Courses

(1 CREDIT)

Open to grade 10.

Recommended for tenth graders who aspire to enroll in the International Baccalaureate Program. This is an exciting interdisciplinary course that will provide students with the skills to think critically about ideas relating to the Sciences and Humanities. It will encourage students to view knowledge issues through a variety of lenses while also building an appreciation for examining the world from multiple perspectives. The focus of the classroom will include both individual and group hands on projects along with specific instruction in study skills, writing, debate, reasoning, and researching. Students in this program will also investigate the interrelationship of art, music, and literature, in gaining knowledge of their world.

Creativity, action, service is the first of three essential components of the Diploma Program. CAS requires students to involve themselves in an collaborative, extended project and individual activities that

· are creative

· are physical

· provide service to others

These activities must:

· be real, purposeful and have significant outcomes

· provide a personal challenge that extends the student

· require a thoughtful process such as planning, reviewing one’s progress and reporting outcomes

· allow for reflection and personal growth

Theory of Knowledge is the second required component of the Diploma Program. Taken in both the junior and senior years, TOK aims to

· develop in students an interest in learning

· develop in students an understanding of how knowledge is constructed, critically examined and evaluated

· develop in students an understanding of the ways of thinking and living of others and an awareness of personal and ideological assumptions of others as well as themselves

· encourage students to reflect on their experiences as learners

· provide students with the ability to understand the relationship between subjects, as well as the relationship between thoughts, feelings and actions

Begun in the junior year, the Extended Essay is the third required component of the Diploma Program. Working with an advisor, Diploma candidates conduct an in-depth study of a topic of their choosing and gain experience in

· developing research and communication skills

· developing the skills necessary for creative and critical thinking

The Extended Essay is

· the result of 40 hours of independent work

· 4000 words in length

· uploaded to the IBO for external assessment

· combined with the Theory of Knowledge grade. The combined score of TOK and the Extended Essay can add up to 3 points to a candidates composite score.