For your I.B. Diploma, you will have to choose 6 academic subjects, one from each group, three at higher level and three at the standard level. The main difference between the levels is the amount of hours allotted to the subject. Please note that not all subjects are offered at higher level.

How to choose your subjects
Choose you higher levels from those subjects which you enjoy most and which will support your career aspirations and further studies best. Choose that which will give you a well-balanced programme that is both achievable and enjoyable.

Outline of Subjects:

 

 

 

Language A: language and literature comprises four parts—two relate to the study of language and two to the study of literature. The study of the texts produced in a language is central to an active engagement with language and culture and, by extension, to how we see and understand the world in which we live. A key aim of the language A: language and literature course is to encourage students to question the meaning generated by language and texts, which, it can be argued, is rarely straightforward and unambiguous. Helping students to focus closely on the language of the texts they study and to become aware of the role of each text's wider context in shaping its meaning is central to the course.

The language A: language and literature course aims to develop in students skills of textual analysis and the understanding that texts, both literary and non-literary, can be seen as autonomous yet simultaneously related to culturally determined reading practices. The course is designed to be flexible—teachers have the opportunity to construct it in a way that reflects the interests and concerns that are relevant to their students while developing in students a range of transferable skills. An understanding of the ways in which formal elements are used to create meaning in a text is combined with an exploration of how that meaning is affected by reading practices that are culturally defined and by the circumstances of production and reception.

Language A1 school-supported self-taught is an option for students with mother tongues not regularly offered at our school. Without regular classes but with the help of a supervisor and in parallel with their other A1 course, students follow their own programme based on the literature of their country of origin and that of others in translation. So far students of our school have taken A1 self-taught in Portuguese, Greek, Korean and Japanese. A1 self-taught can only be taken at standard level.

standard level.

 

 

Language B is for intermediate learners of a language. It is not primarily a literature course, though literature is studied as a means of understanding the complex use of language. The emphasis is on communication skills in speech and writing and on understanding culture and language. Students will practice reading, writing, speaking and listening on a wide range of original resources. Reading and writing are tested in externally set examinations (70%), while oral skills are assessed internally (30%).

Students should have at least 3 years of serious study in the language as a background. A good knowledge of grammar and vocabulary as well as a certain fluency in ordinary conversation are required.

Ab initio courses are for students who want to begin learning a new language. In these demanding courses the student will reach an intermediate level within two years. The aim is to be able to communicate in written and spoken forms of the language and to gain insight into the culture connected to the studied language. Can only be taken at standard level.

 

 

History (HL or SL) 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 eurocentric views. 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.

Economics (HL or SL). 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 organize 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 level of output?
• How do governments intervene in the economy to foster desired levels of economic stability and growth?
• Why does the spectre of poverty still haunt nations?

A portfolio will be put together throughout the course and written final examinations will take place at the end of the course.

Psychology (HL or SL). You will study different levels of analysis such as biological, cognitive and sociocultural and the affect they have on human behaviour and the mental process. You will explore cultural diversity and will be encouraged to develop empathy for those both inside and outside your own culture. The internal assessment for this course is a report of a simple experimental study conducted by you. This accounts for 25% of your overall grade.

 

 

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; university versus diversity; equilibrium within systems; and evolution. Some options are: diet and human nutrition; evolution; ecology and conservation and further human physiology. Biology is offered at higher and at standard level.

Chemistry (SL): You will study materials and the conversion of substances into one another. Important topics such as atomic theory, bonding and structure; the periodic table; acid-base and oxidation-reduction behaviour; energetic equilibrium and organic chemistry will be covered over the 2 years. There will be an additional option to take. Chemistry is only offered at standard level.

In Physics, you will study the most fundamental principles of nature: matter and energy, space and time, and how they interact. Matter can be anything from sub-atomic particles to stars and galaxies, whereas energy includes motion, radiation, gravity, and many more. Physics is an experimental science, therefore, you will use experiments to either formulate or test scientific laws. The laws of physics are written in the language of mathematics. Therefore, a sound mathematical knowledge (i.e., high scores in the previous two years) will help you follow the course.

Practical experiments are required in all group 4 courses and are internally assessed for 24% of the final mark.

One of the highlights of the course is the Group 4 project, in which students go on a week-long excursion to study and do experiments. For the last two years the favoured destination has been Bantayan Island, where our students did research into marine ecosystems.

 

 

Mathematics (SL and HL) is a demanding course requiring a certain 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 good degree of mathematical content such as chemistry, economics, business and geography. A portfolio is to be completed by each student for internal assessment (20%) and there will be a challenging written examination (80%) at the end of the course.

Mathematical Studies (SL) is a subject mainly for those students who are planning to pursue subjects in which math plays a lesser role. The course's main focus is the practical application of math in other subject areas.

 

 

Visual Arts (HL and SL). There are two parts in this course: Studio works (practical) and research work (theory). You will discover, develop, and enjoy different means of creative visual expression. You will also lean 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.

Assessment: Studio work exhibition + interview by examiner 70% and 30% for research work.