Choosing Subjects in the Diploma Programme

Students choose courses from the following subject groups: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts.

Students may opt to study an additional sciences, individuals and societies, or languages course, instead of a course in the arts.

Students will take some subjects at higher level (HL) and some at standard level (SL). HL and SL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at higher level.

Each student takes at least three (but not more than four) subjects at higher level, and the remaining at standard level.

Standard level subjects take up 150 teaching hours. Higher level comprises 240 teaching hours.

At Bellerose, we offer courses the following courses within the six subject groups:

Subject group	Course	Level
1. Language and Literature	English Literature	HL
2. Language Acquisition	Spanish	SL (for beginners)
2. Language Acquisition	French	SL (with some prior exposure
3. Individuals and Societies	History	HL
4. Sciences	Biology	HL
	Chemistry	SL
	Computer Science	SL
5. Mathematics	Math: Analysis and Approaches	SL
6. The Arts	Visual Art	SL
6. The Arts	Film	SL

Example Subject Choices

Students can choose many varieties of subject combinations; a selection of the combinations that can be chosen by students are shown below. It is important for prospective students to review our IB guidebook to make sure that they are enrolled in the necessary prerequisite courses in grade 10.

Students can choose many varieties of subject options; a small selection of the many combinations chosen by students are shown below.

SL—standard level

HL—higher level

HL English: Literature

SL Spanish

HL History

HL Biology

SL Computer Science

HL Mathematics

HL English: Literature

SL French

HL History

HL Biology

SL Mathematics

SL Visual Arts

HL English: Literature

SL Spanish

HL History

HL Biology

SL Chemistry

SL Mathematics

THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

WHY BELLEROSE?