What do I study?

Three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three others at the less advanced Standard Level (SL). In addition, there are three extra elements:

• ‘Theory of Knowledge’ ties together the different subjects you study
• Creativity, Action, Service [CAS] gives you credit for a wide range of extra activities, such as sport, voluntary service, drama, music and charity work 
• there will be chances to work in the local community and with people in different parts of the world. We can recognise activities of this sort that you already do a piece of extended research, leading to an extended essay in a subject of your choice. 
  
  Assessment is by a combination of exams and coursework but, unlike A-levels, there are no exams until the end of two years. The total class time is a little more than for A-levels, but you will be expected to do more work outside class.

Where does the IB Diploma take me?

The IB Diploma is welcomed, even for top universities and careers. With the three extra elements showing you to be a well-rounded individual, with some very high-level skills, an international outlook and concern for others, IB students tend to be successful in whatever they do in future.

This year we have students going to Oxford University to study History, York University to study Medicine, Southampton University to study Physics and Sports Science, to name a few. 

What do I need?

1. At least five GCSE grade B passes, including English, Maths and a Science.
2. B grade in any subject you want to take at HL, if you’ve had the opportunity to study it before.
3. If you have not taken a foreign language GCSE, you can start Italian or Spanish from scratch.
4. Students with equivalent exams taken in other countries are also welcome. Please email the IB Co-ordinator to enquire about this or call 01375 370121.

IB subject options
Take one subject from each of groups 1-5 and EITHER subject from group 6 or another subject from groups 2-4. Unless stated, subjects are available at both HL and SL.  These are the proposed subjects from September 2010,
subject to sufficient numbers.

Group 1
English
This is a compulsory subject at HL or SL. It is a literature course, with work either written in or translated into English, fom Britain and around the world.

Group 2
French, German, Spanish
Whichever course you choose, it is designed for students with some previous experience of the language. The main
focus is on language acquisition and development in the four primary language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Beginners’ Italian, German or Spanish (Both SL only)
This is an opportunity for you to further your linguistic skills by taking up a second foreign language, or to learn a foreign language for the first time. Either way, these are exciting courses that will enable you to speak, communicate and write in your chosen language. No previous knowledge of the language is expected, but if you gave up a language before year 10, this is also the appropriate course.

Group 3
Geography
Through Geography we seek to understand these differences in patterns of human distribution, interrelationships between human society and the physical environment, people’s use of the Earth in time and space and how these differences are related to people’s cultures and economies.
History
IB History is excitingly different from anything you will have studied at school. It explores the main developments in the history of Europe and the Islamic world from around 500 to 1570, covering subjects such as medieval England, the Crusades and much more.
Psychology
Psychology is the systematic study of behaviour and experience. So, it is a meeting ground for both the natural
and the social sciences. It gives students a greater understanding of themselves and others.                           

Group 4
Biology
This course ranges widely, from the classification of organisms and the structure of the human body, to genetic
engineering and biotechnology.
Chemistry
This experimental science combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. It is
called the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all
biological systems.

Physics
Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from
the very smallest particles – quarks, which may be truly fundamental – to the vast distances between galaxies.

Group 5
Mathematics (HL)
This for you if you are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills AND expect to include Maths as a major component of your university studies, either as a subject in its own right or in courses such as Physics, Engineering and Technology OR just have a strong interest in Maths and enjoy engaging with its problems.
Mathematics (SL)
If you expect to need a sound mathematical background for future studies in subjects such as Chemistry, Economics, Psychology and Business Administration, this is the course for you.
Mathematical Studies (SL Only)
This course caters for students with varied backgrounds and abilities. It is designed to build your confidence and
appreciation of the subject if you won’t need advanced Maths in your future studies. It is a practical course, to give you skills you will find useful.

*For all these Maths courses you will need a graphic display calculator - the Casio FX - 9750G plus is recommended.

Group 6
Film
This will develop your skills so you can interpret and make film texts. You explore film history, theory and
socio-economic background of films from around the world.  You also develop the skills to express yourself creatively in film.
Visual Arts
Although this does include a wide range of visual arts, the focus of this practical subject is on Art. You will need experience in drawing and painting from observation.


 

I chose Palmer's as it has a great atmosphere, great resources and students are treated with respect and like adults.

Michael Evans, International Baccalaureate