Curriculum: Groups 1 - 6
IB subjects offered for ISG students include:
- Group 1 - English A: literature and Italian A: language and literature
- Group 2 - English B, French ab initio, French B, Italian ab initio, Italian B, Spanish ab initio, and Spanish B
- Group 3 - Economics and History
- Group 4 - Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Group 5 - Mathematical Studies standard, Mathematics standard, and Mathematics higher
- Group 6 - Visual Arts
Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature
The focus of the Language A literature course is directed towards developing an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism and promoting the ability to form independent literary judgments.
Group 2 – Language Acquisition
Language B courses are language acquisition courses for students with some background in the target language. While learning this additional language, students also explore the culture(s) connected to it.
The language ab initio course is a language acquisition course for students with little or no experience of the language. It is organized around three themes (Individual and society, Leisure and work, Urban and rural environment).
Group 3 – Individuals and Societies
The focus of the history program is on the main developments in 20th century world history (IB “route 2”). Higher level history also includes the study of major trends in Europe and the Middle East in the period from the mid-18th century to the end of the 20th century.
The study of economics is essentially about the concept of scarcity and the problem of resource allocation. The objectives of this course are for students to have an understanding and knowledge of economic concepts and theories, apply economic theory to a range of circumstances and a variety of situations, analyse information through the use of economic concepts and theories, and evaluate concepts and theories from different economic perspectives.
Group 4 – Sciences
The study of biology covers the concepts of “structure and function,” “universality versus diversity,” “equilibrium within systems,” and “evolution.”
Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. It is called the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems.
Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles—quarks—to the vast distances between galaxies. Enrolment in this course, particularly at high level, is limited to those students with a demonstrated potential to meet its inherent challenges.
Group 5 – Mathematics
The Mathematics higher level course caters for students with a good background in mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills. The majority of these students will be expecting to include mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own right or within courses such as physics, engineering and technology. Others may take this subject because they have a strong interest in mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges and engaging with its problems. In addition to the core program, the option studied is “calculus.”
The Mathematics standard level course caters for students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple mathematical techniques correctly. The majority of these students will expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics, psychology and business administration.
The Mathematical Studies course caters for students with varied backgrounds and abilities. More specifically, it is designed to build confidence and encourage an appreciation of mathematics in students who do not anticipate a need for mathematics in their future studies.
Group 6 – The Arts
Visual Arts (IB “Option A”) is designed for students who wish to concentrate on studio practice in visual arts. Students will produce investigation workbooks to support, inform, develop and refine studio work through sustained contextual, visual and critical investigation.
The focus of the Language A literature course is directed towards developing an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism and promoting the ability to form independent literary judgments.
Group 2 – Language Acquisition
Language B courses are language acquisition courses for students with some background in the target language. While learning this additional language, students also explore the culture(s) connected to it.
The language ab initio course is a language acquisition course for students with little or no experience of the language. It is organized around three themes (Individual and society, Leisure and work, Urban and rural environment).
Group 3 – Individuals and Societies
The focus of the history program is on the main developments in 20th century world history (IB “route 2”). Higher level history also includes the study of major trends in Europe and the Middle East in the period from the mid-18th century to the end of the 20th century.
The study of economics is essentially about the concept of scarcity and the problem of resource allocation. The objectives of this course are for students to have an understanding and knowledge of economic concepts and theories, apply economic theory to a range of circumstances and a variety of situations, analyse information through the use of economic concepts and theories, and evaluate concepts and theories from different economic perspectives.
Group 4 – Sciences
The study of biology covers the concepts of “structure and function,” “universality versus diversity,” “equilibrium within systems,” and “evolution.”
Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. It is called the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems.
Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles—quarks—to the vast distances between galaxies. Enrolment in this course, particularly at high level, is limited to those students with a demonstrated potential to meet its inherent challenges.
Group 5 – Mathematics
The Mathematics higher level course caters for students with a good background in mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills. The majority of these students will be expecting to include mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own right or within courses such as physics, engineering and technology. Others may take this subject because they have a strong interest in mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges and engaging with its problems. In addition to the core program, the option studied is “calculus.”
The Mathematics standard level course caters for students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple mathematical techniques correctly. The majority of these students will expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics, psychology and business administration.
The Mathematical Studies course caters for students with varied backgrounds and abilities. More specifically, it is designed to build confidence and encourage an appreciation of mathematics in students who do not anticipate a need for mathematics in their future studies.
Group 6 – The Arts
Visual Arts (IB “Option A”) is designed for students who wish to concentrate on studio practice in visual arts. Students will produce investigation workbooks to support, inform, develop and refine studio work through sustained contextual, visual and critical investigation.