IB Individuals and Societies
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Individuals and Societies is a compulsory part of the International Baccalaureate that “encourages learners to respect and understand the world around them”. Encompassing multiple disciplines, Individuals and Societies requires students to investigate “historical, contemporary, geographical, political, social, economic, religious, technological and cultural factors that have an impact on individuals, societies and environments” in both local and global contexts.
Middle Years Programme
MYP individuals and societies encourages learners to respect and understand the world around them and equips them with the necessary skills to enquire into historical, contemporary, geographical, political, social, economic, religious, technological and cultural factors that have an impact on individuals, societies and environments. It encourages learners, both students and teachers, to consider local and global contexts. MYP individuals and societies incorporates disciplines traditionally studied under the general term “the humanities” (such as history and philosophy), as well as disciplines in the social sciences (such as economics, business management, geography, sociology and political science).
The IB’s approach to individuals and societies includes a strong focus on enquiry and investigation. Students collect, describe and analyse data used in studies of societies, test hypotheses, and learn how to interpret increasingly complex information, including original source material. This focus on real-world examples,
research and analysis is an essential aspect of the subject group.
Diploma Programme
Diploma students at Halcyon can choose History, Geography, Economics, or Environmental Systems and Societies for their Group 3 studies of Individuals and Societies. Additional online courses are available on request. The Diploma Programme curriculum enables each student to “to collect, describe and analyse data used in studies of society, to test hypotheses, and to interpret complex data” as they develop their awareness and appreciation of the diversity of human attitudes and beliefs. In the Diploma Programme, students are challenged to recognise that “the content and methodologies of their subject are contestable”: that they should take a critical, nuanced and balanced approach to the insights that they gain.
Our Individuals and Societies teachers collaboratively develop units that boost students’ subject knowledge and contextual understanding, as well as skills of data interpretation, analysis, argument and synthesis.
Enrichment Opportunities
Model United Nations
Our Model United Nations students delve into the core of international political debate. MUN students have the opportunity to attend the annual MUNISH Model United Nations trip to the Hague, where participants each represent a nation and create links with students in international schools across the world.
Debate Club
Debate Club familiarises participants with the range of concepts that underpin the British Parliamentary Style, a form of debate that takes place in the House of Commons. Learning how to carefully shape and present their arguments on topics ranging from human nature to the legal system, Debate Club also supports students in essay writing and is an impressive super-curricular for university applications.
Our Individuals and Societies Team
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Entry Requirements
& Applying
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Halcyon welcomes enquiring minds, challenging questions and unique perspectives. Arrange a visit, see it in action and experience a Halcyon welcome.
Academics
An innovative curriculum that encourages academic curiosity. Classrooms where challenging questions deepen understanding. Students welcomed for who they are.
Join Our Team
We provide a creative and professional space for our team to contribute and learn to their full potential. Ours is a collaborative culture where all are welcome.
Wellbeing
At Halcyon, we integrate the Wellbeing Programme throughout all aspects of school life, fostering a supportive environment for social and emotional learning. We empower students to bring their unique perspectives to their learning, enriching the intellectual, social and intercultural environment for everyone.
Our Community
Community is a foundational value for us. Our parents, students, teachers, support staff and alum are at the core of our vibrant, welcoming International Baccalaureate learning environment.
