Language A Literature

This is a pure literature course in your native/best language where students develop understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism and it promotes the ability to form independent literary judgement. It covers a wide variety of texts such as poetry, short stories, graphic novels, drama and prose. This course will enable students to succeed in a wide range of university courses, particularly in literature but also in subjects such as philosophy, law and language.

Language A Language and Literature:

This course is your native/best language. Students study a broad range of literary and non-literary texts. Students investigate the nature of language and the ways in which it shapes identity and culture. Language and Literature is available as an HL and an SL course, following the same core units and texts. The core themes explore different writers, different places, and different types of texts, as well as the relationship between texts.

Language B:

Language B courses are designed for students with previous experience of this as a foreign language. The focus of the course is on improving language acquisition and skills through authentic materials such as magazine articles, films and podcasts as well as some literature. There are five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization and sharing the planet. Both SL and HL students learn to communicate in the target language in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

School Supported Self-taught Language A Literature:

This course is similar to the Literature A course but is designed for students whose native/best language is not offered as a taught subject in their school. Students should be motivated, independent learners. The school will provide guidance from an experienced IB Literature teacher and the student should find a language tutor to help with the particular study of their language. IB offers this only as an SL option.

Language A Literature

This is a pure literature course in your native/best language where students develop understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism and it promotes the ability to form independent literary judgement. It covers a wide variety of texts such as poetry, short stories, graphic novels, drama and prose. This course will enable students to succeed in a wide range of university courses, particularly in literature but also in subjects such as philosophy, law and language.

Language A Language and Literature:

This course is your native/best language. Students study a broad range of literary and non-literary texts. Students investigate the nature of language and the ways in which it shapes identity and culture. Language and Literature is available as an HL and an SL course, following the same core units and texts. The core themes explore different writers, different places, and different types of texts, as well as the relationship between texts.

Language B:

Language B courses are designed for students with previous experience of this as a foreign language. The focus of the course is on improving language acquisition and skills through authentic materials such as magazine articles, films and podcasts as well as some literature. There are five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization and sharing the planet. Both SL and HL students learn to communicate in the target language in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

Psychology:

Psychology is a science that explores behaviour and mental processes: how we think, feel, and act. Psychology is offered as an SL course and covers the cognitive, biological, and sociocultural psychological approaches and general psychological enquiry. Throughout the course we emphasise empirical studies and practical experiments, where students will both learn to conduct their own experiments and develop skills in working critically with psychological theories and studies.

History: 

Studying IB History gives you the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of different aspects of history from different regions of the world and across different time periods. At St. Olav we focus on the period from around 1860 to 2000, covering topics such as authoritarian states, 20th century wars and diplomacy in Europe.

Economics:

Economics is a social science characterized by interdependence, which focuses on human interaction for improving economic well-being, influenced and enabled by our values and natural surroundings. We study microeconomics (decision-making by individuals and firms), macroeconomics (decision-making in the whole economy), international economics and development economics.

Biology:

The 21st century will be defined by biology as this holds the key to solving many challenges our planet faces today: sustainable food production, ecosystem restoration, optimized biofuel production, curing diseases and improvement in human health. In the IB Biology course there’s an exciting opportunity to study cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and human physiology as well as to look in depth at neurobiology and behaviour, biotechnology and bioinformatics. The educational program combines theoretical and practical studies and will help you to acquire good knowledge in the main branches of biology and to develop the skills important to succeed in today’s world: critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity.

Physics:

The study of Physics helps us better understand the natural world. We discuss the impact of physics on society, the moral and ethical dilemmas, and the social, economic and environmental implications of the work of physicists. Physics covers everything from the smallest particles to the largest structures of the universe. We study topics from classical physics, mainly thermal physics, mechanics, waves and electricity, as well as modern physics and technology, including renewable energy and atomic, nuclear and particle physics.

There are two different types of mathematics course offered within the IB. Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches is designed for students interested in careers in the sciences, medicine, computer science or mathematics.  Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation is designed for students interested in the humanities, languages and business and offers a more practical approach.

Maths Analysis and Approaches:

This course is intended for students who wish to pursue studies in mathematics at university or subjects that have a large mathematical content; it is for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem solving and exploring real and abstract applications, with and without technology.

Maths Applications and Interpretation:

This course is designed for students who enjoy describing the real world and solving practical problems using mathematics, those who are interested in harnessing the power of technology alongside exploring mathematical models and enjoy the more practical side of mathematics.

Chemistry:

The IB Chemistry course covers 11 main topics incorporating a wide range of theory, skills and practical work. These topics are atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding and structure, stoichiometry, energetics and thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, redox processes, organic chemistry and measurement and data processing and analysis. In addition the student can choose to study in more detail between 4 options: materials, biochemistry, energy and medicinal chemistry.

Global Politics:

The global politics course explores fundamental political concepts such as power, equality, sustainability, and peace in a range of contexts and at a variety of levels. Students stay up-to-date with contemporary political issues, develop international mindedness and an awareness of multiple perspectives in any issue.

French B/German B/Spanish B SL:

Language B courses are designed for students with previous experience of this as a foreign language. The focus of the course is on improving language acquisition and skills through authentic materials such as magazine articles, films and podcasts as well as some literature. There are five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization and sharing the planet. St. Olav offers these courses as one year SL courses only and students are expected to have a good prior knowledge of the language.

A unique feature of the IB Diploma is the Core with the three mandatory components - the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and a programme of extra-curricular experiences called Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Programme. This core is compulsory and central to the philosophy of the Diploma Programme.

TOK:

Theory of Knowledge focuses on asking questions, listening to the perspectives of others, and forming evidence-based opinions to stimulate discussions with a wide variety of cultural viewpoints. It provides students with an opportunity to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know.

CAS:

Creativity, activity, service (CAS) is at the heart of the DP and aims to help the student find a balance with their academic demands. Studied throughout the Diploma Programme, CAS involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies. Students make their own programme and is not formally assessed.

EE:

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research in a subject and topic of your choice. This is beloved of university admissions as it is an excellent preparation for university and the type of assignments typical of university courses.

Source: International Baccaluareate subject guides