Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) encourages students to be involved in activities as individuals and as part of a team that take place in a range of contexts. CAS enables students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development as well as their social and civic development through experiential learning. CAS supports students in achieving a counterbalance to the academic challenge of the rest of the IB programme. 

The three strands are characterised as follows: 

• Creativity – arts and other experiences that involve creative thinking 

• Activity – physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle 

• Service – an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student and for others. 

CAS is at the heart of the DP, involving students in a range of activities that take place alongside their academic studies throughout the Programme. Click here for more information.

The Extended Essay (EE) of 4000 words offers students the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest within one of the student’s Diploma Programme subjects. The task promotes high level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. 

Completing the Extended Essay acquaints students with the independent research skills and methodology expected at university and beyond. Students engage in personal research on a topic of their choosing, under the guidance of a supervisor. This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing of no more than 4000 words, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner appropriate to the subject under discussion. 

The Extended Essay is the result of approximately 40 hours of work.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• pursue independent research on a focused topic 

• develop research and communication skills 

• develop the skills of creative and critical thinking 

• engage in intellectual discovery. 

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Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary course designed to develop a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic subject areas and encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives. The course is in part intended to encourage students to reflect on the huge cultural shifts worldwide around the digital revolution and the information economy. 

Theory of Knowledge encourages critical thinking about knowledge itself and aims to help young people make sense of ideas and concepts they encounter. Its core content focuses on epistemological questions such as: 

• What counts as knowledge? 

• How does it grow? 

• Who owns knowledge? 

• What is the value of knowledge?

What students will learn:

Theory of Knowledge activities and discussions aim to help students discover and express their views on knowledge issues. The course encourages students to share ideas with others and to listen to and learn from what others think. In this process students’ thinking and understanding of knowledge as a human construct are shaped, enriched and deepened. Connections may be made between knowledge encountered in different Diploma Programme subjects and the core subjects, and distinctions between knowledge clarified. 

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In the IB DP Language and Literature course, students study a wide range of literary and non-literary texts in a variety of media. Students examine communicative acts across literary forms and text types and engage in appropriate secondary readings. Students investigate the nature of language itself and the ways in which it shapes and is influenced by identity and culture. Approaches to study in the course are wide-ranging and include literary theory, sociolinguistics, media studies and critical discourse analysis among others. 

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• engage with a range of texts, in a variety of media and forms, from different periods, styles, and cultures

• develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, presenting and performing

• develop skills in interpretation, analysis and evaluation

• develop sensitivity to the formal and aesthetic qualities of texts and an appreciation of how they contribute to diverse responses and open up multiple  meanings

• develop an understanding of relationships between test and a variety of perspectives, cultural contexts, and local and global issues and an appreciation of how they contribute to diverse responses an open up multiple meanings

• develop an understanding of the relationships between studies in language and literature and other disciplines

• communicate and collaborate in a confident and creative way

• foster a lifelong interest in and enjoyment of language and literature 

What students will learn:

• Knowledge and understanding of texts can be constructed both individually and collaboratively 

• Whilst modes through which meaning is made can vary dramatically, literary and non-literary texts make meaning in similar ways 

• Approaches to analysis of literary and non-literary texts are transferrable

• Multiple interpretations of texts may be accessible through the relationships of texts through the lenses of individual readers, the time and space in which a text is created or read, and connections with other texts 

• The study of language and literature is transferrable to other disciplines and to meaning making and understanding beyond institutional education  

Higher Level:

Students completing Language and Literature at higher level will study all of the standard level topics in addition to two additional literary texts, a variety of additional non-literary texts and text types. They will also extend their analytical and evaluative skills through additional practice.

The IB DP French course provides students with the opportunity to develop proficiency in written and spoken French as well as promoting an understanding of other cultures through the study of language. French is designed for students who possess a degree of knowledge and experience in the target language and so students must study French from year 7 to year 10 to be considered for the IB.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• demonstrate their intercultural understanding

• understand and use French in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes

• appreciate the different perspectives of people from other cultures

• understand the relationship between French and cultures with which they are familiar

• pursue their study of French through further study, work or leisure

What students will learn:

• How to communicate in a range of contexts in French

• How to express and respond to a range of ideas in French with fluency

• How to understand, analysis and reflect on a range of texts in French

French is offered at the Standard Level. 

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The IB DP French ab initio course provides students with the opportunity to learn French and to promote an understanding of other cultures through the study of language. French ab initio is designed for students who possess little or no knowledge and experience in French. It would be suitable for students who have not studied at APC from Year 7.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• demonstrate their intercultural understanding

• use written and spoken French in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes

• demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures

• demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between French and cultures with which they are familiar

• employ French for further study, work or leisure

What students will learn:

• How to communicate in a range of contexts in French

• How to express and respond to a range of ideas in French with fluency

• How to understand, analysis and reflect on a range of texts in French

French ab initio is offered at the Standard Level only. 

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The IB DP Spanish ab initio course provides students with the opportunity to learn Spanish and to promote an understanding of other cultures through the study of language. Spanish ab initio is designed for students who possess little or no knowledge and experience in Spanish. Ab initio courses are offered at APC for students with no prior experience in Spanish - the Language Acquisition subject offered in years 7, 8, 9 and 10. 

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• demonstrate their intercultural understanding

• use written and spoken Spanish in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes

• demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures

• demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between Spanish and cultures with which they are familiar

• employ Spanish for further study, work or leisure

What students will learn:

• How to communicate in a range of contexts in Spanish

• How to express and respond to a range of ideas in Spanish with fluency

• How to understand, analyse and reflect on a range of texts in Spanish

Spanish ab initio is offered at the Standard Level only. 

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The IB DP Business management course provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge of business content, concepts and tools to assist with business decision-making. Future employees, business leaders, entrepreneurs or social entrepreneurs need to be confident, creative and compassionate as change agents for business in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace. The business management course is designed to encourage the development of these attributes.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business management tools and theories

• analyse a range of business problems issues and decision

• synthesise and evaluate business management tools and theories

• select, interpret and analyse business materials from a range of primary and secondary sources

What students will learn:

• Introduction to business management

• Human resource management

• Finance and accounts

• Marketing

• Operations management

Higher Level:

Students will study a range of concepts introduced at the Standard Level in greater depth at Higher Level. These include but are not limited to:

• Organisational (corporate) culture

• Industrial/employee relations

• Budgets

• Debt/equity ratio analysis

• Sales forecasting

• International marketing

Business management is offered at the Standard and Higher Level 

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The IB DP Global Politics course enables students to critically engage with different and new perspectives and approaches to politics in order to comprehend the challenges of the changing world and become aware of their role in it as active global citizens. The course allows students to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity and processes, as well as to explore political issues affecting their own lives.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• understand key political concepts and contemporary political issues in a range of contexts

• develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity

• understand, appreciate and critically engage with a variety of perspectives and approaches in global politics

• appreciate the complex and interconnected nature of many political issues, and develop the capacity to interpret competing and contestable claims regarding those issues

What students will learn:

• Understanding power and global politics

• Rights and justice

• Development and sustainability

• Peace and conflict

Higher Level:

• Borders

• Environment

• Poverty

• Health

• Equality

• Security

The IB DP History course aims to promote an understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of sources, methods and interpretations. Students are encouraged to comprehend the present by reflecting critically on the past. They are further expected to understand historical developments at national, regional and international levels and learn about their own historical identity through the study of the historical experiences of different cultures.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• systematically and critically examine human experience and behaviour

• cite the role of physical, economic and social environments throughout history

• trace the development of social and cultural institutions

• identify, analyse critically and evaluate theories, concepts and arguments about the nature and activities of the individual and society

• collect, describe and analyse data used in studies of society; test hypotheses; and interpret complex data and source material

• demonstrate an awareness that human attitudes and beliefs are widely diverse and that the study of society requires an appreciation of such diversity

• recognize that the content and methodologies used by historians are contestable and that their study requires the toleration of uncertainty

What students will learn:

• The Move to Global War: Japanese, German and Italian expansion

• Authoritarian States

• The Cold War

Higher Level:

In addition to the content covered at Standard Level, students studying

• Europe and the First World War (1871 - 1912)

• Diplomacy in Europe (1919 - 1945)

• The Soviet Union and post-Soviet Russia (1924 - 2000)

History is offered at both the Standard and Higher Level 

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The IB DP Philosophy course provides an opportunity for students to engage with some of the world’s most interesting and influential thinkers. The emphasis of the course is on “doing philosophy”, that is, on actively engaging students in philosophical activity. The course is focused on stimulating students’ intellectual curiosity and encouraging them to examine both their own perspectives and those of others.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• develop an inquiring and intellectually curious way of thinking

• formulate arguments in a sound and purposeful way

• examine critically their own experiences and their ideological and cultural perspectives

• appreciate the diversity of approaches within philosophical thinking

• apply their philosophical knowledge and skills to the world around them.

What students will learn:

• Aesthetics 

• Epistemology

• Ethics

• Philosophy of religion

• Philosophy of science

• Political philosophy

• Social philosophy

Philosophy is offered at the Standard and Higher Level. 

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Psychology is the systematic study of mental processes and behaviour. The study of Psychology is complex, drawing on concepts, methods and understandings from a number of different disciplines and using of a variety of research techniques. Students of Psychology learn to recognise that behaviour is not a static phenomenon, but is adaptive, changing as societies change.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• develop an understanding of the biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors affecting mental processes and behaviour

• understand diverse methods of inquiry

• understand the importance of ethical practice in psychological research in general, and observe ethical practice in their own enquiries 

• develop an awareness of how psychological research can be applied to address real world problems and promote positive change

What students will learn:

• Biological approach to understanding behaviour

• Cognitive approach to understanding behaviour

• Sociocultural approach to understanding behaviour

• Approaches to researching behaviour

Plus one (SL) or two (HL) of the following

• Developmental psychology

• Psychology of human relationships

Higher Level:

• The role of animal research in understanding behaviour

• Cognitive processing in the digital world

• The influence of globalisation on individual behaviour

• Developmental psychology

• Psychology of human relationships

Psychology is offered at the Standard and Higher Level 

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The IB DP Biology course focuses on understanding the living world at all levels from the micro to the macro using many different approaches and techniques. Through the study of Biology in the DP students will become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterises the sciences. The course provides students with opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• develop conceptual understanding that allows connections to be made between different areas of the subject, and to other DP sciences subjects 

• acquire and apply a body of knowledge, methods, tools and techniques that characterize science

• develop the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information and claims 

• develop the ability to approach unfamiliar situations with creativity and resilience 

• design and model solutions to local and global problems in a scientific context

• develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science 

• develop technology skills in a scientific context 

• develop the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively 

• develop awareness of the ethical, environmental, economic, cultural and social impact of science.

What students will learn:

• Unity and diversity

• Form and function

• Interaction and interdependence 

• Continuity and change

Biology is offered at the Standard and Higher Level. 

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The IB DP Chemistry is primarily concerned with identifying patterns that help to explain matter at the microscopic level and using this knowledge to predict its behaviour at a macroscopic level. The DP chemistry course allows students to develop a wide range of practical skills and to increase facility in the use of mathematics. Through the study of Chemistry in the DP students will become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes the sciences. The course provides students with opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• develop conceptual understanding that allows connections to be made between different areas of the subject, and to other DP sciences subjects 

• acquire and apply a body of knowledge, methods, tools and techniques that characterize science 

• develop the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific information and claims 

• develop the ability to approach unfamiliar situations with creativity and resilience 

• design and model solutions to local and global problems in a scientific context 

• develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science 

• develop technology skills in a scientific context 

• develop the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively 

• develop awareness of the ethical, environmental, economic, cultural and social impact of science.

What students will learn:

• Models of the particulate nature of matter

• Models of bonding and structure

• Classification of matter

• What drives chemical reactions?

•  How much, how fast and how far?

• What are the mechanisms of chemical change?

Chemistry is offered at the Standard and Higher Level. 

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The IB DP Environmental Systems and Societies course aims to provide students with a coherent perspective of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies. Students’ attention is constantly drawn to their own relationship with their environment and the significance of choices and decisions that they make in their own lives. It is intended that students develop a sound understanding of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• develop understanding of their own environmental impact, in the broader context of the impact of humanity on the Earth and its biosphere 

• develop knowledge of diverse perspectives to address issues of sustainability 

• engage and evaluate the tensions around environmental issues using critical thinking 

• develop a systems approach that provides a holistic lens for the exploration of environmental issues 

• be inspired to engage in environmental issues across local and global contexts.

What students will learn:

• Foundations of environmental systems and societies

• Ecology

• Biodiversity and conservation

• Water

• Land

• Atmosphere and climate change

• Natural resources

• Human populations and urban systems

Environmental Systems and Societies is offered at the Standard Level only. 

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The IB DP Physics course seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies. This course allows students to develop a wide range of practical skills and to increase their facility in the use of mathematics. Through the study of Physics in the DP, students will become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterises the sciences. The course provides students with opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• develop conceptual understanding that allows connections to be made between different areas of the subject, and to other DP sciences subjects 

• acquire and apply a body of knowledge, methods, tools and techniques that characterize science 

• develop the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information and claims 

• develop the ability to approach unfamiliar situations with creativity and resilience 

• design and model solutions to local and global problems in a scientific context 

• develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science 

• develop technology skills in a scientific context 

• develop the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively 

• develop awareness of the ethical, environmental, economic, cultural and social impact of science.

What students will learn:

Students studying Physics will learn content from the following topics:

• Space, time and motion

• The particulate nature of matter

• Wave behaviour

• Fields

• Nuclear and quantum physics

Physics is offered at the Standard and Higher Level. 

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The IB DP Mathematics Analysis and Approaches course is designed for students who enjoy developing their mathematics to become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. They will explore real and abstract applications, sometimes with technology, and will enjoy the thrill of mathematical problem solving and generalisation. This course requires strong algebraic knowledge, the ability to formulate rules from patterns and an understanding of mathematical generalisation.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• complete a mathematical exploration

• analyse scenarios using calculus

• use Statistics and Probability to analyse and model situation

What students will learn:

• Calculus

• Statistics and Probability

• Geometry and Trigonometry

• Functions

• Number and Algebra 

Mathematics Analysis and Approaches is offered at the Standard Level only. 

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The IB DP Mathematics Applications and Interpretations course is for students who are interested in developing their mathematics for describing our world, modelling and solving practical problems using the power of technology. Students who take Mathematics: Applications and interpretation will be those who enjoy mathematics best when seen in a practical context.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• use technology to assist with statistical analysis 

• use technology to assist with modelling using functions 

• complete a mathematical exploration

What students will learn:

• Statistics and Probability 

• Functions 

• Calculus 

• Geometry and Trigonometry 

• Number and Algebra

Mathematics Applications and Interpretations is offered at the Standard Level only. 

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The IB DP Film course aims to develop students’ skills in interpreting and making film texts. The course explores film history, theory and socio-cultural influences on a global scale. The course develops students’ critical thinking abilities, enabling them to appreciate the multiplicity of cultural and historical perspectives in film. Students also develop the professional and technical skills needed to express themselves creatively in film. The course emphasises the importance of working individually and as a member of a group, developing communication skills and resilience.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• appreciate and understand film as a complex art form

• formulate stories and ideas in film terms

• employ the practical and technical skills of production

• critically evaluate and deconstruct film productions

• understand the role that cultural and social contexts have in the creation and appreciation of film productions

• draw on knowledge of filmmaking traditions in more than one country

What students will learn:

• Reading film

• Contextualising film

• Exploring film production roles

• Collaboratively producing film (HL only)

Film is offered at the Standard and Higher Level. 

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The IB DP Music course seeks to develop students’ knowledge and potential as performers, composers and researchers. In the subject, students study and actively listen to a wide range of music from different parts of the world, musical cultures and time periods. They also develop aural perception and understanding of music by learning about musical elements, including form and structure, notations, musical terminology and context. At HL, students engage in an extended project that meets a need within the contemporary music industry. 

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• enjoy lifelong engagement with music

• become informed, reflective and critical musical practitioner

• understand the dynamic and changing nature of music

• explore and value the diversity of music across time, place and cultures

• express musical ideas with confidence and competence

• develop perceptual and analytical skills

• develop their knowledge and potential as musicians, both personally and collaboratively

What students will learn:

• An understand of Music throughout history

• Create music as arrangers, composers and performers

• Perform and both an individual and in a group

• Use contemporary/ electronic performance techniques (HL only)

Music is offered at the Standard and Higher Level. 

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The IB DP Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought- provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Enjoy lifelong engagement with the arts

• Become informed, reflective and critical practitioners in the arts

• Understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts

• Explore and value the diversity of the arts across time, place, and cultures

• Express ideas with confidence and competence

• Develop perceptual and analytical skills.

• Make artwork that is influenced by personal and cultural contexts

• Become informed and critical observers and makers of visual culture and media 

• Develop skills, techniques, and processes in order to communicate concepts and ideas

What students will learn:

• How to analyse and compare artworks which align with their personal interests

• How to explore various art materials and manipulate them to create artwork that aligns with their own intentions 

• How to create a cohesive body of artwork and exhibit this to an audience 

Visual arts is offered at Standard and Higher Level. 

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