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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, 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)
Languages
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.
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.
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 level
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.
Mathematics - 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.
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.
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