The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a broad, balanced, and academically rigorous educational pathway that challenges students intellectually while nurturing personal growth.
In addition to their six chosen subjects, students complete the IB Core, which includes:
- CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): Encourages students to engage in experiences that complement academic learning and foster personal development.
- Extended Essay: A self-directed research project culminating in a university-style 4,000-word paper.
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A critical thinking course that explores the nature of knowledge across disciplines.
This unique combination of academic depth and holistic development sets the IB Diploma apart from other secondary school qualifications.
An IB Diploma signals to universities that a student is well-prepared to manage the demands of undergraduate study. In fact, IB graduates often excel in postgraduate education. To hear how higher education institutions value IB students, watch this short video from the Assistant Dean of Admissions at Stanford University.
Before being offered a place in the two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, students must meet specific entry requirements.
Students currently enrolled at Rangitoto College are expected to complete the Year 11 Diploma with predominantly red or blue endorsements. Students joining Rangitoto College in Year 12 from other New Zealand schools should have completed NCEA Level 1 in Year 11, achieving mostly Merit or Excellence grades, or hold an equivalent Level 1 school-based qualification.
Rangitoto College is proud to be one of over 5,000 schools across 159 countries offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate Programme.
IB students not only cultivate strong academic skills—they also develop the social and emotional competencies needed to make a positive impact on the world.
The IB Diploma Programme is designed to nurture well-rounded individuals who are: Inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced, and reflective.
Throughout the programme, students learn to work both independently and collaboratively. They build a wide range of skills, critically evaluate their work, reflect on their progress, and set meaningful goals.
Watch this video for an international perspective on how the IB Diploma Programme supports the development of these essential competencies.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) has a positive impact on students, schools, and their wider communities—extending learning well beyond the classroom. Its unique and innovative approach engages both students and teachers, who benefit from being part of an unparalleled global network.
Students have opportunities to participate in international conferences, while educators collaborate with peers around the world to ensure the IB remains at the forefront of global education.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) class of 2024 at Rangitoto College has once again delivered an exceptional year of results. Highlights include:
- 9 students achieved World Top Scholar status, placing them in the top 10% globally.
- 3 students earned an impressive IB43, placing them in the top 3% worldwide:
- Alice Leader – offered a place at Cambridge University
- Eileena Bao – seeking placement at the National University of Singapore
- Summer McClean – heading to Auckland University Bio-Med
Our IB graduates continue to gain admission to a wide range of prestigious universities around the world, including:
- Cambridge University, Sydney University, Melbourne University, Monash University,
- National University of Singapore, Kyoto University, University of Texas,
- University of Korea – Seoul, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich,
- Tsinghua University, Ohio State University, and leading New Zealand universities.
A large number of students earned Bilingual Diplomas, studying literature in both English and a second language—this year including Malay, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, and Macedonian.
Rangitoto College’s school average of IB33 continues to exceed the global average of IB29, reflecting the dedication and excellence of both our students and teaching staff.
IB enrolment has grown significantly in recent years, allowing for greater subject flexibility and a wider pool of highly qualified IB educators.
Rangitoto College is proud to celebrate the growing number of IB students who have been awarded full scholarships to elite international universities. Many of our IB graduates choose to pursue their tertiary studies overseas, while others accept offers from leading New Zealand institutions.
Over the past two years, our IB students have gained admission to a wide range of prestigious international universities, including: Cambridge University, Sydney University, Melbourne University, Monash University, National University of Singapore, Kyoto University, University of Texas, University of Korea – Seoul, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Tsinghua University, and Ohio State University.
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