IB Subjects
International Baccalaureate
The IB curriculum is broadly based in subject groups. Students choose one subject from each of the Groups 1 - 6 but in Group 6 may select a further choice from Groups 2, 3 or 4 instead of those offered in Group 6. You should follow your interests and enjoyment of a subject. The IB structure encourages a balanced choice which includes the essential further study of English and Maths, but also the depth required through the Higher subjects.
Examples of IB subject combinations leading to particular university courses can be found here.
Also available is a comprehensive list of university offers made to over 1000 IB students from local schools (including BGS) in 2016 for particular courses: IB University Offers (Excel format) (PDF version here)
The following table presents a summary of the courses available. For information on each subject, use the menu on the right.
| Group 1: English |
Literature Literature & Performance* |
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Group 2: Language
Beginner Level is available for students with no GCSE in any Modern Foreign Language. |
Chinese French German Italian |
Japanese Latin Russian Spanish |
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Group 3: Individuals and Societies (Humanities) Classics has been discontinued by the IB, so will no longer be offered from September 2024. Please see the Latin section for more details. |
Business Management Economics** Geography Global Politics History |
Philosophy of Religion & Ethics Psychology Social & Cultural Anthropology |
|
Group 4: Science |
Biology Chemistry** Computer Science** Design Technology Environmental Systems & Societies*1 |
Physics** Sports, Exercise & Health Science |
|
Group 5: Mathematics: |
Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches** Mathematics - Applications and Interpretations* |
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Group 6: Arts and Electives:
Or a further choice from groups 2, 3 or 4 above. |
Film** Music Theatre Visual Arts |
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* Indicates a subject that is only available at Standard Level.
** Indicates a subject that is only available at Higher Level.
1Environmental Systems can count as a Group 3 or Group 4 subject allowing students to take two subjects from Group 6, Music and Theatre for example.
Students take three subjects at Higher Level and the remaining three at Standard Level.
In addition to this, the following components complete the IB requirements:
Students have to complete all areas successfully to be awarded the Diploma.