East IB summer planning guide (August 2023)

Overview of the IB Diploma Programme

This guide is designed for students and parents to help in the transition to UWCSEA East IB programme.

All available subjects that can be studied at UWCSEA East are here and Heads of Departments and teachers of these subjects have made suggestions about possible books, readings, podcasts, videos, questions to ask yourself etc., that may help in preparations for the first term and beyond. To be successful in the IB programme, it is very important that students develop independent study habits and reading skills. There is also significant research that informs us about the difference in students’ academic achievements between those who do and those who don’t read over long breaks between grades. In addition, many of these links provided allow students to immerse themselves in and connect to the worlds and ideas created and described by others, leading to a development of multiple perspectives. On top of this, students will remain informed of important events and issues within their chosen subjects.

You will notice that none of the subject areas have given out the curriculum or syllabus lists for the year. There will be more than enough time to focus on this during term time. The school holiday prior to Grade 11 is for preparation, reflection, resting and having a good time before school starts.

Hopefully there is something in these pages that piques your interest, but remember these are only suggestions. The most important thing is to come to school in August refreshed, prepared and excited about seeing old friends and/or meeting new ones.

What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond.

A brief history of the IB Diploma Programme:

The IB Diploma Programme was established in 1968 to provide an international education that would enable young people to better understand and manage the complexities of our world, and to provide them with the skills and attitudes to take action to improve it. Such an education was rooted in the more progressive educational thinking of the time but also in the belief that the world could be made better through an education that focused on concepts, ideas and issues that crossed disciplinary, cultural, national and geographical boundaries.

The aim of the IBDP is to develop internationally-minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.