Le Régent International School - IB Diploma Programme

IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

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CONTENTS

Academics at Le Régent

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IB Diploma Programme Curriculum

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Group 1 – Studies in Language & Literature

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Group 2 – Language Acquisition

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Group 3 – Individuals & Societies

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Group 4 – Sciences 16 Group 5 – Mathematics 18 Group 6 – Arts 20 The IB Diploma Programme Core

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University Guidance 24

AN INTERNATIONALLY-RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION FOR AN EVER-SHRINKING WORLD

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At Le Régent International School we produce well-

as well as promoting intercultural understanding and

rounded, internationally-minded young men and

respect. International mindedness is central to our

women, through a rigorous approach to teaching

school approach to teaching and learning.

and learning, which culminates with the IB Diploma Programme. It is a privilege for us to prepare our

The holistic nature of the IB Diploma is complemented

students to be equipped with the skills they will need

by our Outdoor Programme, which allows students to

for life in the 21st Century, enabling them to compete in

make the most of their time in the Alps, developing

a globalised world and marketplace. At the core of our

existing skills as well as acquiring new ones.

educational philosophy are our four pillars: Courtesy, Compassion, Creativity, and Courage.

Le Régent also offers students the possibility to complete the Régent Graduation Diploma, a parallel

The IB Diploma provides much more than a set

course that may be suitable for students who wish to

of examination results, it

focus on a particular area of specialism in addition to

is a holistic educational

programme recognized by all major universities and employers throughout the world. It encourages students to develop skills and knowledge as learners,

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their academic studies.

ACADEMICS AT LE RÉGENT

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I B DIPLO M A PR OG R AM M E CURRI CULUM

The IB Diploma Programme is made up of the Diploma Programme Core and six subject groups. Students choose three subjects at Standard Level (SL) and three subjects at Higher Level (HL), one f rom each subject group.

The six subject group categories are: Group 1 - Studies in Language & Literature Group 2 - Language Acquisition Group 3 - Individuals & Societies Group 4 - Sciences Group 5 - Mathematics Group 6 - The Arts In group 6 it is possible to study a second subject f rom Group 1, 2, 3 or 4 rather than selecting an Art.

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GROUP 1

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STUDIES IN LANGUAGE & LITERATURE At Le Régent nearly all students follow the language and literature course. Study on this course will enable students to appreciate the complexity of language, its wealth and its subtleties in a variety of contexts.

LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE Exploring and analysing the written word using both literary and non-literary texts, students will consider how a text is constructed, evaluate its impact and then apply that knowledge to the creation of a variety of written pieces. This is a life skill which is relevant to any future career or course of study.

Language and Literature is offered at Le Régent in English, French and Mandarin, with the option for private provision in some other

LITERATURE The language A literature course allows students to study a range of literary texts, providing an opportunity for students to learn about the world through the words of different authors. A wide range of literary texts are used including novels, poetry, short stories, graphic novels and plays.

Literature is offered at Le Régent in Spanish and Mandarin. For students whose mother tongue is not offered within school, there may be the possibility of completing the self taught route at standard level.

Subject Brief: Literature

languages.

Subject Brief: Language & Literature

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GROUP 2

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LANGUAGE ACQUISITION The ability to use and communicate in another language is a significant advantage in life and work. Languages combine well with all subjects and can be a considerable asset when applying to university. Being able to communicate in a foreign language is a lifelong skill that employers rate highly.

LANGUAGE B: It is essential for anybody living in the 21st century to communicate meaningfully with people from a variety of countries and nationalities. The wider

LANGUAGE AB INITIO Students are given the opportunity to further develop their global communication skills by studying a new foreign language ‘ab-initio’. It is very exciting and rewarding to learn a language you have no experience of. This option is only available at Standard Level.

French and Spanish are available at ‘ab initio’.

Subject Brief: Language Ab initio

cultural understanding is also invaluable in our increasingly globalised world and this can be enhanced through the acquisition of a range of linguistic skills. Language B at HL or SL allows a student to develop their existing language skills in a second language.

French, Spanish and English B (HL only) are available to study, with Mandarin available as a private option.

Subject Brief: Language B

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GROUP 3

​​HISTORY History creates an understanding of the nature of different cultures around the world and their national traditions. It allows you to explore not only cultural history but political, economic, social and military history while developing respect for evidence, unfamiliar values and historical contexts.

History promotes international mindedness through the study of History from more than one region in the world. Students will develop the qualities of judgement and perception whilst analysing evidence, which will develop intellectual independence. History prepares you to write concisely and effectively, to build up rigorous arguments from all sides based on thorough analysis of the significance of key points and come to a well-informed and solid conclusion. This skill is transferable to many professions such as law, politics, international relations and publishing.

Subject Brief: History HL and History SL

GEOGRAPHY Geography aims to develop the understanding of geographical facts in all forms, with a particular emphasis on the way in which humans interact with their environment. Students will develop an understanding of the interdependencies that exist within the world and learn about sustainable approaches to managing environmental challenges.

Geography tackles global and local issues that are relevant to people and places.

The study of Geography enables discussion, analysis and evaluation of the world in the

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INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES 21st century. This course links social, human, political, historical, physical and environmental concepts. Places are brought together through the learning and understanding of up-to-date, real-life case studies.

Subject Brief: Geography

Economics Economics is the study of how societies, governments, businesses, households and individuals allocate their scarce resources. Economists have developed conceptual models of behaviour in order to predict responses to changes in policy and market conditions. Economics allows students to explore these models and theories, and apply them, using real world examples.

The course covers three key areas of economic theory. Microeconomics deals with economic variables affecting individuals, firms and markets. Macroeconomics considers economic variables that affect countries, governments and societies. The final unit, the global economy, focuses upon trade between countries and how countries economically develop.

Students are encouraged throughout the course to research current real-world issues.

Through their own inquiry, students will be able to appreciate both the values and limitations of economic models in explaining real-world economic behaviour and outcomes.

Subject Brief: Economics HL and Economics SL

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INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES D i g i ta l S o c i ety This course is designed for students interested in exploring the impact and importance of digital systems and technologies in the contemporary world.

Digital Society is the study of significant IT systems and innovations that are shaping our future. The course looks at the increasingly wide-spread use of technology, the emerging trends and future developments including Artificial Intelligence, computers, networks, global data, digital media and robotics and the impacts of these innovations. The Higher Level course also looks at governance and law, sustainability and global wellbeing.

Digital Society can lead to further studies such as Computer Science, IT, Business and Design. This course acknowledges we are now in a Digital Society and aims to develop the students’ understanding of the emerging technology that is being used and the wider impact this is having around the world.

Subject Brief: Digital Society

GROUP 3

Business Management The business management course is designed to develop students’

knowledge

and

understanding

of

business

management theories, as well as their ability to apply a range of tools and techniques. Students learn to analyse, discuss and evaluate business activities at local, national and international levels. The course covers a range of organisations from all sectors, as well as the socio-cultural and economic contexts in which those organisations operate.

The course covers the key characteristics of business organisation and environment and the business functions of human resource management, finance and accounts, marketing and operations management. Through the exploration of six underpinning concepts the course allows students to develop an understanding of today’s complex and dynamic business environment. Students learn key business management theories and the tools and techniques that they utilise in the context of real world examples.

Subject

Brief:

Business

Management

HL

and

Business

Management SL

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GROUP 4

SCIENCES

Many of the major challenges and opportunities

course allows students to develop a

that confront our world need to be approached

clear understanding of key biological

from a scientific perspective, taking into

principles, as well as an understanding

account social and ethical considerations.

of the historical development of

The Sciences are international subjects which

biological knowledge and the role

tackle global issues and enable students to

of international cooperation in the

make cross curricular links within their IB

development of knowledge.

curriculum.

Subject Brief: Biology HL and At Le Régent students have the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry or Physics at

Biology SL

either HL or SL. Alternatively students can

CHEMISTRY

choose

Chemistry is the study of

to

study

Environmental

Systems

and Societies. Environmental Systems and

substances,

Societies is a Standard Level subject, and is an

and

interdisciplinary course and can be studied in

i n c o r p o r a t i n g

either Group 3 or Group 4. Therefore students

theoretical study with

who select this subject have the opportunity of

the

choosing an additional subject from Group 1-4.

of

BIOLOGY

interactions relationships,

development practical

Chemistry an

skills.

provides

underpinning

Biology is the study of living organisms, their

theory

systems and their environments. The IB

biology

for

both and

GROUP 4

physics.

Whether

you

want to study medicine, pharmacology or branches of engineering, chemistry is a key subject to be studied.

Subject Brief: Chemistry

HL

and Chemistry SL

PHYSICS Physics is an experimental science that through the course develops from

the origins of the particles

that form the building blocks of matter to large scale mechanics that govern planetary motion. The course

ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS AND SOCIETIES Environmental

Systems

and

Societies

is a broad course which aims to give an understanding of scientific method whilst at the same time heightening awareness of the multidisciplinary political,

(biological,

economic,

social

geographical, and

historical)

aspects of environmental issues. This course helps to develop an awareness of the actions required for equitable and sustainable use of resources.

Subject Brief: Environmental Systems and Socieites

involves problem solving and applying mathematical understanding to build understanding of the workings of the universe, including day-to-day phenomena.

Subject Brief: Physics HL and Physics SL

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GROUP 5

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MATHEMATICS Mathematics is a fascinating subject as it has a presence everywhere. It provides the key to understanding the World in which we live. The study of Mathematics develops logic to enable students to solve problems.

At Le Régent International School we offer two different courses on the IBDP programme.

MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS AND APPROACHES (AA) SL & HL

MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS AND INTERPRETATION (AI) SL

This course can be considered a pure mathematics course,

This course caters for students concerned with the

focusing on the development of strong skills in mathematical

application of Mathematics in everyday life. The focus on

thinking. Additionally the students develop analytical and

statistics and modelling allows students to develop the skills

technical skills when dealing with real life and theoretical

needed to deal with mathematics in real-life contexts. It is

mathematical problems. At standard level students need a

more suitable for students wishing to study courses with

sound mathematical background and the course provides

little or no mathematical content at university.

good preparation for studies with a more mathematical focus. At higher level students are expected to have a strong foundation in mathematics, and this course will be a requirement for students wishing to study subjects such as Physics, Engineering, Architecture and Technology.

Subject Brief: Mathematics AA

Subject Brief: Mathematics AI

VISUAL ARTS VISUAL ARTS Becoming visually literate enhances our ability to operate in a world which relies increasingly on visual culture. Theories and practices in Visual Arts are dynamic and ever-changing, and connect many areas of knowledge and human experience through individual and collaborative exploration, creative production and critical interpretation.

Students learn to be truly creative, finding practical and conceptual solutions to develop original ideas Students learn to express ideas with confidence and competence and to realise that there are many ways to interpret the world and to appreciate its diversity. As well as developing their practical artmaking skills, students also develop their oral, written and visual communication skills. Studying Visual Arts at the IB level allows students to continue with studies in Architecture, Fashion and Art

GROUP 6

Subject Brief: Visual Arts HL and Visual Arts SL Students have the option to study LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) with a dedicated teacher at Le Régent. Please visit www.lamda.ac.uk for more information.

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The Core of the IB Diploma Programme broadens every student’s educational experience and challenges them to apply their knowledge and skills to a variety of different situations. The IB Diploma Programme requires all students to successfully complete three elements:

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE

EXTENDED ESSAY The Extended Essay (EE) gives students the chance to

Theory of Knowledge (ToK) gives students the opportunity

research a specialist topic and complete a 4,000 word

to reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know

essay which is an independent, self-directed piece of

what we claim to know.

research, finishing with a Viva Voce.

Subject Brief: Theory of Knoweldge

Subject Brief: Extended Essay

Creativity Activity and Service Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) enables students to get involved in a diverse range of activities, as well as completing an individual CAS project.

Subject Brief: CAS

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THE IB DIPLOMA CORE

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UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE

Each student receives personalised one-on-

and find courses and universities throughout

one university guidance from the dedicated

the world.

University Counsellor and from their Personal

Students are also offered intensive preparation

Tutor. The University Counsellor supports

for university admission tests, such as the SAT

each student’s progress from the beginning

(Standardized Admissions Tests) and IELTS

of their search through to confirming places

(International

on receipt of their IB results.

System).

Students from Class 10 upwards meet regularly

For more information about the IB Diploma

with the Counsellor to discuss their academic

Programme at Le Régent International School

achievements,

please email admissions@regentschool.ch

future

career

aspirations,

university research, personal statements and applications to ensure students are on target with their goals. In addition, each student has an account with ‘Unifrog’, an online tool where students can explore their interests

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English

Language

Testing

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www.regentschool.ch Le Régent International School Rue du Zier 4 3963 Crans-Montana SWITZERLAND info@regentschool.ch Tel: +41 (0) 27 480 3201 www.facebook.com/leregentschool