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What do I study if I take the IB Diploma?
You study 3 subjects at Higher (H) level (ie. in greater depth) and 3
at Standard (S) level. These are selected from the following groups:
- Language A - your first or
best language. This is a literature course. The following languages
are offered: H and S: English, German. S only: Arabic, Danish, Dutch,
French, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish,
Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish and other languages on
request.
- Language B - a second language,
usually English if this is not your mother tongue. The following languages
are offered: H or S: English, French, Spanish and German. Some previous
knowledge is necessary. S only: Chinese and Spanish for beginners. There
is also the possibility of a second Language A (A2)
- Individuals & Societies
- H or S: History, Geography, Economics. H only: Psychology, Business
and Management.
- Transdisciplinary - S only:
Ecosystems & Societies
- Experimental Sciences -
H or S: Biology, Chemistry or Physics
- Mathematics - H or S: Mathematics.
S only: Mathematical Studies.
- Electives - H or S: Visual
Arts, Music, Theatre Arts, or another Language, another Science or another
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)
How to choose your programme:
· choose your Highers from those subjects which you enjoy most
and which support your career aspirations. These subjects are the ones
that you will study in depth.
· Choose your Standards to give you a good balanced programme.
You will be asked to record these subject choices on the application form.
Group 1 - Language
A
· 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 and will have been educated in the language.
· Only English and German are offered regularly at both Higher
and Standard levels.
· Highers level in other languages "A" may be considered,
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.
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.
Group 2 - Language
B
· Language B is for foreign learners of the language.
· It is not primarily a literary course, though the literature
is studied as a means of understanding the complex use of the language.
· The emphasis is on communicative skills in speech and writing
and understanding the culture of the language.
The Course
Students 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.
· These are offered at 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
(e.g. a Teach Yourself book) in the summer before you come to us would
help you to get a good start.
Language A2
· If you are bilingual and would be interested in doing English
A2 rather than English B please write A2 after your group 2 language choice
in the application form.
· This is an IB course for bilinguals to take as their second language
rather than Language B.
· It has greater emphasis on literature and near-native skills.
Group 3 - Individuals and Societies
Previous knowledge
All these courses may be taken without previous knowledge, though clearly
if they have been studied before this will be helpful.
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 their decision-making processes. 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 such 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. Higher level 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 geomorphological processes. Both Higher and Standard level
students will use spreadsheets, computer mapping and geographical databases.
History (H and S)
Higher level is largely the study of Europe since 1750. However, 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: e.g.
· 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 learn the various methods
of psychological enquiry, and examine the subject from biological, cognitive,
learning and humanistic perspectives. Internally assessed experimental
work during the programme will count (20%) towards the final marks.
Group 3 or Group 4 - Transdisciplinary
Ecosystems and Societies (S only)
This is a new transdisciplinary course which covers the requirements of
Group 3 and Group 4 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.
Group 4 - Experimental Sciences
All science courses on the IB 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 start.
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 such important themes 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.
Group 5 - Mathematics
Mathematics (H)
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 (S)
This is a demanding course requiring strong background knowledge and ability.
The programme contains 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 (S only)
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.
Group 6 - 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 level students choose either a course which is 70% practical
and 30% theory or alternatively a course which is 70% theory and 30% practical.
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 and/or sing at
a reasonable level 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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