IB Diploma

& Course Descriptions

2015-2016

Busan International Foreign School

Guiding Statements

Vision
Our students will develop and pursue
their passions, be successful and contribute
to a positive global future.

Mission
We are a diverse, supportive and dynamic
international school that inspires and challenges
students to explore, discover and thrive in the
global community to which we belong.

We Believe
Students are to be at the center of all that we do.
Education is the shared responsibility of our entire community.
In being an independent non-denominational international family school.
In being unified and respectful in our diversity.
In providing the very best inquiry-based, relevant,
and experiential education for each student.
Students are to give back through community service.

Busan InternatIonal ForeIgn school

united in our Diversity, thriving in our Individuality

IB Diploma & Course Descriptions

2015-2016

Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at BIFs ........................................................................................ 3
IB subjects offered at BIFs ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
languages a and B : ...................................................................................................................................................................
language a - language and literature (sl and hl) .........................................................................................
language a school supported self taught literature sl ............................................................................
language B - english B (hl) ..........................................................................................................................................
language B - spanish B (sl and hl) .........................................................................................................................
language B - spanish ab initio (sl only) .................................................................................................................
language B - Korean B (sl and hl) ..........................................................................................................................

5
5
5
6
6
6
6

Individuals & society : ...............................................................................................................................................................

geography (sl and hl) ..................................................................................................................................................
Psychology (sl and hl) ..................................................................................................................................................
Information technology in a global society (sl and hl) .................................................................................
economics (sl and hl) ..................................................................................................................................................

7
7
7
7
7

experimental science : .............................................................................................................................................................

Biology (sl and hl) ........................................................................................................................................................
chemistry (sl and hl) ....................................................................................................................................................
Design technology (sl) ...................................................................................................................................................
Physics (sl and hl) ...........................................................................................................................................................

8
8
8
8
9

Mathematics : ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Mathematics (sl and hl) ............................................................................................................................................... 9
Mathematical studies (sl only) .................................................................................................................................... 9
the arts : ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Visual art (sl and hl) ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Music (sl and hl) ............................................................................................................................................................. 10
theory of Knowledge (toK), extended essay (ee), and creativity, action and service (cas) ..................... 10
theory of Knowledge ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
extended essay .................................................................................................................................................................. 11
creativity, action and service ....................................................................................................................................... 11
IB application ................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
checklist for BIFs IB Diploma Program application .................................................................................................... 13
considerations and expectations ......................................................................................................................................... 14
requirements and Process of acceptance/review ....................................................................................................... 15
letter of Intent .............................................................................................................................................................................. 16
2 Busan International Foreign school

Introduction
the purpose of this handbook is to offer parents, guardians and students an overview of the International
Baccalaureate Diploma Programme courses offered at Busan International Foreign school for grades 11
and 12. each year, the school reviews and examines the available IB courses and determines the most viable
and appropriate curriculum options. For the 2015-2016 exam cohort, the school has done everything
possible to take into consideration the potential and future plans of IB Diploma students, IB course students
and students in our own curriculum (that utilizes the content and pedagogical methodology of the Diploma
Programme) in order to provide a rich, holistic and international educational experience.
For further information, please refer to the International Baccalaureate organization website at
http://www.ibo.org, contact the BIFs IBDP coordinator or contact the individual subject teachers.

International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme at BIFS
the IB Diploma Programme provides the basis for our pedagogical approach and subject content in grades
11 and 12. as an IB World school, our students have the opportunity to partake in the IB Diploma
Programme or the IB Diploma courses program. each program provides a challenging, rewarding and
college-preparatory course of study where, upon successful completion and external moderation, students
may be able to apply for college or university credit at their tertiary institution.
the subjects are designated into six groups :
language a : native or Fluent language
language B : second language
Individuals and societies
experimental sciences
Mathematics
the arts
Most subjects are offered at standard level (sl) and higher level (hl) except where noted. the main
difference between the two courses is amount and level of content, assessment criteria and time allotted
for study of the subject. In all cases, higher level classes require more time, commitment and engagement
from the student. higher level classes are more likely to be accepted by colleges and universities as
undergraduate advanced credit.
If a student pursues the IB Diploma Programme, the student must abide by certain rules and regulations in order
to receive the full diploma. Please contact the BIFs IBDP coordinator or consult the IBo website for further details.

IB Diploma & course Descriptions

IB Subjects Offered at BIFS 1

the following IB subjects are currently offered at BIFs for the 2015-2016 testing cohort:
Grades 11 and 12
groups
groups

language a

course offerings

english a
language and literature

school supported selftaught literature

language B

english
language B

spanish
language B

Korean
language B

spanish ab
initio

Individuals &
society

geography

Psychology

Itgs

economics

experimental
sciences

Design
technology

Biology

chemistry

Physics

Mathematics

the arts

Korean a
language and literature

Math hl

Math sl

art

Math studies

Music

Please note : although BIFs makes every attempt to offer all subjects listed in this handbook, staffing, student interest, and resources may
not allow for a course to be offered for a particular cohort.

4 Busan International Foreign school

Languages A and B :
Language A - Language and Literature (SL and HL)
language a - language and literature courses are first language courses for students who intend to study
or work in that language after high school. two language and literature courses are offered at BIFs:
english and Korean. as the curriculum language, english language and literature is required for all students.
Korean language and literature is for students who wish to continue developing their academic language
in Korean and become academically bilingual.
the language a courses comprise of four parts - two relate to the study of language and two to the study
of literature. a key aim of the language a - language and literature course is to encourage students to
question the meaning generated by language and texts. helping students to focus closely on the language
of the texts they study and to become aware of the role of each texts wider context in shaping its meaning
is central to the course.
Wider aims of the courses are the development of an understanding of critical literacy. In view of the
international nature of the IB and its commitment to intercultural understanding, the courses do not limit
the study of texts to the products of one culture or of the cultures covered by any one language.

Language A School Supported Self Taught Literature SL

the language a courses comprises of four parts - two relate to the study of language and two to the study
of literature. students need to be proactive and highly motivated to make a success of this independent
course of study. It is required that students find a tutor outside of school. It is possible that the school may
be able to help find a tutor, but it is not the responsibility of the school to do so. the tutor will be paid by
the parent. the school will help the tutor by providing the appropriate IBo materials, such as syllabus and
literature-in-translation lists. the ideal tutor will be familiar with the IB program and preferably in country.
however, students have had success working with online tutors from another country who are experienced
IBo teachers.
self-taught course aims to encourage students appreciation of literature, to develop their capacity to read
responsively and to give you the tools necessary to discuss and analyze literary texts. In this course students
will explore techniques for reading responsively, key aspects of literary texts, terms and concepts useful for
literary analysis, and the fundamental formats of literary commentary and analysis (close reading,
commentary, essay).

IB Diploma & course Descriptions

Language B - English B (HL)

english language B is a second language course designed to further develop students literacy skills and
improve their academic english skills across other subject areas. the focus of the course is on language
acquisition and the development of the four areas and skills of communication: listening, speaking, reading
and writing. In addition, the course strives to expose students to a range of english texts and experiences
in order to expand and enhance their knowledge and understanding of how language is used in a variety
of contexts.

Language B - Spanish B (SL and HL)

spanish language B is a second language course designed for students with a minimum of 1-2 years of
previous experience in the language and who have achieved a reasonable level in that time. the focus of
the course is on language acquisition and the development of the four areas and skills of communication:
listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition, the course strives to expose students to a range of
spanish texts and experiences in order to expand and enhance their knowledge and understanding of the
multiple cultures, civilizations, societies and traditions of spanish speaking people from around the world.

Language B - Spanish ab initio (SL only)

spanish ab initio is a course designed for any student who would like to learn a new language. no prior
experience or learning is necessary for the ab initio course. In the two years of study, students can be
expected to have a solid foundation of language skills for further development in a social and academic
context.

Language B - Korean B (SL and HL)

Korean language B is a second language course designed for students with a minimum of 1-2 years of
previous experience in the language, who have achieved a reasonable level in that time. the focus of the
course is on language acquisition and the development of the four areas and skills of communication:
listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition, the course strives to expose students to a range of
Korean texts and experiences in order to expand and enhance their knowledge and understanding of the
multiple cultures, civilizations, societies and traditions of Korean speaking people from around the world.

6 Busan International Foreign school

Individuals & Society:

Geography (SL and HL)
the IB geography course engages students in interrelationships between people, places, spaces and the
environment by developing a concern for human welfare and the quality of the environment, and an
understanding of the need for planning and sustainable management. By developing a global perspective
of diversity and change, the subject analyzes contemporary issues and challenges from a geographical
point of view.

Psychology (SL and HL)

IB Psychology aims to develop an awareness of how research findings can be applied to better understand
human behavior and how ethical practices are upheld in psychological inquiry. By understanding the
biological, cognitive and socio cultural influences on human behavior, students explore multiple
explanations of why humans behave the way they do. In addition, the course attempts to develop a
students critical and methodological awareness of the discipline and how psychological research
contributes to our knowledge and understanding of the world.

Information Technology in a Global Society (SL and HL)

Itgs explores the advantages and disadvantages of information technology locally, nationally, and globally.
the course provides an introduction to computers and computer applications including the study of word
processing software, spreadsheets, web-page development, internet apps and devices, multimedia, and
databases. the course aims to give students a framework to make informed judgments and decisions
about the use of information in the digital age.

Economics (SL and HL)

the economics course at BIFs focuses on the concept of scarcity and the problems associated with resource
allocation. through the development and formulation of economic theories and questions, students apply
their understandings to real-life situations and scenarios that are historical, geographical, psychological,
sociological and political. topics include the study of Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International
economics and finally, Development economics.

IB Diploma & course Descriptions

Experimental Science:
Biology (SL and HL)
the Biology course aims to encourage the scientific study of biological and environment processes in order
to provide the knowledge, methods and techniques necessary for students to analyze, synthesize and
evaluate information. thus, the course is both scholarly and experiential through laboratory work, class
study and group projects. the course seeks to encourage a global, that promote, regulate and administer
scientific study in Biology and beyond.

Chemistry (SL and HL)

chemistry at BIFs seeks to illuminate how the study of chemical principles forms the foundation of, and
connection between, the physical environment and biological processes. students will cover a range of
topics including quantitative chemistry, atomic structure, periodicity, kinetics and organic chemistry. through
both study and practical work, students gain an understanding and appreciation of how chemistry relates
to a larger, real-world context and their lives.

Design Technology (SL)

Design technology at BIFs seeks to teach students not only design and technology, but also how to adapt
to new experiences and how to approach problems with the appropriate skills and techniques to identify
the problems important elements and develop optimum solutions. It assumes no previous experience in
either design technology or designing. the process is divided into the following stages :
analysis of a design opportunity
conceptual Design
Development of a detailed design
testing and evaluation
the incremental process allows the designer to go from identifying a design opportunity to the
testing and evaluation of a solution. the process leads to invention. at the higher level, the following
two stages are added.
commercial production
Marketing strategies

8 Busan International Foreign school

Physics (SL and HL)

as a fundamental component to the experimental sciences, the Physics course seeks to introduce and
explain the basic elements to understanding our universe: from the smallest particles to the vastness of
the galaxies. this involves the study of complex interactions of matter and energy. students will be provided
with a survey of the physical laws pertaining to classical newtonian mechanics, wave motion and
interference, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and einsteinian relativity. through theoretical
investigation, historical conceptualization and practical experimentation, students develop a broad,
sophisticated understanding of physics as a human endeavour that continually influences technological
and sociological development throughout the world.

Mathematics:
Mathematics (SL and HL)
Both the Mathematics sl and hl courses are designed for students with a strong interest and background
in mathematics. as well as being competent in a range of analytical and technical skills, students need a
strong work ethic. Most students completing these courses will have an expectation of using a reasonable
level of mathematics for their future study and, especially for hl students, as a major component of their
university and career aspirations. Both sl and hl courses work through traditional areas such as algebra,
trigonometry, statistics and calculus. they are strong candidate courses for university credit.

Mathematical Studies (SL only)

Mathematical studies, this course is a standard level course and carries the same value! It provides students
with a functional, practical understanding of mathematical principles and their application to the everyday
world. the course aims to link and apply mathematics to real-life contexts and situations through the
students other subjects, common world occurrences and topics related to home, work and leisure activities.
Projects and personal research form the basis for mathematical investigation, which enables students to
create their own understanding of mathematics, guided and supported by their teacher.

IB Diploma & course Descriptions

The Arts:
Visual Art (SL and HL)
Individual artistic exploration and theoretical development are the hallmarks of the IB Visual art program
at BIFs. through the critical study of artists, movements, and practices, students form the foundation
necessary for the furthering of their own techniques, styles and mediums. students may choose different
options that balance studio work with a research based notebook at both the sl and hl level that meets
their current and future artistic needs.

Music (SL and HL)

BIFs Music at the IB level provides students with a greater knowledge and appreciation of a wide range of
musical traditions from Western to International to Popular. Designed as an ab initio course, students
may enter the program with little to no previous musical instruction but do need a strong interest and
desire to learn music.
the class work is related to musical perception and analysis, individual and group work developing
performance and composition skills, and independent research. students will be introduced to music from
a variety of cultures, styles and historical periods for analysis and musical perception.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE),

and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)
three core components form the connective, interdisciplinary foundation of the IB Diploma Programme :
theory of Knowledge, the extended essay, and creativity, action and service. students who participate in
the Diploma programme are required to complete each of the three components to a satisfactory standard
in order to be awarded the Diploma. students may be awarded up to three points for a combined score
from toK and the ee.

10 Busan International Foreign school

Theory of Knowledge
theory of Knowledge is a critical, interdisciplinary course based upon a central epistemological question:
how do we know what we know? through reflection, constructive dialogue, and critical study of multiple
ways in which we acquire knowledge (the Ways of Knowing: language, sense perception, emotion, reason,
imagination, faith, intuition, and memory), students develop an ongoing examination on the reliability,
variability, and historicity of knowledge in areas of Knowledge: mathematics, the natural sciences, the
human sciences, the arts, history, ethics, religious knowledge systems, and indigenous knowledge systems.
the theory of Knowledge course encourages students to expand their ideological positions, develop solid
argumentation skills and acknowledge multiple viewpoints, as well as the strengths and limitations, in the
human search for knowledge.

Extended Essay
the extended essay is an approximately 4,000 word, self-directed essay on a focused topic from one of the
Diploma Programmes subjects. as an in-depth research-based study, the essay promotes collegepreparatory research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. With the guidance of a
supervisor, students select their own topic as well as their approach to conducting the appropriate research
for the topic. the final product is a major piece of formally presented and assessed structured writing that
confirms a students scholarly abilities.

Creativity, Action and Service

In order to encourage students to partake in diverse activities outside of the classroom, the IB Diploma
Programme requires all students to participate in creativity, action and service. guided by eight learning
outcomes that foster reflection and personal growth, students should participate in a variety of creative
activities (art, music, drama or other areas where artistic conceptualization is at the forefront), action
activities (team sports, individual sports, personal activity goals, or other areas where the student is doing
or performing), and service activities (actions that provide a sense of giving without self-interest or
personal gain).
student-directed, cas activities are limited only by the imagination, skill and personal desire of the individual
participant. the cas supervisor supports students in their endeavours and facilitates the management of
the IB requirements and guidelines. students are encouraged to meet with the cas supervisor regularly to
seek out cas opportunities, to collaborate with other IB students and to ensure the eight learning outcomes
are met.

IB Diploma & course Descriptions

11

IB Application
Dear IB candidate,
Welcome to Busan International Foreign school. We are pleased that you have made the decision to
become a part of our family and look forward to assisting you in achieving your academic and personal
goals in a challenging, engaging and inclusive environment. as part of our curriculum, the IB Diploma
Program offers students an opportunity to broaden and develop their education for future academic study
at top institutions around the world. Due to this, the IBDP is a highly demanding program and requires a
strong academic background, dedication, and a formidable set of study skills. the following application
assesses a students academic background and qualities in order to provide the student and
parent/guardian with a realistic understanding of the prerequisites of the IBDP as well as to recommend
them the most suitable course of study here at BIFs.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Kind regards,

Daun c. Yorke
BIFs IBDP coordinator & school curriculum Director
email: [email protected]

12 Busan International Foreign school

Checklist for BIFS IB Diploma Program Application

First name :

___________________________________________________

Family name :

___________________________________________________

IB Application Required Items :

IB Diploma application Form
letter of Intent form
IB course selections form (online through google Forms)

If continuing from BIFS :

teacher recommendations for proposed higher level courses
(see internal teacher recommendation form)

If applying from outside of BIFS :

academic transcripts of grade 9 and 10 and/or Igcse scores
two teacher recommendations attesting to academic ability
(you may use the teacher recommendation forms attached here)

IB Diploma & course Descriptions

13

Considerations and Expectations

as a highly demanding course of study, the full IB Diploma Program requires a number of considerations
for both parents/guardians and students. students and parents/guardians who wish to pursue the DP
Program should take into account the following:
1. commitment : students should be committed to completing the full two-year course at BIFs. since every
school has the autonomy to choose its own subjects and how they are taught, moving from one IB
school to another midway through a course is complicated and, at times, unmanageable.
2. Independent, self-directed learner : the DP requires certain tasks (extended essay, cas) to be completed
with minimal support or direction from teachers or supervisors. students should reflect upon their abilities
to accomplish projects and tasks autonomously.
3. organization and effective time Management : one of the more challenging aspects of the DP is time
management and organization. IBDP students take 6 college preparatory course as well as theory of
Knowledge, write an extended essay of 4,000 words and participate in creativity, action and service.
students need to be able to manage their subjects, the work load, the assessment items and their extracurricular activities effectively.
4. homework expectations : the DP course requires a significant amount of content and learning tasks to
be covered as homework. students should expect between two to two and a half hours of homework
per night. although the IB team at BIFs will do whatever it can to minimize overloading students with
work, at certain busier points during the year, this homework load may increase significantly.
5. english Proficiency : although students pursue the development of two languages in the IBDP, english is
the language of instruction at BIFs. thus, students must have a level of academic english that provides
them the opportunity to engage in scholarly work in all subjects.

14 Busan International Foreign school

Requirements and Process of Acceptance/Review

students who wish to pursue the IB Diploma Program must display both the personal and academic
qualities required for an honours-level, college preparatory course.
automatic entry requirements
1. accepted application with statement of Intent and letters of recommendation
2. high academic standing: grade 10 transcripts / test scores (one or more may apply)
a. accredited high school : 3.5 gPa (if available)
b. Igcse : subject scores of B or better for sl entry / a or better for hl entry
c. MYP : overall score of 4.75. subject scores of 4 or better for sl entry / subject scores of 5
or better for hl entry
Provisional entry requirements
If a student does not meet the above criteria for automatic entry, the student may still enter the IB Diploma Program
at BIFs on a provisional basis at the discretion of the IB coordinator. the process for full acceptance is as follows :
stage one : Provisional entry (conclusion of 10th grade year / beginning of 11th grade year)
1. accepted application with statement of Intent and letters of recommendation by IB coordinator.
2. student and Parents/guardians meet with high school Principal, IB coordinator and college counsellor to
discuss process of acceptance and review of provisional entry. IB coordinator outlines the possible
options/outcomes for student.
3. academic review committee is notified of provisional candidate.
4. student registers for all classes as a full DP student and begins to undertake the core requirements:
cas, ee and toK.
stage two : academic review committee evaluation (end of 11th grade semester one)
1. at the completion of semester one, the academic review committee will meet to evaluate provisional
candidates at a time designated on the academic calendar.
2. students will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with consideration of the candidates semester one
achievements and behaviour. IB subject teachers, advisors, the homeroom teacher and the administration
provide input and feedback.
3. student and Parents/guardians will be provided a written recommendation 2 for a future plan of study at BIFs :
a. student is recommended to continue the IBDP Program unconditionally
b. student is recommended to consider the BIFs Diploma with IB certificates program
c. student is recommended to consider the BIFs Diploma program

note : all recommended routes allow for possible application to international institutions of higher learning.

IB Diploma & course Descriptions

15

Letter of Intent
In your own words, please describe why you would like to participate in the IB Diploma. Please note
that this is a formal writing sample. (Maximum 300 words)

I have written this statement without any assistance from others.

student signature : _____________________________________

16 Busan International Foreign school

Date : ____________

50 Gijang-daero, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, 46081, Korea

Ph : +82 51 742 3332
Fax : +82 51 742 3375
E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.bifskorea.org