In this section
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is an internationally recognised two-year qualification based on subjects studied in Years 12 and 13. It aims to give students a broad holistic qualification. It is assessed in six main subject areas as well as creativity, action and service (CAS – this looks at community service, sporting and cultural activities), Theory of Knowledge (TOK – this looks at the philosophy of how knowledge is used) and an extended essay (3000 words) in a subject of the student’s choice. It is quite a difficult course, and students struggling with their subjects are advised not to do it.
In 2010 the IB Diploma will be introduced by the College at year 12, which means that the current year 10 students will have a choice of doing either the IB or NCEA (it is not possible to do both).
The Diploma programme prepares students for university and encourages them to:
- ask challenging questions
- learn how to learn
- develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture
- develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.
If you are considering the IB Diploma programme the following are important:
- average or above average ability
- a sound record of achievement to date
- self motivated and a desire to be challenged
- independent learning skills
- good organisational and time management skills
- a desire to keep your options broad
- an interest in an international perspective
In the IB Diploma there are six groups of subjects to choose from:
- English
- Foreign language
- Humanities
- Sciences
- Maths
- Arts
If a student is interested in doing the IB Diploma, then it will have some impact on his choice of subjects for 2010:
- English and maths are compulsory throughout the IB, and so students will have to study them in year 11 (as happens with NCEA)
- There has to be at least one science, and it should be an individual science (biology, chemistry or physics) rather than the general science course.
- There has to be at least one humanities subject (geography, history or economics)
In Year 12 and 13, the IB student will have to study a foreign language, so either he continues with French and Japanese in Year 11 with the idea of continuing through to Years 12 and 13, or in Year 12 he can start learning Spanish which means he doesn’t have to do French or Japanese in Year 11.
In IB there is a block for the creative arts (theatre studies, visual art and music) but this is not compulsory and a student could, if he wanted, do a second science or a second humanity.
IB Diploma Booklet
Related links:
Scots College - IB World School
Course Structure map - IB (19KB)
