What is IB?

What is an IB education? Learn more about the IB curriculum and the six subject groups.

IB curriculum

The IB curriculum consists of six subject groups. Every Diploma candidate must take at least one course from each of Groups 1 - 5, and must satisfy the group 6 requirement. In addition to the six chosen subjects all candidates must meet the requirements of the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS). The following listing is intended to explain Torsbergsgymnasiet's offerings in each group. It should be emphasised that the material below is, of necessity, only introductory in nature. All students should consult teachers and the IB Coordinator before making any final choices. Course choices, and even choices between the Standard and Higher Levels of a course, can in some cases determine where, and what subject areas, a student will be able to pursue in further education.

Group 1 - Language A

This is the student's best language. The programme of study centres around the reading and critical discussion, orally and in writing, of literary texts.

Group 2 - Languages B, Ab initio

All students must study a second language at one of these levels (or a second language A). Language A is a language and literature programme for highly competent speakers of the language. Language B is a foreign language programme for students with previous experience of learning the language, and Ab initio is a foreign language programme for beginners.

The following Group 2 Languages are offered at Torsbergsgymnasiet:

• B: English, Swedish
• Ab initio: Swedish

Group 3 - Individuals and Societies

The group 3 subjects offered at Torsbergsgymnasiet may differ from one year to another, usually we offer a choice between History, Digital society.

Group 4 - Experimental Sciences

The Group 4 offerings at Torsbergsgymnasiet are Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Group 5 - Mathematics

Beginning autumn 2022 Mathematics HL or SL

There are two Group 5 courses offered at Torsbergsgymnasiet:

• Mathematical Analysis and Approaches SL will focus on mathematical techniques in areas such as algebra, trigonometry and calculus. The majority of students will prepare for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics and business management.
  
• Mathematical Applications will focus on mathematical applications and will include a large section of statisical techniques. The course will prepare students for a career in social sciences, humanities, languages and arts.

Group 6 - Arts and Electives

The choice of a sixth subject may be determined by a student's future study and career plans, or by interest or the desire for a balanced programme. One of the strengths of the IB programmes is that it offers students who may continue their studies in science, for example, the opportunity to do extensive work in art. At Torsbergsgymnasiet we offer one subjuct in group 6: Visual Arts.

A Diploma candidate at Torsbergsgymnasiet may fulfil Group 6 requirements by taking a second course in group 2 or 4 (i.e., a third language or a second Experimental Science).

CAS (Creativity - Action - Service)

CAS is an integral part of the IB Diploma. The IB Organisation views it as acknowledgement that important educational experiences also take place outside the classroom. The will to act in the service of the community is seen as an important complement to the intellectual development of the student.

Each student develops a programme in consultation with the CAS Coordinator. Students usually fulfil these requirements by combining participation in extracurricular activities offered at the school and service to the school community and to the outside community. Thus students will be involved as tutors, volunteers at a home for the elderly, planners and organisers of charity drives, etc.They can play in teams, perform in plays, work in Student Government or on student publications, sing in Choir, pursue horseback riding, instrumental lessons and performance as parts of their CAS programme.

Extended Essay

In IB1, students should decide on the subject area of their Extended Essay. The IBO defines the EE as "an in depth study of a limited topic within a subject". This essay is meant to provide students the opportunity to conduct independent research at an introductory level. In general, the skills required to produce a successful essay in any given subject are those the student has been using in the relevant course.

Every student will have a teacher as a supervisor who will offer help and advice. The Extended Essay is sent to IB examiners who assess the work. Up to three bonus points can be awarded for the EE, in conjunction with Theory of Knowledge.

Theory Of Knowledge

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a course required for all IB Diploma candidates. The course is an attempt to examine critically the types, nature and limitations of different ways of knowing and thus to learn to think in a constructive and clear way.
By considering the roles of language and logic in the processes of knowing, various systems of knowledge, and value judgements in relation to knowledge, students confront the fundamental questions:

"What do we know?" and "How do we know what we know?"

While there are no grades for ToK, successful completion of ToK is required for the Diploma and up to three bonus points can be awarded in conjunction with the EE