Course Breakdown

All IB Diploma courses are taught from prescribed curricula; rough course descriptions are provided below. Please note that all courses are assessed by IB using both internal assessments (graded by the teacher and reviewed by IB) and external assessments (IB-written examinations, in most cases).

Group 1: Language & Literature A (English HL)

• Pre-university course in literature
• Internal assessment: recorded oral commentary in February
• External assessment: 1 Written Assignment paper, written examination in May
• Also prepares students for AP English Literature exam

Group 2: Language B (French SL and Spanish SL)

• Development of listening, speaking, reading and writing in second language
• Students should achieve level 5 of language in order to be successful on exams
• Internal assessment (all languages except Latin): recorded oral examination (commentary on previously unseen photographs) in March
• External assessment: Written Assignment completed in December, plus written examination in May

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

• History HL
  • International history with an emphasis on the Americas (North, South, and Central)
  • Focus on historical analysis and interpretation
  • Internal assessment: Historical investigation paper
  • External assessment: Examination in May
  • 11th grade course (History of the Americas) prepares students for AP US History and fulfills state US History requirement.
• Psychology SL
  • Study of human behavior
  • Internal assessment: Simple experimental study
  • External assessment: Examination in May

Group 4: Sciences

• Biology HL
  • Prerequisite: Biology 1
  • Requires “Group 4 Project,” involving an experiment designed and carried out as a small group, completion of experiment write-up, and presentation of experiment and results
  • Internal assessment: Experimentation/research write-up (practical work), Group 4 Project
  • External assessment: Examination in May

Group 5: Mathematics

• Mathematical Studies SL
  • Math Studies is designed for “students with varied backgrounds and abilities. More specifically, it is designed to build confidence and encourage an appreciation of mathematics in students who do not anticipate a need for mathematics in their future studies. Students taking this course need to be already equipped with fundamental skills and a rudimentary knowledge of basic processes.” (IBO Math Studies SL Guide)
  • Focuses on further algebra and geometry, statistics, and financial math, with some limited exposure to calculus
  • Internal assessment: Project
  • External assessment: Examination in May
• Mathematics SL
  • Math SL is designed for “students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple mathematical techniques correctly. The majority of these students will expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics, psychology and business administration.” (IBO Mathematics SL Guide)
  • Focuses on further algebra, vectors, probability and statistics, and extensive calculus.
  • Internal assessment: Portfolio
  • External assessment: Examination in May
  • Also prepares students for AP Calculus AB exam

Group 6: The Arts

• Visual Arts SL
  • Creation of art along with understanding of its socio-cultural context
  • Internal assessment: Research workbooks
  • External assessment: Studio work portfolio submitted electronically