The IB Programme

IB Course Offerings

Courses

English A: Language and Literature is a two-year course that focuses on the study and appreciation of language and literature across our culture and the cultures of other societies. Part A is intended to broaden the students’ perspectives and develop their skills in analysis and language production through the study of a wide range of text-types. Students are given opportunities to explore how language develops in specific cultural contexts, how it affects the world and how it shapes both individual and group identity. Students are also asked to consider the way language is used in the media and address the issue of how the production and reception of texts is influenced by the medium in which they are delivered. Part B focuses on the detailed study of literature. Students are asked to consider the changing historical, cultural and social contexts in which particular texts are written and received, to demonstrate how form, structure and style influence both meaning and context and to understand the attitudes and values expressed by texts and their impact on readers.

Preparation for the AP Language Test will be included as part of this course.

IB Spanish ab Initio uses themes to develop language acquisition which allows students to drive their own instruction by recognizing the use of the Spanish language through context. This course covers material beyond Spanish 2. If taken in 9th and 10th grade, it will serve as a prerequisite to IB Spanish B HL (Parts A and B). If taken in 11th and 12th grade, it can be part of the IB Diploma Programme or Career Related Study as an SL option.

The IB Spanish B HL (Part A and B) forms an integrated two-year course of study that is equivalent to third-and fourth-year college-level literature courses in the world language being studied. Classes are taught entirely in the language being studied and students are expected to actively participate in classroom discussion of the literary works being read. Learn to develop literary analysis and commentary skills, and provide extensive training in the organization and writing of literary commentary. The two year curriculum prepares students to take the IB High Level (HL) world language literature exam and satisfies the Group 2 Language B requirement for the International baccalaureate diploma.

Preparation for AP Spanish Language test will be embedded in this course.

IB History of the Americas (Part A and B) is a two year course that supports the International Baccalaureate diploma or certificate program. Part A (the first year) prepares students for the regional studies portion of the exam through an in-depth examination of the different political, economic, and social systems of the Americas. Part B (the second year) covers a selection of topics in 20th-century world history, examining issues from both international and U.S. perspectives, and develops analytical thinking on an abstract level. The integrated two-year curriculum satisfies the Group 3 (Study of Main in Society) requirement for the International Baccalaureate diploma.

This course includes preparation for the AP US History test.

IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL (Part A and B) is a two-year course that provides students with a comprehensive overview of the global environment and the impact humans have had on it. Interdisciplinary by nature, the course covers current events and their local and global implications. Students will participate in field trips, seminars, debates, field work and data analysis as well as design and implement their research studies culminating in a written lab report.

Preparation for AP Environmental Science test will be embedded in this course.

The IB Computer Science SL course focuses on software development, fundamentals of computer systems, and the relationship between computing systems and society. Students in this course will become aware of how computer scientists work and communicate with each other and with other stakeholders in the successful development and implementation of IT solutions.

The IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretations SL (Part A and B) is a two year course containing topics including descriptive and introductory inferential statistics; geometry and trigonometry; unit conversion; mathematical models (linear, quadratic, exponential, and rational); introductory differential calculus; sets, probability, and logic. The approach taken emphasizes the development of mathematical reasoning skills and the understanding of fundamental concepts. Most topics are explored in a real-world context. Students design and complete an independent data-based research project which also serves as the internal assessment portion of their IB grade. Solid algebraic skills and the capacity for independent work are important to a student’s success.

Preparation for the AP Statistics test is a part of this course.

The IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretations HL (Part A and B) is a two year course containing topics including descriptive and introductory inferential statistics; geometry and trigonometry; unit conversion; mathematical models (linear, quadratic, exponential, and rational); introductory differential calculus; sets, probability, and logic. The approach taken emphasizes the development of mathematical reasoning skills and the understanding of fundamental concepts. Most topics are explored in a real-world context. Students design and complete an independent data-based research project which also serves as the internal assessment portion of their IB grade. Solid algebraic skills and the capacity for independent work are important to a student’s success.

Preparation for the AP Calc (AB or BC...tbd) test is a part of this course.

IB Film SL (single year course) aims to develop students as proficient interpreters and makers of film texts. Through the study and analysis of film texts, and through practical exercises in film production, the film course develops students’ critical abilities and their appreciation of artistic, cultural, historical and global perspectives in film. Students examine film concepts, theories, practices and ideas from multiple perspectives, challenging their own viewpoints and biases in order to understand and value those of others.

The IB dance program is a two year course of study starting in grade 11 and culminating with examinations in grade 12. It is a challenging, rigorous course that seeks to challenge students who are motivated as self-learners. Students will be exposed to and learn a variety of dance techniques, performance skills, dance from other cultures, compositional tools, somatic practices, research practice and dance history. Students will also perform their work in progress at informal open showings throughout the year. Students may choose to participate at the Standard Level (SL) or at the Higher Level (HL).

IB Theory of Knowledge (a two year course that begins in the second semester of 11th grade, meeting from 3:30 to 5:00 every Tuesday and Thursday, and first semester of 12th grade, meeting from 3:30 to 5:00 every Tuesday and Thursday) has been designed to develop skills that will help you investigate the origin and reliability of the knowledge you have acquired. It explores how you, the individual or knower, utilizes emotions, reason, language, and sense perception to come to know what you know. In this course we will explore how you have come to know what you know in the areas of the Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, History, Arts, Ethics, and Mathematics. You will be asked to scrutinize your knowledge by comparing the ways of knowing and knowledge claims across disciplines, and by becoming aware of how personal and cultural views impact the knowing process for yourself and for others.

This course will include preparation for the IB Extended Essay and IB CAS documentation.

IB Personal and Professional Skills (Part A and B) is a two year course that emphasizes the development of transferable skills needed to operate successfully in society. The course focuses on critical and ethical thinking, intercultural understanding, and the ability to communicate effectively.

The class will also present students with opportunities to focus on the other IBCP Core Requirements, including the Reflective Project, the Language Extension, and the Service Learning Component.