IB Diploma Curriculum

Students will study English at either Higher Level (depth study) or Standard Level (breadth study)

Language A: English Language and Literature

Through studies in language and literature, students are able to develop:

• A personal appreciation of language and literature
• Skills in literary criticism using a range of texts from different periods, styles and genres
• An understanding of the formal, stylistic, and aesthetic qualities of texts
• Strong powers of expression, both written and oral
• An appreciation of cultural differences in perspective
• An understanding of how language challenges and sustains ways of thinking.

The IB Diploma aims to develop a student’s lifelong interest in language and literature, and a love for the elegance and richness of human expression.

Students will select one of the below subjects:

• Chinese (Mandarin) or Spanish Ab Initio 
• Chinese (Mandarin) B or Spanish B SL

Facilitating the widest global access for STEM careers, Mandarin and Spanish, alongside English, are the languages of the 21st century. For example, a Sydney student of Chinese descent will most likely already be proficient in Chinese. The addition of Spanish – even at a beginner level – vastly expands their horizons.

Ab Initio

The language ab initio course is organised into three themes:

• Individuals and society
• Leisure and work
• Urban and rural environment.

Language B

Language B is an additional language-learning course designed for students with some previous learning of that language. It may be studied at SL at Westbourne College Sydney.

The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and development of language skills. These language skills should be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material. Over the 2 years, students will cover the core—with topics common to both levels— which is divided into three areas and is a required area of study:

• Communication and media
• Global issues
• Social relationships

In addition, at SL, teachers select a minimum of two from the following five options:

• Cultural diversity
• Customs and traditions
• Health
• Leisure
• Science and technology

Business Management HL or SL

All students study Business Management at either Higher Level or Standard Level to gain practical knowledge and skillsets as they prepare to step into the workforce.

Group 3 subjects develop a critical appreciation of:

• human experience and behaviour
• the varieties of physical, economic and social environments that people inhabit
• the history of social and cultural institutions.

In addition, each subject is designed to foster in students the capacity to identify, to analyse critically and to evaluate theories, concepts and arguments relating to the nature and activities of individuals and societies.

Students with a strong interest in Business have an excellent opportunity to enjoy our unique overseas programmes, which explore MBA-style live cases and taught by esteemed INSEAD professors.

Students will choose either one from three of the following science subjects at SL or HL:

Physics

Biology

Chemistry

Mathematics Analysis & Approaches HL or SL

A focus on developing important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous manner. Problem solving in a variety of meaningful contexts, students will have the opportunity to flex their mathematical knowledge to the full.

The aims of the courses are to enable students to:

• develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles
• develop logical, critical and creative thinking
• employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalisation.

Students are also encouraged to appreciate the international dimensions of mathematics and the multiplicity of its cultural and historical perspectives.

The final group offers students the opportunity to choose an additional subject to further enrich the breadth of their learning and its applicability to the real world. At Westbourne, studying a second science, from Physics, Chemistry and Biology will support your focus on a favoured STEM sphere.

For example, a future medic would be advised to select Biology and Chemistry, while an aspiring engineer should consider Physics and Chemistry.

Subject selection may be dependent on minimum class sizes. As part of selecting your 6 subjects our IB Diploma Programme Coordinator will discuss any initial career and university aspirations you may have to ensure the selection fully facilitates course entry.

ToK – philosophy for 15-17 year-olds – is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom.

The course challenges students to question the nature of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, to think critically and to analyse evidence. It is a key element in encouraging an appreciation of different cultural perspectives.

CAS encourages students to share their passions and talents with others, as well as develop soft skills that are much sought-after by employers.

CAS activities are ongoing, challenging and present new experiences, and allow the student to develop greater awareness of themselves and others, whilst also working cooperatively with other people in both a local and social context.

Read our student’s blog on CAS

The EE allows the investigation of a topic of special interest, in the form of a 4,000-word piece of independent research. Students select a research topic that intrigues them before honing the independent research and writing skills expected at university, with the support of our highly qualified STEM, English and Business Management teachers.

This leads to a major piece of formally-presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner.

The EE promotes high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity, is extremely rewarding, and provides excellent material for students to discuss with university admissions tutors at interview, world-wide.