Subjects Offered at Concordian
Diploma candidates select six subjects, one from each of the six groups. At least three, and no more than four, are taken at Higher Level (HL), with the rest at Standard Level (SL). HL courses are taught over 240 hours and SL courses over 150 hours. Within each group, the subjects below are offered at both SL and HL except where indicated.
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
- English, Thai or Chinese: Literature, or Language and Literature (SL/HL)
- A self-taught SL option in the student’s native language is also possible
Group 2: Language Acquisition
- English B (HL)
- Mandarin ab initio (SL)
- Mandarin B (SL/HL)
- Other Group 2 languages may be possible through an online option
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- Business and Management (SL/HL)
- Psychology (SL/HL)
- Geography (SL/HL)
- Economics (SL/HL)
- History (SL/HL)
- Information Technology in a Global Society, ITGS (SL/HL)
- Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
- Biology (SL/HL)
- Chemistry (SL/HL)
- Computer Science (SL/HL)
- Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)
- Physics (SL/HL)
Group 5: Mathematics
- Mathematics HL
- Mathematics SL
- Mathematical Studies SL
Group 6: The Arts
- Theatre (SL/HL)
- Visual Arts (SL/HL)
- Film
Prerequisites and Pathways
A handful of prerequisites apply to the language and mathematics groups, so that every student is placed at the right level to succeed.
Languages: Groups 1 and 2
Students must be enrolled in English Language and Literature (LL) in Grades 9 and 10 to be eligible to take DP English Literature, or Language and Literature, at SL or HL.
A student entering Language Acquisition (LA) in Grade 6 must exit LA at the end of Grade 8 and enter LL in Grade 9 to be eligible for English in Group 1.
Students in LA in Grade 10 are eligible for DP English B (HL) in Group 2. In that case their Group 1 language must be Thai or Chinese Literature, or Language and Literature (SL/HL).
Students who take two languages in Group 1 (English with Thai, or English with Chinese) are eligible for a Bilingual Diploma and need not select a Group 2 subject, unless they wish to study a third language.
Candidates may not take Mandarin ab initio if they have previously studied Mandarin for two to five years.
Mathematics: Group 5
The courses offered are Math HL, Math SL and Math Studies SL. The pathways from MYP mathematics into the DP are:
- G9 Extended → G10 Extended → G11 and 12: Math HL or Math SL
- G9 Standard → G10 Extended → G11 and 12: Math HL or Math SL
- G9 Extended → G10 Standard → G11 and 12: Math SL or Math Studies SL
- G9 Standard → G10 Standard → G11 and 12: Math SL or Math Studies SL
Placement tests may be given in Grade 10 to determine the level of Math a DP candidate takes.
The Diploma Core
Beyond their six subjects, every Diploma candidate completes three core requirements that give the IB its distinctive depth.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Theory of Knowledge is an internally and externally assessed interdisciplinary component that explores the different concepts of knowledge found across the subject areas. Because Diploma students study six subjects at once, TOK teachers can, for example, ask students to compare a historian’s approach to problem-solving with that of a scientist or an artist.
TOK is central to the educational philosophy of the IB. It challenges students and teachers to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing (How do we know?) and on the areas of knowledge (What do we know?). It encourages students to become aware of themselves as thinkers, to appreciate the complexity of knowledge, and to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world. TOK is composed entirely of questions, the most central being: “How do I, or how do we, know that a given assertion is true, or a given judgment well founded?”
Extended Essay (EE)
The Extended Essay is an externally assessed, independent research assignment of 4,000 words on a topic of the student’s choice. The topic need not be drawn from one of the six subjects being studied.
The EE is an in-depth study of a limited topic within a subject. Its purpose is to give students the opportunity to engage in personal, independent research and to communicate ideas and information in a logical, coherent way. Students choose their own topic within the framework set by the IBO and are guided by a supervisor.
Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)
Creativity, Action and Service develops the whole individual through involvement in creative, physical and service activities within the local community. CAS gives students real-life experience beyond the classroom.
It takes seriously the importance of life outside the academic world. Taking part in CAS encourages students to share their energy and talents while developing awareness, concern, and the ability to work cooperatively with others. Its spirit is to stretch students and help them build a value system that supports their personal growth, fostering attitudes and values that transcend race, religion, gender and politics in the pursuit of international understanding.
