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International Baccalaureate Courses

College & Career Planning

COLLEGE PREPARATORY (CP) courses are designed to prepare students for the rigors of college courses. Students in college preparatory classes are open-minded and seek to develop the skills necessary to analyze and synthesize information. Students will be provided with scaffolded opportunities to solidify their time management, note-taking, and study skills. Courses are designed to build a solid foundation in a particular content area. Opportunities for enrichment will be available.

ADVANCED (A) courses are recommended for students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement through a combination of ability and motivation. The Advanced level assumes that students are independent learners who can work with limited teacher support. Students are advanced and enthusiastic readers who can make inferences, draw connections, and comprehend texts with sophisticated themes and vocabulary at a fairly fast pace. These courses contain considerable enrichment and acceleration. Instruction will assume that students are able to grasp concepts on initial presentation. There will be little practice or repetition within the classroom. Students are expected to be able to organize their time, to plan long-term assignments, and to seek help when necessary, all on their own initiative. Advanced course enrollment requires teacher recommendation.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

It is essential for any pre-university education to equip students with the depth of discipline-specific knowledge and skills that they will need for their chosen academic and career paths. However, this must be balanced with the breadth needed to develop well-rounded students who can draw connections between different disciplines. As such, the philosophy of the IB Diploma Programme is that students should engage with a range of subjects while being able to explore specific areas of personal interest in greater depth.

• IB STANDARD LEVEL (SL) courses are rigorous core content based classes that focus on the “what” beyond concepts and theories.

• IB HIGHER LEVEL (HL) courses tend to delve deeper into the concepts that SL subjects cover focusing not only on the “what” but also the “how” and “why”. The core content is the same as the SL course in the same discipline, however, additional topics are covered.

Students in grades 6 and 7 participate in a year-long quarterly arts rotation that includes:

• Art Exploration: The foundation of the middle school visual arts curriculum is based on the exploration of technical and observational techniques in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and a diverse collection of other art mediums. Students will be challenged to problem solve, think creatively, and express themselves through innovative class projects as they explore art.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5 (upper school), no credit for grade 8

• Prerequisite for any higher level visual arts course

Students experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D) artworks through the development of skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and/or design. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art (Elements and Principles of Art) to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5 (upper school), no credit for grade 8

• Prerequisite for any higher level visual arts course

Students will experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D)artworks through   the development of skills in drawing. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing

In Painting the student will develop skills and techniques in watercolor, acrylic paint, and mixed media. Activities will focus on two and three-dimensional painting skills and techniques, color theory and composition. This class will involve artist-based research and projects completed inside of class. During the critique process, students will evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. Students will deepen their understanding of creative techniques in painting and imaginative design.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing

Students are exposed to a variety of artists who will inspire their work in sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and design. Students will practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art and principles of design to improve skills through observation, research, and/or imagination. During the critique process, students will evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. Students will deepen their understanding of creative techniques in mixed media and imaginative design.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting

Ceramics is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the use of clay as an art medium. Many different techniques of clay modeling and decoration will be introduced through a series of challenging projects. In Ceramics, students become familiar with the possibilities and properties of clay, using their knowledge to arrive at individual and creative solutions to various prompts. Class critiques as well as the study of past and contemporary ceramics artists and trends are important elements of this course.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting

Students will learn art theory concepts to include the elements of art, principles of design, composition, and color theory through the application of the Adobe Creative suite. Students will learn to create digital illustrations and digital paintings, and to use typography through the creation of original works. Additional concepts may include photographic manipulation, graphic design theories, basic animation, and file management.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting

This course covers a variety of techniques used in mask making, sculpture, and prop fabrication techniques. Students will learn about different materials, tools, concepts and processes, for mask making, creating sculptures, molds, castings, props and finishing of works. Those interested in theater, cosplay, or sculpture will find this a great introductory course.

*Latex products are used in this course.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting

This course introduces students to the art of photography, providing a well-rounded foundation in digital photography. Students will develop skills in several areas, including composition, the exposure triangle (ISO, shutter speed, and aperture), the operating modes of a DSLR (digital camera), and photo editing using Adobe Photoshop. Students will receive instruction and demonstration, and will be presented examples of desired outcomes throughout the course. Many assignments will be hands-on experience outside of the classroom. Students will present and discuss their work to help their perspective on what makes a successful photograph. They will study the work of past and current photographers to gain an understanding of what has been done and what the possibilities are.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Foundations of Art and Design, Drawing or Painting, AND Mask Making/Sculpture, Ceramics, or Mixed Media and Design

This course will explore art making techniques in various mediums and incorporate experimental and lesser known techniques to explore the creative process. AST is aimed at emphasizing the process over the product as we explore art that ranges from fusing & stained glass to felting to sculpture to painting. There will be multiple projects as individuals and as groups to investigate and push these techniques. The overall goal being to expand one’s conceptual art base and visual and critical thinking skills.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Foundations of Art and Design, Drawing or Painting, AND Mask Making/Sculpture, Ceramics, or Mixed Media and Design

This two-year course is for students who have a solid foundation in studio and art history classes and are willing to challenge themselves to create highly refined art with a global perspective. Course components are studio artwork and senior exhibition, process/planning/experimentation, and a comparative study. Students will explore art from a

variety of cultures and time periods. As they progress in the course, students develop an overarching theme for their portfolios as they explore 2- and 3-dimensional media. Students investigate, plan, experiment, and reflect on their work in a visual art journal. They document their process and planning for each piece, and research art and artists who have inspired them. This leads to an in-depth comparative study of two to three works of art by artists of the student’s choosing. This course culminates in a senior show at a public gallery where students discuss and present their work. IB Visual Arts requires students to be self-directed, interested, and highly motivated to take their artwork to a higher level as they create a strong portfolio.

Level Distinctions:

Standard Level (SL)

• • Comparative Study
  • Process Portfolio
  • Exhibition (4-7 artworks)

Higher Level (HL)

• • Comparative Study
  • Process Portfolio
  • Exhibition (8-11 artworks)

Students in grades 6 and 7 participate in a year-long quarterly arts rotation that includes:

• Theater Exploration: Theater Exploration is designed as a student’s introduction to drama as performance. It accommodates students who have no experience as well as those who previously have been involved in theater. Students use various creative drama techniques to build confidence and trust, and to stimulate imagination, movement, and role-play. Through theater games and activities, students learn to lose inhibitions and gain trust in themselves as well as others in their groups. Students exhibit and reinforce their skills through individual and group presentations, performances, movement and voice, and character building. At the end of the course, students perform a collection of scenes and monologues.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5 (upper school), no credit for grade 8

• Prerequisite for any higher level theater course

This course provides an introduction to stage performance, theater, and artistic culture. Students will gain the fundamental tools to interpret and perform a piece of theater, scripted or improv’d. In the process, students learn theater terminology and etiquette, and basic critiquing skills. Students will be expected to engage in all physical, social, and academic activities pertaining to the course objectives to the best of their abilities. This course will cover skills in observation, listening, characterization, improvisation, dialects, monologue and scene delivery, auditioning, script reading, writing, memorization, and acting by way of acting exercises and games.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5 

This course introduces students to the world of technical theatre, including set design, lighting, sound, costumes, and stage management. Students will learn the skills necessary to bring a theatrical production to life from behind the scenes, working hands-on with school productions to design and execute technical elements. The course emphasizes safety, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, with opportunities for advanced students to take on leadership roles within production teams.

Course Content:

• Set design and construction

• Lighting design and operation

• Sound design and engineering

• Costume and prop design

• Stage management and production logistics

Final Project: Students will design and execute technical aspects for a school production, culminating in a portfolio showcasing their work.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Acting

This course is designed for students seeking to deepen their acting skills through advanced techniques and scene work. Students will explore a variety of acting methods, including Stanislavski, Meisner, and physical theatre, with an emphasis on character development, emotional depth, and complex scene study. The course includes both classical and contemporary work, providing students with the tools to approach a wide range of theatrical styles.

Course Content:

• Classical Acting (Shakespeare, Greek Theatre)

• Advanced Scene Study

• Audition Techniques and Monologue preparation

• Directing and self-direction in performance

Final Project: Students will perform scenes and monologues in

an end-of-semester showcase, with opportunities for student-directed work.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Acting

This course offers students the opportunity to study and perform in the genre of musical theatre. Students will focus on integrating singing, acting, and movement to create dynamic

performances. The course covers the history of musical theatre, as well as practical performance skills such as acting through song, dance techniques, and vocal training.

Course Content

• Acting through song

• Vocal technique for musical theatre

• Dance and movement for stage

• History and evolution of musical theater

Final Project: Students will participate in a musical revue, performing scenes and songs from a variety of musical theater works.

• Length: Semester
• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Acting

This course explores the craft of creating original theatrical works. In the playwriting portion, students will learn the fundamentals of dramatic structure, character development, and dialogue writing. In the devised theatre segment, students will collaborate to create original performances based on themes or concepts they develop as an ensemble. This course is ideal for students who wish to explore both writing and performance creation.

Course Content

• Playwriting Fundamentals
• Dialogue and Character Development
• Collaborative Ensemble work
• Devising original theater from concept to performance

Final Project: Students will write and perform their own short plays or create a devised theater piece, presented in an original showcase.

• Levels: Standard Level Higher Level

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

• Prerequisite: Acting, Stagecraft/Technical Theater

Theater is a practical subject that encourages discovery through experimentation, risk-taking, and the presentation of ideas. This two-year course is multifaceted and gives students the opportunity to actively engage in theater as creators, designers, directors and performers. It emphasizes working both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. The teacher’s role is to create opportunities that allow students to explore, learn, discover and collaborate to become autonomous, informed and skilled theater-makers. Students learn to apply research and theory to inform and to contextualize their work. Through researching, creating, preparing, presenting, and critically reflecting on theater, they gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community and the world. Students experience the course from contrasting artistic and cultural perspectives. They learn about theater from around the world, the importance of making theater with integrity, and the impact that theater can have on the world. This course enables them to discover and engage with different forms of theater across time, place and culture, promoting international-mindedness and an appreciation of the diversity of theater.

Level Distinctions:

Standard Level (SL)

• • Director’s Notebook
  • Research Presentation
  • Collaborative Project

Higher Level (HL)

• • Director’s Notebook
  • Research Presentation
  • Collaborative Project
  • Solo Theater Piece

Students in grades 6 and 7 participate in a year-long quarterly arts rotation that includes:

• Music Exploration: This class is an introductory laboratory for exploring instrumental and vocal music of all kinds. Through routine listening and group analysis, students learn to discuss music in terms of the fundamental elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, and texture. Students learn basic music theory and notation. Through hands-on group lessons, students have the opportunity to learn the basic techniques and concepts for playing each type of instrument found in a rock/jazz combo, including drum set, hand percussion, bass, guitar, and keyboards.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5 (upper school), no credit for middle school

Students arrive with a wide array of prior music instruction and skills. Chorus works with students where they are, helping them to attain individual goals as singers and to become high-functioning members of an ensemble. Both ear training with interval recognition and sight reading methods will be taught. Working with a range of styles, musical periods, and difficulty levels, students will make meaningful music together, improve as individual singers, learn about how music works, and experience personal growth through the processes of rehearsal and public performance. Chorus performs in concert each semester.

Music Techniques classes are collaborative musical workshops where students learn how to perform, analyze, compose, arrange, and improvise in a variety of settings and configurations. The repertoire, selected by the teacher with student input, is learned by transcribing a popular recording, reading sheet music, or playing from “fake book” lead sheets. Emphasis is on creating compelling musical arrangements and performing them with a high level of musicianship. Topics include instrumental and vocal techniques, ear training, music notation, harmony, and embodied awareness.

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5

Music Techniques and Composition classes are collaborative musical workshops where students learn how to perform, analyze, compose, arrange, and improvise in a variety of settings and configurations. The repertoire, selected by the teacher with student input, is learned by transcribing a popular recording, reading sheet music, or playing from “fake book” lead sheets. Emphasis is on creating compelling musical arrangements and performing them with a high level of musicianship. Topics include instrumental and vocal techniques, ear training, music notation, harmony, and embodied awareness. In addition, Practical exercises provide training in technical skills, and individual projects offer  opportunities for creative self-expression. Projects may be individual or collaborative, and involve any style of music. 

• Length: Semester

• Credit: .5 (upper school), no credit for grade 8

Vocal Techniques classes are designed for students to develop their singing voice in both a solo and group environment. Students will work on building confidence as they discover the strength of their own voice. Over the course of the class, topics including harmony, ear training, and music notation will be studied in the context of student-selected music.

• Length: Two-Years
• Credit: 2

This two-year course is grounded in the knowledge, skills and processes associated with the study of music and offers a strengthened approach to student creativity through practical, informed and purposeful explorations of diverse musical forms, practices and contexts. Students experience a holistic approach to learning with the roles of performer, creator and researcher afforded equal importance in all course components. This course seeks to be inclusive of students with wide-ranging personal and cultural musical backgrounds. In place of prescribed musical content, students and teachers have the agency to personalize unique approaches to musical forms, genres and pieces. The exploration of diverse musical material is focused through the lenses of four 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 digital age

Level Distinctions

Standard Level (SL)

• • Exploring Music in Context
  • Experimenting with Music
  • Presenting Music

Higher Level (HL)

• • Exploring Music in Context
  • Experimenting with Music
  • Presenting Music
  • The Contemporary Music-Maker

Students in grades 6 and 7 participate in a year-long quarterly arts rotation that includes:

• SEL Exploration: SEL Exploration focuses on developing students’ knowledge of their social and emotional well-being.  Students will practice listening and speaking skills, work on social/emotional problem solving, and spend time talking about time management and personal responsibility.  Students will also have the opportunity to build organizational, typing, and communication skills.

The Physical Education program encompasses individual and team sports, fitness, team building, traditional activities and non-traditional games. This course is designed to provide all students with opportunities for mental, physical and social growth and development through physical activities. Active participation in these activities and games becomes a vehicle to teach students important life skills about teamwork, competition, cooperation, and ethical behavior.

Theory of knowledge (TOK) is assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600 word essay.

TOK asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know.

The extended essay provides:

• practical preparation for undergraduate research
• an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student’s six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.

Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:

• formulating an appropriate research question

• engaging in a personal exploration of the topic

• communicating ideas

• developing an argument.

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requires students to take part in a range of experiences and at least one project. These involve:

• real, purposeful activities, with significant outcomes
• personal challenge
• thoughtful consideration, such as planning, reviewing progress, reporting
• reflection on outcomes and personal learning.