Course programme
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma enjoys an excellent reputation at universities in Switzerland and abroad due to the high academic requirements. The curriculum consists of an academic and a non-academic component. The academic program is challenging and promotes critical and global thinking. Due to the international student body and the focus on social activities, UWC schools offer an optimal learning environment for the IB.
IB Subjects
The IB consists of six subject groups and students select one subject per group. Each subject can be chosen either at “Standard Level” or at “Higher Level”, with at least three subjects chosen at the “Higher Level”:
- Language and literature (mother tongue or best mastered language of the student)
- Foreign language
- Social sciences (history, business, economics or geography)
- Natural sciences (physics, biology or chemistry)
- Mathematics
- Visual or performing arts or music
In addition to the six chosen subjects, all students take the “Theory of Knowledge”and write a thesis (“Extended Essay”). Compared to a Swiss secondary school leaving certificate, fewer subjects are taught in the IB. This implies that students can study the subject matter more profoundly, stimulating independent exploration and promoting deeper understanding.