and for life.”
