If you are a student or a child planning to attend the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the future, choosing the right subject is a big deal. You may feel overwhelmed and confused when you start your subject research but know that you will get there.
You are probably aware that an International Baccalaureate Diploma student must take all three Core components. The six subjects span a minimum of five different subject areas, out of which three will be Standard Level (SL) subjects, and three will be Higher Level (HL) subjects. Most Singapore international s schools offer more than just six subjects in the international baccalaureate Diploma Programme giving you the chance to select the combination of subjects that best matches your abilities, interests, and future ambitions.
The one thing that you do not have the privilege of is timing. Regrettably, schools do not ask students about their subject preferences and choices until the end of the academic year to determine the staffing, timetable, recruitment, and resources for the following academic year. On the contrary, they need this information beforehand to plan. Therefore, most schools ask students to choose their subjects around December of the academic year preceding the commencement of the international baccalaureate diploma.
Schools usually try to acquaint parents and the children with the subjects through information evenings or ‘marketplace’ events for students, where they are explained the course structure, content, and assessments to make informed decisions. Schools may also organize taster lessons to give students the chance to learn more about various IB subjects. Yet, despite these amazing events, you find yourself at crossroads when you need to make the final decision. You must give up almost half the subjects you currently study, choose between some completely new subjects, and most importantly because this choice is vital to your university applications. Choosing incorrect subjects at this stage can restrict your future university courses and destinations. This decision is key to planning your future life and thus needs due care and attention.
Here are a few tips for choosing subjects for an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
- Keep your university entrance in mind
When you choose your subjects, the first thing that needs to be given due consideration is your university. For instance, if you are interested in studying Economics at top UK universities, Mathematics at Higher levels is a prerequisite. Similarly, if you want to get into medical school and take Chemistry HL and Biology, engineering requires Mathematics HL and Physics; law school aspirants have advised English A HL because it demonstrates powerful writing and critical reading skills. If you are unsure about what you want to study yet, choose a mix of subjects that maximize your university options.
- Learn about subjects you are unaware of
If your school offers IB subjects you are not well versed with, get acquainted with them. Talk to the subject teacher, or IB Coordinator, borrow that subject textbook, talk to students studying that, or research the syllabus details. You may think you are not interested in a subject, but it may have more potential than you give it credit for – both from an interest and singapore school admissions standpoint.
- Choose a rigorous mixture of subjects and levels but ensure it is manageable
To ensure that as many university doors open up to you, you need to select a rigorous combination of subjects but ensure that you can manage them. If you overburden yourself, your grades will fall, so challenge yourself but not excessively. Opt for a subject or two that require you to go the extra mile and offset that ‘stretch’ with other manageable subjects. Some children think the ideal way is to opt for an effortless combination of subjects to maximize their scores; however, universities do not perceive that strategy as smart. They much rather you push yourself academically than score high marks.
- Know the difference between HL and SL
It pays to know what extra content and assessment are needed for an HL subject. For some subjects, the HL extension material is way more challenging and extensive compared to other subjects. It helps you decide what to take at HL and what to avoid. Those who have opted for Music, Design Technology, Theater, etc., need to account for more time on project work.
- Understand the assessment process for different subjects
All subjects that constitute an IB diploma are assessed through Internal Assessment and External Assessment. However, the balance varies from subject to subject. Subjects like theater and visual Arts do not have written exams; history has essay writing, and others such as Business management require short answers. If you know your strengths, you can choose subjects that play to your strengths.
- Limit the influence of redundant factors
Don’t go for superficial reasons to choose subjects such as your best friend taking the same subject or the teacher liking you. Such critical decisions cannot be based on these factors alone. Do not fall for rumors such as the teacher being mean, inability to score, or perceived difficulty.
Being as accurate as possible with subject selections will help the school to facilitate your choices in the timetable, so spend time choosing subjects tactfully to avoid disappointment later!
