Today is course selection for our firsties! I wasn't planning on keeping count, however, my lovely co-year recently reminded us that are only 36 days left!
The common academic stream across all UWCs is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Students study one subject from each of the first five major IB groups (light blue on the wheel below) in addition to an Arts course OR an additional course in another category. With the exception of school-supported self-taught languages, you will take the same 6 courses in your second year as in your first year. In second year, students study three courses at the Higher Level and three at the Standard Level.
The program is also supplemented by three mandatory IB core subjects: a course in the Theory of Knowledge (a version of philosophy), an Extended Essay, and participation in Creativity, Action, Service (CAS).
Here are my selections:
Group 1: English A
Group 2: French B (HL)
Group 3: Biology (HL), Chemistry (HL)
Group 4: Economics (SL)
Group 5: Mathematics AA (HL)
Group 6: Forfeit arts for additional science
A little bummed I won't be able to take marine science (max 2 subjects per group) since both biology and chemistry are requirements for my post-secondary program of choice, but still very excited!
I'm currently undecided if I want to pursue French or Math at higher level next year, but I'll wait for the results of my language placement test and advice of my teachers :)
Before signing off, I should also mention the current situation/pandemic going on. Some of my international co-years are struggling to obtain study permits, and we've since learned that Pearson students will be required to complete 14 days of self-isolation in BC before arriving on campus.
Rumour has it that the college has booked a tower of individual rooms at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Victoria. There's a lot of worry about how this will all be funded (a really controversial issue right now) and the lack of opportunity to go to town for supplies or CAS activities during first semester. I'm not exactly sure what to make of all the politics just yet, but I know I can't wait to see what Pearson has is store!
More about the IB at Pearson: https://www.pearsoncollege.ca/student-experience/international-baccalaureate/academic-courses/
Applying to UWC? Further questions? Reach out - I'd love to hear from you!
Until next time,
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