The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a broad, balanced, and academically rigorous pathway that challenges students intellectually while nurturing personal growth. This unique combination of academic depth and holistic development sets the IB apart from other secondary school qualifications.
The IB Core In addition to six chosen subjects, every student completes the “IB Core,” which is designed to bridge the gap between secondary school and university:
-
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Empowers students to engage in meaningful experiences that complement academic learning and foster leadership and empathy.
-
The Extended Essay: A self-directed research project culminating in a university-style, 4,000-word academic paper.
-
Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A signature critical thinking course that explores the nature of knowledge across various disciplines.
A Global Advantage
An IB Diploma signals to universities that a student is exceptionally prepared for the demands of undergraduate study. In fact, IB graduates often transition more seamlessly into the rigours of postgraduate education.
To hear how premier institutions value IB students, watch this short video from the Assistant Dean of Admissions at Stanford University.
Entry Requirements
Before being offered a place in the two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, students must meet specific academic benchmarks:
-
Current Rangitoto College Students: Applicants are expected to complete the Year 11 Diploma with predominantly red or blue endorsements (High Merit and Excellence).
-
Students Joining in Year 12: Students from other New Zealand schools should have completed NCEA Level 1 with a majority of Merit and Excellence grades, or hold an equivalent international qualification.
A Global Standard of Excellence Rangitoto College is proud to be part of a global community of over 5,000 schools across 159 countries offering this prestigious programme. These entry requirements ensure that our students are well-prepared for the rigour of an IB education and are positioned to succeed on the world stage.
The IB Diploma Programme goes beyond academic rigour; it is designed to cultivate the social and emotional competencies needed to make a positive impact on the world. We aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who embody the IB Learner Profile:
-
Inquirers & Thinkers: Developing curiosity and critical thinking skills.
-
Knowledgeable & Principled: Acting with integrity and deep understanding.
-
Open-minded & Caring: Empathizing with others and appreciating diverse perspectives.
-
Communicators & Risk-takers: Expressing ideas confidently and approaching uncertainty with courage.
-
Balanced & Reflective: Understanding the importance of well-being and personal growth.
Throughout the programme, students learn to work both independently and collaboratively. They develop the ability to critically evaluate their work, reflect on their progress, and set meaningful goals for their future.
Watch: For an international perspective on how the IB supports these essential competencies, view the video below.
A Global Community of Learning
The International Baccalaureate (IB) extends learning far beyond the classroom, creating a lasting impact on our students, teachers, and the wider community. Its innovative approach connects Rangitoto College to an unparalleled global network of excellence.
-
For Students: Unique opportunities to participate in international conferences and engage with global issues in real-time.
-
For Educators: Ongoing collaboration with world-class peers to ensure our teaching remains at the forefront of global educational standards.
This commitment to a “borderless” education ensures that the IB remains a dynamic and evolving pathway, preparing our community to lead in an interconnected world.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Class of 2025 at Rangitoto College has once again delivered an exceptional year of results. Highlights include:
-
Elite Global Performance: Guo (Cael) Sia and Timea Andrell achieved a phenomenal 44 points (out of a possible 45), placing them in the top 1% of students globally.
-
Top 3% Worldwide: Six students earned an impressive 43 points: Youran (Yolanda) Zhang, Katie Huang, Joshua Lo, Hanlu (Annie Wang), Daniel Wei and Chuquiao (Judy) Huang.
-
High Honours: Six students achieved 41 points and two students achieved 40 points.
-
Global Fluency: 22% of our graduating class earned the prestigious IB Bilingual Diploma. This year, 20 students achieved this distinction across seven language pairings—including Afrikaans, Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese. This reflects a deep dedication to literary excellence in both English and a second language.
Academic Leadership: Rangitoto College’s school average of 36 points continues to significantly exceed the global average of 30. Our growing IB enrolment has allowed for greater subject flexibility and a wider pool of highly qualified IB educators, reflecting the commitment to excellence shared by our students and teaching staff.
Global Pathways Our graduates continue to secure admission to the world’s most prestigious institutions. Rangitoto College is proud to celebrate the growing number of IB students awarded full scholarships to elite international universities. While many of our graduates choose to pursue their studies overseas, others accept offers from New Zealand universities such as University of Auckland, University of Otago, and other leading local institutions.
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
BACK
