The High School offers the Diploma Programme in years 11 and 12. The Diploma Programme is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The Diploma Programme is widely recognized and highly respected by leading universities across the globe.
Students study the IBDP Core: Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity & Service, and the Extended Essay, as well as six subjects chosen from the subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics and The Arts. Most subjects offered can be studied at Standard or Higher Level. The diploma is based on a point system. Each subject is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, whether it is at Standard or Higher Level, and the Core can earn a further 3 points, so 45 points are available in total. The world mean score in May 2020 was 29.9. Students must attain 24 points to pass the diploma and earn at least 12 on their three HL subjects with no HL being scored as 1 or 2.
The Diploma Programme is currently the program of the first choice among the student body with more than 90% of our graduating classes undertaking the challenge of the full IB Diploma Programme.
The “Core” is comprised of a class called Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay, and a two- year commitment to Community, Activity and Service (CAS).
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
This course encourages students to think about the nature of knowledge, to reflect on the process of learning in all the subjects they study as part of their Diploma Programme, and to make connections across the academic areas.
A substantial piece of writing of up to 4,000 words enables students to investigate a topic of special interest that they have chosen themselves. It also encourages them to develop the skills of independent research that will be expected at university.
The Extended Essay Writing
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Students engage in experiential learning through a range of artistic, sporting, physical, and service activities.
GROUP 1 Languages
The Group 1 Language programme offers students the opportunity to study language and/or literature in the first language of the student or the language in which the student is most competent. This will normally be the language of the environment to which the student has been exposed from an early age or for an extended period.
- English – Language and Literature SL/HL
- English – Literature SL/HL
- Korean – Language and Literature SL/HL
- Self-taught school supported Language A Literature SL
Students whose first language is one not offered by SFS will be provided the opportunity to fulfill this course requirement by studying Literature SL as a self-taught school-supported language. For more details contact Piotr Kocyk.
GROUP 2 Foreign Languages
Language B is a foreign language learning course designed for students with some previous experience of the language. It may be studied at either higher level or standard level.
The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and development in the four primary language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- French B SL/HL
- Chinese B SL/HL
- Korean B SL/HL
- Spanish B SL/HL
Language Ab Initio provides an opportunity for students to further their linguistic skills by taking up a second foreign language, or for students to learn a foreign language for the first time.
Students at SFS will normally begin their Ab Initio language programme in Grade 10 and take three years to complete.
- Spanish ab-initio SL
GROUP 3 Individuals and Societies
These courses comprise the study of the nature of a human as an individual and as a member of a social group. In a larger sense, the character of human culture itself is investigated to develop the student’s understanding of society both from the microcosmic and macrocosmic viewpoints.
- Business Management SL/HL
- Economics SL/HL
- Global Politics SL/HL
- History SL/HL
- Psychology SL/HL
- Environmental Systems and Societies SL (Interdisciplinary)
GROUP 4 Experimental Sciences
Through studying any of the group 4 subjects, students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the “scientific method” may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that distinguishes the group 4 subjects from other disciplines and characterizes each of the subjects within group 4.
- Biology SL/HL
- Chemistry SL/HL
- Design Technology SL/HL
- Physics SL/HL
- Sports, exercise and health science SL/HL
- Environmental Systems and Societies SL (Interdisciplinary)
GROUP 5 Mathematics
Through studying any of the group 4 subjects, students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the “scientific method” may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that distinguishes the group 4 subjects from other disciplines and characterizes each of the subjects within group 4.
- Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL/HL
- Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL/HL
GROUP 6 The Arts
These courses are taken from the world of fine arts. They require students to perform, compose and create works in theatre, music and art. The aim is for students to experience and develop an appreciation and proficiency in these areas. A second subject from group 1-5 can be chosen instead of a group 6 subject.
- Music SL/HL
- Visual Art SL/HL
- Theatre Art SL/HL