The Sixth Form
(Lower Sixth & Upper Sixth)
Providing a Bridge Between School and University
Our focus on academic excellence alongside personal development is key to a Malvern education.
Malvern College Tokyo is an IB World School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Our Sixth Form is designed to provide a rigorous, internationally benchmarked pathway that prepares students for entry into leading universities in Japan and around the world.
The Sixth Form at Malvern College Tokyo offers an exceptional bridge between school and university. Students are guided to develop increasing responsibility, academic independence and personal maturity as they prepare for higher education and life beyond school.
As a candidate school for the IB Diploma Programme, our Sixth Form curriculum is aligned to the philosophy, structure and academic expectations of the IBDP, promoting independent inquiry, global mindedness and critical thinking — the hallmarks of a high-quality international education.
Sixth Form students are expected to “step up” into leadership roles as role models for younger pupils across the school. With greater timetable flexibility, structured study periods and an extended school day, students learn to manage their time effectively — an essential preparation for university-level study.
As students move from Lower Sixth into Upper Sixth, they enjoy increasing autonomy. Provided academic and pastoral expectations are met, students may benefit from greater flexibility in their daily routines, helping them develop strong habits of organisation, motivation and self-management in preparation for university life.
The school closely monitors each student’s academic progress and wellbeing, offering timely support whenever additional guidance is required. This balanced approach builds resilience, self-discipline and confidence, ensuring students are well prepared for the demands of post-school education.
IB Diploma Programme (Candidate School)
Malvern College Tokyo is currently a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Our Sixth Form curriculum is structured in alignment with IB standards and practices, ensuring students are prepared for the full Diploma Programme following authorisation.
The IB Diploma Programme consists of the DP core and six subject groups. Students study one subject from each group, with the sixth subject chosen from any group.
Subject Groups
Group 1: Language A
Group 2: Language B
Group 3: Individuals & Society
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts & Electives
Links are made between subjects and pupils are given opportunities for independent learning in all subjects, with coursework a part of the assessment in most subjects.
As part of our IB-aligned Sixth Form programme, students are prepared for the three core elements of the IB Diploma:
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Theory of Knowledge (ToK)
ToK encourages students to think critically about knowledge and how it is constructed. Through timetabled lessons, students learn to evaluate arguments, question assumptions and assess evidence. -
Extended Essay (EE)
Students undertake a 4,000-word independent research project on a topic of personal interest, supported by a supervisor who guides their academic inquiry. -
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)
CAS ensures that learning extends beyond the classroom. Students participate in creative, physical and service-based experiences that promote personal growth, leadership and social responsibility.
Leadership Development Programme
Leadership is a defining element of the Malvern ethos and aligns closely with the holistic principles of the International Baccalaureate. Our Leadership Development Programme enables students to explore leadership theory, understand their personal leadership style and apply leadership in real-world contexts.
The programme includes:
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Professional Leadership Framework Training
Students study a structured and research-informed framework to understand leadership across multiple dimensions. -
Mentoring and Coaching
One-to-one support helps students develop clarity, self-awareness, and confidence in their leadership capabilities -
Leadership Speaker Series
External leaders from sectors including business, research, the arts, technology and public service share their experiences to broaden student perspectives. -
Leadership in Action (CAS Programme)
Through the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component of the IB Diploma Programme, students apply leadership skills in real-world contexts, both within the school and the wider community
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org
Sixth Form Tutor Programme
Every Sixth Form student receives personalised support through the Tutor Programme. Each student is assigned a tutor who:
- Meets with them regularly
- Monitors academic progress
- Supports wellbeing
- Guides preparation for the IB Diploma Programme
This consistent support ensures students develop the organisation, resilience and maturity needed to succeed in senior school and beyond.
Personalised Careers and University Guidance
Students receive tailored support for university admissions, positioning them strongly for competitive institutions across Japan, the UK, North America, Europe, and beyond.
The guidance programme includes:
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Personalised career profiling
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Mentorship on university and course selection
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Comprehensive support for applications worldwide
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Expertise in pathways related to the IB Diploma Programme
As one of the top international schools in Tokyo preparing students for global university destinations, Malvern College Tokyo ensures every Sixth Form student receives individual attention throughout the application process.
Enrichment and Extended Opportunities
Alongside the academic rigour of the IB Diploma Programme, Sixth Form students benefit from extensive enrichment opportunities. These include:
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Academic societies and specialist clubs
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Guest speaker seminars and workshops
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Sporting and creative activities
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Cultural events and formal socials, including the school’s first black-tie dinner
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Local and international expeditions designed to cultivate teamwork, independence, and resilience
Service learning remains central to the Malvern tradition and to the IB curriculum. All Sixth Form students participate in meaningful service activities that nurture empathy, initiative, and responsibility.
Malvern College Tokyo’s Sixth Form offers a rigorous and globally respected IB Diploma Programme (IB DP), enriched by experiences that prepare students for life beyond school.
After the Sixth Form: Pathways to the World
Graduates of Malvern College Tokyo progress to diverse, exciting university courses and careers across the world. They join the global network of Old Malvernians (OMs)—a lifelong, worldwide community spanning generations and continents.
The Sixth Form: IB Diploma Programme in Tokyo, Japan
Welcome to The Sixth Form at Malvern College Tokyo. Operating as a critical bridge between school and higher education, our Sixth Form is dedicated to delivering an outstanding academic experience. If you are seeking a rigorous pre-university curriculum, we offer a truly world-class International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Japan. As a globally recognised gold standard in education, this programme develops inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are ready to shape the future.
A Premier IB Diploma Programme in Japan for Future Global Leaders
By combining the esteemed heritage of a British boarding school ethos with a forward-thinking framework, we proudly provide one of the most comprehensive IB Programmes in Tokyo. Our Sixth Form students are empowered to cultivate academic independence, robust leadership skills, and personal maturity. Whether you are a local resident or relocating from abroad, our curriculum is purposefully designed to set the benchmark for the International Baccalaureate in Japan.
Advancing Your Future: The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Tokyo
Selecting the right environment for your child's pre-university study is a pivotal decision. When evaluating the International Baccalaureate in Tokyo, Malvern College Tokyo distinguishes itself through a deeply personalised approach to academic and pastoral development. We understand that successfully navigating the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Tokyo requires more than just traditional classroom instruction; it requires dedicated mentorship and a supportive community.
We offer an exceptional Sixth Form Tutor Programme where every student receives individualised guidance. This bespoke support ensures that our students are perfectly equipped to manage the rigorous demands of the IB Diploma Programme in Japan. Furthermore, our students benefit from our extensive global network—the Malvern College Family of Schools—providing them with unparalleled enrichment opportunities, from international academic societies to cross-cultural expeditions.
Exploring Your Academic Pathway: IB Diploma Subjects at Malvern College Tokyo
A critical component of a student's success in the Sixth Form is the strategic selection of their IB diploma subjects. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme requires students to study six subjects alongside the DP Core. Students typically select three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL) to ensure both depth and breadth of knowledge.
At Malvern College Tokyo, we offer a dynamic and challenging array of IB diploma subjects to cater to the diverse talents and university aspirations of our international student body. Our curriculum allows students to tailor their academic profile across six distinct subject groups:
- Group 1 (Studies in Language and Literature): English A: Literature / Language & Literature, Japanese A: Literature.
- Group 2 (Language Acquisition): English B, Japanese B, Ab Initio Languages, and other modern languages.
- Group 3 (Individuals and Societies): Business Management, Economics, History, Geography, Psychology.
- Group 4 (Sciences): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) (conducted in university-grade laboratories).
- Group 5 (Mathematics): Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA), Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI).
- Group 6 (The Arts and Electives): Visual Arts, Music, or an additional subject chosen from Groups 1 to 4.
Mastering the Core of the IB Curriculum
Beyond individual IB diploma subjects, the transformative power of an IB education lies in its central Core. All Sixth Form students must complete three interconnected elements that challenge them to think critically and contribute meaningfully to society:
- Theory of Knowledge (ToK): This interdisciplinary course challenges students to reflect on the nature of knowledge itself, providing a critical thinking foundation essential for university-level discourse.
- The Extended Essay (EE): An independent, self-directed piece of research culminating in a 4,000-word academic paper on a topic of the student's personal interest.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Students actively engage in creative pursuits, physical activities, and community initiatives, fostering compassionate, socially responsible global citizens.
Unrivalled University Guidance Global Pathways
Navigating top-tier higher education admissions requires strategic foresight and personalized planning. From the moment students enter the Lower Sixth, our expert Sixth Form Higher Education Advisory team works closely with them to align their academic choices with target university courses. We provide comprehensive, one-on-one guidance—from strategically selecting IB diploma subjects and writing compelling personal statements to preparing for entrance examinations.
Through our strong global ties, Malvern College Tokyo facilitates seamless pathways to prestigious universities worldwide, including the UK Russell Group, US Ivy League, top-ranked English-track and domestic institutions in Japan, and leading universities across Europe and Asia.
Accreditation IB World School Status
Malvern College Tokyo is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and is actively pursuing authorization as an official IB World School in Tokyo. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education that Malvern College Tokyo believes is vital for our students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why choose the IB Diploma Programme in Tokyo over A-Levels or AP?
A: The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Tokyo offers a holistic, internationally recognized curriculum that balances academic depth with personal development. Unlike single-subject pathways, the IB DP fosters interdisciplinary thinking, advanced research abilities through the Extended Essay, and global citizenship, making IB graduates highly sought after by top universities globally.
Q: How many IB diploma subjects do students need to choose?
A: Students choose six IB diploma subjects—one from each of the six subject groups (or an elective from Groups 1–4 instead of Group 6). Normally, three subjects are taken at Higher Level (HL) for in-depth study, and three at Standard Level (SL).
Q: How does Malvern College Tokyo support students through the IB Diploma Programme in Japan?
A: We combine small class sizes, world-class facilities, and a dedicated Sixth Form Tutor Programme to offer bespoke academic and pastoral care. Every student receives tailored mentorship to manage workload, optimize their subject choices, and prepare effectively for global university entry.
Q: Is the IB Diploma recognized by top universities in Japan and internationally?
A: Yes. The IB Diploma is globally recognized by world-class universities, including the UK Russell Group and US Ivy League. In Japan, leading universities (such as the University of Tokyo, Waseda, and Keio) increasingly offer dedicated IB admissions and English-taught degree pathways.
Q: What are the entry requirements for the IB Diploma at Malvern College Tokyo?
A: Admissions to our Sixth Form are based on prior academic transcripts, school reports, an entrance assessment, and a personal interview to evaluate academic readiness and commitment to the rigorous IB framework.
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