NATURE OF THE SUBJECT

Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigation skills. It is called the central science, as chemical principals underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems. Apart from being a subject worthy of study in its own right, chemistry is prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological and environmental sciences and engineering.

COURSE CONTENT

The course is divided into the following topics:

• Stoichiometry and atomic theory
• Periodicity and bonding
• States of matter
• Energetics and kinetics
• Equilibrium
• Acids and bases
• Measuring and data processing
• Oxidation and reduction
• Organic chemistry
• Measurement and analysis

Students also get to choose one of the following options:

• Human biochemistry
• Materials
• Energy
• Medicinal chemistry

ASSESSMENT

Internal

An individual investigation project            20%

External

Written examinations (3 papers)               80%

REQUIREMENTS

There is no prior knowledge of chemistry required, although having studied chemistry previously is an advantage. In chemistry, students must have the ability to visualise and conceive topics which are not present to them in everyday life; often these ideas go against their natural instinct of what should happen. Consequently, in order to succeed in this subject, students require a mind which is not just analytical but also open to the intangible. They must also be willing to work hard. Chemistry is a very mentally rewarding subject.

 

AIMS

The study of the visual arts provides students with the opportunity to develop a critical and intensely personal view of themselves in relation to the world. Learning and practice in the visual arts invariably extends beyond traditional boundaries to connect many areas of study and human experience through collaborative, as well as individual, production and interpretation. Approaches to learning in the visual arts can include a wide variety of expressive forms from a variety of cultural contexts.

COURSE CONTENT

This course has three components:

• Part 1:  Comparative study.  Students are required to analyse and compare art works, objects or artefacts by different artists. Students are expected to create 10 -15 visual screens of research material on their chosen artists.
• Part 2:  Process portfolio. Students select materials which demonstrate their experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of visual art activities over the two year course. There is a requirement to submit 9-18 screens of their process portfolio.
• Part 3: Exhibition. Students create a final exhibition of art work produced over the two years of the course. There is a requirement of 8 -11 resolved studio pieces and a curatorial rational of 700 words.

ASSESSMENT

• Part 1 – Comparative study - 20% 
• Part 2 – Process portfolio - 40%
• Part 3 – Exhibition – 40%

REQUIREMENTS

This course requires initiative, commitment, imagination and the ability to generate work independently.

This course aims to give students the opportunity to explore and enjoy the diversity of music throughout the world. Students will be able to develop a wide range of musical skills through academic and practical work. They will be allowed to develop their potential as musicians both individually and collaboratively, to the full.

COURSE CONTENT

This course develops performance, compositional and perceptual skills. The higher level course is designed for the specialist music student who has a prior background in musical performance while the standard level is designed for students with an keen interest in music with some performance skills or compositional skills either as an individual or as a member of a group. The course has three main elements:

• Musical perception and analysis – Analytical study of set piece proposed by the IB; study of musical styles and genres from all over the world including reggae, jazz, blues, Indian, and musical investigation.
• Solo Performance – One or more recitals using an instrument or voice which may be accompanied.
• Composing – To develop compositional skills through practice and experience. This can be in any genre and in any style.

ASSESSMENT

Internal

School-based assessment

HL performance and composition                                                                        50%

SL performance or composition                                                                             50%

External

Written examinations                                                                                                                   

Listening paper                                                                                                                 30%

Musical Investigation                                                                                                   20%                                    

REQUIREMENTS

This is a demanding course and candidates should have the ability to read, write and play music for the higher level.

 

Economics

AIMS

The study of economics is essentially about dealing with scarcity, resource allocation and the methods and processes by which choices are made in the satisfaction of human wants. As a dynamic social science, economics uses scientific methodologies that include quantitative and qualitative elements.

The aim of the course is

• to provide students with a core knowledge of economics
• encourage students to think critically about economics
• promote an awareness and understanding of internationalism in economics
• encourage students' development as independent learners 
• enable students to distinguish between positive and normative economics
• enable students to recognise their own tendencies for bias.

COURSE CONTENT

• introduction to economics
• micro-economics
• macro-economics
• international economics
• development economics.

CORE versus HIGHER LEVEL

At both standard level and higher level, candidates are required to study the four topics above. Within these there are some sections reserved solely for higher level.

ASSESSMENT

Internal

A portfolio of three commentaries based on different sections of the syllabus and on published extracts from the news media.                  20%

External (written)

Standard Level: Two examinations           80%

Higher Level:      Three examinations        80%

REQUIREMENTS

This is a course that explores the fundamental principles of economics. Students analyze real-world economic issues, develop critical thinking skills, and learn to apply economic theories to understand global economic systems and their impact on societies. Good analytical skills and an awareness of current economic issues and affairs around the world would be useful for this course.