In Year 12, most of you will stay at West Island and enrol on one of the diploma courses that will be on offer:
|
IB Subject |
Must you take this subject at Pre 16 to study it for IB? |
Advice if you are wishing to take this subject for IB but didn’t study it for GCSE |
Language B - Higher Level (French, Spanish, Chinese) |
Yes |
This is for the foreign language learner who has 2 to 5 years’ experience of the language. This course is at a high level which can enable the student to study the language further at degree level if they wish. |
Language B - Standard Level (French, Spanish, Chinese) |
Yes |
This is for the foreign language learner who has 2 to 5 years’ experience of the language. It is a course which aims to enable the student to attain a high level of language competence. Students who have followed the Chinese First Language pathway will not be allowed to take Chinese B-SL for the IB Diploma. |
Language ab initio - Standard Level (French, Spanish, Chinese) |
No |
Ab initio means from the beginning. This course is for the beginner with little or no previous knowledge of the language. It is a challenging course as it aims to go beyond GCSE level in just two years. Please note: You cannot do Ab initio if you have had previous study of the language at GCSE level. |
Chinese Language / Literature |
Yes Chinese First Language |
This course is for students who want to attain a bilingual IB Diploma and have studied Chinese First Language at GCSE level. |
Business Studies |
No |
It is useful to have taken the GCSE course as it provides an excellent foundation for IB level business |
Economics |
No |
It is useful to have taken the GCSE course as it provides an excellent foundation for IB level economics. |
Geography |
No |
It is useful to have taken the IGCSE course as it provides an excellent foundation for the knowledge and understanding that is required for IB geography. |
History |
No |
It is useful to have taken the GCSE course as it provides an excellent foundation for IB level economics. |
Global Politics |
No |
This is not studied at GCSE but any of the Individual and Societies courses will equip you for the skills required for this course. |
Philosophy |
No |
This is not studied at GCSE but any of the Individual and Societies courses will equip you for the skills required for this course |
Psychology |
No |
This is not studied at GCSE but any of the
Individual and Societies courses will equip you for the skills required for
this course. |
Environmental Systems |
No |
Students should have an interest in environmental issues. A basic background in biology would be useful. |
Technology |
No |
It is useful to have taken the GCSE resistant materials course as it provides an excellent foundation for the knowledge and understanding that is required for IB. |
Computer Science |
No |
To be successful in this subject you should have strong mathematical skills and logical thought processes and enjoy problem solving. An interest or prior experience of computer programming is strongly advisable. |
Dance |
No |
You do not need the GCSE but dance experience is mandatory for HL, even if this acquired through external tutoring and recommended for SL. |
Music |
No |
You do not need the GCSE but it is necessary for you to be able to play a musical instrument and/or sing. You should be able to read music fluently as well. |
Film Studies |
No |
Students don’t need to have studied BTEC Multimedia Production, although it would be an advantage. |
Visual Arts |
No |
Prior study at GCSE level is desirable for the IB visual arts course but not a requirement. |
Theatre Arts |
No |
Previous drama experience is advisable, either through GCSE drama or work outside of school. The course requires good English language skills. |
BTEC Level 3: Digital Design |
No |
It is useful to have taken the Level 2 BTEC Digital Design course as it provides an excellent foundation for the skills, knowledge and understanding that is required on the Level 3 pathway. |
BTEC Level 3: Engineering |
No |
It is useful to have taken the Level 2 BTEC Engineering course and ‘Future Proofing’ courses in ‘Access to Engineering’ and Electronics as it provides an excellent foundation for the skills, knowledge and understanding that is required on the Level 3 pathway. |
BTEC Level 3: Multimedia Production |
No |
It is useful to have taken the Level 2 BTEC Multimedia Production course as it provides an excellent foundation for the skills, knowledge and understanding that is required on the Level 3 pathway. |