The Friends' School - International Baccalaureate

IB Curriculum

Primary Years Program

Further Info

The IB Curriculum at Friends'School

The underlying vision of the IB Diploma is to offer a balanced and challenging curriculum to foster high academic standards, international understanding and responsible citizenship. The IB curriculum is depicted as a hexagon representing the six academic areas from which students choose their academic courses, and the hexagon's centre containing the three compulsory elements of the IB that foster inter-disciplinary study and thought, individual research and co-curricular involvement.

Students must study one subject from each of the academic groups listed below. Subjects are (in most cases) offered at either Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL). Students must study three subjects at HL (in exceptional circumstances, four at HL). While The Friends' School intends to offer the specific subjects listed in each group below, the school reserves the right to withdraw a subject if it is undersubscribed, if staffing becomes unavailable or for timetabling reasons.

Language A - English including a study of World Literature (or the student's first language, if not English, in certain circumstances)
Language B - continuing study of a second modern language (French, German or Japanese) - or Language ab initio - a second language studied from the start (French, Japanese or Chinese)
Individuals & Societies - History, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Philosophy, Information Technology in a Global Society, Ecosystems and Societies (can cover both Groups 3 and 4)
Experimental Sciences - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Ecosystems and Societies
Mathematics - Mathematics HL, Mathematical Methods, Mathematical Studies
Arts and electives - Art/Design, Music, Theatre Arts, Computer Science or a second choice from any of Groups 2, 3 or 4.

The three compulsory elements, central to the IB, are Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay.

Theory of Knowledge

In this course, students will dig deeper into the foundations of knowledge, comparing and contrasting the various ways of knowing (scientific, mathematical, linguistic and humanitarian, artistic, ethical). Students will be challenged to think about their thinking and to learn about their learning.

Creativity, Action, Service

Student participation outside the classroom is the focus of this element of the IB. It draws together the three broad areas of co-curricular activity. Within its parameters, students will have considerable freedom to choose their own pursuits. Students keep records of their participation and reflect upon what they have learned.

Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is an individual research project into a topic of special interest to the student, done over a considerable period of time. The topic is chosen by the student from within one of the subject areas being studied for the IB. A member of staff will supervise the project and offer advice.