Aims (More on the IB Pages)

Biology is the study of living organisms. This study is undertaken at a variety of levels from the molecule- land to that of the biosphere, each with distinctive approaches and methods. However, by the end of the course, the student should have developed an appreciation of the interactions between these levels and of the organisms and their functions within the biosphere.

The design of Science at IB level seeks to incorporate recent scientific thinking. Curriculum content has been selected with the realisation that because science is continuously and rapidly progressing both in breadth and depth, the contemporary science curriculum can never be considered to be stable.

Career & Degree Opportunities

The breadth of biological sciences is reflected in the range of jobs available in these subjects; agro- culture, applied biology, biochemistry, bio molecular science, biophysics, botany, cell biology, environmental biology, marine biology, sports science, social biology, zoology just to mention a few. Opportunities are available in work related to medicine, as well as in many other areas such as with food, agriculture and water. Major employers include universities, hospitals, government laboratories and industry. Some biologists use their subject outside a laboratory in work such as medical sales, or in the production of pharmaceuticals or foodstuffs. Some areas of biology, e.g. conservation, ecology and wildlife are highly attractive careers where ability, determination and willingness are needed. Biology develops intellectual and personal skills which can be used in a wide variety of work as diverse as finance, computing, retailing and the armed services.

Aims (More on the IB Physics pages)

Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies.

In the IB Physics course, both theory and experiments will be undertaken which will complement one another naturally, as they do in the wider scientific community. The Diploma Programme Physics course allows students to develop traditional practical skills and techniques alongside learning new concepts. It also allows students to develop interpersonal skills and information and communication technology skills which are essential in modern scientific endeavour.

As well as gaining an understanding of the natural world, students will gain an understanding of how to change the world through the technological side of Physics. Here Physics principles can be applied to construct and alter the material world to suit our needs. The moral, ethical and social impact of Physics on society will be raised.

Career & Degree Opportunities

Engineering – aeronautic, civil, electrical, electronics, mechanical, materials, chemical, nuclear etc. Medicine and Pharmacy. Physics also seems a popular requirement for many non-science based disciplines.

Aims (More on the IB Chemistry pages)

Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigative skills. It is called the central science as chemical principles 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 a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, Biological Science and Environmental Science, and serves as useful preparation for employment. 

Career & Degree Opportunities

A background in Chemistry at IB level aids a successful pursuit of a variety of studies, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biological sciences, agriculture, food technology and dietetics, environmental studies, material sciences and physics. To enter certain courses, it may be required that Chemistry be studied in the IBDP.

Aims (More on the IB DT Pages)

The Diploma Programme in Design Technology is an academic two-year course, which deals with the fundamental concepts of creativity, design, and global technological issues. This course will give you the knowledge to be able to design and make projects in school workshops, and also develop an understanding of technology in general.

Students should be fully aware that this IS NOT a fully practical subject, as it involves a wide range of written, analytical, design and documentary elements that must be completed if a student is to access higher level marks/grades, as well as 2 –SL and 3-HL exams at the end of the course to test the student’s knowledge and understanding of the theory aspect of Product Design.

The Design Project starts in term 3 of Year 12 and is finished during term 2 and is of the student’s own choosing; the project is a great challenge and will be the most extended piece of coursework that students of this age will tackle in any subject.

Career Opportunities

Following IB Diploma in Design Technology at IGB’s students can continue different University routes in Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Interior Design, Environmental Planning and Design, Architecture and Art & Design.

Aims (More on the SEHS IB Pages)

Sports training programme design should not be left to chance. Rather, it should be designed thoughtfully and analytically after careful consideration of the physiological, bio-mechanical and psychological demands of the activity. This is the role of the sport and exercise scientist, who, regardless of the athletic event, should be equipped with the necessary knowledge to be able to perform this task competently.

Students taking this course will be given the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyse human performance. As well, students will have the chance to address issues of internationalism and ethics by considering sport, exercise and health relative to the individual and in a global context. Although it would be useful, you need not have previously studied IGCSE Physical Education to take this course.

Aims (More on the CS IB Pages)

Computer Science is an excellent course for students that are already good programmers, and love to code inside or outside of school. The course is not recommended for beginners as the level of OOP and Machine Learning algorithmic programming covered means students will struggle to reach the higher grades.

Recommended pre-requsites

• Students can code fluently in Python preferably, and Java - so they should know proecural and functional programming methods up to reading and writing to files, functions, all forms of loops and iteration, validation methods, conditionals etc

• Students should be fully interested in the art of coding (not gaming!) and love to in the spare time code and debug

• Although Vibe Coding is an excellent way to code, students will not be able to use this form within their Internal Assessment

• Students should have a good level of Mathematics and preferably be taking MAA HL