Curriculum and Subjects

Students will select one option at either Higher Level (depth study) or Standard Level (breadth study)

• Language A: English Language & Literature (HL/SL)
• Language A: Chinese Language & Literature (HL/SL)
• Language A: School-supported self-taught (SL only)

Through studies in language and literature, students are able to develop:

• a personal appreciation of language and literature
• skills in literary criticism using a range of texts from different periods, styles and genres
• an understanding of the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts
• strong powers of expression, both written and oral
• an appreciation of cultural differences in perspective
• an understanding of how language challenges and sustains ways of thinking.

The IB Diploma aims to develop a student’s lifelong interest in language and literature, and a love for the elegance and richness of human expression.

Students will select one of the below subjects at HL or SL

• English B (HL/SL)
• Chinese (Mandarin) B (HL/SL)
• Chinese (Mandarin) ab initio (SL only)
• Spanish ab initio (SL only)

Ab initio

The language ab initio course is organised into three themes:

• Individuals and society
• Leisure and work
• Urban and rural environment.

Language B

Language B is an additional language-learning course designed for students with some previous learning of that language. It may be studied at either SL or HL.

The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and development of language skills. These language skills should be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material. Over the 2 years, students will cover the core—with topics common to both levels— which is divided into three areas and is a required area of study:

• Communication and media
• Global issues
• Social relationships

In addition, at both SL and HL, teachers select a minimum of two from the following five options:

• Cultural diversity
• Customs and traditions
• Health
• Leisure
• Science and technology

Higher Level

The aims of the language B higher level course are to:

• develop students’ intercultural understanding
• enable students to understand and use the language they have studied in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes
• encourage, through the study of texts and through social interaction, an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures
• develop students’ awareness of the role of language in relation to other areas of knowledge
• develop students’ awareness of the relationship between the languages and cultures with which they are familiar
• provide students with a basis for further study, work and leisure through the use of an additional language
• provide the opportunity for enjoyment, creativity and intellectual stimulation through knowledge of an additional language.

Students may select one, or two subjects from the below. Please note that Environmental Systems is an interdisciplinary subject and may be chosen as a Group 4 or a Group 3 subject, depending on a students career pathway.

• Economics (HL/SL)
• Business Management (HL/SL)
• Environmental Systems & Societies (HL/SL)
• Digital Society (HL/SL) and Psychology (HL/SL) are also under consideration, please discuss with our team

Group 3 subjects develop a critical appreciation of:

• human experience and behaviour
• the varieties of physical, economic and social environments that people inhabit
• the history of social and cultural institutions.

In addition, each subject is designed to foster in students the capacity to identify, to analyse critically and to evaluate theories, concepts and arguments relating to the nature and activities of individuals and societies.

Students with a strong interest in Business and Economics have an excellent opportunity to enjoy our unique INSEAD MasterClasses which explore MBA-style live cases.

Students will choose either one, or two of the following subjects.

• Environmental Systems & Societies (HL/SL)
• Physics (HL/SL)
• Biology (HL/SL)
• Chemistry (HL/SL)
• Computer Science (HL/SL)

Mathematics Analysis & Approaches (HL/SL)

Mathematics Applications & Interpretation SL

The aims of the courses are to enable students to:

• develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles
• develop logical, critical and creative thinking
• employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization.

Students are also encouraged to appreciate the international dimensions of mathematics and the multiplicity of its cultural and historical perspectives.

The school does not offer Group 6 subjects. Instead, students have an opportunity to choose an additional individual and societies or science subject, to further enrich the breadth of their learning and its applicability to the real world. These can be selected from Group 3 (Individuals & Societies) or Group 4 (Sciences).

Subject selection may be dependent on minimum class sizes.

As part of selecting your 6 subjects we will discuss any initial career and university aspirations you may have to ensure the selection fully facilitates course entry.

ToK – philosophy for 15-17 year-olds – is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom.

The course challenges students to question the nature of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, to think critically and to analyse evidence. It is a key element in encouraging an appreciation of different cultural perspectives.

Read about our TOK exhibition by IBDP students

CAS encourages students to share their passions and talents with others, as well as develop soft skills that are much sought-after by employers.

CAS activities are ongoing, challenging and present new experiences, and allow the student to develop greater awareness of themselves and others, whilst also working cooperatively with other people in both a local and social context.

The EE allows the investigation of a topic of special interest, in the form of a 4,000-word piece of independent research. Students select a research topic that intrigues them before honing the independent research and writing skills expected at university, with the support of our highly qualified STEM, English and Business Management teachers.

This leads to a major piece of formally-presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner.

The EE promotes high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity, is extremely rewarding, and provides excellent material for students to discuss with university admissions tutors at interview, world-wide.