LOMOND School in Helensburgh has announced a revamp of its exam system.

The school is set to become the first in Scotland to offer two International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes for senior pupils – if the body which oversees the IB qualification gives authorisation.

The school says the IB Diploma and IB Careers programmes will run alongside the introduction of an HNC in business in addition to Lomond’s current model of SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.

Subject to authorisation from the International Baccalaureate organisation, the new courses will begin in August 2021.

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Principal Johanna Urquhart said: “We want to reward our pupils for their creative, critical and original thinking and give our senior pupils ownership over their own learning.

“Additionally, it is important that we offer a course for young people who struggle with academic examinations but excel in other areas, giving them the kind of teaching they need to succeed.

“Rather than learning key words, memorising passages and following the exam ‘formula’, we want to provide meaningful and engaging experiences that give young people the ability to solve the kind of complex issues we will still be facing after this pandemic, such as plastic pollution and global warming.

"The IB model allows us to do that effectively."

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