INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
Elective Subject Selection for Year 9 2021
Students in Year 8 are currently undertaking a subject selection process to choose three elective courses to study in Stage 5 (Year 9 and 10). This is a wonderful moment for students to have a say in their learning, to select subjects that they are passionate about or wish to develop as a new area of interest.
Students may also look further ahead to consider how their Stage 5 courses impact senior study pathways. Generally speaking, the electives chosen in Year 9 and 10 will not limit options for subject choice in Year 11 and 12, in either the HSC or IBDP. There are a few exceptions that have been highlighted in the Stage 5 Subject Selection Handbook (available on the College website). The skills, knowledge and understanding developed in Stage 5 will form the basis for learning in the senior years, so considering possible links to senior subject choices may assist in this decision-making process.
The table below shows possible links between IBDP subjects and Year 9 courses. Additional considerations for each subject group has been included.
| IBDP Subjects | Links to Year 9 Courses | Considerations for the IBDP Pathway |
Group 1 English Language and Literature | English | Strong literacy skills are essential for success in the IBDP. |
Group 2 French ab initio Spanish ab initio French B | French
| Students who choose French in Year 9 must choose either French B (a continuers course) or Spanish ab initio (a beginners course) in the IBDP. |
Group 3 Business Management Geography Global Politics History | History Geography Commerce History Elective | Students will develop the skills essential for success in this IBDP subject group in their compulsory subjects. Elective courses complement these skills. |
Group 4 Biology Chemistry Design Technology Environmental Systems & Environments Sports, Health & Exercise Science Physics | Science PDHPE Industrial Technology PASS STEM | Students will develop the skills essential for success in this IBDP subject group in their compulsory subjects. Elective courses complement these skills. |
Group 5 Mathematics: Approaches & Analysis Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations | Mathematics | Strong numeracy skills are essential for success in the IBDP. Students must study Mathematics 5.3 in Year 9 and 10. |
Group 6 Music Visual Arts | Music Visual Arts
| IBDP Music requires strong performance and compositions skills. Students should choose Music if planning to study senior music. |
Core Creativity Activity Service (CAS) Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Extended Essay (EE) | Agriculture Child Studies Dance Drama Food Technology Graphics Technology Information & Software Technology Journalism Outdoor Education Photographic & Digital Media Textiles Technology | CAS requires students to engage in a range of one-off and ongoing experiences that challenge students to be creative, physically active and to serve their community. The learning in any elective course will be of benefit to CAS and could trigger a life-long passion.
Outdoor Education includes participation in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. Students can continue this award as part of CAS. |
If you require further advice on Stage 5 elective choices and the IBDP pathway, please contact me via email: Patricia.Humble@trac.nsw.edu.au
Patricia Humble
| Head of International Baccalaureate
