Junior SchoolSenior SchoolSixth Form

IB Diploma Course Overview

The IB Diploma programme involves the study of subjects chosen from each of the six groups:

  • Group 1 Language/Literature (usually your native tongue)
  • Group 2 A second language (another modern language)
  • Group 3 Individuals and Societies (Economics, History, Psychology)
  • Group 4 Experimental Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Group 5 Mathematics
  • Group 6 The Arts (Art or Music)

There is a wide choice of subjects on offer and students select three to be studied at Higher Level and three at Standard Level.

What is the difference between Higher and Standard Level?

Higher Level courses require a greater depth of study across a broad range of content and Standard Level courses provide a breadth of study across the whole programme. Higher Level courses normally have 5 periods each week (representing 240 hours over the two years) and Standard Level 3 periods each week (representing 150 hours). Theory of Knowledge will have 2 periods each week (representing 100 hours). This represents 26 teaching periods each week.

Does the Diploma involve coursework?

All IB Diploma courses involve an element of coursework (ranging between 20% and 50% of the final mark for the subject) and this is spread over the two years of the programme.

The Extended Essay

This is a supervised assignment on a topic that student choose for themselves.  The topic must be chosen from one of the IB subjects but does not have to be in a subject which students are studying for their diploma.  It should take about 40 hours in total and may be experimental or research based.

Theory of Knowledge

The Theory of Knowledge (ToK) aspect of the International Baccalaureate is fundamental to the way the whole Diploma course operates.  ToK comes into the way each subject in every one of the siz groups is taught.  In addition, there are two timetabled periods per week dedicated to discussion and development of ideas.

Extracurricular Activities and the IB Programme

The International Baccalaureate Programme was designed to meet the needs of a well-rounded student.  The Creative, Active and Service (CAS) requirements encourage IB students to excel in non-academic pursuits.  At Sidcot we expect IB students to take advantage of a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.