Science

INTEGRATED SCIENCE 9

Integrated Science 9 is designed to be part two of a two-year, pre-IB program that intends to prepare students equally for the IB sciences. This course will focus on biology, environmental science, and anatomy and will be guided by the Next Generation Science Standards. These two domains of science will be held together with a focus on developing science process skills in the lab, such as designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and concluding and evaluating results. This course is the first part of a two-year preparation program to enter the IB Diploma program in any of the domains of science.

Credits: 1

Length of Course: 1 year

Grade Level: Grade 9

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Integrated Science 8

INTEGRATED SCIENCE 10

Integrated Science 10 is designed to be part two of a two-year, pre-IB program that intends to prepare students equally for the IB sciences. This course will focus on physics and chemistry topics and will be guided by the Next Generation Science Standards. These two domains of science will be held together with a focus on developing science process skills in the lab, such as designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and concluding and evaluating results. This course is the second part of a two-year preparation program to enter the IB Diploma program in any of the domains of science.

Credits: 1

Length of Course: 1 year

Grade Level: Grade 10

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Integrated Science 9

IB Biology SL/HL (1 and 2)

This course follows the IB Biology syllabus and is designed for students seeking to take the IB Biology exam at either the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). A student decides whether to follow the SL or HL track prior to beginning the two-year course. Year 1 for both levels (SL and HL) combines the rigorous academic study of biology concepts with experimental work designed to teach laboratory techniques and develop scientific research skills. In both SL and HL courses, topics covered over the two years include cells, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and human physiology.

Students will use the laboratory techniques and research and writing skills learned in year one to design and complete a mandatory individual investigation of their choice. The HL course also includes advanced studies in DNA, genetics, plant science, and animal physiology.

Year 2 of HL is fast-paced and requires a good recall of year one topics, strong math skills, good independent study skills, and a desire to be challenged.

Credits: 1 per year

Length of Course: 2 years

Grade Level: Grades 11-12

Prerequisites:

• SL: Completion of Integrated Science 9/10 or equivalent

• HL: Completion of Integrated Science 9/10 or equivalent with a B or higher recommended in IS9

IB Chemistry SL/HL (1 and 2)

This course follows the IB Chemistry syllabus and is designed for students seeking to take the IB Chemistry exam at either the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). It is a course for curious students who wish to study matter and understand more about how scientists use models to better understand chemical processes. Throughout this challenging course, students will study the Core Topics which include: stoichiometry, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. In addition, students will enjoy multiple opportunities for scientific study and creative inquiry through investigation. Data processing and analysis will be studied in-depth, and students will learn to think critically and communicate their findings like scientists. The first year of the course will include the bulk of the Core Topics and participate in the Group Four Project. In the second year, students will complete the Core Curriculum and design and carry out an individual investigation for the Internal Assessment.

A growth mindset and confidence in mathematics are assets in this course. 

Students should understand that the HL Course is faster-paced and includes topics that are more challenging and require a strong background in mathematics than the SL Course.

Credits: 1 per year

Length of Course: 2 years

Grade Level: Grades 11-12

Prerequisites:

• SL: Successful Completion of Integrated Science 10; good standing in mathematics

• HL: Strong Math skills and completion of Integrated Science 10 with a grade of B or better are recommended

IB Physics SL/HL (1 and 2)

This course follows the IB Physics syllabus and is designed for students seeking to take the IB Physics exam at either the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). A student decides whether to follow the SL or HL track prior to beginning the two-year course. Year 1 for both levels (SL and HL) combines the rigorous academic study of a wide range of physics concepts with experimental work designed to teach laboratory techniques and to develop scientific research skills and technical writing skills. Broad topics covered over the 2 years are space, time & motion, the particle nature of matter, wave behavior, fields, and nuclear and quantum physics.  These are all covered at an SL and HL level with the HL Course including a deeper study of the above topics.  Students will use the laboratory techniques and research and writing skills learned in year one to design and complete a mandatory individual investigation of their choice. A growth mindset and strong math skills are needed to be successful in this course at either level.

The HL course is generally more challenging, faster-paced, and requires more background in mathematics than the SL Course.  

Credits: 1 per year

Length of Course: 2 years

Grade Level: Grades 11-12

Prerequisites:

• SL: Successful Completion of Integrated Science 10; good standing in mathematics

• HL: Strong Math skills and completion of Integrated Science 10 with a grade of B or better are recommended

IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL/HL (1 and 2)

This course follows the IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) syllabus and is designed for students seeking to take the IB ESS exam at either the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). This course equips students with the ability to recognize and evaluate the impact of our complex system of societies on the natural world. The three central concepts, Sustainability, Systems, and Perspectives permeate throughout the course. The interdisciplinary nature of the course requires a broad skill set from students and includes the ability to perform research and laboratory investigations and to participate in philosophical discussion. Topics include ecosystems, biodiversity, aquatic systems, food production, atmosphere and climate change, resource use, and human populations and urban environments. 

Students will use the laboratory techniques and research skills learned in year one to design and complete an individual investigation of their choice in the following year.

HL students will demonstrate critical evaluation and further explore each topic through lenses of environmental law, economics, and ethics to analyse problems at greater breadth and depth.

Credits: 1 per year

Length of Course: 2 years

Grade Level: Grades 11-12

Prerequisites: Completion of Integrated Science 9 and 10; strong verbal and writing skills recommended

IB Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences SL/HL (1 and 2) 

This course follows the IB Sports Exercise and Health Science syllabus and is designed for students seeking to take the IB SEHS exam at either the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). SEHS is a dynamic exploration of human physiology, biomechanics, and psychology, aimed at understanding the relationship between physical activity, athletic performance, and personal well-being. Structured around three core themes—Exercise Physiology and Nutrition, Biomechanics, and Sports Psychology and Motor Learning—the course equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for scientific inquiry and opportunity to apply what they learn immediately outside of the classroom.  

Through laboratory experiments and field investigations, students delve into topics such as physiological responses to exercise, biomechanical principles of movement, and psychological determinants of success in sports and health contexts. SEHS not only fosters a deep understanding of human health and performance but also empowers students to apply their learning to real-life scenarios, promoting personal health and sporting excellence. With its focus on holistic well-being and practical application, SEHS serves as an ideal foundation for further education and careers in sports science, fitness, nutrition, kinesiology, physical therapy and other health-related fields, preparing students to thrive as competent practitioners and advocates for physical activity and well-being.