IB Diploma | IB World School | St Clare's, Oxford

Literature

Students study a range of literary texts and develop skills in interpretation, analysis and evaluation. Texts studied are selected from different literary forms and from variety of countries and cultures (including works in translation). Students develop and are assessed on their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Language and Literature (English only)

Ab Initio (Beginner Level) Mandarin or Spanish

The ab initio courses aim to develop language confidence in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes. These courses also develop international mindedness through consideration of cultural contexts and issues of global significance. Language skills are developed through the exploration of five prescribed themes - identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organisation and sharing the planet.

Language B (Intermediate Level) English, French, Mandarin, Spanish or German

These courses aim to develop language confidence, fluency and accuracy as well as expand students’ vocabulary and intercultural understanding. Both SL and HL develop language skills through exploration of the five prescribed themes - identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organisation and sharing the planet. At HL, students also study literary works in the chosen language.

Business Management

Students analyse, discuss and evaluate business environments and activities at local, national and international levels. Through the study of real-life case studies and exploration of six underpinning concepts (change, culture, ethics, globalisation, innovation and strategy), the course allows students to develop a holistic understanding of today’s complex and dynamic business environment. 

History

This world history course encourages student to foster a sense of inquiry when exploring, understanding and interpreting the past and its impact on the world today. The course is focused on the key historical concepts of change, continuity, causation, consequence, significance and perspectives. It includes the study of real-life case studies and students will explore international perspectives from places like Germany, Italy, Spain, the USA, Cuba and the People’s Republic of China.

Geography

This course is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and the physical environment in both time and space. Students explore different perspectives on global change through an approach that integrates physical, environmental and human geography. This includes field work, examining scientific and socio-economic methodologies, identifying trends and patterns as well as evaluating the process behind them.

Psychology

Students explore psychology in the context of biological, cognitive and sociocultural perspectives, and use these different approaches to examine topics such as Abnormal Psychology, Health Psychology and the Psychology of Human Relationships. Additionally, students learn about research methods in psychology and then apply this learning by conducting their own experimental study.

Economics

Students focus on the behaviour of individuals, households, firms and markets under different economic conditions. They also examine economic theories, models and key concepts to examine the ways in which choices are made: at the level of producers and consumers in individual markets (microeconomics); at the level of the government and the national economy (macroeconomics); and at an international level, where countries are becoming increasingly interdependent (the global economy).  Through their own inquiry, students also develop experience in critical analysis and empirical decision-making.

Global Politics

Students explore key political concepts such as power, sovereignty, legitimacy and interdependence through the study of a variety of political theories, systems and case-studies. Students investigate real-life examples of global politics, explore a range of perspectives and evaluate the impact of political decisions on a national and international scale. Our Model United Nations club (CAS) offers the chance for students to deepen their understanding.

Environmental Systems and Societies

Students focus on the structure and function of environmental systems. Students learn how to analyse and interpret data, as well as investigate and evaluate the impact of human societies on the natural world. This course promotes holistic thinking and encourages students to participate in philosophical discussions on environmental issues at a personal, community and global scale.

Biology

As the study of living organisms, Biology explores the interaction between cell and tissues, organs and organisms, as well as individuals and populations. Students develop a secure knowledge of the broad biological principles whilst attempting to understand the living world at all levels using different approaches and techniques. Practical work and a field trip in the summer term are essential requirements.

Chemistry

Students focus on experimental science as well as the development of representative models and explanatory theories. The course involves practical work, collecting and interpreting data, and observation is essential. Students investigate and question many theories on the properties and reactions of matter. Areas of study include Models of bonding and structure, Models of the particulate nature of matter, and the mechanisms of chemical change.

Physics

This course requires a mathematical approach to the subject content to ensure an understanding of models, theories and laws. The curriculum offers opportunities for research and discovery in a range of scientific methods. Students study topics within five broad themes: Space, time and motion; The particulate nature of matter; Wave behaviour; Fields; and Nuclear and quantum physics.

Computer Science

This course requires an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computing systems and the ability to apply the computational thinking process to solve problems in the real world. The course also requires students to develop skills in algorithmic thinking and computer programming.

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches

This course includes topics that are traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course. These include functions, trigonometry, calculus as well as topics that are amenable to investigation, conjecture and proof like the study of sequences and series. Analysis and Approaches allow the use of technology such as relevant mathematical software. However, there is a strong emphasis on constructing, communicating and justifying correct mathematical arguments.

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation

This course has an emphasis on the meaning of mathematics which is explored through applications and mathematics modelling. This course includes topics that are traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course such as calculus and statistics. Students on the Applications and Interpretation course solve practical mathematical problems and consider the use of technology to justify conjectures.

Music

This holistic course has a multifaceted approach and appeals to musicians with diverse motivations and musical preferences. Students develop the skills to think in sound and respond to diverse musical stimuli. Students explore and experiment with musical ideas and concepts, whilst building confidence on the concert platform. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities in Oxford to engage with leading musicians and musicologists. All assessment is through coursework; there are no examinations on this course.

Theatre

Students focus on performance skills and techniques, as well as the philosophy of the theatre arts. It is a dynamic and collaborative course that encourages discovery through practical inquiry, experimentation, creative risk taking and the presentation of ideas to others. Our school activities (including CAS) offer students the chance to extend their experience and learn from visiting professionals from the performing arts industry. All assessment is through coursework; there are no examinations on this course.

Visual Arts

This thought-provoking course empowers students to experiment with a range of creative techniques to become skilled visual artists. Learning takes place in our state-of-the-art studio and students are given individual support from our teachers who are experienced IB educators and practising creative artists. Students develop their critical observation skills and explore inspiration from local architecture, museums and art galleries. A portfolio and exhibition form part of the assessment which is all through coursework; there are no examinations on this course.