The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year course that allows students to fulfill the requirements of most national education systems. Students studying for their IB Diploma have to follow six subjects, study the theory of knowledge, complete an extended essay and undertake a programme of community service.
The six areas of study are as follows:
Language A1: Students study the literature of their native language. The IB offers more than 80 languages as part of their policy of encouraging students to maintain strong ties to their own culture. At The British School Warsaw which has been offering the IB Diploma since 2001, this year and next, students are studying literature in a wide range of native languages including English and Polish.
Language B: All diploma candidates are examined in a second language. This is offered at higher, standard and beginner level for those starting a new language from scratch (ab initio).
Individuals and societies: Subjects included in this group are business and management, economics, geography, history and psychology.
Experimental Sciences: The subjects available in this group are biology, chemistry, computer sciences, physics and sport, excercise and health science. Practical laboratory skills are developed and collaborative learning is encouraged through an interdisciplinary group project.
Mathematics: All candidates for the diploma are required to complete a mathematics course. For those who find maths a challenge, we offer Maths Studies. The more advanced mathematicians can choose between standard and higher level courses.
Arts: This group includes visual art and music. Alternatively students can choose one of the subjects offered in Groups 2, 3 or 4 - a third modern language, a second subject from Individuals and Societies or a second subject from Experimental Sciences.
If you are looking for a subject not on offer at our school in one of the above subject option groups, please contact us and discuss your needs. We do offer some progammes through an on-line teaching programme.
At the heart of the Diploma Programme lie three additional core elements:
Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. Unique to the IBO, TOK aims to provide students with an understanding of how and why knowledge is gained.
CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) encourages students to undertake 150 hours of community service, demonstrate active participation in sports and show off their creative skills. Students should, through these activities, develop greater awareness of themselves, concern for others, and the ability to work cooperatively with other people.
The Extended Essay requires students to research and write about an area of individual interest. The 4,000-word essay gives diploma students the chance to undertake independent research and develop the level of writing expected by universities.
The IB programme is challenging and rigorous. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that students in possession of an IB Diploma are made welcome by the world's top universities. With the school’s track record of success in delivering these courses, studying the IB Diploma at The British School, Warsaw is clearly the right choice.
If you would like any further details of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at The British School Warsaw, please feel free to contact our IB Coordinator, Dr Jacek Latkowski, email: Jacek.Latkowski@thebritishschool.pl or contact our IB office, iboffice@thebritishschool.pl