Course Descriptions

The IB curriculum consists of six subject groups. Every Diploma candidate must take at least one course from each of Groups 1-5, and takes either a Group 6 subject or another subject from Groups 2,3 and 4. The following listing is intended to explain Liverpool College's offerings in each group and can be used as a reference by potential Diploma candidates. It should be emphasised that the material below is, of necessity, only introductory in nature and that final student programmes will have to work within the constraints of course numbers and staff availability. All students should consult teachers, Department Heads, the IB Director, the Head of Sixth Form and the Head of Careers before making final choices. Course choices, and even choices between Higher and Standard Levels of a course can, in some cases, determine where and in what subject areas a student will be able to pursue further education.

Click on the link for an overview of the IBDP Powerpoint of IB Overview

Group 1 - Language A1

All students will study Language A1, either at Higher or Standard Level. Despite the name, both courses focus on the study of literature and will give you the opportunity to study a wide range of exciting and challenging texts. You will read novels, plays and poetry, some originally written in English and some international texts in translation. The writers whose works you will study range from Shakespeare's tragedies to modern novelists, such as Dai Sijie, the texts from intensely personal autobiography by Maya Angelou or Sylvia Plath to Dorfman's thrilling play Death and the Maiden.


You will have the chance to discuss, analyse and write about the novels, plays and poetry that you read. In fact much of the assessment for the course takes place during the two years, in the form of coursework assignments and oral activities. There are then two examinations at the end of the course - one paper on set texts and one on an unseen passage.

Language A1 will help everyone to develop their skills of communication and analysis while gaining a better understanding of the international literary heritage. We want all our students to have opinions about their reading and to have the confidence to express them both orally and in writing. At higher level you will have the chance to study a much wider range of texts and to investigate them in more detail. This course will suit you if you enjoyed English Literature at GCSE and love reading. However, whether you are a higher or standard level student, we hope you will enjoy the experience of exploring how writers communicate their ideas to us; how they entertain, educate and sometimes even shock us with their words.

Group 2 - Languages B and Ab initio

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a qualification that incorporates a global approach to learning and encourages an appreciation of cultures of other countries. As part of the Diploma, all students will therefore need to continue studying and gaining confidence in a language other than their own. As with all subjects, this can be done at Standard or Higher Level. However, in addition, it is anticipated that the opportunity will exist to begin a new language at what is called Standard Level ab initio.

All three levels of course will enable students to develop their skills significantly. HL students would be those with a high standard of the language from GCSE and perhaps hoping to study languages at university. Standard Level would normally require a GCSE pass at B and above. Ab initio languages are for beginners in that language, but should not be viewed as an easy option, since the standard of communication at the end of two years will be beyond that required at GCSE.

French, Spanish and other Modern Foreign Languages

It is anticipated that both French and Spanish will be offered at three levels:

i) Standard Level ab initio - for those with little or no prior knowledge of French or Spanish. This could include students who stopped studying the language at the end of Year 9. It could equally apply to those who might have learnt some French or Spanish at primary school.
ii) Standard Level - this will be aimed at those students who have already studied to GCSE level and have achieved a grade B or higher. In certain circumstances, a student with a grade C may also be able to continue with Standard Level.
iii) Higher Level - this is the most advanced level and is aimed at those thinking of studying it at university level. You should achieve either an A or A* to study for this level and be highly motivated.

Subject to demand, we would hope to run additional ab initio language courses e.g. Italian.

Contents of the courses

i) ab initio will aim to give a thorough and useful grounding in the basic use of the language in a number of different situations. While it will be largely practical in nature, it will also enable students to communicate in more unpredictable contexts. Topics are likely to include booking accommodation, eating out and problem-solving, although students should also be able to engage in basic conversation with native speakers.
ii) Standard Level will include some of the more advanced elements of ab initio, but will also introduce new, more complex topics. Areas of study will include leisure and tourism, education and careers, environmental issues and current affairs.
iii) Higher Level will include more detailed coverage of SL topics. In addition, literature and cinema will be studied in order to deepen students' level of cultural understanding and prepare them for higher education.

At all levels, we will provide a rich learning environment, in which students will be able to practise their listening and speaking skills. Students will be taught in small groups and encouraged to contribute to debate relating to the topics studied. Materials will come from many sources, enabling students to appreciate the breadth and diversity of the target language, and also its position within the international context.

Latin
For both Higher and Standard Level, an equal weighting is given to Latin Language and Latin Literature. One examination paper assesses translation skills: for this, the author is specified (either Cicero or Ovid, depending on level) and dictionaries can be used in the examination. The other paper is a Literature paper, assessing knowledge of and response to two set texts.

For the Literature paper, students read a section of each text in Latin, and a larger section in English translation, to give a wider context to the literary topic. In recent years, topics have been drawn from the letters of Pliny, Tacitus' Annals (in particular the reign of Emperor Nero), Catullus' love-poetry, and the Aeneid, Virgil's great epic poem about the fall of Troy and the foundation of Rome.

Higher Level candidates also complete a Research Dossier, worth 20% of the marks available. For this students choose their own topic, relating to any area of Roman history, literature, language, mythology, art, archaeology or influence, and then annotate their own collection of relevant source materials. There is no Research Dossier for Standard Level candidates

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

The following Group 3 courses will be offered at Liverpool College: History, Geography, Economics, Business and Management. Please note that students need not necessarily have studied the subject before to take it at either Standard or Higher Level, although if they have taken a GCSE in the subject then normally a B would be the minimum requirement for the Higher Level course.


History
Students who pursue IB History, at either Higher or Standard Level, along with the historical elements in the Theory of Knowledge course, are well catered for in the variety of themes, issues and regions of the world they may study. The IB syllabus recognizes essential qualities that a student of History needs to acquire, some of which are detailed below in the overall objectives section. The History Department fully concurs with these objectives and seeks to enhance them with a significant programme of activities, trips, discussion groups, international visits and lectures outside the classroom. History is a popular post-16 subject which under IB will continue to flourish and excite.

Standard and Higher Level History (common core)
All students whether they do the Standard Level course or the Higher Level course complete Paper 1 and Paper 2 as well as completing a Historical Investigation.

Paper 1
Prescribed Subject 3:
Communism & Crisis; reform, revolution, reaction 1976-1991

Paper 2
Topic 1 - Causes, practices and effects of wars
Arab - Israeli wars; Chinese Civil War; First and Second World Wars; Korean War; Mexican Revolution; Russian Revolution; Spanish Civil War; Vietnam War
Topic 2 - Democracy, discrimination and dissent
This is the study about the challenges facing democratic countries in the twentieth century. Discrimination and Dissent examines the treatment of ethnic and religious groups

The Historical Investigation is chosen from an area of interest that the student has. For Standard Level students it accounts for 20% of the final mark. For Higher Level students, it accounts for 25% of the final mark

Higher Level students additionally study Tsarist Russia to Communist Russia

Geography
Geographers have always recognised the interaction between people and their environment. The growth of technology has increased our ability to change this environment and the subject offers opportunities to assess the benefits and the costs of these changes to our society. The course challenges students to question our use of resources and to predict the consequences of our actions. As IB students you will develop a global perspective and a better understanding of world interdependence. The course should raise concern over the quality of our environment and of the need to plan and manage for the present and the future generations. Geography is traditionally a very strong subject at Liverpool College, and IB Geography is an important subject in our modern globalized world. The ability to view issues from a wider perspective is appropriate for working in many different career paths.
It is important to note that Higher Level Geography is the same level of difficulty as Standard Level. The difference is that Higher Level students study an additional TWO themes.

Paper 1
• Studied by Higher and Standard Level students
• Pupils answer two questions from three questions on
the Core topics of Population, Resources and
Development.
• The examination is 1½ hours and contributes to
25% of the final grade for Higher Level students and
40% for Standard Level students.

Paper 2
• Higher Level students answer four questions and
Standard Level two.
• On this exam students have a choice of either a
structured question or essay question.
• The examination is 2½ hours and contributes 50% of the final grade for Higher Level students and 40% for Standard Level students.

Internal Assessment
• In Geography this is based upon a piece of fieldwork.
• Higher Level IB Geography students have a word limit of 2,500 words.
• Standard Level IB Geography students have a word limit of 1,500 words.
• This contributes 25% of the final grade for Higher Level students and 20% for Standard Level students.


Economics
Economics is concerned with the search for acceptable and rising levels of economic well-being. Individuals, businesses and governments must constantly make choices, and the use of economic theory and knowledge helps to ensure the appropriate choices are made to maximise society's welfare.
Emphasis in the IB course is placed on the issue of economic development, whilst other key areas of study include: supply and demand analysis, business economics, unemployment and inflation, balance of payments issues and exchange rates.
Students are taught not only economic theory but, importantly, how to apply that theory to the real world and to interpret actual economic data and events. Much of the syllabus is inherently contentious and students are encouraged to express their own view of the economic environment.
The course is assessed on the basis of the external examination and coursework. The exam comprises extended response, short - answer and data response style questions. Coursework contributes 25 % of the final grade (SL) and 20 % (HL).


Business and Management
Business & Management is designed to give students an insight into the most important areas of business management and organisation, and to allow them to become critical and effective participants in local and world affairs. Emphasis in the course is placed on the day-to-day business functions of marketing, human resource management, accounting and finance.
A variety of organisations are studied from both the private and public sectors, ranging from multinational corporations to small local traders. Students are encouraged to apply business tools and techniques in solving real life business problems. An understanding and appreciation of ethical dilemmas and social responsibilities facing businesses is also developed.
The course is assessed via a combination of the exam and internal coursework: 75%/25% for Higher and 80%/20% for Standard Level.

Group 4 - Experimental Sciences

Liverpool College offers the following subjects in Group 4, each at Higher Level or Standard Level: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Design Technology. Experimental work is fundamental to all the Group 4 subjects, and at least 40 hours at SL and 60 hours at HL is devoted to it. It is continually assessed and contributes 24% to the final grade. The work includes a mixture of short- and long-term investigations (such as practicals and subject-specific projects) and the Group 4 Project, an extended collaborative practical investigation that occupies at least 10 hours of time. The Group 4 project can be interdisciplinary for students who choose to study more than one science subject.


Biology
The Biology Department at Liverpool College is lively and interesting. There are two well equipped laboratories, three academic staff and a technician. The school grounds and nearby Sefton Park also provide an excellent resource for teaching and learning.

Biology is the study of living things. Biology at IB Diploma level is organised around four central themes: structure and function; universality versus diversity; equilibrium within systems; and evolution. This enables students to apply their limited knowledge of the living world and so gain a broad understanding of the field of biology. Success in Biology requires a lot of reading, dedication and thought. It is not the "simple" science. Biology is a demanding subject based firmly upon the scientific method but which also requires high levels of literacy and numeracy. The skills developed through the course will prepare students for a wide variety of careers or courses.

HL Biology students must be able to grasp scientific ideas quickly, and to cope confidently with the details and many technical terms. Studying Biology at HL enables access to a wide variety of careers and courses including the medical professions, genetic engineering, biochemistry, ecology and conservation.

SL Biology offers a smoother transition from GCSE, and is more suited to pupils with less of a scientific background. It is also somewhat less hurried. Studying Biology at SL will provide students with an understanding of important issues such as climate change and the ethics of GM crops, enabling them to be confident and informed global citizens.


Chemistry
Chemistry is a subject that is interesting, relevant and challenging. It affects nearly everything in our lives. Chemistry is also an ideal foundation for many careers: medicine, physiotherapy, dentistry, pharmacy, chemical engineering and environmental science. If you intend studying Chemistry or one of the above subjects at university, Chemistry HL will be an appropriate choice, whilst Chemistry SL is also accepted in some cases and is valued by other professions such as accountancy, business and law.

The core (which is common to HL and SL) contains stoichiometry, atomic theory and bonding, states of matter, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction and organic chemistry. The theory is well supported by practical work.

Additional HL material includes further study of the core topics. Options include more organic and physical chemistry, human biochemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical industries, fuels and energy and modern analytical chemistry.


Physics
Physics is crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond us. It is the most basic and fundamental science. Physics challenges our imaginations with concepts like relativity and black holes, and it leads to great discoveries, like computers and lasers, that change our lives.
Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. Moreover, it's the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and astronomy. Increasingly, physicists are turning their talents to molecular biology, biochemistry, and biology itself. Even medicine has a niche for physicists, and since medical physicists are hard to come by, they are much in demand.

Physics is also the basis for many new technologies. Mobile phones, the Internet, and MRIs are only a few examples of the physics-based technological developments that have revolutionized our world. Studying physics is also a stepping stone for engineering, a shortage subject.

IB Physics is a rigorous, mathematically demanding, practically based course. Core topics covered at KS4 are revisited at Standard Level and Higher Level, but are also covered in more depth. Quantum and Nuclear Theories are also looked at, which will stretch a student's concept of reality. At both SL and HL two options are studied, which will include Astrophysics. Students are assessed in three external examination papers, and internally on their practical work.

Those students who choose to study physics at Higher Level should seriously consider studying mathematics at Standard or Higher level in order to support the mathematical demands of the course

Design Technology
Design and Technology is concerned with peoples' needs and using acquired knowledge in the subject to solve their problems within a design context. Students will gain knowledge of materials and processes, develop design and presentation skills through an investigative, open-minded approach to the subject. The course will develop knowledge of designing and making by investigating, designing and creating products, and who will use them. Students will gain an understanding of the work and role of professional designers and the manufacturing industry. They will evaluate and analyse their own development, the use and lifecycle of products, the impacts of products, materials and manufacturing processes on society as well as focusing on the designer in the global marketplace and strategies for sustainable development.

The core areas that are covered include:
Designers and the design cycle
The responsibility of the designer
Materials
Manufacturing processes and techniques
Production systems
Clean technology and green design

The optional areas that are covered include:
Raw material to final product (SL)
Microstructures and macrostructures (SL)
Computer-aided design, manufacture and production (HL)
Invention, innovation and design (HL)

This programme assumes no previous knowledge of Design and Technology at Standard Level and is suitable for a non-science specialist as well as a student wishing to take a second science. Students wishing to study the subject at Higher Level should have ideally studied the subject at GCSE, however this is not essential.

Design and Technology can be studied at Standard and Higher Level. At both levels, practical design work is worth 36% of the final marks and at the end of the course, students will sit three examination papers, each with its own format.

Paper 1 (multiple choice): 20%
Paper 2 (based on core): 24%
Paper 3 (based on options): 20%
Investigations and project work: 36%

Group 5 - Mathematics

Mathematics can be viewed in a number of different ways. For example, some people see it as a well-defined body of knowledge, utilising reason and logic to prove certain results. For many people it is considered to be an extremely useful tool, as it can enter our lives through a number of ways: ordering items on the internet, reading a timetable, or painting a wall. Mathematics can also pervade many professions: musicians have to appreciate rhythms and the mathematical relationships between them; artists need to learn about perspective; business leaders need to recognize trends in financial dealings. Scientists use mathematics as a global language that enables us to understand events that occur in the natural world. Mathematics is prevalent in people's lives to a degree that justifies its compulsory inclusion in the International Baccalaureate.

We offer three different courses in Mathematics and great care should be taken when selecting, as each is designed to meet the needs of a particular group of students. You must consider your mathematical abilities, your interest in maths, your other IB subjects and future academic plans and career choices.

All courses require the use of a graphical calculator throughout the two years and it is essential that all students have their own from the beginning of the course. The Texas Instruments TI-84 plus is the device that will be used. It will be available to buy at cost price.

Mathematics Higher Level
Mathematics HL is for students with a very good background in mathematics who have gained an A* or A at IGCSE/GCSE Mathematics, together with a Grade C or better in Additional Mathematics. Students who are new to Liverpool College, who have not done Additional Mathematics and wish to be considered, will be assessed before the start of the course. This is a demanding course and most students will be expecting to include mathematics as a major part of their university degree course, either as a subject in its own right or within courses such as physics, engineering or technology.
The core topics are algebra, functions and equations, circular functions and trigonometry, vectors, matrices, statistics and probability and calculus. An option allows students to explore one area in more detail. There are three written papers, one non- calculator and two where the calculator is allowed. The portfolio (internal assessment) consists of two assignments on different areas of the syllabus and is worth 20% of the final marks.

Mathematics Standard Level
This is the more demanding of the two Standard Level courses and students should have at least an A at GCSE/IGCSE. Students may select this course to support a HL science course and will probably continue to use maths at university.
The course includes algebra, functions and equations, circular functions and trigonometry, vectors, matrices, statistics and probability and calculus. There are two written papers, one non- calculator and one calculator allowed (90 minutes for each) and the portfolio (internal assessment) consists of two assignments on different areas of the syllabus and is worth 20% of the final marks.

Mathematics Studies Standard Level
This is the maths course to take if you do not intend to continue with the study of mathematics but wish to gain the skills needed to live in our technological society. Students should have at least a grade C at GCSE/IGCSE. The course emphasises the manipulation of data and analysis skills. The core topics are an introduction to the Graphic Display Calculator, number and algebra, sets, logic and probability, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics, introductory calculus and financial mathematics. An individual project takes another 20 hours. Assessment is in the form of two written papers (90 minutes for each) and a project in which a mathematical topic chosen by the student is developed and extended. (20% of final marks).

Group 6 - Arts and Electives

Students select one subject from those described below, but may instead choose to a second subject from Groups 2, 3 or 4


Visual Arts
You will follow a structured programme designed to develop both practical and critical skills. You will be required to demonstrate how these skills can be used to create individual projects in a range of options offered by the department which include: oil painting and mixed media approaches, fashion and textiles, welded metal sculpture and digital photography. You will work in areas designated for specialist approaches within the department.

Previous experience of Art and Design to examination level is highly desirable. However, students may be allowed on the course with a portfolio that demonstrates potential in the subject. Otherwise, it is expected that students will have achieved between Grade A*-C at GCSE level.

You may choose to study at either Higher or Standard level. In each case you will be assessed on your practical studio work and also on the research books that you produce. These are written and illustrated journals which should show strong evidence of personal critical and historical research. They should also demonstrate the development of projects undertaken on the course. At Higher and Standard Level Option A, 30% of your grade is from the assessment of your Research workbook. The remaining 70% is from the external moderation of your final exhibition of studio work. You will also be interviewed by the visiting moderator as part of the assessment process.


Music
The course offers students an opportunity to develop their own skills in three main areas: performing, composing, aural and stylistic analysis. It also places the study of music in a wider cultural and international context through the study of set works and the investigation of music from non-European sources.

Students can choose their own programme of instrumental or vocal study, although advice from staff will be given as to how best to meet the requirements of final recording and assessment. Both solo and ensemble performance are compulsory. The College has a team of expert visiting tutors ready to coach students' performance at a high level in singing, most orchestral and band instruments including percussion, piano and organ.

Composing offers a large measure of imaginative and creative freedom within certain guidelines that assure technical competence and appropriate use of resources. A significantly greater emphasis on composition is a feature of the Higher Level. The Music Technology Department of Liverpool College is extremely well equipped with computer software and recording studio facilities essential in preparing and finalising recorded and correctly edited scores of students' original work.

The compulsory core of the IB syllabus includes the study of historical and stylistic genres through aural training and analysis. This is examined at the end of the course, and preparation is assured through regular timetabled sessions with music staff. In addition, the analytical study of a prescribed musical work has to be undertaken, as well as a significant piece of original research into an approved topic chosen by the student. This topic must have an 'international' focus in that it has to relate some aspect of the music of the European, or 'western', tradition to the musical, aesthetic, social and spiritual characteristics of other indigenous cultures.

The ability to read music fluently and to have a reliable working knowledge of basic theory, as well as competent performing skills (at least of Grade 5 standard of the ABRSM), is vital. Support classes are, however, available in the College for promising students who lack the necessary experience. Original composition and aural training require imagination, and a willingness to explore and to learn from a wide range of samples of music from the past and present; while original research demands the patient assembling of appropriate data, the ability to draw intelligent and informed conclusions with judicious and effective presentation.


Theatre Arts
Through drama you can become anyone, anywhere, at anytime. By understanding drama you can learn to understand anyone, anywhere and at anytime. Plays often capture the essence of a culture or a group within that culture. They reveal the attitudes and opinions of their day.

The Theatre Arts Course at Liverpool College offers the opportunity for students to understand the skill of an actor, playwright or director. Students are also encouraged to explore and experiment with a variety of theatre forms from different cultures throughout history. Ultimately, students will learn to appreciate that Theatre is a composite art, which incorporates a range of skills from the publicist to the designer who, together, have their role to play in the creation of live theatre.

This course is assessed as 50% internal assessment and 50% external assessment

The SL Theatre arts course is divided into four sections:

Performance Skills
Students are assessed on their practical approach to several staged productions.

World Theatre Studies
Students will explore two plays from different cultures to appreciate the international context.

Practical Play Analysis
Students must offer a prepared talk about a given play assuming a directorial role.

Theatre Production
Students will develop ensemble performance skills and learn to write informed critiques of live performances.

Portfolio The aim of the portfolio is for students to demonstrate their learning throughout the course in this reflective journal.

Individual Project (HL only)
A record of the candidate's development and findings on a specific aspect of theatrical interest.

It is possible for students to take this course without studying Drama at GCSE Level .It would appeal to those who have a real interest in literature and a desire to explore the nature of theatre from different perspectives.

To download a copy of the IB Diploma Calendar of Deadlones, May2011 please click here