All students who graduate from Chadwick International will receive a Chadwick Diploma, which is a U.S.  accredited high school diploma.  In Grades 9-12, one credit per course is awarded each year for the full-time study of a subject when a final grade of 3 or above on the 1 to 7 scale is achieved.  

Chadwick International graduation requirements are outlined below:

1. A total of 22 credits attained in Grades 9-12.

2. The required subjects and minimum credits are:

• English: 4 credits

• Individuals and Societies: 3 credits

• Mathematics: 3 credits

• Sciences: 3 credits

• Global Languages: 2 credits

• Arts: 1 credit

• Physical and Health Education: 1 credit

• Electives: 5 credits

3. The study of a minimum of four courses in Grade 12 for the entirety of the school year.  

4. The following components must also be completed:

• Outdoor Education: participation in each year of Upper School at Chadwick International

• Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)

• Extended Essay in the IB DP,  Reflective Project in the IB CP or the CI Senior Project in the CI Dip.

Guidance

Students in the CI Diploma (CI) pathway must select courses to meet graduation requirements.  As noted above, the CI pathway is the most flexible option as it can be completed with a combination of one and two year CI courses, IB Diploma courses plus supervised online enrichment electives.

All students must study a minimum of four courses in Grade 12 for the entirety of the school year (including English).  However, we typically advise students to maintain at least five courses in Grade 12.

As noted above, placement in courses is subject to review and confirmation to ensure an appropriate degree of challenge and that graduation and college requirements are met.

Chadwick International Diploma Courses

The Chadwick International Diploma courses are listed below:

• CI English

• CI Mathematics

• CI Science (revised for August 2024)

If there is sufficient interest, the following High School Diploma courses will be offered from August 2024:

• Computer Programming

• Global Studies

• Health & Fitness Education

• Media Studies

• Product Design

• Web and Animated Graphic Design

Course Descriptions

English  Language and Literature (2 years) -  Students will become more confident thinkers about life through the study of literature. The course is designed to foster deep personal engagement with concepts that are universal and central to the human experience. Importantly, we want our students to become successful in English, becoming more confident readers, writers and speakers. Individualized instruction is a core component of this course; personalized learning goals are established to further develop students' thinking skills. This class is a strong alternative for students who do not require the IB Diploma.

Mathematics (1  & 2 year options) - Students will develop mathematical thinking, often in the context of practical problem solving and by using technology to justify conjectures. This course recognizes the increasing role that mathematics and technology play in a diverse range of fields in a data-rich world. As such, it emphasizes the meaning of mathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used as applications or in mathematical modeling. Topics include: Personal Finance, Modeling, Statistics & Probability and Number & Algebra.

Science - Forensics (One semester) - Students will apply concepts of biology, chemistry, physics, genetics, and anthropology as they explore topics such as toxicology, microscopy, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and fibre analysis. Students will learn to observe, collect, analyze, and evaluate evidence associated with criminal cases. Through scientific reasoning and critical thinking, students will evaluate the use of scientific principles as they apply to crime scenes and other real life situations.

Science - Environmental Systems and Sustainability (One semester): Students will explore environmental issues, incorporate practical skills, and engage in data-driven decision-making, in order to develop strategies for creating positive change in their communities. To do this students will analyze various environmental issues and their impact on ecosystems and communities; research the role of science in activism and the impact of environmental activists; explore the ethical considerations in environmental advocacy; and review case studies to understand the complex interactions between human activities and the environment. This course is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Next Generation Science Standards. 

Computer Programming (1  year) - Students will build upon their foundational programming knowledge and have the opportunity to explore Computer Science and object-oriented programming concepts. Students will begin to develop higher order thinking skills (problem deconstruction, step-wise solution building, analytical thinking, analogical thinking, creative thinking, and critical thinking) and will learn how to program using Java.

Global Studies (1 & 2 year options) - Students will develop their ability to consider significant global issues from different perspectives by exploring topics such as: Conflict and Peace; Culture and Communities; Development, Trade and Aid; Globalization; Health and Wellbeing; Migration and Urbanization; Political Power and Action; Poverty and Inequality; Values and Beliefs. Students will continue to develop the skills of research, analysis and evaluation, reflection, communication and collaboration by studying a selection of key topics together after which they will have the opportunity to choose further topics to explore through both independent study and collaborative projects.

Health & Fitness Education (1  & 2 year options) - Students will gain the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about the ways they treat their bodies and minds to enhance their quality and length of life.  Students will co-construct learning experiences and participate in a range of movement, collaborative and real world experiences to enable them to take action and to have a positive impact on others.

Media Studies (1  year) - Students will cultivate practical skills in the field of Filmmaking and Photography. The course provides students with the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the fundamental elements of media. The curriculum encompasses a blend of instruction, hands-on workshops, and the creation of student film projects.

Product Design (1 & 2 year options) - Using imagination and creativity students will design and make products to solve real world problems. Product design is a practical subject with theoretical content. Students will follow a cyclical interactive design process through research and analysis, development of design ideas, development of products, and testing and evaluation. They will acquire design knowledge by research, developing their own design ideas, following a variety of manufacturing techniques and processes, and practicing their skills.

Web and Animated Graphic Design (1  year) - Students will investigate various facets of web and animated design. Students will explore the design process and develop websites written in a combination of HTML and CSS (cascading style sheets). As well as developing web based components, students will also develop their knowledge of animation and animated graphics using a variety of software.

IB Diploma Courses within the CI Diploma

Students may also select some IB Diploma courses based on their interests and/or to meet the CI graduation requirements. Students in the CI Diploma have the following course options:

• Enroll in an IB DP course for two years and complete all related assessment components in order to receive the IB DP (HL or SL) course designation on their transcript.  Students who take two-year DP courses are expected to take the external exams in order to receive the relevant DP subject certificates.

• Enroll in a DP course for one year and complete all related assessment components in order to receive the IB DP (HL or SL) course designation on their transcript.  

• Students do not need to select 3 Higher Level/3 Standard Level courses.  

There are many combinations of CI & DP courses a student can select to meet the requirements.  A few of examples of course selections for the CI Diploma are given below for illustration:

Example 1 - Six subjects with a combination of CI and DP courses

• CI English

• DP Korean Language and Literature (SL or HL)

• CI Global Studies 

• DP History (SL or HL)

• CI Science

• CI Mathematics

Example 2 - Five subjects with a combination of CI and DP courses

• DP English Language and Literature (SL or HL)

• DP Business Management (SL or HL)

• CI Computer Programming

• CI Mathematics

• DP Arts (SL or HL) - If credit requirements have been met in Grade 9 or 10, no arts option is needed.

Example 3 - Six subjects all DP courses

• DP English Language and Literature (SL)

• DP Korean Language and Literature (HL)

• DP Business Management (SL)

• DP Biology (SL)

• DP Mathematics (SL)

• DP Visual Art (SL) 

In the three examples above, completion of the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component & CI Senior Project are also requirements.

Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) courses

The IB recommends 240 teaching hours for HL subjects and 150 hours for SL. Subjects at HL are studied in greater depth and breadth than at SL.

The IB awards the same number of points for higher level (HL) and standard level (SL) courses, reflecting the IB’s belief in the importance of achievement across a broad range of academic disciplines.

HL and SL courses differ in scope but are assessed against the same grade descriptors, with HL candidates expected to demonstrate the various elements of the grade descriptors across a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills. 

Grade Descriptors

IB published grade descriptors are the foundation of awarding IB grades. Each subject is graded 1–7, with 7 being the highest grade.

Grade descriptors describe skills and understanding that should be evident within a student’s body of written, oral and practical work for a subject, in order to justify award of a particular grade. The grade descriptors are used to provide feedback to students on their work and progress; report achievement to students and parents; and provide predicted grades to universities and the IB.

Requirements for the award of the IB Diploma (Extract from DP: From Principles into Practice)

The IB diploma is awarded based on performance across all parts of the DP.

• Each subject is graded 1–7, with 7 being the highest grade.

• These grades are also used as points (that is, 7 points for a grade 7, 6 points for a grade 6, and so on) in determining if the diploma can be awarded.

• TOK and the EE are graded A–E, with A being the highest grade. These two grades are then combined in the diploma points matrix to contribute between 0 and 3 points to the total.

• CAS is not assessed but must be completed in order to pass the diploma.

• The overall maximum points from subject grades, TOK and the EE is therefore 45: ((6 × 7) + 3).

• The minimum threshold for the award of the diploma is 24 points. If a candidate scores less than 24 points, the diploma is not awarded.

Receiving a bilingual diploma

A bilingual diploma is awarded to candidates who complete and receive a grade 3 or higher in two languages selected from the DP course studies in language and literature.

Additional Requirements (Extract from DP: From Principles into Practice)

There are a number of additional requirements for the award of the diploma.

• CAS requirements have been met.

• There is no “N” awarded for TOK, the EE or for a contributing subject.

• There is no grade E awarded for TOK and/or the EE.

• There is no grade 1 awarded in a subject/level.

• There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (SL or HL).

• There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (SL or HL).

• The candidate has gained 12 points or more on HL subjects. 

• The candidate has gained 9 points or more on SL subjects. 

• The candidate has not received a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee.

Guidance

Students in the IB Diploma Programme must select at least one course from Group 1.  

Students who are highly proficient in two languages can make a second selection from Group 1 in place of a Language Acquisition course from Group 2.  A bilingual diploma is awarded to candidates who complete and receive a grade 3 or higher in two languages selected from Group 1.

Courses Offered

Chadwick International offers the following Group 1 courses:

• English Literature (SL & HL)

• English Language and Literature (SL & HL)

• Korean Literature (SL & HL)

• Korean Language and Literature (SL/HL)

• Mandarin Language and Literature (SL & HL)

Overview

Group 1 studies in language and literature courses are designed for students from a wide variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds, who have experience of using the language of the course in an educational context. The courses are designed to support future academic study or career related paths by developing social, aesthetic and cultural literacy, as well as improving language competence and communication skills.

The language profile of students taking these courses will vary, but their receptive, productive and interactive skills should be strong and the expectation is that the course will consolidate them further. Students are expected to develop their proficiency, fluency and linguistic range, and in particular to acquire the vocabulary appropriate to the analysis of texts. In Group 1, it is intended that students are highly proficient in the target language, whether or not it is their mother tongue.

School Supported Self-Study Languages

For students who are highly proficient in a language not supported by the school, there is the possibility of taking the school supported self-study literature option using an external tutor.  

CI has previously worked with MIH Unlimited to source tutors with appropriate DP Group 1 Literature experience.  Please check the MIH website for further information.

Further Information

Please consult the IB Subject Briefs linked below for more detailed information about Group 1, including the course description and aims; the curriculum model overview & the assessment model.

• Language A: literature SL & HL 

• Language A: language and literature SL & HL

Guidance

Students in the IB Diploma Programme must select at least one course in Group 2.  Alternatively, students who are highly proficient in two languages can make a second selection from Group 1 in place of a Language Acquisition course in Group 2.

Courses Offered

Chadwick International offers the following Group 2 courses:

• French ab initio (SL only) - Through Pamoja an online provider

• Spanish ab initio (SL only )

• Spanish B Language Acquisition (SL & HL)

• Mandarin ab initio (SL only)

• Mandarin B Language Acquisition (SL & HL) 

Overview

Group 2 Language Acquisition consists of two modern language courses, language ab initio and language B. These language acquisition courses are designed to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where the language studied is spoken. These language courses develop students’ linguistic abilities through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills.  This process allows the learner to go beyond the confines of the classroom, expanding their awareness of the world and fostering respect for cultural diversity.

Language B is a language acquisition course designed for students with some previous experience of the target language. In the language B course, students further develop their ability to communicate in the target language through the study of language, themes and texts. In doing so, they also develop conceptual understandings of how language works, as appropriate to the level of the course.

Language ab initio is a language acquisition course designed for students with no prior experience of the target language, or for those students with very limited previous exposure. It should be noted that language ab initio is offered at SL only.

Further Information

Please consult the IB Subject Briefs linked below for more detailed information about Group 2, including the course description and aims; the curriculum model overview & the assessment model.

• Language B SL & HL

• Language ab initio SL

Guidance

Students in the IB Diploma Programme must select at least one course in Group 3.

Courses Offered

Chadwick International offers the following Group 3 courses:

• Business Management (SL & HL)

• Economics (SL & HL)

• Environmental Systems and Societies (SL/HL) 

• Global Politics (SL & HL)

• History (SL & HL)

• Psychology (SL & HL)

If there is sufficient interest, Environmental Systems and Societies (SL/HL)  will be offered from August 2024.  This is an interdisciplinary subject that is offered in Groups 3 & 4.

Overview

Each Group 3 subject is designed to foster in students the capacity to identify, to analyse critically and to evaluate theories, concepts and arguments relating to the nature and activities of individuals and societies.  Studying any one of these subjects provides for the development of a critical appreciation of:

• human experience and behaviour

• the varieties of physical, economic and social environments that people inhabit

• the history of social and cultural institutions.

Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) in Group 3

Environmental Systems and Societies aims to foster an international perspective, awareness of local and global environmental concerns and an understanding of the scientific method. Because ESS is an interdisciplinary course students can have it count as either a Group 3: Individuals and Societies course or a Group 4: Science course, or both. This gives students the opportunity to study (an) additional subject(s) from any group. This may be particularly useful for students who wish to study more than one Arts subject, see Group 6.

Further Information

Please consult the IB Subject Briefs linked below for more detailed information about Group 3, including the course description and aims; the curriculum model overview & the assessment model.

• Business Management SL

• Business Management HL

• Economics SL

• Economics HL

• Environmental Systems and Societies SL & HL

• Global Politics SL & HL

• History SL

• History HL

• Psychology SL & HL

Guidance

Students in the IB Diploma Programme must select at least one course in Group 4.

Courses Offered

Chadwick International offers the following Group 4 courses:

• Biology (SL & HL)

• Chemistry (SL & HL)

• Environmental Systems and Societies (SL/HL) 

• Design Technology (SL/HL) 

• Physics (SL & HL)

If there is sufficient interest, the following IB Diploma courses will be offered from August 2024:

• Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)*

• Design Technology

*Note: ESS is an interdisciplinary subject that is offered in Groups 3 & 4.

Overview

Through studying the natural sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) students become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes these subjects.  

Group 4  Natural Science courses enable students to:

1. acquire a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology

2. apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology

3. develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information

4. develop a critical awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and

communication

5. develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the use of current technologies

6. develop and apply 21st century communication skills in the study of science

7. become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of using science and technology

8. develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science and technology

9. develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and other areas of knowledge.

10.  appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context

Design in Group 4 

The aim of the DP design technology course is to foster the skill development in students required to use new and existing technologies to create new products, services and systems.  Both science and technology have a fundamental relationship with design. Modern technology involves the application of scientific discoveries to produce useful artifacts. The application of scientific discovery to solve a problem enables designers to create new technologies and these new technologies, in turn, can impact on the rate of scientific discovery.

Environmental Systems and Societies in Group 4

Environmental Systems and Societies (ES&S) aims to foster an international perspective, awareness of local and global environmental concerns and an understanding of the scientific method. Because ESS is an interdisciplinary course students can have it count as either a Group 3: Individuals and Societies course or a Group 4: Science course, or both. This gives students the opportunity to study (an) additional subject(s) from any group. This may be particularly useful for students who wish to study more than one Arts subject, see Group 6.

Further Information

Please consult the IB Subject Briefs linked below for more detailed information about Group 4, including the course description and aims; the curriculum model overview & the assessment model.

• Biology SL & HL

• Chemistry SL & HL

• Physics SL & HL

• Environmental Systems and Societies SL & HL

• Design Technology SL & HL

Guidance

Students in the IB Diploma Programme must select at least one course in Group 5

Courses Offered

Chadwick International offers the following Group 5 courses:

• Mathematics: analysis and approaches (SL & HL)

• Mathematics: applications and interpretation (SL & HL)

Overview

Group 5 mathematics courses serve to accommodate the range of needs, interests and abilities of students, and to fulfill the requirements of various university and career aspirations.

The aims of these courses are to enable students to:

• develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles

• develop logical, critical and creative thinking

• employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization.

Students are also encouraged to appreciate the international dimensions of mathematics and the multiplicity of its cultural and historical perspectives.  All DP mathematics courses require students to appreciate the use of technology in mathematics and become proficient with graphic display calculators.

Further Information

Please consult the IB Subject Briefs linked below for more detailed information about Group 5, including the course description and aims; the curriculum model overview & the assessment model.

• Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL & HL

• Mathematics: applications and interpretation SL & HL

Guidance

Students in the IB Diploma Programme may select one course in Group 6 or may opt to study an additional sciences, individuals and societies, or languages course, instead of a course in the arts.

Students who take Environmental Systems and Societies (ES&S) as a Group 3/4 course have the opportunity to select an additional Group 6 Arts course. In summary, a student may chose two, one or none of the courses in this group depending on course choices made in Groups 3 & 4.

Courses Offered

Chadwick International offers the following Group 6 courses:

• Film (SL & HL)

• Music (SL & HL)

• Theatre (SL & HL)

• Visual arts (SL & HL)

Overview

Each Arts subject is designed to foster critical, reflective and informed practice, help students understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts, explore the diversity of arts across time, place and cultures, and express themselves with confidence and competence. All arts subjects allow a high degree of adaptability to different cultural contexts. The emphasis is on creativity in the context of disciplined, practical research into the relevant genres. 

Further Information

Please consult the IB Subject Briefs linked below for more detailed information about Group 6, including the course description and aims; the curriculum model overview & the assessment model.

• Film SL & HL

• Music SL & HL 

• Theatre SL & HL

• Visual Arts SL

• Visual Arts HL

Guidance

Completion of the three DP core components - Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) - is mandatory for all DP students.

Theory of Knowledge

The theory of knowledge (TOK) course plays a special role in the DP by providing an opportunity for students to reflect on the nature, scope and limitations of knowledge and the process of knowing. In this way, the main focus of TOK is not on students acquiring new knowledge but on helping students to reflect on, and put into perspective, what they already know. TOK underpins and helps to unite the subjects that students encounter in the rest of their DP studies

Extended Essay 

The extended essay is a compulsory, externally assessed piece of independent research into a topic chosen by the student and presented as a formal piece of academic writing. The extended essay is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity while engaging students in personal research. 

Creativity, Activity, Service 

CAS is at the heart of the DP. The three strands of creativity, activity and service are defined as follows.

• Creativity—exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance.

• Activity—physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

• Service—collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need.

CAS requires students to take part in a range of experiences that should involve:

• real, purposeful activities, with significant outcomes

• personal challenge

• thoughtful consideration, such as planning, reviewing progress, reporting

• reflection on outcomes and personal learning.

Further Information

Please consult the IBO public webpages linked below for more detailed information about the DP Core, including descriptions, aims & assessment.

• Theory of Knowledge (Link)

• Extended Essay (Subject Brief)

• Creativity, Activity, Service (Link)