The IBCP was launched internationally in 2012, combining elements of the IB Diploma Programme – which is already offered to sixth form students in Guernsey – with skills based on a student’s personal and professional interests.

It is designed for students interested in two years of career-related education between 16 and 18.

Nine students have enrolled for the first course in the 2020/21 academic year which the President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, Deputy Matt Fallaize, said is great news.

Pictured: Students at the College of FE (file image). 

“The Committee wants to expand opportunities for students and this new course is a valuable step along that journey. This is not about mixing and matching any subject in a haphazard way. The IBCP combines diverse areas of study in a coherent and structured way. The IBCP is backed by a reputable provider and studied internationally. Bringing a new course to the island is not an easy task and the Committee is grateful that the hard work of many staff has made this possible.”

The College of Further Education is part of The Guernsey Institute while The Sixth Form Centre is part of the States’ federated secondary school, currently operating across four sites but subject to an ongoing review into its future structure.

College and School leaders said the new IBCP course is an important development in post-16 education locally and will bring students at all sites together.

Jeanette Hart, Vice Principal of the GCFE, said:

“The launch of this course in September is the culmination of over two years’ planning with the Sixth Form Centre and representatives from the finance industry. It is a broad course, combining academic skills with work-ready competencies, and will give students a targeted pathway into the finance industry, or entry to university.”

Kieran James, Headteacher of the Grammar School & Sixth Form Centre, added:

“The IBCP is a globally-renowned, flexible and holistic programme that can be tailored to individual students’ needs and aspirations, and meet different jurisdictions’ specific employment demands. It is recognised by employers and universities around the world, and we are delighted that its introduction continues to build on the successes of our partnership with the Guernsey College of Further Education.”

Pictured: Kieran James is Headteacher of the Guernsey Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre. 

Students doing the IB Career-related Programme will study personal and professional skills, service learning, language development and a reflective project while also choosing at least two subjects from the IB Diploma Programme and a practical qualification related to their career interests.

In Guernsey, students can study Business and Management, Information Technology in a Global Society, Geography, Philosophy and Psychology as their Diploma Programme subjects. Their career-related studies will be a Certificate in Financial Studies in the first year and a Certificate for Introduction to Securities and Investment in the second.

Pictured top: The Sixth Form Centre and the College of Further Education.