IB SUBJECTS GROUP 6
FILM
(HL & SL)
IB SUBJECTS GROUP 6
MUSIC
(HL & SL)
THEATRE
(HL & SL)
Film is one of the three universal languages, the
other two: mathematics and music.
– Frank Capra, Director
The IB film course explores the powerful
medium of the moving image and associated
technologies.
Course aims and content:
This is both a theoretical and practical course,
aiming to develop pupils’ ability to both read and
create texts. Through the study of a range of
texts, as well as experimenting with their own
works, pupils will critically explore the context
and theory of films and film-making. They will
appreciate the changing dynamics and subtexts
of cultures across time and space, develop skills
in teamwork and leadership as they work on
making their own films and they will explore
philosophical questions through art and criticism.
Course assessment:
Prospective pupils will be expected to have
studied a suitable music curriculum up to
age 16 (ideally GCSE, IGCSE or equivalent)
and have an instrumental capacity equivalent
to ABRSM grade 6 on an instrument or voice.
Pupils must have individual instrumental or
vocal tuition throughout the two-year IB
course.
Course aims and content:
This course enables pupils to develop their
musical skills through solo performance and
composition, to develop their perceptual
skills in response to a wide variety of music
(classical, jazz etc.) and to explore the
diversity of music throughout the world.
Pupils also undertake an investigation into a
topic of their choice consisting of no more
than 2000 words. This course assists pupils in
developing their potential as a musician, both
personally and collaboratively.
Course assessment:
The course assessment comprises of: Internal assessment (50%):
– Independent study: A rationale, script and
annotated list of sources for a documentary
production based around a particular interest.
(25%) – SL: A choice of either a presentation of one
or more solo recitals of approximately 15
minutes, or a presentation of two public
group performances of 20-30 minutes, or two
contrasting compositions (composing, music
technology composing, arranging, improvising
or stylistic techniques) with recordings, score
and written statement.
– Oral presentation: A detailed textual analysis
of an extract from a prescribed film set by the
teacher. (25%)
– One completed film project: A short film
including an associated trailer, rationales for
the film and for the trailer, and a written
commentary exploring the process of making
the film. (50%)
– HL: A presentation of one or more solo
recitals of approximately 20 minutes, three
contrasting compositions with recordings,
score and written statement.
External assessment (50%):
A 2000-word musical links investigation
(20%), and:
Listening paper (30%)
– SL: Five musical perception questions, two
questions on prescribed musical work, one
on western art music and one on jazz, pop or
world music.
– HL: Seven musical perception questions, two
questions on prescribed musical work, two
on western art music and two on jazz, pop
or world music, plus additional analysis of
western art music.
The IB Diploma Programme theatre course is
a multifaceted theatre-making course of study.
It gives pupils the opportunity to research and
make theatre as creators, designers, directors
and performers, and emphasises the importance
of working both individually and collaboratively
as part of an ensemble.
Course aims:
Theatre is a dynamic, collaborative and live art
form. It is a subject that encourages discovery
through experimentation, the taking of risks and
the presentation of ideas to others. It results in
the development of both theatre and life skills;
the building of confidence, creativity and the
ability to work collaboratively.
Course content:
Pupils experience the course from
contrasting artistic perspectives. They learn to
apply research and theory to inform and
to contextualise their work. The theatre course
encourages pupils to appreciate that through the
processes of researching, creating, preparing,
presenting and critically reflecting on theatre
(as participants and audience members) they
gain a richer understanding of themselves, their
community and the world. The assessment
of this course at both HL and SL is through
presentation and portfolio, based on explored
topics. Although practical theatre is explored
throughout, there is no grade for performance
within the course as the work undertaken is
used to inform research. Pupils will explore
the core syllabus of theatre in context, theatre
processes and presenting theatre.
Assessment % of
Final score
(HL) % of
Final score
(SL)
Solo theatre piece (HL ONLY) 35% –
20% 35%
20% 30%
25% 35%
The piece of theatre that you create will be a maximum of 8 minutes
long. This will be filmed, and an unedited clip will be submitted.
Alongside this you will submit a 3000-word (maximum) report that
considers the aspect of the theory you chose, your performance, the
direction of the piece and (if appropriate) the creation of your piece.
Director's notebook
You will create a notebook that is no longer than 20 pages, which
highlights your directorial intentions of staging a play chosen by you.
You will never actually create the performance so let your imagination
run wild!
Research presentation
For this assessment, you will choose one practice from the
prescribed list provided by the IB and explore the practice practically
and physically. It should be a practice that is unfamiliar to you.
Subsequently, you will deliver a 15 minutes (maximum) presentation
to your peers, which will be filmed.
Collaborative theatre project
You will create an original piece of theatre with a group (minimum
of 2 persons, maximum of 6 persons per group). The piece will be
13-15 minutes in length. You will submit a process portfolio, to a
maximum of 15 pages. This documents your own approaches and
skills in detail.
The theatre course at both SL and HL is
best suited to pupils who have achieved
A*– B in IGCSE drama.
Course assessment:
All pupils will undertake three assessments
in the second year of the programme, with HL
pupils undertaking one further assessment. This
is the only difference between HL and SL.
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