The IB Programme at Mattlidens

Application forms can be found here.

The International Baccalaureate is an internationally recognized matriculation examination which qualifies candidates for admission to universities and colleges all over the world. The programme consists of a two-year course (grades 11-12) preceded by a preparatory year (grade 10). The IB Programme is demanding and it differs in many respects from the programme in the national school in Finland. For instance, in languages the emphasis is on literature, in the sciences 25% of the time is spent on laboratory work and in all subjects the students write essays, reports etc. The IB Headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland. Examinations take place in May on the same days in every country in the northern hemisphere and unity of standards is ensured by identical exam papers and assessment.

The IB Curriculum consists of six subjects groups and the students must choose one subject from each of the following groups:

Group 1. Language A                    English, Finnish, Swedish (all HL/SL)
Group 2. Language A2                  English A2 (HL/SL) last examinations 2012
            Language B  (all SL only)  Finnish B , French B , Spanish B, Swedish B
Group 3. Individuals and Societies: History (HL), Economics (HL/SL)
Group 4. Experimental Sciences:    Biology, Chemistry, Physics (all HL/SL)
Group 5. Mathematics:                 Mathematics Higher Level and Math Standard Level
Group 6. Options:                        another subject from groups 1-4

Due to factors such as the size of the groups and timetable clashes, it can be difficult to carry out all desired combinations of subjects and levels. For a group to start there needs to be a sufficient number of students interested in studying the subject. Thus, some languages might not start although offered.

For more information on available courses, or other questions concerning the IB programme in Mattlidens gymnasium, please contact:
DP Coordinator Mrs Annika Lindblom
annika.lindblom(at)espoo.fi
phone office +358 9 816 43055