Diploma Subject Groups
Studies in Language and Literature
Language A: Language and Literature (English, Indonesian)
- For students with experience of the language and fluency or near-fluency.
- Encourages students to examine a wide range of literary and non-literary texts in order to investigate the nature of language itself and the ways in which it shapes and is influenced by culture and identity
The three Areas of Exploration:
- Readers, Writers, & Texts: Examines choices made by authors and how meaning is communicated.
- Time & Space: Examines how cultural contexts affect language, identity, and reception.
- Intertextuality: Examines the connections between and among literature, media, text and audience.
Assessment from 2021
- Completion of one Written Assignment (HL).
- Completion of one oral assessment (SL/HL).
- Two external examination papers (SL/HL).
School Supported Self-Taught Language A (SL)
The Self-Taught Language A course is an option we as a school strongly encourage given the importance of mother tongue development. We agree with the IB that “Language is integral to exploring and sustaining personal growth and cultural identity; it is closely linked to the development of a healthy self-esteem and emotional well-being, both of which are necessary for successful learning to take place. Maintaining and developing the mother tongue of all learners is especially important in this respect.”
The student is rewarded with the prestigious IB Bilingual Diploma, if he/she completes two languages selected from Group 1 with the award of a grade 3 or higher.
The school commits to assist the student in setting up a programme of studies, and finding a suitable tutor. However, it is the responsibility of the family to contract a tutor who can guide the student through the programme; the cost for this will be borne by the family above and beyond the regular BIS tuition fees. The ideal tutor is someone who is familiar with the Diploma Programme, or someone who teaches literature at high school or university level. If there is no well-qualified tutor locally, the family may contract a tutor who is willing to work with the student online (perhaps teaching at an IB school in the home country).
- Provide suggestions for works of literary value
- Provide the student with mother-tongue guidance (discussion of content, language, conventions, structure, and so on) for the various parts of the course of studies.
- Set and provide feedback on mock examinations, and on practice papers or orals.
- Maintaining contact with the supervisor and regularly providing information on the student’s progress. As this is a self-taught course, the school will be unable to provide a report grade and comment on a regular basis for the language studied. The school will, however, provide feedback on student study habits and work progress, based on observation/discussion with the student; together with any acquired information from the tutor.
Assessment
The overall course objectives and assessment tasks for the independent self-taught course, are the same as the taught Language A Language & Literature course.
- Completion of one oral assessment.
- Two external examination papers.
Language Acquisition
Language B (Indonesian, French, Pamoja Online)
The course is for students with prior experience of learning the language. The focus is on language skills & intercultural understanding. There are 5 themes being discussed during the 2 years course:
- Identity
- Experiences
- Social Organisation
- Sharing the planet
- Human Ingenuity
Assessment
- Completion of one individual oral assessment (SL/HL).
- Two external examination papers (SL/HL):
- Paper 1 Writing
- Paper 2 Reading and Listening comprehension
Language ab initio (Spanish) (SL)
The course is designed for students with no prior exposure to Spanish. The focus is on language skills & intercultural understanding. There are 5 themes being discussed during the 2 years course:
- Identities.
- Experiences.
- Human Ingenuity.
- Social Organization.
- Sharing the planet
Assessment
- Completion of an individual oral assessment.
- Two external examination papers:
- Paper 1: Writing
- Paper 2: Reading and Listening comprehension
Pamoja Online
Students have the option to take their Group 2 subject through Pamoja. There are a number of options which include a second Language A, a Language B or a Language B ab initio course. Further details are available on the pamoja website.
Individuals and Societies
Business Management
- The course examines business decision-making processes and how these decisions impact on and are affected by internal and external environments:
- Business Organization and Environment
- Human Resources
- Finance and Accounts
- Marketing
- Operations Management
Assessment
- Internal Assessment:
- Written commentary (SL)
- Research project (HL)
- External Assessment: 2 Examination papers (SL/HL)
Economics
The course will enable students to develop an understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic theories and concepts and their real world application. HL Economics students should be taking at least SL Mathematics. Topics covered during the course are:
- Microeconomics (Demand, Supply and Market equilibrium, Elasticities, The role of government in Microeconomics, Market failure – Externalities, Economics of the Environment (HL only), Market failure – Public goods, Asymmetric information and Market power (HL only)
- Macroeconomics (Measuring economic activity, Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply, Macroeconomic objectives (Low Inflation, Low Unemployment, Economic Growth, Fair distribution of income), Economics of Inequality and Poverty, Fiscal policy, Monetary policy, Supply side policies
- The global economy (Benefits of international trade, Types of trade protection, Arguments for and against trade controls/protection, Economic integration, Exchange rates, Balance of payments, Sustainable development, Measuring development, Barriers to Development, Economic growth and/or economic development strategies
Assessment
- Internal Assessment: three commentaries based on different units of the syllabus (SL/HL)
- External Assessment: 3 Examination papers (HL), 2 Examination papers (SL)
History
Students study several topics in detail including:
- The Move to Global War [Paper 1]
- Japanese expansion in East Asia (1931-41)
- German and Italian expansion (1933-40)
- Authoritarian States (20th Century) [Paper 2]
- Causes and Effects of 20th Century Wars [Paper 2]
- History of Europe [Paper 3]
- Imperial Russia, Revolutions and the Establishment of the Soviet State [1855-1924]
- Europe and the First World War [1871-1918]
- Versailles to Berlin: Diplomacy in Europe [1919-45]
Assessment
- Internal Assessment: A historical investigation of 2,220 words (SL/HL)
- External Assessment: 3 Examination papers (HL), 2 Examination papers (SL)
Sciences
- All Science Programmes have a strong focus on providing experimental evidence for the phenomena and concepts studied. Experimental work is carried out both individually and in small groups.As part of this process, students will:
- Consider science in its international context.
- Appraise the importance of communication and collaborative work in science.
- Acquire a body of concepts and skills for solving scientific problems.
- Develop an enquiring, investigative attitude.
- Evaluate and design experimental procedures.
- Develop the skills to analyze, synthesize and evaluate scientific information.
- Consider the ethical / moral, social, economic and environmental implications of scientific change.
- Develop an understanding and critical appraisal of the scientific method.
- Utilize information technology as a scientific tool.
Assessment
- Three written examination papers (SL/HL)
- The internal assessment task, of 6 to 12 pages long, is on one scientific investigation (SL/HL)
- Evidence of participation in the trans-disciplinary Group 4 Project (SL/HL)
The Group 4 Project
This is a collaborative learning experience where all Group 4 students will, plan, carry out and evaluate a project.
An individual contribution to the team effort, the ability to be self motivated and show perseverance as well as being able to self reflect on the project’s success are all qualities Group 4 students should demonstrate.
Biology
The students study the following topics, all of which are compulsory:
Standard Level
Topic 1 Cell Biology
Topic 2 Molecular Biology
Topic 3 Genetics
Topic 4 Ecology
Topic 5 Evolution and Biodiversity
Topic 6 Human Physiology
Higher Level
Topic 7 Nucleic Acids
Topic 8 Metabolism, Cell Respiration and Photosynthesis
Topic 9 Plant Biology
Topic 10 Genetics and Evolution
Topic 11 Animal Physiology
All students select and study one of the following topics at either Standard or Higher Level:
Options
Option A Neurobiology and behaviour
Option B Biotechnology and bioinformatics
Option C Ecology and conservation
Option D Human physiology
Mathematics
Mathematics Analysis & Approaches SL & HL
The course is for students with a solid background in mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills in mathematics. They can choose either SL or HL to study five topics, all of which are compulsory:
Topic 1 Number and Algebra
Topic 2 Functions
Topic 3 Geometry and Trigonometry
Topic 4 Statistics and Probability
Topic 5 Calculus
Assessment
- Mathematical Exploration (Internal Assessment): The internally assessed component in this course is a mathematical exploration. This is a 6-12 page long essay focusing on the mathematics of the interest area chosen by the students. Both SL and HL students must complete and submit Mathematical Exploration.
- For SL students, 2 written examination papers. For HL students, 3 written examination papers.
Mathematics: Applications and interpretation SL
The course is for students who already possess knowledge and application of basic mathematical concepts and techniques. They study five topics, all of which are compulsory:
- Topic 1 Number and algebra
- Topic 2 Functions
- Topic 3 Geometry and trigonometry
- Topic 4 Statistics and probability
- Topic 5 Calculus
Assessment
- Mathematical exploration: The emphasis is on mathematical communication, with accompanying commentary, good mathematical writing and thoughtful reflection.
- Two written examination papers.
The Arts
Visual Arts
The course is a combination of practical (studio) work driven by research and investigation about the themes, styles and techniques of art from a variety of cultures and time periods. The course is designed to prepare students who wish to study visual arts in higher education, as well as welcoming those students who wish to pursue creative approaches in their overall course of study.
Higher Level and Standard Level
Whether the students choose to work at Higher Level or Standard level, the course consists of three components, all of which are compulsory:
- Exhibition
- Process Portfolio
- Comparative Study
The difference between option A and B is the amount of evidence and time that is required to fulfill the course requirements for either option.
Assessment
- Exhibition (SL/HL)
- Process Portfolio (SL/HL)
- Comparative Study (SL/HL)
