About the IBDP

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a leading, internationally recognised and rigorous pre-university qualification—it is a symbol of academic excellence worldwide. The IBDP is offered at our St Peters Indooroopilly campus for our Senior School students. Our Primary Years students also follow the International Baccalaureate curriculum—the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP).

The IBDP aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, and who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. The Programme is particularly suited to students wanting to pursue tertiary studies. Senior School students can choose to study it as part of the multiple pathways on offer at St Peters—they study it instead of the QCE pathway or VET training. Before choosing this pathway, students have access to thorough guidance from our Career Guidance & Counselling teams.

For more information on the International Baccalaureate at St Peters, please contact our Indooroopilly Admissions team.

International Baccalaureate Aims

The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. Students are taught to be active learners, well-rounded individuals and engaged citizens who gain practical experience by being part of an international community. The IBDP encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and life-long learners who understand that people, with their differences, can also be right.

International Baccalaureate Curriculum

The IB Diploma emphasises high academic standards, critical thinking, intercultural understanding and respect for others. Its broad, challenging curriculum ensures students are provided with a range of skills and knowledge to equip them well for the complex and global community in which they live. Research has shown that IBDP students are well-prepared for university work and have a significantly higher retention rate than non-diploma students. Courses within the Programme have a global rather than local perspective, which students find stimulating and outward focused.

Subjects

Students who take part in the IBDP must study six subjects. These subjects culminate in assessment after two years and feature three special features to promote interdisciplinary study and thought. The subjects which students must undertake exist in six curriculum groups. One subject is chosen from each group*.

*Subject availability depends on demands and will be governed by class size policies.

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

• English A1: Language & Literature (SL/HL)

Group 2: Language Acquisition

• Spanish ab initio (SL): for students without prior experience
• Chinese B (Mandarin) (SL/HL)
• French B (SL/HL)
• German B (SL/HL)
• Japanese B (SL/HL)
• Other languages (tutorial basis for extra fee)

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

• Business Management (SL/HL)^
• Economics (SL/HL)
• Geography (SL/HL)
• History (SL/HL)
• Psychology (SL/HL)

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

• Biology (SL/HL)
• Chemistry (SL/HL)
• Physics (SL/HL)
• Sports, Excercise & Health Science (SL/HL)

Group 5: Mathematics

• Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (SL)
• Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL/SL)

Group 6: Arts

• Music (SL/HL)
• Visual Arts (SL/HL)
• Another subject from either group 2, 3 or 4

Subject Levels

Students complete at least three (and not more than four) subjects at a Higher Level (HL) and the remainder at a Standard Level (SL). HL hours total 240, while SL totals 150 hours. Students at St Peters will choose six subjects for Year 11 and then decide later in the year which of their subjects will be studied at a Higher Level.

The choice between two different levels in each subject allows students to pursue an intensive study of their preferred specialties, while still maintaining sufficient exposure to the other fields of knowledge to ensure that balance is achieved.

Compulsory Core Requirement

The following Compulsory Core Requirements are also followed as part of the IBDP at St Peters:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
• Extended Essay (EE)
• Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)

The interdisciplinary TOK course is designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. It challenges students to question and analyse and to develop rational arguments for their own viewpoints. This incorporates the Christian Studies requirement of Lutheran Education Australia (LEA).

The EE requires students to undertake original research and write an extended essay of 4,000 words. This offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints the student with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected in Higher Learning institutions.

CAS emphasises the importance of life outside the world of study. Students must spend significant time engaged in activities over the two years. Their time must be distributed evenly among the three areas (creativity, action and service). The College offers a wide range of activities for students to participate in, particularly through Sport, Music and the various clubs, groups and societies on campus. The CAS requirement enables students to share their special talents while developing awareness, concern and the ability to work cooperatively with others.