Digital Society (IB)

Applications Open - 10th November 2025

Applications Close - 27th February 2026

Entry Requirements - Please refer to the Sixth Form Course Directory via the website www.knoleacademy.org

Option blocks and detailed subject information can be found in our course directory https://www.knoleacademy.org/3569/information-for-students-applying-for-september-2025

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices

PLEASE NOTE WHEN SELECTING COURSES THERE ARE FOUR POSSIBLE PATHWAYS

Vocational pathway - Select minimum of 3 vocational subjects

IBCP pathway - Select minimum 1 vocational and minimum 2 IB subjects

IBDP pathway - Select only the IBDP option from Block E. We will contact you about subject options

Level 2 pathway -Select either Culinary Skills or Hairdressing

IB Digital society is an interdisciplinary course within the Individuals and Societies subject group designed for young people interested in exploring the impact and importance of digital systems and technologies in the contemporary world.

IB Digital Society is the study and evaluation of the impacts of information technology (IT) on individuals and society. It explores the advantages and disadvantages of the access and use of digitised information at the local and global level. It provides a framework for the student to make informed judgements and decisions about the use of IT within social contexts.

This course enables the student to evaluate social and ethical considerations arising from the widespread use of IT by individuals, families, communities, organisations and societies at the local and global level.

Further, it develops the student’s understanding of the capabilities of current and emerging IT systems and to evaluate their impact on a range of stakeholders

Subjects covered:

• Strand 1: Social and Ethical Significance SL/HL core
• Strand 2: Application to specified scenarios SL/HL core
• Strand 3: IT systems SL/HL core
• The project (practical application of IT skills)

Digital Society requires students to develop a product that would be suitable for a client. The aim of this assessment is to prepare students for the workplace.

• It is the perfect platform to study social informatics at university level.
• The course is based on three interconnected strands: social and ethical significance, application to specified scenarios, and IT systems.
  
• The triangle lies at the heart of the pedagogy. With an understanding of the information technologies, students must be able to evaluate social/ethical issues in specified scenarios.
  
• It requires students to have strong research and higher order thinking skills.
  

Assessment:

External assessment for (4 hours 45 minutes): 80%

Paper 1 (2 hours 15 minutes): 35%

Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes): 20%

Paper 3 (1 hour 15 minutes): 25%

Internally Assessed Project (30 hours): 20%

Assessment

• 3 Exam Papers
• Internally Assessed Project

Paper 1 - Questions that address the common SL and HL syllabus and real-world examples, as well as the HL extension, in an integrated way.

Paper 2 - Source-based questions that address the common SL and HL syllabus in an integrated way. Sources may include text, audio, visuals, data, diagrams and/or infographics.

Paper 3 - Questions that address an intervention related to an HL extension challenge topic. A brief statement indicating the real-world nature of a selected challenge topic will be released four months prior to the examination. Students will be required to evaluate an intervention and recommend steps for future action.

Inquiry project (internal assessment) - An internally assessment inquiry project is common to SL and HL students. Students conduct an inquiry into impacts and implications of digital systems for people and communities. The submission requirements for the project includes an inquiry process document, a recorded multimedia presentation and a list of references.

Minimum of five 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations including English and Maths.

See Careers Leader for more information.

Future courses and possible careers:

• Project Manager
  
• Social Informatics
• Teacher