All pathways are delivered through a combination of traditional face-to-face classes and blended learning options, combining the best of academic and digitally enhanced learning, leading directly to university or high-end employment.
The IB diploma promotes the education of the whole person, emphasising intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth through all domains of knowledge. By focusing on knowledge, skills, independence, critical and creative thinking, and international-mindedness, it offers a truly international and excellent education.
The IB Careers Programme maintains the commitment to international-mindedness of its sibling pathway, the diploma programme, whilst offering opportunity to develop key skills in more vocational settings. A perfect pathway for those who are yet to decide whether to go to university or straight into the workplace upon graduation from school.
The A-level pathway, the traditional ‘gold standard’ of education, sees students select three to four (often connected) subjects to provide themselves with a depth of knowledge not afforded in other Post-16 pathways. The programme is perfect for those who are already leaning towards a particular area of study or career and wish to study at the best universities in the world.
BTEC, the acronym for the British and Technology Education Council, is a specialist work-related qualification which, like the IBCP, combines practical learning with subject and theory content. This is the ideal pathway for those who wish to hone their professional skills prior to entering the workplace or going to university,
A mix and match of the current offerings, where students can choose to opt for an A-level plus a BTEC or combine a BTEC with a DP subject.
For the 7 years I have been in WSO, without any doubt I can say that it has been an exceptional experience- not only do they have a wonderful academic program but also excellent extra curriculum program. So staying for IB Diploma Programme was any easy choice.
Krushi Nilesh Shah
Year 13
I had changed to WSO the year prior to starting my GCSE's following a torrent of bad grades and a lack of interest in my education and after a term at WSO I had a new interest in developing not only my knowledge but also my interest in learning and improving myself. I think that this was due to the type of teaching at WSO and I strongly believe that the teachers at WSO deserve all credit for my success at GCSE level. I decided to stay at WSO for my IB years for exactly this reason too, as there is a very extensive support network that all teachers are able to provide you with, inside or outside the classroom. I chose IB due to the fact that it would provide me with a better standing, as well as including the aspect of critical thinking rather than being spoon-fed information.
Lars Baumann
Year 13
WSO was the right place for me to choose IB because of the range of subjects offered and familiarity to me. I was able to continue subjects that I loved at GCSE and disregard others that I didn’t like as much! Despite that, I have been at WSO for 10 years and grown up with this family that has grown alongside me, and that is something I value personally because I have connections and relationships that I would not have if I moved to another school. The teachers have been there from the start and I have used the IB to grow better and intertwine myself with the learner profile and more with the school values. Something that I was despising was TOK and the Core, but having gone through the course, these are subjects and areas of the IB that I would not have gotten elsewhere. I praise the IB for that because I feel so much more insightful and world aware going into university and into life where I can implement the skills I’ve learnt.
Lewis Samuel Grant Harrad
Year 13
I chose to do the IB Diploma Programme program because it gives me a lot of freedom to do whatever I want to later in life. In A-level, I would have had to choose between key subjects such as English and Math but in IB, I don't need to worry about missing out on any of these, plus I can do 3 additional subjects of my choice. I joined WSO in Year 9 and was very impressed with how they helped us through our GCSEs and how supportive the teachers were. Since they offered all the IB subjects I wanted and I had settled well into the school, I decided to stay here and I am very happy with my decision.
Siya Mehra
Year 13
Explore our
Post-16 Curriculum
Our Academy offers an enriched selection of personalised pathways at Post 16, all leading to University entrance.