Study Options
How do I choose the subjects I want to study?
A number of factors need to be considered before making subject choices. What do I want to study at university? What subjects do I enjoy? What subjects am I good at?
The IB Diploma allows students to choose subjects from six subject groupings. This means that every student chooses one subject from each of the following groups. Three subjects are studied at Higher (H) Level and three at Standard (S) Level for two years.
- The three Higher Level courses should be subjects you enjoy and which support your career aspirations. These are the subjects you will study in depth.
- The three Standard Level courses will provide you with an interesting, balanced programme.
We offer an exceptionally wide choice of IB subjects. You will choose one subject each from groups 1 to 5 and then a sixth subject from either group 6 or another from groups 1 to 4.
| Group | Subject Area | Course Options (S – standard level, H – higher level) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Studies in Language and Literature | First or native language (if you speak multiple languages fluently, there is also the option to take a bilingual diploma) |
| 2 | Language Acquisition | Second language |
| 3 | Individuals and Societies | S or H: Business Management, History, Geography, Psychology, Economic S only: Global Politics |
| 3 or 4 | Interdisciplinary | S only: Environmental Systems and Societies |
| 4 | Science | S or H: Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| 5 | Mathematics | S or H: Analysis and Approaches, Applications and Interpretation |
| 6 | Arts and Electives | S or H: Music, Theatre, Visual Arts OR 1 option below: – another language from Groups 1 or 2 – another subject from Group 2 – another science from Group 4 |
Subjects
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature (Language A)
Language and Literature
Critical analysis of literary and non-literary works in English (language of instruction).
| Entry requirements | Native speaker of English or a near native speaker (oral and written), and an interest in analysing the use of language and style in literary and non-literary works |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This subject helps you critically evaluate the language and style used in a range of communications. You will explore the approach within various contexts and how this is tied to meaning. You will be assess on your written and oral analysis of the works. |
Literature
Critical analysis of literary works in your language (native speaker).
| Entry requirements | Previous experience of literary classics in your own language is advantageous but not essential |
| Standard Levels | Albanian, Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lithuanian, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Ukranian |
| Higher Levels | English, German, Italian, Russian |
| What you will study | This subject helps you keep in touch with your own culture. You will cover a range of literary genres in your own language. It encourages you to analyse and critically evaluate literary books, prose, poetry or film (including works in translation). You will be assessed on your oral and written analysis of the literary works. |
Group 2: Language Acquisition (Language B)
English
Develop your English language skills in the core areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Many students choose English B as this supports their other subjects.
| Entry requirements | A basic knowledge of English grammar and reasonable command of spoken English. This will be assessed during the English placement test and interview |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This subject develops intercultural awareness which includes subtleties within British culture. You will learn skills in extracting, summarising and critically evaluating in English using both literary and non-literary media. There will also be a focus on developing vocabulary, accuracy and fluency through classroom discussions on themes like social relationships, communications & media and global issues. |
Mandarin, Spanish or German Ab initio
Learn a foreign language from beginner level.
| Entry requirements | No previous experience in the chosen language |
| Level | Standard |
| What you will study | This course aims to develop language confidence in various situations and contexts. It also involves exploring culture. Grammar and vocabulary are developed through the themes identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organisation and sharing the planet. |
French, German, Mandarin or Spanish
Develop your fluency and accuracy in a foreign
language.
| Entry requirements | Applicants need to have studied the language chosen for at least two years. |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | As you have some knowledge of the language, this course aims to develop language confidence, fluency and accuracy as well as expand your vocabulary and intercultural understanding. Both levels cover the themes identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organisation and sharing the planet. At higher level, there is a focus on studying literary works in the chosen language. |
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Global Politics
Explore political challenges in the context of power, sovereignty, international relations, human rights, development, peace and conflict.
| Entry requirements | No background experience is necessary |
| Level | Standard |
| What you will study | You will learn the key political concepts and theories and evaluate the impact on a national and international scale. You will investigate real-life examples of global politics and use classroom debates to explore a range of perspectives. Our Model United Nations club (CAS) offers the chance to deepen your understanding. |
History
Delve into 20th century history including the rise and rule of authoritarian states as well as the effects of war.
| Entry requirements | No background experience is necessary |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This subject encourages you to foster an inquiring mind on the concepts of change, continuity, causation, consequence, significance and perspectives. It includes the study of real-life case studies. You will explore international perspectives from places like Germany, Italy, Spain, the USSR, the USA, Cuba and the People’s Republic of China through debate, group activities and teacher expositions. |
Geography
Delve into physical and human geography and elements of both social and natural sciences.
| Entry requirements | No background experience is necessary |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This subject focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and the physical environment in time and space. You will explore different perspectives on global change. This includes examining scientific and socio-economic methodologies, identifying trends and patterns as well as evaluating the process behind them. The class includes field work. |
Economics
Discover how individuals and societies organise themselves in the pursuit of economic objectives.
| Entry requirements | No background knowledge is necessary. There are mathematical elements, but no specific level is required. |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This subject focuses on the behaviour of individuals, households, firms and markets under different economic conditions. It also examines the impact of private and government actions on larger social aggregates such as price, employment and productivity. You will learn economic concepts like micro and macro factors and develop experience in critical analysis and empirical decision-making. |
Psychology
Investigate the nature of human beings, as individuals and in social groups.
| Entry requirements | No background experience is necessary |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This subject covers Psychology in the context of biological, cognitive and sociocultural perspectives. You will learn how to produce psychological research including technical reports. |
Business Management
Learn the fundamental components of Business including Human Resource Management, Finance, Marketing and Operations.
| Entry requirements | No background knowledge is necessary. The syllabus includes mathematical content. |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This class takes a holistic view of the internal and external business environments. It explores business challenges from different cultural perspectives. Business decisions are made in the context of change, culture, ethics, globalisation, innovation and strategy. You will use real life case studies and learn how to research, critically evaluate and interpret quantitative data to support decision-making. |
Group 3 or 4: Interdisciplinary
Environmental Systems and Societies
Scientific exploration of environmental systems in the context of cultural, economic, ethical, political and social interactions.
| Entry requirements | No background experience is necessary |
| Level | Standard |
| What you will study | This subject focuses on environmental systems in their structure and function. You will 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 you to participate in philosophical discussions on environmental issues on a personal, community and global scale. |
Group 4: Sciences
Biology
Study living organisms from molecules to the biosphere.
| Entry requirements | No background experience is necessary, although some knowledge is useful |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | We explore the interaction between cell and tissues, organs and organisms as well as individuals and populations. You will 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 is an essential requirement. |
Chemistry
Explore all aspects of chemistry in our daily lives including how it relates to food, fuel, medicine, air and many more.
| Entry requirements | Higher level – GCSE Chemistry or equivalent Standard level – No background experience is necessary, although some knowledge is useful |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This subject focuses on experimental science and so involves practical work as well as collecting and interpreting data. Observation is essential. You will investigate and question many theories on the properties and reactions of matter. Themes include ‘Atomic Theory,’ ‘Bonding and Structure,’ ‘Organic Chemistry,’ ‘Acids and Bases’ and ‘Redox Processes.’ |
Physics
Study the properties and interactions of matter and energy.
| Entry requirements | Higher level – GCSE physics or equivalent Standard level – No background experience is necessary, although some knowledge is useful |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This subject explores recent scientific thinking and so provides a sound basis for higher education. The curriculum offers opportunities for research and discovery in a range of scientific methods. You will cover the themes ‘Measurements and Uncertainties,’ ‘Mechanics and Thermal Physics,’ ‘Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics,’ ‘Electricity and Magnetism’ and ‘Energy Production.’ |
Group 5: Mathematics
Analysis and Approaches
Develop analytical expertise in a world where innovation is increasingly dependent on mathematical concepts.
| Entry requirements | Prior knowledge is required in number, algebra, functions, geometry, trigonometry, statistics and probability |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | 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 allows the use of technology like relevant mathematical software. However, there is a strong emphasis on constructing, communicating and justifying correct mathematical arguments. |
Applications and Interpretation
Discover the increasing role that mathematics and technology play in a data-rich world.
| Entry requirements | Prior knowledge is required in number, algebra, functions, geometry, trigonometry, statistics and probability |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | There is 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. Applications and Interpretation solves practical mathematical problems and considers the use of technology to justify conjectures. |
Group 6: The Arts
Music
Explore knowledge and understanding of music in
relation to culture, place and time as a researcher,
creator and performer.
| Entry requirements | Performance skills on one or more instrument and a working knowledge of music notation practice |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This subject has a multifaceted approach to appeal to musicians with diverse motivations and musical preferences. You will develop the skills to think in sound and respond to diverse musical stimuli. This course gives you the chance to explore and experiment with musical ideas and concepts, whilst building confidence on the concert platform. You will be taken to concerts and lectures both locally and further afield. We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities in Oxford to hear leading musicians and musicologists. |
Theatre
Develop key skills and techniques to perform confidently
in a range of styles, as well as establish a breadth of
knowledge on practitioners and traditional theatrical
conventions.
| Entry requirements | Some knowledge of theatrical conventions and repertoire is desirable |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This subject focuses on performance skills and techniques, as well as the philosophy of the theatre arts. Our school activities (including CAS) offer the chance to extend your experience and learn from visiting professionals from the performing arts industry. Performances include 2 college plays and a musical each year. |
Visual Arts
A process of experimenting with 2D or 3D visual arts to develop your creative flair and capabilities.
| Entry requirements | No background experience of the subject is necessary |
| Level | Standard or higher |
| What you will study | This subject empowers you to experiment with a range of creative techniques to become a skilled visual artist. You will benefit from our state-of-the-art studio and the experience of our teachers who are practising creative artists. A skilled critical observer, you will explore inspiration from local architecture, museums and art galleries. A portfolio and exhibition will be prepared for assessment. There are no exams. |