Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Biology Programme 2026-2027
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Paper 1
Paper 1A: Multiple choice questions
Paper 1B: Data-based questions
Paper 2
Section A: Data-based questions and short answer questions
Section B: Extended response questions
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
In the first year of the Diploma Programme the students develop their understanding of the core topics of Biology – Cells and Biomolecules, Metabolism, Genetics and Equilibrium, Body and Plant Systems, Biodiversity, Nutrition and Human Impacts. Through practical work the students are also developing their investigative and analytical skills in preparation for their Internal Assessment.
Course Information
• Students are issued with a textbook for the duration of the 2-year course.
• Students are also issued with a Study Guide and a workbook which will be charged to their accounts.
• 2026 teachers are Ms Renaud and Mrs Hickey
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Completing any unfinished classwork.
• Completing workbook/worksheet exercises.
• Going over classwork to identify any gaps in understanding which should be raised with the teacher in the following lesson.
Head of Learning Area: Rebecca Hickey
Queen
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
The role of businesses, as distinct from other organizations in a society, is to produce and sell goods and services that meet human needs and wants by organizing resources. Profit-making, risk-taking and operating in a competitive environment characterize most business organizations. Business management is the study of decision-making within an organization, whereas economics is the study of scarcity and resource allocation, both on micro and macro levels.
The Diploma Programme business management course is designed to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of business management theories, as well as their ability to apply a range of tools and techniques. Students learn to analyse, discuss and evaluate business activities at local, national and international levels. The course covers a range of organizations from all sectors, as well as the socio-cultural and economic contexts in which those organizations operate.
Emphasis is placed on strategic decision-making and the operational business functions of human resource management, finance and accounts, marketing and operations management.
Course Information
1, Term 1- 80% Unit 2: Human resource management
2, Term 1 and 2 Unit 3: Finance and accounts
1, Terms 3 and 4 Unit 4: Marketing
Unit 5: Operations management
Year 1, Terms 3 and 4
Year 2, Terms 2 and 3 Business Management Toolkit
Internal assessment
Spread out over the 2 year programme
20 Year 1, Term 4 and Year 2, Term 1
Personal research time for Paper 1 External 5 5 Year 2, Term 3 Total teaching hours
Homework expectations
It is the responsibility of each student to catch up on any missed notes and exercises and this should be done in their own time.
Students are expected to do regular homework each night to consolidate their understanding of the material covered. Regular assignments will be given that include case studies and questions from past IB examinations. Students should have a clear file or folder to store all assignments and topic tests.
Head of Learning Area: Adrian Hardy
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Chemistry SL/HL Programme 2026
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Paper 1
Paper 1A: Multiple choice questions
Paper 1B: Data-based questions
Paper 2
Term 4 2026 through Term 1, 2027
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here
Course details
Students begin their exploration of chemistry by looking at the particulate nature of matter, types of bonding in matter, and how these affect structure and properties of substances. They will then explore changes in energy during chemical reactions, factors affecting rate of reactions and chemical equilibria. This will lead on to the study of different ways in which matter reacts including proton and electron transfer reactions. Throughout the year, students will be practicing practical and data-processing skills in preparation for execution of their individual chemistry investigation in Term 4.
Resources:
• Each student will be issued with a textbook for duration of the two-year course.
• Students will have access to the Kognity online learning platform for the duration of the twoyear course.
• The teachers for 2026 are Ms Nicole Hoy and Ms Mary Tesan
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve a high grade in IBD Chemistry, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• pre-reading lesson content.
• completing unfinished class work.
• completing assigned exercises.
• reviewing lesson content to identify any gaps in understanding which should be raised with the teacher in the next lesson and/or in extra-help sessions.
• honing skills and evaluating their progress by completing and self-marking practice problems.
Head of Learning Area: Rebecca Hickey
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Chinese B SL/HL Programme 2026-2027 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
The two-year course is focused on language acquisition and the use of language in a range of contexts and for different purposes. We use authentic texts to develop an understanding of the Chinese speaking world whilst consolidating reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students have regular conversation practice with our Mandarin assistant to help improve their fluency and are encouraged to use Chinese whenever possible in class. Students study the themes of Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organisation and Sharing the Planet throughout the two-year course Higher Level students will additionally study two literary texts on which their individual oral will be based. Through studying this thematic content, students develop their international mindedness and understanding of the concepts that language acquisition focuses on, namely, audience, context, purpose, meaning and variation.
During the first year, students will focus on the themes of Identities, Experiences and Social Organisation, and study the following topics:
• Experiences: Customs and traditions, holidays and travel, life stories, migration from rural to urban in China
o Students explore how experiences, events, and journeys shape people’s life.
• Identities: explore lifestyles, health and wellbeing, subcultures, language and identities.
o Multicultural society – Students explore the nature of multicultural society through language and identity, beliefs and values, social engagement in community.
• Social organisation: Social relationships and education
o Students explore the ways in which groups of people organize themselves, or are organized, through common systems or interests.
Course Information
• In 2026, Year 12 Chinese B is an option subject.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. The key to language learning is ‘little and often’. Homework might include:
• Learning a wide range of words, verbs, phrases, and cohesive devices
• Completion of assignments started in class
• Reading and grammar exercises to do
• Writing different text types (360-480 characters for standard level, or 540-720 characters for higher level) and/or regular diary entries
• speaking tasks
• Creating revision materials
• Reviewing the work completed during class time, such as dictation of words, phrases, or sentences
• Revision of vocabulary learned in class with www.educationperfect.com
• Catching up on work missed due to absence
• Carrying out research tasks on the internet
Head of Learning Area: Florence Hamon
Year 12 and 13
Queen Margaret College
Computer Science Programme 2026 – 2027
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Course Component
1 (Topics 1-4)
2 (Option D.1-3)
Paper 3 (Based on Case Study)
* Standard Level students only do one option paper
** Higher level students only
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined below.
IB Diploma Assessment Procedures.pdf
Course details
The IB Diploma Programme Computer Science course aims to …
Course Information
• For HL students, 80% of course is assessed by examination at the end of the second year (70% for SL students)
• The internal assessment is required to be handed in during class time on the due date.
• See the IB Diploma Assessment Procedures.pdf for more information.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Doing readings in preparation for upcoming lessons
• Revising class notes
• Planning and practicing essay writing in exam conditions
• Internal assessment tasks
Head of Learning Area: Richard
Knuckey
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 English A: Literature Programme 2026-27 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Course Component
Individual Oral (Exploration of a global issue in connection with two studied literary works)
Higher Level Essay (Formal literary essay, in connection with one studied literary work)
Paper 1 Guided literary analysis
Paper 2 Comparative essay
20% (HL only)
Internally assessed (Individual oral commentary and discussion with teacher)
Externally assessed (Essay drafted and revised with teacher feedback)
Practice: 2026 (Y1), Term 3, Week 8 & 9
Final: 2026 (Y1), Term 4, Week 7
Final: 2027 (Y2), Term 1, Week 10/11
Practice: School Examinations
External examination
External examination
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here
Course details
2026 (Y1, T4) AND 2027 (Y2, T3)
Final: 2027 (Y2), Term 4
Practice: School Examinations
2027 (Y2, T2) AND 2027 (Y2, T3)
Final: 2027 (Y2), Term 4
This course will encourage a personal appreciation of literature and develop an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism through the study of a wide range of literary works from different periods, genres, styles, and contexts. These works will incorporate some texts in translation and present a reflection on the culture to which they belong so that the students’ cultural perspective is widened. Texts will be chosen to encompass the diverse voices within literature and demonstrate how writers both conform and challenge conventions associated with different literary text types This comprehensive study will result in students becoming life-long readers with a deep appreciation of literature.
Course information
• The course is comprised of three larger ‘Areas of Exploration’ . Specific concepts are explored, and texts are selected to be studied within each area, but any texts studied can be used for any of the assessment components.
• The following two ‘Areas of Exploration’ are studied in the first year of the course: 1. Readers, writers, and texts; 2. Time and space; and 3. Intertextuality will be taught in the second year of the course.
• There are three assessments for standard level and four assessments for higher level. Students will also maintain a learner portfolio (A4 visual diary) throughout the course, which is compulsory, but not assessed. For more detailed information about the IB Diploma Assessment procedures at QMC.
Homework expectations
• Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
• To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week.
• Homework might include:
o Completion of or extension of work done in class, including learner portfolio entries
o Reading of the texts studied in class
o Revision of material covered in class
o Written responses and essays
o Preparation for assessments
o Practice examinations
Head of Learning Area: Annabel Harris
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 English B SL/HL Programme 2026 - 2027
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here
Course details
The course is focused on language acquisition and the use of language in a range of contexts and for different purposes. We use authentic texts to develop an understanding of the English-speaking world while consolidating reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Students have the advantage of being fully immersed in an English-speaking environment, in which they have daily exposure to a variety of rich language learning experiences. In English B we study a range of topics exploring the five IBD themes of Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organisation and Sharing the Planet. Higher Level students will also study two literary texts on which their individual oral will be based.
Course Information
• In 2026 Year 12 English B is an option subject.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. The key to language learning is ‘little and often’. Homework might include:
• Learning a number of words, verbs or phrases.
• Completion of assignments started in class.
• Reading and grammar exercises to do or an essay to write.
• Creating revision material
• Reviewing the work completed during class time.
• Revision of vocabulary learned in class.
• Researching on the internet.
• Reading the works of literature.
Students will be charged for a literary text – Katherine Mansfield – The Garden Party and other stories (approximately $20), and a grammar workbook (approximately $62)
Head of Learning Area: Florence Hamon
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Environmental Systems & Societies Programme 2026-2027
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Course Component
Paper 1 – Case study analysis
Paper 2 – Short answer questions and essay questions
Internal Assessment
SL: 25
HL: 30
SL: 50
HL: 50
SL: 25
November 2027
November 2027
HL: 20 Internal Term 1, 2027
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
The aim of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the interrelationships between the environment and societies, enabling them to adopt an informed personal response to a wide range of pressing environmental issues. The course combines the techniques and knowledge associated with experimental and social sciences. Students learn to use these skills to design, carry out and analyse an individual investigation
The initial focus is ecosystems and field trips will develop students’ understanding of terrestrial and marine environments. This leads into consideration of why biodiversity is important, how it is threatened, and how it can be conserved. Students also study how human populations use natural resources, including food and water, and whether this use is equitable and sustainable. Students are encouraged to consider their own relationship with their environment and the significance of choices and decisions that they make in their own lives.
Course Information:
• Year 12 Environmental Systems and Societies has 8 lessons per 10 day timetable
• Students are issued with a textbook for the duration of the 2 year course
• Students will go on fieldtrips to support in class learning, and associated costs will be charged to their account
• 2026 teacher is Miss Johns
Homework expectations
Your student should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects. To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Completing any unfinished classwork.
• Completing Kognity exercises.
• Going over classwork to identify any gaps in understanding which should be raised with the teacher in the following lesson.
• Revising material in preparation for examinations.
• Working on their individual investigation.
Head of Learning Area: Rebecca Hickey
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Film Programme 2026-2027
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Film portfolio (Portfolio pages and a film reel) 40% SL 25% HL
Textual analysis
(9 pages; 9 minutes)
20% SL 30% HL
Comparative study 20% SL 30% HL
Collaborative Film 35% HL only
(1,750 words, list of sources)
(Multimedia 10 minutes)
(2000 words, 7 minutes)
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined below.
IB Diploma Assessment Procedures.pdf
Course details
Practice: On-going (folio based).
Summative: (Y2) End of Term 3
Practice: (Y1) Week 9. Term 1.
Summative (Y1) Week 4 Term 3
Practice: (Yr1) 1 Week 8, Term 1
Summative: (Y2) Week 3, Term 3
Practice: 48 Hours entry; on-going.
Summative: (Y2) Week 9, Term 3
Students explore the various contexts of film and make links to, and between, films, filmmakers and filmmaking techniques. They acquire and apply skills as discerning interpreters of film and as creators of film, working both individually and collaboratively. Through ongoing reflection, students develop evaluative and critical perspectives on their own film work and the work of others.
It is expected that by the end of the film course, students at SL or HL will be able to demonstrate the following: knowledge and understanding of specified contexts and processes, application and analysis of knowledge and understanding, synthesis and evaluation, and select, use and apply a variety of appropriate skills and techniques.
Course information
• Reading film. SL and HL students will examine film as an art form, studying a broad range of film texts from a variety of cultural contexts and analysing how film elements combine to convey meaning.
• Contextualizing film. SL and HL students will explore the evolution of film across time, space and culture. Students will examine various areas of film focus in order to recognize the similarities and differences that exist between films from contrasting cultural contexts.
• Exploring film production roles. SL and HL students will explore various film production roles through engagement with all phases of the filmmaking process in order to fulfill their own filmmaker intentions. Students acquire, develop and apply skills through filmmaking exercises, experiments and completed films. (Production skills within the defined production roles of Cinematographer, Director, Editor, Sound or Writer. Implicit in all of this is communication, collaboration and organisation).
• Collaboratively producing film HL only. Students focus on the collaborative aspects of filmmaking and experience working in core production teams in order to fulfill shared artistic intentions. They work in chosen film production roles and contribute to all phases of the filmmaking process in order to collaboratively create original completed films. (Production skills, as above).
• There are three assessments for Film. Students will also maintain a Film Journal throughout the course, which is compulsory, but not assessed.
Homework expectations
• Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
• To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week.
• Homework might include:
o Completion of or extension of work done in class
o Reading of the texts studied in class
o Revision of material covered in class
o Written responses and essays
o Preparation for assessments
o Practice examinations
Head of Department: Tim Jenkin
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 French B SL/HL Programme 2026-2027
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
The concept of international mindedness is at the heart of language learning. The study of French will help students build their confidence by improving their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Emphasis is on making the language a vibrant and current tool for the understanding of another culture. The course is taught in French wherever possible, with an aim to encourage students to deduce and infer the meaning of unknown words from context. Students work with authentic material and discuss current issues in detail. They study the following themes: Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organisation and Sharing the Planet. Students have regular conversation practice with our French language assistant to help develop their fluency and comprehension.
Course Information
• In 2026 Year 12 French B is an option subject.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. The key to language learning is ‘little and often’. Homework might include:
• Learning a number of words, verbs or phrases
• Completion of assignments started in class
• Reading and grammar exercises to do or an essay to write
• Creating revision material
• Reviewing the work completed during class time
• Revision of vocabulary learned in class with www.educationperfect.com
• Catching up on work missed due to absence
• Carrying out a research task on the internet
HL students will be charged for two literary texts, approximately $80
Head of Learning Area: Florence Hamon
Queen Margaret College
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined below.
IB Diploma Assessment Procedures.pdf
Course details:
DP global politics is a course for students who want to understand more about how the world they live in works, and what makes it change (or prevents it from changing). The course draws on a variety of disciplinary traditions in the study of politics and international relations, and more broadly in the social sciences and humanities. Students build their knowledge and understanding of the local, national, international, and global dimensions of political activity and processes by critically engaging with contemporary political issues and challenges.
The course integrates concepts, content and contexts through inquiry.
• Concepts such as power, sovereignty, legitimacy and interdependence are explored and examined critically throughout the course.
• Content informs inquiries through a variety of global politics topics, encompassing political systems and actors, power interactions, frameworks, treaties and conventions, terminology, and analysis models.
• Contexts diversify, shape and channel inquiries through contemporary real-world examples and cases.
The aims of the global politics course at SL and at HL are to enable students to:
• explore and evaluate power in contemporary global politics
• examine how state and non-state actors operate and interact within political systems
• investigate and analyse contemporary political issues and challenges from multiple perspectives
• develop a lifelong commitment to active global citizenship through collaboration and agency.
Course Information
Homework expectations
It is the responsibility of each student to catch up on any missed notes and exercises and this should be done in their own time.
Students are expected to do regular homework each night to consolidate their understanding of the material covered. Regular assignments will be given that include case studies and questions from past IB examinations. Students should have a clearfile or folder to store all assignments and topic tests.
Head of Learning Area: Adrian Hardy
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 and 13 History Programme 2026-2027 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Course Component
Paper 1 (SL and HL) Rights and Protest
Paper 2 (SL and HL)
Authoritarian States
Cold War
Paper 3 (HL only)
Russia 1855-2000
Western Europe after 1945
Internal assessment
- 30%
– 20%
– 45%
– 25%
35%
of 2 years examination
End of 2 years examination
Middle of term 2 of second year
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
The focus of the course is gain an understanding of international events and the links between countries, movements and events. It is a world history course, focussed mainly on the twentieth century. It covers aspects of American, African, Asian and European history, although the Higher Level students will study the European part in further detail. Through this course student will develop their research, critical thinking and communication skills.
Course Information
• Paper 1 is a Source Interpretation paper, the two topics studied are Civil Rights in the USA and South Africa
• Paper 2 is an essay based assessment. Students will write two essays, one on authoritarian states and one on the Cold War
• Paper 3 is for Higher Level students only. Many of the topics will overlap with Paper 2, although there will be some additional knowledge and study required.
• The internal assessment is started in term 4 of the first year and is due towards the beginning of term 2 of the following year.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Extra readings
• Studying for tests
• Working on their internal assessment
• Writing essays
Head of Learning Area: Adrian Hardy
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Japanese B SL/HL Programme 2026 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
The concept of international mindedness is at the heart of language learning. The study of Japanese will help students build their confidence by improving their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Emphasis is on making the language a vibrant and current tool for the understanding of another culture. The course is taught in Japanese wherever possible, with an aim to encourage students to deduce and infer the meaning of unknown words from context. Students work with authentic material and discuss current issues in detail. They study the following themes: Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organisation and Sharing the Planet. Students have regular conversation practice with our Japanese language assistant to help develop their fluency and comprehension.
Course Information
• In 2026 Year 12 Japanese B is an option subject.
Topics
• 私たちの生活とテクノロジー Technology and Our Lives (Term 1)
• 進化するデザイン Evolving Design (Term 2)
• 成功を夢見て Dream of Success (Term 3)
• 日本芸術への響き Be Inspired by Japanese Art (Term 4)
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. The key to language learning is ‘little and often’.
Homework might include:
• Learning a number of words, verbs or phrases
• Reading and grammar exercises to do or an essay to write
• Creating revision material
• Reviewing the work completed during class time
• Revision of vocabulary learned in class with www.educationperfect.com
• Catching up on work missed due to absence
• Carrying out a research task on the internet
Students will purchase COMPASS Workbook & Resource book at a cost of around $150
Head of Learning Area: Florence Hamon
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 English A: Literature SSST Programme 2026-27 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Course Component
Individual Oral (Exploration of a global issue in connection with two studied literary works)
Paper 1 Guided literary analysis
Paper 2 Comparative essay
SL
(Individual oral commentary)
SL External examination
Practice: 2026 (Y1), Term 3, Week 9
Final: 2026 (Y1), Term 4, Week 7
Practice: 2026 (Y1), Term 4, Week 2 AND 2027 (Y2), Term 3, Week 3-4
Final: 2027 (Y2), Term 4
Practice: 2027 (Y2), Term 2, Week 45, AND 2027 (Y2), Term 3, Week 3-4
Final: 2027 (Y2), Term 4
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here
Course details
This course will encourage a personal appreciation of literature and develop an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism through the study of a wide range of literary works from different periods, genres, styles, and contexts. These works will incorporate some texts in translation and present a reflection on the culture to which they belong so that the students’ cultural perspective is widened. Texts will be chosen to encompass the diverse voices within literature and demonstrate how writers both conform and challenge conventions associated with different literary text types This comprehensive study will result in students becoming life-long readers with a deep appreciation of literature.
Course information
• The course is comprised of three larger Areas of Exploration. Specific concepts are explored, and texts are selected to be studied within each area, but any texts studied can be used for any of the assessment components.
• The following two Areas of Exploration are studied in the first year of the course: 1. Readers, writers, and texts; 2 Time and space; and 3 Intertextuality will be taught in the second year of the course.
• There are three assessments for Standard Level Students will also maintain an online Learner Portfolio throughout the course, which is compulsory, but not assessed.
Homework expectations
• Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
• To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week.
• Homework might include:
o Completion of or extension of work done in class
o Reading of the texts studied in class
o Revision of material covered in class
o Written responses and essays
o Preparation for assessments
o Practice examinations
of Learning Area: Annabel Harris
Head
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL Programme 2026-2027 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Course Component
Paper 1 (2 hours)
Paper 2 (2 hours)
Paper 3 (1 hour)
Internal assessment
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here
Course details
Year 2, Term 4
Year 2, Term 4
Year 2, Term 4
Year 2, Term 2
This course caters for students with a good background in mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills across a broad range of topics. Strength in algebra and algebra-based topics is essential, and aptitude and interest in abstract thinking is highly desirable.
The majority of students taking Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL will be expecting to include mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own right or within courses such as physics, engineering and technology. Others may take this subject because they have a strong interest in mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges and engaging with its problems.
Course Information
• The Mathematics Help Room is staffed by teachers every week at lunchtime and after school on Wednesdays. Students can attend to do their homework or receive some extra help.
• There will also be the opportunity to take part in the following activities and competitions:
o International Competition and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) for Mathematics (entry fee approximately $30.00).
o The Australian Mathematics Competition is held in August (entry fee approximately $15.00).
o A team will be selected to compete at The Wellington Mathematics Association MathsWell Competition held in August (entry fee approximately $30.00).
• Students must have a graphing calculator, preferably a Casio FX9860GIII or fx-CG50.
• All students will be issued with individual electronic textbooks (approximate cost $70).
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to do regular homework each night to consolidate their understanding of the material covered. It is the responsibility of each student to catch up on any missed notes and exercises and this should be done in their own time. Regular assignments will be given with questions from past IB examinations.
Head of Learning Area: Matthew Kavanagh and Mike Lockwood
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL Programme 2026-2027
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Course Component
1 (1 hour 30 minutes)
2 (1 hour 30 minutes)
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
Year 2, Term 4
Year 2, Term 4
Year 2, Term 2
This course caters for students with a good background in mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills across a broad range of topics. Strength in algebra and algebra-based topics is essential.
The majority of students taking Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL will be expecting to include mathematics as a major component of their university studies within courses such as physics, engineering and technology. Others may take this subject because they have a strong interest in mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges and engaging with its problems.
Course Information
• The Mathematics Help Room is staffed by teachers every week at lunchtime and after school on Wednesdays. Students can attend to do their homework or receive some extra help.
• There will also be the opportunity to take part in the following activities and competitions:
✓ International Competition and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) for Mathematics (entry fee approximately $30.00).
✓ The Australian Mathematics Competition is held in August (entry fee approximately $15.00).
✓ A team will be selected to compete at The Wellington Mathematics Association MathsWell Competition held in August (entry fee approximately $30.00).
• Students must have a graphing calculator, preferably a Casio FX9860GIII or fx-CG50.
• All students will be issued with individual electronic textbooks (approximate cost $70).
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to do regular homework each night to consolidate their understanding of the material covered.
It is the responsibility of each student to catch up on any missed notes and exercises and this should be done in their own time. Regular assignments will be given with questions from past IB examinations.
Head of Learning Area: Matthew Kavanagh and Mike Lockwood
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations HL Programme 2026-2027
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Course Component
Paper 1 (2 hours)
Year 2, Term 4 Paper 2 (2 hours)
Paper 3 (1 hour)
Year 2, Term 4
Year 2, Term 2
Year 2, Term 4 Internal
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
This course is equivalent in status to Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL but addresses different needs. It has an emphasis on the application of mathematics across a broad range of topics, including geometry, algebra and calculus, with the greatest emphasis on statistical techniques. It is designed for students with strengths in the application of mathematics to problem solving in context, statistical thinking and the use of technology for analysis.
Students taking this course are well prepared for a career in areas such as social sciences, humanities, medicine, statistics or business. These students may need to utilize the statistics and logical reasoning that they have learned as part of the Mathematical Applications and Interpretation SL course in their future studies.
Course Information
• The Mathematics Help Room is staffed by teachers every week at lunchtime and after school on Wednesdays. Students can attend to do their homework or receive some extra help.
• There will also be the opportunity to take part in the following activities and competitions:
✓ International Competition and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) for Mathematics (entry fee approximately $30.00).
✓ The Australian Mathematics Competition is held in August (entry fee approximately $15.00).
✓ A team will be selected to compete at The Wellington Mathematics Association MathsWell Competition held in August (entry fee approximately $30.00).
• Students must have a graphing calculator, preferably a Casio FX9860GIII or fx-CG50.
• All students will be issued with individual electronic textbooks (approximate cost $70).
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to do regular homework each night to consolidate their understanding of the material covered. It is the responsibility of each student to catch up on any missed notes and exercises and this should be done in their own time. Regular assignments will be given with questions from past IB examinations.
Head of Learning Area: Matthew Kavanagh and Mike Lockwood
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Mathematics Applications and Interpretations SL Programme 2026-2027 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Course Component
1 (2 hours)
2 (2 hours)
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
Year 2, Term 4
Year 2, Term 4
Year 2, Term 2
This course is equivalent in status to Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL but addresses different needs. It has an emphasis on the application of mathematics across a broad range of topics, including geometry, algebra and calculus, with the greatest emphasis on statistical techniques. It is designed for students with varied mathematical backgrounds and abilities.
Students taking this course are well prepared for a career in areas such as social sciences, humanities, medicine, statistics or business. These students may need to utilise the statistics and logical reasoning that they have learned as part of the Mathematical Applications and Interpretation SL course in their future studies.
Course Information
• The Mathematics Help Room is staffed by teachers every week at lunchtime and after school on Wednesdays. Students can attend to do their homework or receive some extra help.
• There will also be the opportunity to take part in the following activities and competitions:
✓ International Competition and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) for Mathematics (entry fee approximately $30.00).
✓ The Australian Mathematics Competition is held in August (entry fee approximately $15.00).
✓ A team will be selected to compete at The Wellington Mathematics Association MathsWell Competition held in August (entry fee approximately $30.00).
• Students must have a graphing calculator, preferably a Casio FX9860GIII or fx-CG50.
• All students will be issued with individual electronic textbooks (approximate cost $70).
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to do regular homework each night to consolidate their understanding of the material covered.
It is the responsibility of each student to catch up on any missed notes and exercises and this should be done in their own time. Regular weekly assignments will be given with questions from past IB examinations.
Head of Learning Area: Matthew Kavanagh and Mike Lockwood
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Music Programme 2026
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Course Component
Experimenting with Music
Exploring Music in Context
Presenting Music
30SL 20HL
30SL 20HL
40SL 30HL
The Contemporary Music Maker 30HL
End Term 2 y12
End Term 4 y12
Term 2 week 3 y13
Term 3 week 6 y13
Final Deadline for uploading Term 3 week 9 y13
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here
Course details
The Diploma Programme Music course provides an excellent foundation for further study in music at university level or in music career pathways. This course also provides all students with the opportunity to engage in the world of music as lifelong participants. In this course students engage with diverse musical material from personal, local and global contexts through four different Areas of Inquiry:
• Music for sociocultural and political expression
• Music for listening and performance
• Music for dramatic impact, movement and entertainment
• Music technology in the electronic and digital age
Students understand and practise three musical processes by exploring music in context, experimenting with music and presenting. Through this they develop skills and competencies in three musical roles: as researchers, creators and performers.
HL students also present a project called ‘The contemporary music maker’ in which they plan and create a music project that is rooted in the learning of the course and inspired by real-life practices of music-making.
Students who take this course must have an active interest and ability in Music, and have completed at least three years’ instrumental or vocal tuition.
Course Information:
• Students who take IBD Music have 8 periods (HL) 7 periods (SL) per 10 day cycle
• Students are expected at this level to be having individual music tuition and to participate in at least one extra-curricular music activity at Queen Margaret College.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Completing performance practice
• Completing creative tasks
• Completing Research and analysis tasks
Head of Learning Area: Tim Jenkin
Queen
Margaret College
Year 12 Physics Programme 2026-2027
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Paper 1
Paper 1A: Multiple choice questions
Paper 1B: Data-based questions
Paper 2
Section A: Data-based questions and short answer questions
Section B: Extended response questions
November 2027
2027 Internal Assessment
Practical work and draft report completed during Term 3 2026
Final due date early term 4 2026
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this document
Course details
The aim of this course is to integrate content, key principles and the nature of science through inquiry. Skills in the study of physics will be integrated into the teaching of the syllabus content.
The first year of the course will explore the following topics:
• Topic A: Space, time and motion
• Topic B: The particulate nature of matter
• Topic C: Wave behaviour
• Completing the Internal Assessment
The second year of the course will explore the following topics:
• Topic D: Fields
• Topic E: Nuclear and quantum physics
Standard level content will be intertwined with higher level content for each topic throughout the two-year course
Course Information
• Students are issued with a textbook for the duration of the two-year course
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week.
Homework might include:
• Completing any unfinished classwork.
• Completing workbook/worksheet exercises.
• Going over classwork to identify any gaps in understanding which should be raised with the teacher in the following lesson.
Head of Learning Area: Rebecca
Hickey
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 and 13 Psychology Programme 2026 – 2027
Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Paper 1
Course Component
(Integration of concepts, content and contexts)
Paper 2
(Applying concepts and content to research contexts)
Paper 3
(The role of culture, motivation and technology. Data analysis and interpretation)
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course Details
The IB Diploma Programme psychology course aims to develop an awareness of how research findings can be applied to better understand human behaviour, and how ethical practices are upheld in psychological inquiry. In the course students are taught the biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences human cognition and behaviour across the real-world contexts of learning and cognition, health and well-being, human relationships, and human development. As part of this, students are taught 6 concepts that are a key part of psychological inquiry: bias, causality, change, measurement, perspective, and responsibility. They also carry out a range of class practical activities to gain experience with psychological research methods and carry out their own psychological research proposal as part of their internal assessment Higher level students extend their learning with the additional study of the role of culture, motivation and technology in shaping human behaviour, and data analysis and interpretation.
Course Information
• For HL students, 80% of course is assessed by examination at the end of the second year 70% for SL students
• The internal assessment is required to be handed in during class time on the due date.
• See the IB Diploma Assessment procedures for more information.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects. To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Doing readings in preparation for upcoming lessons
• Revising class notes
• Planning and practicing essay writing in exam conditions
• Internal assessment tasks
Head of Learning Area: Adrian Hardy
Year 12 – 13
Queen Margaret College
Spanish Ab Initio Programme 2026 - 2027 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
The Spanish Ab Initio course is designed to give students with no prior knowledge of the subject a solid foundation in the language. The topics covered include a variety of contexts and situations, both related to their personal experiences and to the Spanish-speaking world. Students in Year 12 learn to describe themselves and others; express likes and dislikes and give opinions and advice. They discuss school, daily routines and leisure; their home and neighbourhood; transport, food, drink and celebrations; clothing and the weather. In Year 13, students cover well-being, media and technology, holidays, future plans, the environment and global issues. They also look at similarities and differences between New Zealand and countries in the Spanish-speaking world. Language structures are taught through topics and there is a thorough introduction to basic grammar. Students have regular conversation practice with our Spanish language assistant to help develop their speaking and listening skills.
Course Information
• Year 12 and 13 Spanish Ab Initio is an option subject
• Year 12 has 8 lessons per 10-day timetable.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. The key to language learning is ‘little and often’. Homework might include:
• Learning a number of words, verbs or phrases
• Reading and grammar exercises or writing tasks (75 - 150 words)
• Creating revision material
• Completion of assignments started in class
• Reviewing the work completed during class time
• Revision of vocabulary learned in class with www.educationperfect.com
• Catching up on work missed due to absence
• Carrying out research tasks using the internet
Students will receive a grammar workbook costing approximately $40.
Head of Learning Area: Florence Hamon
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Spanish B SL/HL Programme 2026 - 2027 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here.
Course details
For students continuing their study of Spanish, this course extends their knowledge of the language and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. They practise the four key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing through up-to-date texts. The course is taught in Spanish wherever possible, and students are exposed to examples of the various forms of Spanish to be found across Latin America and Spain. They also have regular conversation practice with our Spanish language assistant to help develop their fluency and comprehension. They study the following themes: Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organisation and Sharing the Planet.
Course Information
• Year 12 Spanish B is an option subject.
• There are 8 lessons per 10-day timetable.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete homework during the week. The key to language learning is ‘little and often’. Homework might include:
• Learning a number of words, verbs, or phrases.
• Reading and grammar exercises or an essay to write.
• Creating revision material
• Revision of vocabulary learned in class with www.educationperfect.com.
• Catching up on work missed due to absence.
• Carrying out research tasks on the internet.
Students will receive a grammar workbook costing approximately $55.
Head of Learning Area: Florence Hamon
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Sport and Exercise Health Science Programme 2026-2027
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Paper 1A– Multiple-choice questions
Paper 2 – Short-answer and extendedresponse
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined below.
IB Diploma Assessment Procedures.pdf
Course details
Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) is an experimental science course combining academic study with practical and investigative skills. SEHS explores the science underpinning physical performance and provides the opportunity to apply these principles. The course is divided into three themes: Exercise physiology and nutrition of the human body, biomechanics, and sports psychology and motor learning, with students studying the impact on both human health and athletic performance. Students undertake practical experimental investigations to help them acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles.
In the first year of the Diploma Programme the students develop their understanding of the core topics of anatomy, exercise physiology, movement analysis, skill learning in sport, and human performance. Through practical work the students are also developing their investigative and analytical skills in preparation for their Internal Assessment towards a topic of their choice related to sports, exercise, health science.
Course Information
• Students are issued with online notes
• Subscription to the EverLearner platform
• 2026 teacher is Miss Francois
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Completing any unfinished classwork.
• Completing flipped classroom work
• Going over classwork to identify any gaps in understanding which should be raised with the teacher in the following lesson.
Head of Learning Area: Rebecca
Hickey
Queen Margaret College Year 12 Theatre Programme
2026
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Research Presentation (RP)
Production & Performance Proposal (PPP)
Solo Theatre Piece (HL Only)
Collaborative Theatre Project (CTP)
exploration and presentation of a world theatre tradition
detailed concept for staging an unfamiliar play text
and performance of a solo piece inspired by a theorist
and performance of original theatre in a small ensemble
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link here
Course Details
Only
IB Theatre at Year 12 is taught in parallel with Year 12 NCEA Drama, but the learning experiences are structured to meet IBDP criteria. Students engage in a practical, research-based, and performance-driven programme, with an emphasis on:
• Intercultural understanding
• Practice-as-research
• The role of the artist-researcher
• Making original theatre
• Documenting process
• Evaluating artistic decisions
Performances and workshops form a significant component of learning. All internal rehearsals and performance assessments may be filmed for moderation or reflection.
Course Structure (10-Day Timetable Cycle)
• 8 classes across the 10-day cycle
• A combination of workshop, rehearsal, theory, and research studio sessions
• Individual mentoring for HL Solo Piece development
• Collaborative rehearsals scheduled during class and negotiated outside of class time
Homework Expectations
IB Theatre requires regular independent research, process documentation, and rehearsal. Students should expect:
• Weekly independent research or process journal entries
• Rehearsal sessions arranged with peers (especially during the Collaborative Project)
• Ongoing reading of theorist texts, play excerpts, or world theatre research
• Preparation for in-class performances, workshops, and practical explorations
Teacher in Charge of Drama: Benjamin Gibson
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 and 13 Theory of Knowledge Programme 2026-2027
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Course Component
Part 1: The exhibition
Part 2: Essay on a prescribed title
Year 13, Term 1, week 9
Parent Evening: Wednesday 25 March
4pm - 5.30pm
External Year 13, Terms 1, 2 & 3
• Term 1, week 10
Prescribed titles introduced
• Term 2, week 6, Friday 29 May
Essay outlines due
• Term 2, week 9, Monday 15 June
Draft Essay due
• Term 3, week 1 & 2
Individual feedback sessions given
Final essays due 10 days after
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined below.
IB Diploma Assessment Procedures.pdf
Course details
Theory of knowledge is a course about critical thinking and inquiring into the process of knowing, rather than about learning a specific body of knowledge. It is a core element which all Diploma Programme students undertake and to which all schools are required to devote at least 100 hours of class time.
Course Information
Part 1:
The exhibition Each student must create an individual exhibition. It requires students to select an Internal Assessment (IA) prompt on which to base their exhibition. Three objects are chosen to be displayed, linked to the same prompt. Students are encouraged to choose objects that are of personal interest and that they have come across in their academic studies and/or their lives beyond the classroom.
Part 2:
Essay on a prescribed title. Students must submit an essay on any one of six titles prescribed by the IB. The maximum length for the essay is 1,600 words. The titles ask generic questions about knowledge and are cross-disciplinary in nature. They may be answered with reference to any
part or parts of the TOK course, to specific disciplines, or with reference to opinions gained about knowledge both inside and outside the classroom.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete some homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Revising content covered in class
• Writing personal reflections on course content and knowledge questions raised
• Keeping up to date with current events
Queen Margaret College
Year 12 Visual Arts Programme 2026-2027
Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
2026 Proposed Units of Work
IB Diploma assessment procedures are outlined in this link
Course details
In the Core Programme taken in the first year, the IB Visual Arts course is designed to give students a solid foundation in the Visual Arts. The Visual Arts course components and assessments are the same as the Visual Arts Textiles programme but may involve working in a different range of mixed media in the creation of student studio works. Year 12 students will work in a range of school-developed units of work that may offer experiences in painting, drawing, mixed media sculpture, printmaking, design and/or photography. This will provide an integrated investigation into related themes and issues, cultural and historical contexts, core art concepts, processes of art criticism, analysis and aesthetics. The students will be exposed to a wide range of media within these areas that can be reinterpreted and applied to their product / artwork outcomes. They will also visit local galleries in class or independently in order to review and analyse the exhibited artworks. In the second year of study (Year 13), each student will undertake a range of independent, self-developed thematic units designed to give opportunities for research, investigation and creation of studio work. Students will be exposed to a wide range of self-chosen visual arts techniques that can be reinterpreted and applied to their artistic outcomes. The second year will conclude with a final exhibition and celebration of the student’s artworks.
Course Information
• In 2026 Year 12 IBDP Visual Arts is an optional subject.
• Year 12 IBDP Visual Arts is assessed against three course components.
• There is a $150 consumables fee which covers some resource requirements. This will be charged to their school account. Individual projects may require purchase of some own material or equipment resources.
• There may be planned trips / visiting speakers throughout the year which are necessary to develop knowledge for some assessment tasks in the unit topics. You will be notified of any costs associated with any trips or speakers (eg: travel, entry fees). Costs incurred will be charged to your school account.
• Students in this course are required to purchase the Adobe Creative Cloud suite for approx. $10; this will be charged to students' school accounts. This gives them a one-year subscription to industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Homework expectations
Your daughter should be learning at home for a total of at least 15 hours per week, across all subjects.
To achieve at a high level in this subject, students are expected to complete homework during the week. Homework might include:
• Reading and researching about artists studied in class
• Completion of assignments started in class
• Practicing new techniques learned in class
• Catching up on work missed due to absence
• Researching on the internet
• Attending lunchtime workshops to complete any practical work or to access extra help with practical work.
• Sourcing materials and resources for practical construction work
Teacher in charge: Anna Faulknor