Finham Park School

International Baccalaureate

Jump to: Biology | Chemistry | Economics | English | Geography | History | Modern Languages: French, German & Spanish | Modern Languages: Spanish ab initio | Mathematics | Philosophy | Psychology | Theatre Arts | Visual Arts

Biology
Entry Requirements	You must have a grade B or above in Science Core and Additional GCSE or a grade B in Biology GCSE plus a range of GCSE grades A-C for Higher level. Grade C for Standard level.
Assessment	Standard level Paper 1: (20%) 30 multi-choice questions Paper 2: (32%) 1hr Section A: one compulsory data-based question and some short answer questions on the core. Section B: One of a choice of three extended questions. Paper 3: (24%) 1hr, Options paper (short answers) Internal Assessment: (24%), 40 hours (inc. group 4 project) Higher Level Paper 1: (20%) 40 multiple choice questions; 1hour Paper 2: (32%) 2hrs 15 mins Section A: one data based, and several short answer on the core and AHL Section B: two extended answer from a choice of four Paper 3: (24%) 1 hr 15 mins; short answer on both options Internal assessment: 24%

Chemistry
Entry Requirements	You must have a Grade B or above in Science Core and Additional GCSE or a Grade B in Chemistry GCSE, plus a range of GCSE Grades A*-C, as well as Mathematical ability for the Higher level. For the Standard level, Grade C.
Assessment	Paper 1: 20%, 1 hour exam, 40 multi-choice questions Paper 2: 32%, Section A: 21/4 hour exam. 1 data-based question and several short-answer questions Section B: One of a choice of three extended questions Paper 3: 24%, 1 Options Paper (short answers) Internal Assessment: 24%, 40 hours (inc. group 4 project)

Economics
Entry Requirements	(Standard Level and Higher Level) This course is part of Group 3 - Individuals in Societies. You can only follow this course if you have been accepted on the IB course.
Assessment	Standard Level - two written papers totalling 3 hours and a portfolio of coursework which counts for 25%. Higher Level - three written papers totalling 4 hours and a portfolio of coursework which counts for 20%. The course will be assessed through two examinations - one in January and one in June.

English (Language 1)
Entry Requirements	You must have a Grade B or above in English Language and English Literature, plus a range of GCSE Grades A* to C. This is a course of literature studies, which involves reading texts from all over the world, in translation, as well as those originally written in English.
Assessment	External Exam (Paper 1): Practical Criticism 25% External Exam (Paper 2): Response to texts in Part 3 25% Written Coursework: Standard level - 1 piece based on texts in Part 1 Higher level - 1 piece based on texts in Part 1 and other texts Oral Coursework Based on Part 2 15% Based on Part 4 15%

Geography
Entry Requirements	Students do not need to have studied Geography at GCSE level. It is expected however that you have achieved a Grade C or above in a humanities subject. I.B. Geography offers students the opportunity to make sense of both the physical and human world. Students are presented with challenging and interesting tasks using a range of data and situations. An open, enquiring mind is essential. In addition to work in class, students are expected to take part in a four-day fieldwork visit to Plas Dol-y-Moch in the Summer term of Year 12.
Assessment	Paper 1 (Core Modules): 1.5hrs, 40% Paper 2 (Optional Modules): 1.5hrs, 35% Coursework (Investigation): 2500 words, 25% Higher Level Paper 1 (Core Module): 1.5hrs, 35% Paper 2 (Optional Module): 2.5hrs, 50% Paper 3 (HL only): 1 hour, 20% Coursework (Investigation): 2500 words, 25%

History
Entry Requirements	Students who have not studied History need to have achieved Grade C in English and/or a humanity subject at GCSE.
Assessment	Standard Level Exam components - 75% of marks Paper 1 - 30% Paper 2 - 45% Historical Investigation - 25% Higher Level Exam components - 80% of marks Paper 1 - 20% Paper 2 - 25% Paper 3 - 35% Historical Investigation - 20%

Modern Languages: French, German & Spanish Standard Level
Entry Requirements	The demands of the IB Language in Modern Foreign Languages are rigorous. Candidates will need at least a C grade at GCSE to be accepted for Standard level. This course gives the opportunity to increase competence in the written and spoken language, while developing knowledge and awareness of the culture and civilisation of the particular language community. At the same time students compare that community with the mother tongue community and also view the wider world through the eyes of that community, thus gaining a new and different perspective.
Assessment	There are 2 written papers: Paper 1 - Comprehension paper worth 25% Paper 2 - Written test worth 25% Coursework - 20% Oral Exam - 20% - discussion of visual stimulus, discussion of the coursework topic and general discussion. Interactive oral activities conducted in class: 10%

Modern Languages: Spanish ab initio
Entry Requirements	The standard required of a candidate after a two year ab initio course is commensurate with what is required of a good GCSE candidate. The nature of the language taught and the range of vocabulary and grammar needed are also very similar to the demands of GCSE. It should be noted that this is a very intensive course.
Assessment	There are 2 written papers: Paper 1 - Comprehension paper worth 30% Paper 2 - Written test worth 25% Coursework - 20% Oral Exam - 25% involves discussion of visual stimulus, discussion of the coursework topic and general discussion.

Mathematics
Entry Requirements	All students studying the IB Diploma must take a course in Mathematics. The courses offered reflect the differing needs and experiences that students have when starting the IB Diploma. The courses on offer are Mathematics Studies and Mathematics, both at standard level, and Mathematics at Higher Level for students who have a strong ability and interest in the subject. The Mathematical Studies course consists of the study of eight core topics and one option. It is designed to take students' understanding of Mathematics beyond GCSE and to see its application across the diversity of subjects within the IB Diploma. At its heart is the study of the international language of Mathematics and the ability to provide a logical and structured approach to problem solving. Alongside the study of the concepts, the use of technology is encouraged to enhance understanding and the presentation of information and ideas. The Mathematics Standard Level course is a demanding course and is suitable only for students with an A - C grade at GCSE. The course consists of the study of six core topics. It is designed to extend the students' understanding and to appreciate the use of Mathematics at an equivalence of an A level, whilst encompassing the application of Mathematics in the areas of logical argument, critical thinking and problem solving. Because of the breadth of the course it is well suited to a student that needs Mathematics for their proposed university studies. The Mathematics Higher Level course is a demanding course and is suitable for students with an A* - B grade at GCSE. Students electing to do this course will be challenged to tackle abstract topics of Mathematics together with the grounding of content equivalent in level of A level Further Mathematics. Students interested in this course should discuss their suitability with the Mathematics department. This is a course suited to a student that is going to take their studies further at the highest level in Mathematics or an associated discipline.
Assessment	Mathematical Studies The final assessment is based on the performance in two terminal written papers (externally assessed) and a project completed during the course (internally assessed, IBO moderated). Written papers Paper 1 1.5hr 40% 15 compulsory short-response questions based on the whole syllabus Paper 2 1 1/2hr 40% 5 compulsory extended-response questions based on the whole syllabus Internal assessment Project 20% The project is an individual piece of work involving the collection of information or the generation ofmeasurements, and the analysis and evaluation of the information or measurements. Mathematics Standard Level The final assessment is based on the performance in two terminal written papers (externally assessed) and a project completed during the course (internally assessed, IBO moderated) Paper 1 1 1/2hr 40% This paper consists of section A, short-response questions, and section B, extended response questions. Each section will be worth 20% of the total mark. Students are not permitted access to any calculator on this paper. Paper 2 1 1/2hr 40% This paper consists of section A, shortresponse questions, and section B, extended-response questions. Each section will be worth 20% of the total mark. A graphical display calculator (GDC) is required for this paper, but not every question will necessarily require its use. Portfolio (20%) - 2 pieces of work based on different areas of the syllabus and representing two types of tasks: mathematical investigation mathematical modelling Mathematics Higher Level The final assessment is based on the performance in 3 terminal written papers (externally assessed) and a portfolio completed during the course (internally assessed, IBO moderated) Paper 1 2 hrs 30% (No calculator allowed) Section A 15% Compulsory short-response questions based on the compulsory core of the syllabus. Section B 15% Compulsory extended response questions based on the compulsory core of the syllabus Paper 2 2 hrs 30% (Graphic display calculator (GDC) required) Section A 15% Compulsory short-response questions based on the compulsory core of the syllabus. Section B 15% Compulsory extended-response questions based on the compulsory core of the syllabus Paper 3 1 hr 20% (Graphic display calculator (GDC) required) Extended-response questions based mainly on the syllabus options. Portfolio (20%) - A collection of two pieces of work completed during the course based on different areas of the syllabus and representing two types of task: mathematical investigation mathematical modelling

Philosophy
Entry Requirements	Whilst students need not have studied Philosophy before to be accepted on the course, they need to have achieved grade C in English and/or a Humanity subject at GCSE for entry to Standard level and a grade B for entry to Higher level.
Assessment	Assessment will be through written papers, the study of prescribed philosophical texts and a course work component. All students will complete two exams, and will need to produce a 2000-word piece of coursework. The coursework is a philosophical enquiry into themes and messages from literature, art or film. One exam will be based on core course content; the second exam is based on the study of a set text. In addition, Higher Level students will complete an 'unseen' Philosophical investigation as part of their first exam.

Physics
Entry Requirements	You must have a Grade B or above in Science Core and Addition a GCSE or a grade B in Physics GCSE, plus a range of GCSE Grades A*-C, as well as mathematical ability for the Higher level. Grade C for Standard level.
Assessment	Paper 1: 20%, 1hr, 40 multi-choice questions Paper 2: 36%, 2.25hr Section A: one compulsory data-based question and some shortanswer questions Section B: two from a choice of four extended questions Paper 3: 20%, 1 Options paper (short answers) Internal Assessment: 24%, 60 hours (inc. group 4 project)

Psychology
Entry Requirements	Higher Level: Grades B in English and BB in Science. Standard Level: Grades B in English and BB in Science.
Assessment	Students must complete an experimental study and carry out a statistical analysis and discussion of the results. This is internally assessed and counts for 20% of the overall assessment grade.

Theatre Arts
Entry Requirements	You must have a Grade B or above in Drama or in English with clear evidence of extra-curricular interest in Drama.
Assessment	Assessment in each component is via practical performance, oral examination and/or portfolio as well as teacher assessment and external examination.

Visual Arts
Entry Requirements	You must have a grade B or above in Fine Art, plus a range of GCSE grades A* - C for Higher level. C or above for Standard level.
Assessment	Higher Level or Standard Level External Assessment 60% Part A - Studio work exhibition and interview Internal Assessment (40%) Part B - Research workbooks. Internally assessed and externally moderated. Or External Assessment 60% Part A studio work exhibition and interview Internal Assessment 40% Part B Investigation Workbooks. Internally assessed and externally moderated. Or Critical Historical Study External Assessment - 60% Part B Research workbooks and interview. Part A Studio work - 40% Internally assessed and externally moderated.