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What
do I study if I take the IB Diploma?
You study 3 subjects at Higher level (ie. in greater depth) and
3 at Standard level. These are selected from the following groups:
- Language
A -
your first or best language
-
Language B -
a second language, usually English if this is not your mother
tongue - your choice from a selection of foreign languages if
English is your mother tongue or a second Language A (A2)
- Individuals
& Societies
- you may select from History, Geography, Economics, Business
and Management, or Psychology
- Transdisciplinary
- Ecosystems & Societies
- Experimental
Sciences
- Biology, Chemistry or Physics
- Mathematics
- available at three levels
- Electives
- choice of Visual Arts, Information Technology, Music, Theatre
Arts, another Language, Science or subject from Individuals &
Societies
In addition
you will:
- Take a course
in Theory of Knowledge
to help you develop critical thinking
- Write an
extended essay of 4,000
words based on personal research
- Take part
in activities involving Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)
Subjects
offered at St. Clare's
Language
A is the study of literature in the mother tongue. Most
of the students in the class will be native speakers of the language
or will have been educated in the language. Only English and German
are regularly offered both at Higher and Standard levels. Higher
in other languages A may be available, but only by special arrangement.
If your language is not mentioned in the list do not worry: we will
almost certainly be able to find a teacher for you.
English
(H or S), German (H or S). Arabic, Danish, Dutch, French, Greek,
Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese,
Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish (All S only)* Other languages
on demand, at S level.
The Course
You will study about 15 (H) or 11 (S) works of literature in the
language, 5 of which will be World Literature in translation. Written
and spoken communication in the language are assessed by coursework
and external examination. Previous knowledge - you must have native
or near-native knowledge of the language. Wide background reading
will give students a head start but is not essential.
Language
B is
for foreign learners of the language. It is not primarily a literary
course, though the literature is studied as means of understanding
the complex use of language. The emphasis is on communicative skills
in speech and writing and understanding the culture of the language.
The Course
You will learn the language skills of reading, writing, listening
and speaking through a range of resources related to three themes:
Change, Leisure and Groups. Skills of reading and writing are tested
by externally set examinations (70%), while oral skills are tested
internally (30%). Previous knowledge - you should have at least
2 years of serious study in the language, a good knowledge of grammar
and vocabulary, and be fairly fluent in ordinary conversation.
Language
B Ab Initio (beginners)
If you want to learn a new language or do not have a second language
you should choose Spanish or Chinese Ab Initio. Standard Level only.
The Course
You will acquire a good basic knowledge of the language so that
you can engage in conversation to do with everyday situations and
understand and write short pieces. Previous knowledge - obviously
you don't need any. However, any start you can make on the language
(eg. a Teach Yourself book) in the summer before you come to us
would help you to get a good start.
Language
A2
This is an IB course for bilinguals to take as their second language
rather than Language B. It has more emphasis on literature and near-native
skills. If you are bilingual and would be interested, for example,
in doing English A2 rather than English B please write A2 after
your group 2 language choice in the application form. Please note
that A2 languages are offered subject to timetable constraints.
Such choices will be discussed further at interview.
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Individuals
and Societies
Business
and Management (H only)
You will be learning to understand why business organisations are
formed, the principles, practice and basic competence employed to
make them successful, and the decision-making processes in them.
Real life examples and case studies will be used. Assessment is
via project (25%) and final examinations (75%).
Economics
(H and S)
You will learn how to use economic reasoning and apply the tools
of economic analysis to everyday problems and social issues. You
will learn how individuals and societies organise themselves in
the pursuit of economic objectives and will seek answers to questions
such as:
- How are resources
allocated between alternative uses to attain maximum levels of
output?
- How do governments
intervene in the economy to foster desired levels of economic
stability and growth?
- How do societies
around the world interact with each other, via trade or other
mechanisms, to create an international economic framework?
- How do societies
create new wealth? Why
have some been more successful than others?
- Why does
the spectre of poverty still haunt many nations?
Geography
(H and S)
Geography is a bridge between the social and the natural sciences.
The IB programme reflects the concern with man's relationship with
the environment while retaining topics as human geography, population,
economic development and human settlements. Examples of human and
physical geography are taken from all over the world. The subject
is assessed through a combination of coursework and a final examination.
All students take part in a field trip. The Standard level course
deals largely with some current global problems (eg. population,
refugees, inequality, urbanisation, environmental hazards, food),
and is attractive to students with an interest in current affairs
and the environment. Higher Geographers study more physical geography
with an emphasis on atmospheric, tectonic and geomorphological processes
and hazards. Both Higher and Standard students will use spreadsheets,
computer mapping and geographical databases.
History
(H and S)
Higher level is the study of Europe since 1750. In the thematic
study of the twentieth century, the course extends to other parts
of the world to avoid a Eurocentric view. You will acquire a thorough
knowledge of the main themes in the development of modern history
in Europe and the world. Internally assessed work counts for 20%
of the final result. Standard level is the study of three twentieth
century world topics: eg. The Causes, Nature and Effects of War;
East-West Relations since 1945; the Rise and Rule of Single Party
Regimes.
Psychology
(H only)
You will be helped to an increased understanding of the nature of
human beings, as individuals and in social groups and you will learn
to appreciate psychology as an academic discipline. You will also
learn the various methods of psychological enquiry, with particular
emphasis on empirical psychology. Practical work during the programme
will count (30%) towards the final marks.
Transdisciplinary
Ecosystems
and Society (S only)
This is a new transdisciplinary course which covers the requirements
of Group 3 (Individuals and Societies) and Group 4 (Experimental
Sciences) subjects. This broad course aims to give you an understanding
of scientific method whilst at the same time heightening your awareness
of the multidisciplinary (biological, geographical, political, economic,
social and historical) aspects of environmental issues. The areas
studied are: Ecological principles; Ecosystems; Conservation and
Biodiversity; Pollution; Population and Resources.
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Experimental
Sciences
All science
courses on the IB Diploma share a common structure. Each is in three
parts:
- A core of
material that is studied at both Higher and Standard levels.
- Additional
material that is taken at Higher level only.
- Options,
which may be for Standard level only, Higher level only, or for
both levels.
All students
take part in a cross-disciplinary Science Group Project. The assessment
pattern is the same for all sciences. Exams at the end of the course
contribute 76% of the final mark. The remaining 24% is based on
practical work set and assessed by the school.
Previous
knowledge
For Higher level sciences some previous knowledge is essential,
though a general science course should be sufficient. At Standard
level, previous knowledge is helpful, and students without a science
background should try to do some reading before they come.
Biology
(H and S)
In Biology you will study the science of living things and how they
function.
The Core includes Cells, Genetics, Ecology and Human Physiology.
The additional material takes these further, and adds some more,
such as Plant Science, and Defence against disease. Linking themes
are Structure and Function; Universality versus Diversity; Equilibrium
within Systems, and Evolution. Some Options are: Diet and Human
Nutrition; Evolution; Ecology and Conservation; and Further Human
Physiology.
Chemistry
(H and S)
In Chemistry you will study materials, and the conversion of substances
one to another. Core and Additional Higher level: Material covered
here includes important themes such as Atomic Theory; Bonding and
Structure; the Periodic Table; Acid-Base and Oxidation-Reduction
Behaviour; Energetics; Equilibrium; and Organic Chemistry. Some
options are: Human Biochemistry; Environmental Chemistry; Fuels
and Energy; Modern Analytical Chemistry.
Physics
(H and S)
In Physics you will study the properties and interactions of matter
and energy. Core and Additional Higher level: These introduce the
central concepts of Mechanics; Atomic and Nuclear Physics; Waves;
Thermal Physics; Electricity and Magnetism. Options: Standard only:
Mechanics; Atomic and Nuclear Physics; Energy. Higher and Standard:
Biomedical Physics; History of Physics; Astrophysics; Relativity;
Optics.
Mathematics
Mathematics
- Higher Maths
This is a challenging programme designed for students with a strong
background and ability in mathematics. You may choose this level
because you need it to support a study at university, for example,
physics, engineering or technology, or simply because you enjoy
mathematics.
Mathematical
Methods - Standard level
This is a demanding course requiring strong background knowledge
and ability. The programme contains a broad range of mathematical
topics and is designed to help those students who wish to pursue
further studies with a high degree of mathematical content such
as chemistry, economics, geography and business.
Mathematical
Studies - Standard level
This programme is designed to develop the skills needed to cope
with the mathematical demands of a technological society. Emphasis
is placed on the application of mathematics to real-life situations.
You should choose this course if you do not need advanced mathematics
for your future studies.
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Electives
In this group you can study another subject from Groups 2, 3 or
4 i.e. another second language, another human/social science or
another experimental science. Or, you can take:
Visual
Arts (H and S)
There are two parts to the course: Studio work (practical) and Research
Workbook (theory). Higher level students study both; Standard students
choose either practical or theory. You will discover, develop, and
enjoy different means of creative visual expression in the studio
and elsewhere. You will also learn about art and design in all their
forms both in history and today. Choose this subject if you have
some practical skills in drawing and painting and some natural talent
and interest in the subject.
Music
(H and S)
You will gain a worldwide and historical perspective of music as
well as studying its elements. You will also create and perform
music. The Standard level is a subset of the Higher level. It is
helpful to have some earlier study and some musical qualification.
For Higher level it is essential to be able to play a musical instrument
or to offer the voice. At Standard level ability to play or sing
is required.
Theatre
Arts (H and S)
You will learn to understand the nature of theatre by making it
as well as studying it. Making will include developing performance
skills and mounting theatre productions. Studying will include historical
and theoretical theatre developments and play analysis and interpretation.
No previous experience is required though it would be helpful.
Information
Technology in a Global Society (S only)
You will learn the applications of information technology and their
impact on individuals and society, developing familiarity with a
range of information tools that will enhance and communicate ideas
and facilitate life-long learning. You will also discuss the moral
and ethical issues arising from and affected by information technology.
No previous experience is necessary.
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