The final two years of High School are an exciting time as you prepare for the next stage of your educational journey. At UWCSEA, students follow courses from the International Baccalaureate (IB), with most choosing to combine these as part of an IB Diploma: regarded as one of the best pre-university courses in the world. It is an academically rigorous programme which also places a strong emphasis on a core curriculum, aligning with our own mission and values. 

Visit our Summer Planning Guide now to get ready for the start of your IB Diploma!

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an academically and personally challenging two-year pre-university course. It is designed to provide students of different linguistic, cultural and educational backgrounds with the intellectual, social and critical perspectives necessary for the adult world that lies ahead. The IBDP is a high-quality educational programme designed with the aim of encouraging personal development, international-mindedness, and peace. It is highly respected by schools and universities throughout the world; one of its greatest strengths being its independence from politically motivated direction from any national government. 

The IBDP requires that students three subjects to study in detail at Higher Level (HL) and three subjects at Standard Level (SL). Students must select six subjects by choosing one from each of the groups listed below. 

Alternatively 

In addition, the programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding. 

Note: all subjects listed are offered subject to sufficient demand.

Group 1 — Studies in Language and Literature Language A (first language)
We recognise the importance of first language and so recommend that students maintain their first Language.

• Literature courses are offered in Chinese, English, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Russian, and Self-Taught School Supported Languages (SL only)

• Language and Literature is offered in English and Chinese

Group 2 — Language Acquisition Language B (foreign language) or ab initio (beginners)

• Language B courses are offered in English (HL only), Chinese, French and Spanish

• Ab initio courses (SL only) are offered in French and Spanish

Group 3 — Individuals and Societies

Business Management, Economics, Geography, Global Politics, History, Psychology, Environmental Systems and Societies* (SL only)

Group 4 — Sciences

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Design Technology, Computer Science, Sports Exercise and Health Science, Environmental Systems and Societies* (SL only)

*Students selecting Environmental Systems and Societies (SL) are deemed to have satisfied the requirements of both Group 3 and Group 4. Hence they have the possibility of choosing a second subject from any group.

Group 5 — Mathematics

Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches or Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation

Group 6 — The Arts

Dance, Film, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, or an additional subject from another group

IB Diploma Core

Three core requirements contribute to the unique nature of the IBDP, with compulsory participation required in:

1. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), which involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies.

2. Extended Essay (EE), which demands independent research under appropriate guidance

3. Theory of Knowledge (ToK) course, which explores the relationship between the disciplines and ensures that students engage in critical reflection about knowledge and experience acquired both within and beyond the classroom.

The combination of subjects and requirements is a deliberate compromise between the preference for specialisation in some countries and the emphasis on breadth preferred in others. The intent is that students learn how to learn, how to analyse, how to reach considered conclusions about human beings, our social interactions, our languages and literature, and the scientific forces of our global environment. Most IBDP courses have work externally assessed by examination and internally assessed work that is externally moderated. The proportion of the final grade determined by internally assessed coursework and final examination varies between subjects.