The programme of IB presents itself as a hexagon with a core.

In practical terms, that means a pupil:

1. studies six subjects - hence the hexagon - three of them at Higher Level and three of them at Standard Level.
2. must choose one subject from each of the first five groups and then he can choose either a subject from Group 6 or a second subject from one of Groups 2 to 5. It is this which provides the opportunity for specialisation. The subjects that we plan to offer are in brackets.

• Group 1: Language A [English]
• Group 2: Second Language [French, German, Spanish, Latin, Greek or, from scratch, Italian, Spanish, German]
• Group 3 Individuals and Societies [Economics, Business and Management, Philosophy, Geography, History]
• Group 4: Experimental Sciences [Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Design and Technology]
• Group 5: Mathematics: there are varying levels, in order of increasing difficulty, Maths Studies, Maths Standard Level, Maths Higher Level, Further Maths Standard Level
• Group 6: The Arts [Visual Arts, Music, Theatre]

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): this is a fundamental part of the course, designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives.

Extended Essay: every IB pupil has to write an essay of 4,000 words on a subject entirely of their own choice.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS): this programme encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work, thus fostering students' awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena.