THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
Academics – IBS of Provence – World School
The International Baccalaureate Diploma combines continuous assessment and examinations in six major subjects with other activities designed to prepare the student for future studies and the modern world in general.
The programme that leads to the diploma being awarded can be tailor-made to suit any student, but consistency and hard work is required throughout.
The IB course is prepared over two years and is taught and studied in English.
The students have to select one subject from each of the following groups:
- Group One: First Language or Language A (Standard and Higher Level)
- Subjects available: English; French; Spanish; German; Dutch; Italian; Russian; Mandarin. Other languages may be available on “Self-taught” (SL only).
- Group Two: Second Language or Language B. (Standard, Higher Level and Ab initio for “debutants”)
- Subjects available: English; French; German; Italian; Russian; Spanish; Dutch and Mandarin.
- Group Three: Individuals and Societies (Standard and Higher Level)
- Subjects Available: Geography; History; Global Politics; Economics; Business Management and Environmental Systems & Societies (SL only).
- Group Four: Sciences (Standard and Higher Level)
- Subjects available: Physics; Chemistry; Biology; Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences and Environmental Systems & Societies (SL only)
- Group Five: Mathematics (Standard and Higher Level)
- Routes: analysis and approaches and applications and interpretation.
- Group Six: The Arts or elective. (Standard and Higher Level)
- Subjects available: Theatre Studies, Visual Arts, Psychology, Film and all of the above subjects.
To be eligible for the diploma, the student must choose between 3 and 4 of these subjects at Higher Level, and the others at Standard Level. Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 to 7 and the student must complete ALL of the following:
- An “Extended Essay” of some 4000 words on a precise topic normally chosen from one of the subject areas studied. This should demand 40 hours of work in collaboration with a tutor. Completed essays are due at the beginning of the 2nd year.
- The “Theory of Knowledge” course will require the completion of an essay and a presentation. This course is designed to ensure that students engage in critical reflection and analysis of what we call ‘knowledge.’
The award of 3 extra bonus points accompanies excellent performances in the above two disciplines.
Creativity, Activity and Service: A popular part of the IB Diploma Programme that involves the students in Art, Theatre, Music, Sport and a wide variety of Volunteer activities is designed to be of service to the community both here and abroad. All learning outcomes and at least one CAS Project must be accomplished over 18 months during the IB studies.
DOCUMENTS – The International Baccalureate at IBS of Provence