Pre-IB Programme

To get our students perfectly prepared for the rigorous IB Diploma programme, at Eerde we have developed the Pre-IB programme.

Pre-IB at Eerde

The Pre-IB program is a one to two-year program specially designed to prepare our students for the academic curriculum of the IB Diploma.  With a focus on rigorous academics, critical thinking, and global perspectives, our program equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in high school and beyond.

The main goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation in key subjects, such as mathematics, science, language, arts, and social sciences. However, what sets Eerde’s Pre-IB programme apart from others, is that as well as following a curriculum that is based on both the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum and the IB Diploma curriculum, we offer a specific IB preparation course called Approaches to Learning and Study Skills in which students specifically work on the skills required to achieve success in the IB Diploma. 

In this course students will work on IB Diploma projects in miniature, such as writing an Extended Essay, doing TOK style presentations and research projects and developing their ability to think critically, work autonomously and in groups, communicate and research effectively.

The development of these skills is what sets the IB Diploma apart from courses worldwide and what makes it incredibly attractive to universities and further education establishments. Therefore students studying on the Eerde Pre-IB course have the opportunity to really hone these skills in preparation for starting the IB Diploma proper, giving them the best opportunity to strive for success.

Alongside this, Eerde’s Pre-IB course is delivered via two different routes.

Native English route

The Native English route is intended for students who do not need to improve their English level so much, but need the foundation knowledge and skills required to access the IB Diploma the following year.  The Native English route is a good option for those who have a good level of English and are looking to study at grade 10 level (ages 15/16yrs). 

ESL route

The ESL route is intended for students who need to focus on improving their English language level in order to succeed in the IB Diploma in the future. 

This course focuses more on English language development alongside a selection of subjects which are intended to offer the foundation knowledge and skills required to do the full IB Diploma. 

Native English route

Subject Package
30 – 33 lessons per week

English Language & Literature

History, Geography, Economics

Science at Higher Level including:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics
OR
Science and ESS including:
General science plus Environmental Systems and Societies

Mathematics at Higher Level
OR
Mathematics at Standard Level

Visual Arts
Music
ATL (Approaches To Learning)
Global Perspectives
PE
Music
Study Skills
Dutch Language and Culture

ESL Route

Subject Package
30 – 33 lessons per week

12 periods of English Language dev. p. week

History, Geography, Economics

Science at Higher Level including:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics
OR
Science and ESS including:
General science plus Environmental Systems and Societies

Mathematics at Higher Level
OR
Mathematics at Standard Level

Visual Arts
Music
ATL (Approaches To Learning)
Global Perspectives
PE
Music

By creating two routes for students with differing levels of English, students are able to focus more fully on the skills they need to develop and allows Eerde to create more bespoke study plans for each individual.  This then means that students graduating the Eerde Pre-IB programme have the best possible start to their first year of the IB Diploma programme and therefore more chance of success going forwards. 

Entry Requirements

Students usually join the Eerde Pre-IB course at grade 10 level (15 turning 16 years old during the year of study). However, we can also accept students who have completed grade 10 and wish to develop their skills further before starting the IB Diploma and we are also able to consider students for a 2 year Pre-IB course starting in Eerde’s grade 9.

The English and grade requirements for entry to Pre-IB shown to the right or below on mobile.

For more information on the CEFR, Duolingo and IELTS please see these links:

CEFR: Common Reference Levels
Duolingo: English Test
IELTS: Understanding your Score

Eerde works with an organisation who can provide English level testing where required. 

Native English Route
  • IELTS Level 5.5 – 6 or higher, CEFR B2+, or Duolingo score 85+
  • Grades of C or above in all subjects (or equivalent in relevant education system)
  • Successful completion of an online Placement Test
ESL Route
  • IELTS Level 4.5 – 5.5 (CEFR A2 – B2) or Duolingo score 65 – 85. 
  • Grades of C or above in all subjects (or equivalent in relevant education system)
  • Successful completion of an online Placement Test

Support at Eerde

At Eerde we have in place a support team who help to develop and support all of our students. We have a Learning Support department who are able to offer support for specific learning needs such as dyslexia, ADHD and Highly Gifted students. We have Maths, Science and English tutors who are able to offer extra lessons and we have staff in place to support students’ social and emotional development.

At Eerde, we pride ourselves on offering a supportive learning community with a particular focus on the individual.

Financial package

If you choose to follow our Pre-IB course and the IB Diploma Programme, please note that we can offer you a package deal. Contact us for more information about this.

Visa

As a referent for the IND, we can apply for visas for non- EU students for this program (when starting in grade 10). This program is therefore especially suitable for students outside the European Union, to start their academic career early to get the best outcome for the IB Diploma programme.

Pre-IB Tuition Fees

Interested in our Pre-IB programme? Have a look at the tuition fees in 2024-2025.

Contact Eerde

Want to join our school or do you need more information? Contact us.