IB Prospectus 2027 - Flipbook - Page 31
MEET OUR STUDENTS
DARIA BADIANOVA
Philosophy
(available at HL and SL)
Philosophy is the systematic exploration of the fundamental
questions of human existence, providing the intellectual
rigor to transform curiosity into a disciplined method for
understanding the self, the world and our place within it.
STUDIED:
Chemistry, Physics, Maths (HL)
Literature, Politics, German (SL)
PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Varndean School
WHAT NEXT?
Medicine, University of East Anglia
One of the reasons I chose Varndean College
was because it o昀昀ers a lot of support to its
students - whether in applications to university,
submission of coursework, or even the personal 1:1s
we get with our tutors to make sure we are okay.
“
I chose the IB because I wanted to continue studying
both STEM and Humanities subjects. I wanted to
pursue a career in medicine, while also being able to
do Physics in case I chose not to go into medicine.
I attended the Medicine Aspire Program where my
supervisor helped me apply to
my universities, as well as
attend many medicine
lectures and dissections.
I also attended clinical
case workshops where we
went through examples
of medical cases and
gave a diagnosis and
treatment plan."
Philosophy empowers you to construct logical arguments,
challenge deep-seated assumptions, and navigate the
biases that shape modern thought. You will be introduced to
the perspectives o昀昀ered by global Philosophical traditions,
learn to sharpen your own thinking and eventually form
your own opinions on some of the deep questions of existence as well as crucially
important contemporary issues.
The course is highly interactive and discussion-led, designed to sharpen your literacy
and oracy skills. You will be encouraged to 昀椀nd philosophy in the world around you—
from 昀椀lm and literature to contemporary media—giving you the con昀椀dence to engage
intelligently with complex issues and across disciplines.
All students will study:
• ‘Being Human’: A 6-part exploration of the human condition encompassing
questions of human nature, mind and body, freedom, identity, personhood and
self and others. We ask deep questions about what it is to be a human being.
• Ethics: An exploration into the moral frameworks that govern our choices. We
look at age old question of ‘how should we live?’ and its applications in the
contemporary world.
• John Stuart Mill, ‘On Liberty’: A foundational text of the modern world. A deep
and challenging discussion of issues of freedom of speech, individual rights, and
the limits of state power.
• Internal Assessment: A 2,000-word coursework essay where you investigate a
philosophical issue of your choice using a real-world stimulus.
31
