The IB Diploma Programme
Westminster Academy is proud to offer the internationally acclaimed IB Diploma. Studied in over 5400 schools, 159 countries and recognised by universities across the world, the Diploma is widely seen as a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual rigour.
The appeal of the IB Diploma is based on the philosophy of the programme; foreign languages, international-mindedness and service learning are combined with a sustained focus on thinking skills, academic writing and subject specific rigour. It is a challenging programme, but each year we see our IB Diploma graduates leave WA as mature, resilient, knowledgeable, principled and capable individuals, well prepared for the challenges of studying at university.
Students study six subjects (one from each of the disciplines below) to achieve a well-balanced curriculum. Three subjects are taken at higher level (HL) and the other three at standard level (SL). Higher Level subjects include a wider range of modules to allow students to study the course in more detail and develop more specialised knowledge.
In addition, students study the IB Core, an exciting feature of the programme which challenges students to broaden their experience beyond the curriculum, and to apply their knowledge and skills.
Typical IB Diploma course offerings*
* The final courses that run each year are dependent on student interests and timetabling constraints
Group 1
English Literature
English Language and Literature
Group 2
Spanish
French
German
All languages are offered in standard level, higher level and Ab Initio
Group 3
Business Management
History
Economics
Group 4
Biology
Environmental Systems and Societies
Physics
Chemistry
Group 5
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations
Group 6
Visual Arts
Or an additional subject from Group 3 or Group 4
The IBDP Core
CAS
Extended Essay
Theory of Knowledge