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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.

• Levels: Advanced, IB Standard Level, IB Higher Level

• Length: two years (SL/HL), one-year (advanced)

• Credit: 1 per year

In Language & Literature, students look at the world of literature, but they also study a wide range of non-literary texts from a variety of media. By examining how English is used across different written forms, students investigate language and how it affects our everyday life, identity, and culture. Learning how to identify and appreciate authors’ and artists’ choices is a key part of the two year course. Oral and written examinations are used to assess students’ language skills, their ability to critically analyze and comment upon familiar and unfamiliar texts, and their expression of personal and independent responses to literature and other art forms.

Level Distinctions:

Advanced (A) – one-year

Literature: Required to study four literature texts

Internal Assessments Only: Textual Analysis, Essays and Individual Oral

Standard Level (SL)

Literature: Required to study four literature texts

External Assessments:

• • • Paper 1: Textual Analysis

    • Paper 2: Comparative Essay

Internal Assessment: Individual Oral

Higher Level (HL)

Literature: Required to study six literature texts

External Assessments:

• • • Paper 1 – Textual Analysis

    • Paper 2 – Comparative Essay

    • HL Essay

Internal Assessment: Individual Oral

• Length: two-years
• Levels: IB Standard Level
• Credits: 2
• Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometry

This course emphasizes the applied nature of the subject and is designed for students who wish to understand how mathematics relates to the real world and to other academic subjects. This course is suitable for students who may go on to further study in subjects that utilize mathematics in this way, such as social sciences, natural sciences, statistics, business, psychology or design.

Internal Assessments

• Mathematical Exploration

External Assessments

• Paper 1: Compulsory short-response questions

• Paper 2: Compulsory extended-response questions

• Length: two-years
• Levels: IB Higher Level
• Credits: 2
• Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2

This course is designed for students who wish to study mathematics as a subject in its own right or to pursue their interests in areas related to mathematics. It will appeal to students who are interested in exploring real and abstract applications of mathematical concepts. Students should enjoy problem solving and generalization. This course is suitable for students who may go on to further study in subjects that have a significant level of mathematics content, for example, mathematics itself, engineering, physical sciences or economics.

• Emphasis on algebraic methods

• Development of strong skills in mathematical thinking

• Real and abstract mathematical problem solving

Internal Assessments:

• Mathematical Exploration

External Assessments:

• Paper 1: Compulsory short-response and extended-response questions

• Paper 2: Compulsory short-response and extended-response questions

• Paper 3: Two compulsory extended-response problem-solving questions

• Levels: Advanced, IB Standard Level

• Length: Two-Year Course (SL), One-Year Course (advanced)

• Credit: 1 per year

• Prerequisites: Successful completion of Integrated Science and faculty recommendation

Advanced Chemistry is a lab-based course which emphasizes the: 1) structure and behavior of atoms; 2) composition and properties of compounds; 3) reactions between substances and their accompanying energy changes; and 4) laws which unite these phenomena into a comprehensive system. Numerous connections between chemistry and everyday life are made. This course moves at a fast pace to accommodate the range of content covered. This course is taught through readings, discussion, lab activities, projects, and possible field trips, and prepares students for IB science offerings.

The Advanced level (year 1) of chemistry includes the following core content topics:

• Stoichiometric relationships

• Atomic structure

• Periodicity

• Chemical bonding and structure

• Energetics/thermochemistry

• Chemical kinetics

The two-year SL course assumes that students are independent learners who can work with limited teacher support. Students are advanced and enthusiastic readers; they can make inferences, draw connections, comprehend and appreciate texts with sophisticated vocabulary and themes read at a fast pace. Students are strong expository and narrative writers who understand grammar, mechanics, spelling and sentence/paragraph structure.

Those choosing to continue into the second year SL level course will cover:

• Equilibrium

• Acids and bases

• Redox processes

• Organic chemistry

• Measurement and data processing

• One of the following topics: materials, biochemistry, energy, or medicinal chemistry

An Internal Assessment (IA) is required for SL Chemistry; the initial work on this independent project will begin in Advanced Chemistry (G10) and continue in Year 2.

• Levels: IB Standard Level, IB Higher Level

• Two-Year Course

• Credit: 2

• Prerequisites: Chemistry and faculty recommendation

This two-year Biology course is the study of life. The vast diversity of species makes biology both an endless source of fascination and a considerable challenge. Biologists attempt to understand the living world at all levels from the micro to the macro, using many different approaches and techniques. Biology is still a young science and great progress is expected in the 21st century. This progress is important at a time of growing pressure on the human population and the environment.

By studying biology in the Diploma Programme, students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work characterizes the sciences. Students will design investigations, collect data, develop

manipulative skills, analyze results, collaborate with peers, and evaluate and communicate their findings.

Core content includes:

• Cell biology

• Molecular biology

• Genetics

• Ecology

• Space and space exploration

• Green chemistry

• Biomimicry

Level Distinctions

Standard Level (SL)

External Assessments:

• • Paper 1: Multiple Choice

  • Paper 2: Data-based, short-answer and extended-response questions

  • Paper 3: Data-based, short-answer and extended-response questions

Individual Investigation

Group 4 Project

Higher Level (HL)

External Assessments:

• • Paper 1: Multiple-choice questions

  • Paper 2: Data-based, short-answer and extended-response questions

  • Paper 3: Data-based, short-answer and extended-response questions

Individual Investigation

Additional Content: nucleic acids, metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis, plant biology, genetics and evolution, animal physiology

• Levels: Advanced, IB Standard Level
• Length: two years (SL), one-year (advanced)
• Credits: 1 per year

This course focuses on the history of the 20th century from a world perspective. The first year focuses on the study of the rise of authoritarian states, and a comparison of development and implications of the Apartheid movement and the US Civil Rights movement. The second year is a continuation of a study of the 20th century with an examination of the causes, practices and effects of the Cold War from a world perspective. This class will also spend a significant amount of time learning about research methods and writing in the social sciences.

This course requires students to identify patterns in historical events, whether they are political, economic, or social. It invites comparisons between, but not judgments of, different cultures, political systems and traditions. This practice provides an excellent foundation for the promotion of international understanding and intercultural awareness necessary to prepare students for global citizenship. Above all, it fosters respect and understanding of people and events in a variety of cultures throughout the world.

Standard Level (SL)

External Assessment

• Paper 1: Source-based paper

• Paper 2: Essay paper

Internal Assessment

Historical Investigation

• Levels: IB Higher Level
• Length: two-years
• Credits: 2

This two year course explores the history of the 20th century from a world perspective as well as the political, economic, social, and ideological implications of the first half of the 20th Century with a focus on the Americas (US and Latin America). The first year on the study of the rise of authoritarian states, and a comparison of the development and implications of the Apartheid movements and the US Civil Rights Movement. The second year is a continuation of a study of the 20th century with an examination of the causes, practices and effects of the Cold War both from a world perspective and through the lens of Latin America. This class will spend a significant amount of time learning about and practicing research methods and writing in the social sciences. Students will be prepared for the Higher Level IB external assessment. Students are encouraged to engage with multiple perspectives and to appreciate the complex nature of historical concepts, issues, events and developments. A goal is to promote international mindedness through the study of history from more than one region of the world. 

This class seeks to develop an understanding of history as a discipline; a historical consciousness, including a sense of chronology and context; and an understanding of different historical perspectives. Students will also develop key historical skills, including engaging effectively with sources

Higher Level (HL)

External Assessment

• Paper 1: Source-based paper

• Paper 2: Essay paper

• Paper 3: Essay paper

Internal Assessment

Historical Investigation

• Levels: Advanced, IB Standard Level, IB Higher Level

• Length: two years (SL/HL), one-year (advanced)

• Credits: 1

Students in this series will achieve an advanced low/mid level (for SL) or advanced mid/high level (for HL) in reading, writing, speaking and listening proficiency (based on the ACTFL proficiency standard). Students will be assessed on active participation as well as their daily preparation for class. These are accelerated courses in which students continue to build their proficiency and confidence in the target language while using authentic, unabridged materials, such as newspaper articles, opinion pieces, works of fiction and feature films. Discussions and writings are developed around the Core Topics and Options offered in the IB curriculum, and will include activities such as exploring current events and cultural trends, and preparing skits and presentations.

At the culmination of the Standard Level (SL) series, students will be able to:

• Converse clearly and fluidly on a variety of familiar topics with accuracy and precision;

• Compose multiple-paragraph texts that clearly and concisely communicate the intended message.

At the culmination of the Higher Level (HL) series, students will be able to:

• Contribute actively to live conversations, providing structured arguments and constructing hypotheses to support their opinions;

• Write extensively about topics that are familiar to them as well as show some ability to deal with abstract, global or interpersonal themes;

• Show good control of all of the major time frames in their speaking and writing.

At the Advanced Level, instruction is provided almost exclusively in the target language.

• 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)

• 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

• 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

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.

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.