IB Diploma Subject Choices

2020 Worksheet
IB Diploma Subject Choices Workbook
For more information go to Moodle (click on ‘IB’, then ‘Pre-IB’ and then ‘IB Diploma Subject Choices’)

NAME:

TUTOR GROUP:

During Term 2 of Year 11 you are going to be asked to make some provisional subject
choices for the IB Diploma, and the point of this worksheet is to help you to explore ideas
and information that will help you to make these choices.

The reason we’re asking you to think about things now is so that you have time to do
some research, talk to your subject teachers and think carefully about your choices. The
choices you make are provisional and you will have time to change your mind if necessary
at a later stage.

PART 1 – IB SUBJECT CHOICES – PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS & CAREER INTEREST

 Identify your personal characteristics

 Identify a list of possible careers
 Investigate how to get into these careers (Qualifications, Work Experience etc.)
 Identify whether there are particular degrees and/or HL IB subjects that are either essential or
useful to enter into these careers

TASK 1 – INTRODUCTION:

Things to consider when making subject choices - answer a few simple questions to see
where you’re at in your thinking at the moment:

 What subjects do you enjoy The answer to these questions is usually linked as
studying at GCSE/IGCSE? students often do best in the subjects they enjoy.
 What subjects are you best Would you like to go on to study any of these
at? subjects at IB higher level? Are there other subjects
on offer at BISS that you would like to study?
 What might you like to This could be a subject that you can take at IB, such as
study at university in the Film or Mathematics, or it could be a subject that you
future? Don’t worry if you can’t take at IB like Archaeology, Anthropology or
don’t know yet. But if you Law, but where certain IB subjects might be either
have any ideas, write them useful or essential.
below.

 Do you have an idea of  For some careers, such as Medicine or Dentistry, it is

what career you might be essential for students to take particular degree or
interested in? If you have post-graduate degree course. These degrees may
any ideas, write them require students to take particular HL subjects at IB.
below. If not, don’t worry!  For other careers, rather than taking a specific degree
course, it may be important to have a degree, or
major, in a relevant field of study (so, for example, if
you wanted to work as a microbiologist, relevant
degrees, or areas of major study, could include
Applied Biology, Biological Sciences, or Microbiology,
amongst others).
 Some careers do not require students to have a
degree, or major, in any particular area.
TASK 2

Complete some short evaluation forms to identify your strengths, values and
motivations:

(a) Go to www.icould.com and click on the section that says ‘Take the Buzz Quiz’

What kind of animal are you?!

What are your strengths?

What might you be like as a boss?

(b) Go to http://www.myplan.com/assess/ and click ‘Careers Values Assessment’

You’ll need to sign up to get your results … you can use your school email address. For
the postcode put 20000

What are your top 3 work values?

1.

2.

3.

TASK 3

Complete an online careers quiz:

 Visit https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
 Click on ‘Take the Quiz’
 Complete either the ‘Career Planner’ or ‘Job Match’ Quiz

(you’ll need to register to get your results … it only takes a minute, and you can
use your school email address)
Make a note of some of the career suggestions:

TASK 4

Follow some of the career/job recommendations and investigate them further using
the links on the prospects.ac.uk website, then complete the ‘Research Log’

Research Log
JOB TITLES

What’s involved?
What are the main
responsibilities?

What are the relevant

skills?

Right for me?

What are the perks?

What are the

Challenges?

What qualifications
will you need? (e.g. a
specific degree?)

What employers have

opportunities?

Get started
What would you need
to do to prepare for a
job like this?
 USEFUL CAREERS WEBSITES AND LINKS

General careers advice:

www.prospects.ac.uk
https://www.brightknowledge.org/#categories
www.allaboutcareers.com/
www.plotr.co.uk
www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk - comprehensive info & advice including careers, jobs, courses & funding.

Getting ideas – career videos:

www.icould.com
www.careersbox.co.uk - videos of people talking about their career paths.
www.careerplayer.com - a range of videos where people describe their careers.

Careers questionnaires:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/planner
https://www.plotr.co.uk/game/
www.targetjobs.co.uk/careers-report
https://www.truity.com/test/holland-code-career-test

Checking job ideas – STEM subjects:

www.mathscareers.org.uk/
www.futuremorph.org/
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/
… and many many more through professional institutes and associations, e.g.
http://www.imeche.org/students-and-apprentices/students/

Checking job ideas – other subjects:

www.skillset.org/careers/ - creative industries

www.getintotheatre.org/ - theatre
www.routeintoradio.org/ - radio
www.languageswork.org.uk/ - languages
http://thegatewayonline.com/ - business and finance
http://l2b.thelawyer.com/ - for aspiring lawyers www.lawcareers.net/
www.InsideCareers.co.uk/bookstore - Guides to a range of business and finance related careers.
www.healthcareers.nhs.uk - Information on dozens of medical careers.
www.Lantra.co.uk - Information on many land-based and environmental careers.

General graduate job websites:

www.prospects.ac.uk
http://targetjobs.co.uk/
www.insidecareers.co.uk/
 PART 2 – IB SUBJECT CHOICES – UNIVERSITY ENTRY REQUIRMENTS AND MAKING YOUR CHOICES

 Investigating University options and entry requirements (GCSE, Language and HL

subject requirements).

 Information on making IB subject choices.

PRE-TASK READING - INVESTIGATING COUNTRY-SPECIFIC REQURIEMENTS

Different countries have different University Systems

The IB is recognised all over the world, but different educational systems may have different attitudes
towards the combinations of subjects that students take at IB.

In order to take some courses at some universities (for example in the UK, and elsewhere) particular Higher
Level subjects will be useful and others may be ESSENTIAL.

Some Examples:

UK – Many degrees are subject-specific, and some may require students to have taken particular
subjects at Higher Level. Please note, in Scotland, degrees last 4 years, with a broad-based degree
structure so universities will look for breadth of subject knowledge (with the exception of certain
degrees, including Medicine.)

USA - American universities will not stipulate which subjects to study and it is a personal choice, so
be sure to choose the subjects that you will do best in and that fit your academic / professional
goals. However, if you will be applying for a specialist institution such as MIT or Caltech for maths or
engineering, or to an arts institute, they will likely expect to see related subjects in your IB Higher
Levels. Similarly, most competitive universities will expect to see more ‘facilitating’ subjects (see
below), much like universities in the UK, and will look for academic rigour (have you chosen a
demanding course, or taken the easiest options?) However, the most important thing is that you do
well and can explain why you selected the subjects.

Europe – In Germany – alongside other requirements, students must take Maths or a Science
subject at HL.

Korea – where you have been educated has as much of a bearing on what universities you can apply
to as what you have studied.
 TASK 1

If you know which country or countries you are interested in studying in, you should investigate
whether there are specific IB subject choice requirements needed. Please note, there may be no
specific requirements needed for many countries.

Research tools: IBO website - http://www.ibo.org/university-admission/recognition-of-the-ib-

diploma-by-countries-and-universities/country-recognition-statements/ (link also on Moodle, or
google ‘IBO country recognition statements’)

Country of Study International Baccalaureate Subject Requirements

1.

2.

3.

PRE-TASK READING - CAREERS

If you have a specific area of study interest, it’s worth investigating what careers could follow on from a particular
degree OR area of major study. The research tools you need are included in the task below.
( https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree)

If you know what career you would like to follow, it is worth looking up the job or career you are interested in,
and working backwards to check what qualifications or other requirements are necessary for entry in the country
in which you hope to live/work. The research tools you need are included in the task below.
(https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles )

Are there particular IB subjects that are necessary for the degree you’re interested in?

PRE-TASK READING – DEGREE-SPECIFIC IB SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS

Some degrees require you to take specific subjects such as Maths at Higher Level. The Russell Group of
Universities (made up of the UK’s oldest, research based institutions) has published a guide called ‘Informed
Choices’ which gives plenty of detail on this topic. It also includes a list of ‘facilitating subjects’. Taking one or
more of these subjects at Higher Level can keep your higher education options open if you’re not sure of your
future plans.

Before making final choices this term, I would advise all students to visit https://www.informedchoices.ac.uk/

A pdf summary of information from this site can also be found on Moodle (click on ‘IB’, then ‘Pre-IB’ and then ‘IB
Diploma Subject Choices’.
 HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR IB SUBJECTS – PRE-TASK READING

A. Some students may know what exactly what they want to do in the future (e.g. become an engineer or
a vet).
B. Some students may roughly know the kind of area they might want to study or work in (Science, Arts
and Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages).
C. Some may have no idea at all.

A. If you know what/where you want to study, check out the entry requirements – look at individual
university websites, and more general, country-specific sites (e.g. ucas.com, petersons.com) A list of useful sites is
included at the end of this booklet. See task 2a on the next page.

B. Not sure yet and want to keep your options open?

The Russell group list what they call ‘Facilitating Subjects’:
 Mathematics and Further Mathematics
 English Literature (or Language and Literature)
 Physics
 Biology
 Chemistry
 Geography
 History
 Languages (Classical and Modern)

Taking one or more of these subjects at Higher Level can keep your higher education options open.
However, whilst it is possible to keep your options open to some extent, this really depends on the area of study or
work that you may want to go into and on where in the world you want to study. For example, taking a mixture of Arts
and Science subjects at Higher Level may provide a suitable preparation for many arts and social science courses in
many countries, but may make you less competitive for some science-based degrees.

If you are inclined towards the sciences/maths:

If you think you would like to study a sciences course at university but are unsure which one, consider taking two, and
ideally three of Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics at HL.

Most Biological/Life Sciences degrees are based on Chemistry and Biology

Most Physical Sciences Degrees involve the practical application of Maths and Physics.

If you are inclined towards the Arts or Social Sciences:

There is no set route. A range of subjects can provide good preparation, but one or more of the ‘facilitating’subjects
mentioned above at HL will be useful.

If you are inclined towards Languages:

There are many language degrees open to students who have studied one Language ‘B’ at Higher Level. Some students
will also emphasise their linguistic abilities by being taught in English if it is not their native language.
If you are inclined towards the Arts:
Music – HL Music will be important
Art – HL Art will be important
Drama – many courses do not require specific subjects
Please note - some subjects just don’t fit these categories – for instance an arts/science combination may be needed
for some degrees (e.g. Music, Maths and Physics for Sound Recording, History and Chemistry for Art Conservation, Art
and Maths for some Architecture courses)

C. Absolutely no idea!
Identify your strengths and take the subjects that you enjoy and that excite you. As long as you are not preventing
yourself from studying for a degree or following a career that you may be interested, most people do not regret doing
what they love.
TASK 2

Resources needed for this task can be found on Moodle - Go to Moodle/IB/Pre-IB/Year 11

IB Subject Choices

2 (a) If you know what degree/major/area of study you want to pursue:

 Investigate specific entry requirements for different universities and see if specific
subjects or admissions tests are required. Research tools: ‘Informed Choices’ on
Moodle (PDF pages 21-27) ; country-specific university websites (see list at back of
workbook)

 See what jobs/careers can follow on from this degree and what alternative routes
there might be to enter these careers. Research Tools:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/ and
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles This information is geared towards the
UK job market, but has lots of relevant information, wherever you are interested
in studying.

 Investigate alternative degrees that your HL choices might lead on to. Research
tools: ‘Ideas Generator’ (on Moodle)

 Complete Tables 1 & 2 overleaf

2 (b) If you’re not sure what you want to study or want to keep your options open:

 Read relevant section of Workbook (previous page)

 Look at the ‘Ideas Generator’ on Moodle. If you choose certain subjects at HL,
what DEGREES could they lead on to?

 Investigate specific entry requirements for different universities and see if specific
subjects or admissions tests are required. Research tools: ‘Informed Choices’
https://www.informedchoices.ac.uk/ ; country-specific university websites (see list
at back of workbook)

 See what jobs/careers can follow on from this degree and what alternative routes
there might be to enter these careers. Research Tools:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/ and
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles This information is geared towards the
UK job market, but has lots of relevant information, wherever you are interested
in studying.

 Complete Tables 1 & 2 overleaf

TABLE 1) Make a list of 8 degree areas of interest that your HL subject area could lead onto … investigate a few that
you might not have heard of

Degree Title

TABLE 2) Make a list of 8 degree areas of interest that your HL subject area could lead onto … investigate a few that
you might not have heard of.

Degree Title Entry Requirements: Careers that can Alternative routes

 IB subject requirements (if any) lead on from this into this career
 Admissions Tests (SAT/ACT/UKCAT) degree
 GCSE or Language Requirements
 FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Standard Level Courses

Take what you enjoy and what you feel will be useful, either for your other IB subjects, or for your
chosen degree subject.

A Note on Mathematics

For Maths-related courses, the more selective universities may require HL Maths. This applies to
Economics courses at the most selective universities, and many engineering courses.

A Bit of Self Knowledge

If you hate blood and have never thought about the subject before, it’s probably not a great idea to
choose HL Chemistry just in case you may one day decide that you want to study medicine!

If you like the idea of studying Economics at the London School of Economics, but, hand on heart you
don’t think Mathematics is your strongest suit, don’t choose HL Maths ‘just in case’ – it’s better to do
well at Standard Level and consider an Economics course that doesn’t require HL than it is to struggle
with (and possibly not do that well on) a Higher Level course. Talk to your Teachers ! They will
know what you are capable of and how best to excel.

Taking Four Higher Level Subjects

Students are not advised to take Four Higher Level subjects. However, some students may pick four HL
subjects at the start of Y12 and drop one HL to SL, either during Y12 or at the start of Year 13. This
may allow students who are having difficulty deciding between HL subjects the opportunity to make
an informed decision about which three subjects to continue with at HL in Y13. Institutions such as
the University of Oxford recommend that students do not take four HL subjects, but instead spend
their extra time on further reading, and more targeted engagement in the subject of their choice
(which is most relevant to the course to which they are applying). Last year, Duke and Princeton said
that taking 4 HL subjects was "not recommended.”

Additional Research

Visit Moodle – IB/Pre-IB/IB Subject Choices

(http://puxi.learn.nae.school/course/view.php?id=8517&notifyeditingon=1)

Detailed advice on IB choices from King’s College Cambridge (specific to this college only, and not to all
universities): www.kings.cam.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/entrance-requirements/ib-subjects.html
 USEFUL WEBSITES AND LINKS:

MOODLE: A wealth of Higher Education Resources all in one place:

http://puxi.learn.nae.school/course/index.php?categoryid=472

University Websites

The UK

 http://www.ucas.com/ - contains all the information you need for your application, including step by
step instructions and a ‘course search’ facility.
 http://www.prospects.ac.uk – excellent careers guidance site … go to ‘careers advice tab’, then click on
‘options with your subject’ to see what your university degree can lead on to.
 http://university.which.co.uk/ - the advantage of this site is that it lets you search for university courses,
using UCAS Tariff points as a parameter

Scotland:

www.educationscotland.gov.uk
www.studyinscotland.org

The US:
www.fulbright.org.uk The starting point for US study planning
www.collegeboard.org Information about SAT tests plus registration
www.petersons.com A guide to US colleges
www.commonapp.org The Common Application portal
www.Bigfuture.collegeboard.org

Canada:
www.educationau-incanada.ca Information about study in Canada
www.cic.ga.ca Citizenship and immigration
www.scholarships-bourses.gc.ca Scholarships available for study in Canada

Korea
www.studyinkorea.go.kr

Hong Kong
www.studyinhongkong.edu.hk

The Netherlands:
www.studyinholland.co.uk UK site specialising in HE in the Netherlands
www.studielink.nl/en Dutch application portal

France:
www.campusfrance.org/en Comprehensive information about study in France
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/france/studying-in-france/ Government site

Germany:
www.daad.de/en German Academic Exchange Service
Spain:
www.universidad.es/en/ Studying and living in Spain
www.uned.es Organisation converting international qualifications

Denmark:
www.studyindenmark.dk Information about university study in Denmark
www.en.iu.dk/ recognition Danish qualifications board

Sweden:
www.studyinsweden.se Information about university study in Sweden
www.universityadmissions.se Swedish application portal

Commonwealth:
www.acu.ac.uk Association of Commonwealth Universities
www.csfp-online.org Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Australia and NZ:

www.studyoptions.com Comprehensive information about courses
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au Database of higher education courses
www.studyinnewzealand.com Information about studying in New Zealand
www.educationpages.co.nz Government information about study in NZ

World rankings:
www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings
www.shanghairanking.com
www.arwu.org
www.topuniversities.com