Upper School Experience This PowerPoint is available on the school website “Strength from diversity”

“WIS has a commitment to provide an appropriate education for all our students regardless of their ability range and preferred learning style.”

Pathways WIS UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM International Diploma IB Diploma 3

Entry Guidelines for the IB Diploma A student that enters the IB Diploma Programme should meet the following criteria: Achieved at least 5 A* - C at GCSE including Math and English Language Displayed constructive energy during their time at WIS Shown a commitment to CAS.

IB Diploma in ESF Secondary Schools IB Diploma Programme has been introduced for Post 16 Students across the 5 Secondary Schools in 2007 Students in Years will continue to complete a Middle Year Curriculum with IGCSE and GCSE examinations.

IB Diploma at WIS First cohort of students completed their Diploma in May 2009 You will be the fifth cohort of IB and Advanced Diploma students

The IB Diploma A balanced and comprehensive international programme of study over two years for Post 16 students University entrance qualification recognized around the world in over ninety countries Over 3000 participating schools in more than 138 countries 752,000 Students

The Full IB Diploma Curriculum Study 6 subjects over two years Three subjects studied at Higher Level Three subjects studied at Standard Level Study of the Theory of Knowledge Completion of an Extended Essay Participation in CAS (Creativity, Action, Service.)

ExperimentalSciences IB ExtendedEssayExtendedEssay Theory of Knowledge Knowledge Creativity,Action,ServiceCreativity,Action,Service Language B Ab Initio Ab Initio Language A A1 Individuals Individuals & Societies Maths CreativeArts

Group 1: Literature A1- English Demanding world literature course Most students will study texts in English. They study novels, plays, non fiction and poetry from a range of countries and cultures Some of the texts studied are translated texts originally written in non English languages. 10 texts at Standard Level/13 texts at Higher level. Self Taught Option (SL Only)

Group 1: Language & Literature A1 Chinese SL Only Demanding Language and Literature Course Students must be at a very high standard of Chinese

Group 2: Second Language Study Appropriate Challenge Language B Higher and Standard. This course meets the needs of candidates for whom Language B is an academic foreign language. Students must have studied this language before. Chinese, Spanish and French will be offered. Ab Initio – Standard Level. This course is designed for candidates who have a basic grasp of the Language or are relative beginners. Chinese, Spanish and French will be offered. Although designed for beginners this is not an easy option.

Group 3 Individuals and societies Business and Management Economics Geography Psychology Philosophy History Environmental Systems and Society (Group 3 or Group 4, also Group 3 & Group 4)

Group 4 – Experimental Sciences Chemistry Biology Physics Design Technology: Resistant Materials ( HL & SL ) CAD/CAM ( HL & SL ) Food ( SL ) Textiles ( SL ) Environmental Systems and Society (Group 3 or Group 4, also Group 3 & Group 4)

Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science Maths Higher (HL) - designed for able mathematicians who will be studying mathematics, engineering, physics, etc at university Maths Standard (SL) – challenging course for students requiring mathematics skills for their university degree course. Maths Studies (SL) – focus on practical applications for those unlikely to require mathematics in their future studies.

Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science Computer Science - Write your own software using Java and discover how computers work and communicate Computer Science Higher (HL) - designed for those who will be studying computer science, software engineering, computer gaming at university Computer Science Standard (SL) – challenging course for students requiring computer engineering skills for an engineering related university degree course

Group 6 – Arts and electives Theatre Arts Visual Arts Film Studies Music Computer Science (specialist course – speak to Mr. Lewis) Students are expected to take a named Group 6 Arts course unless they have specific evidence highlighting Higher Education requirements to select a second subject from Groups 2-4.

Theory of Knowledge Interdisciplinary requirement Stimulate critical reflection on knowledge 100 hours of teaching Assessment 1 essay minute presentation.

Extended Essay Original research Extended essay of 4,000 words Depth of analysis of a particular topic

Creativity, Action Service (CAS) 150 hours over 2 years Creativity – wide range of arts as well as designing and implementing service projects Action – individual and team sports but also taking part in expeditions and local/international projects Service – community and social service activities

Assessment Terminal examinations in each subject Internal assessment in most subjects. Coursework from 30% to 70% Use made of criterion based grading system which is not norm referenced like the current A Level system Each subject Graded 1-7 (7 highest) Diploma requirement 24 points Maximum 45 points (3 bonus points for Extended Essay and TOK) Students need a 4 to pass Higher Level subjects!! ESF Position