Grade Level: 11

Credit 10 credits/year

A-G requirement: English “B”

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English I and English II.

Comment: Students are expected to complete the IB Assessments associated with this class and to complete other site requirements. Year one of this class satisfies the English 3 requirements for graduation. Year Two satisfies English 4 requirements for graduation.

Strong reading and writing skills recommended. IB Application Packet requirement.

Course Description:

The language A: language and literature course introduces the critical study and interpretation of written and spoken texts from a wide range of literary and non-literary genres. The formal analysis of texts is supplemented by awareness that meaning is not fixed but can change in respect to contexts of production and consumption.

The course is organized into four parts, each focused on the study of either literary or non-literary texts. Together, the four parts of the course allow the student to explore the language through its cultural development and use, its media forms and functions, and its literature. Students develop skills of literary and textual analysis, and also the ability to present their ideas effectively. A key aim is the development of critical literacy

IB French I (SL)

Recommended Grade: Level 11

Credit: 10 Credits/Year

Prerequisite: Recommended grade of “B” or better in French II/III, or teacher recommendation and completion of IB Application Packet

A-G requirement: Language other than “E”

Course Description:

IB French I Standard Level is a two- year long course that emphasizes advanced communication in all areas of the language through debates, discussions, essays, and authentic texts and situations. Emphasis is placed on internationalism, global issues, and cross-cultural connections. Immersion instruction and participation in French is required. This is a rigorous course conducted in French which prepares seniors for the SL exam and juniors for IB French II.

Students are expected to take the IB French exam at the completion of their senior year course.

IB French (SL)

Recommended Grade: Level 11 & 12

Credit: 10 Credits/Year

Prerequisite: Recommended grade of “B” or better in IB French I and an IB Application Packet. This senior level course is a continuation of IB French I.

A-G requirement: Language other than English “E”

Course Description:

Students are expected to take the Standard Level (SL) exam. (See IB French Course requirements). IB French II of IB Standard Level French is the second year of the two-year long course that focuses on preparation for the IB Internal and External Examinations given at the end of the course. Students are expected to think critically and communicate effectively in all language modes based on native/authentic situations and resources. A global perspective is incorporated via analysis of political and social issues.

IB Spanish B (SL/HL1)

Recommended Grade: Level 11 & 12

Credit: 1 Unit/Year

Prerequisite: Recommended grade of “B” or better in Spanish II/III, or teacher recommendation and IB Application Packet

A-G requirement: Language other than English “E”

Course Description:

Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the IB exam in May of their senior year after developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and the ability to communicate effectively in Spanish in a variety of contexts. The curriculum includes reading short stories, articles from internet variety of sources, music, films, games, and cultural activities which are designed to foster the student’s interest in the language and culture. This rigorous class, taught in Spanish, prepares students for IB Spanish II and ultimately the IB exams. Seniors are responsible for the fee that IB charges for the required exam. At the end of their junior year, students must declare their intent to take the SL or HL exam. (see IB Spanish Course Requirements) 77

IB Spanish B (SL/HL2)

Recommended Grade: Level 11 & 12

Credit: 1 Unit/Year

Prerequisite: Recommended grade of “B” or better in IB Spanish I and IB Application This senior level course is a continuation of IB Spanish I.

A-G requirement: Language other than English “E”

Course Description:

Students enrolled in this course are expected to take either the Standard Level (SL) or High Level (HL) IB exam. (See IB Spanish Course requirements) The curriculum, taught in Spanish, includes reading short stories and plays, articles from periodicals and the Internet, music, films, games, and cultural activities which are designed to foster the student’s interest in the language and culture. Students registering for this course should be internally motivated and have a strong work ethic.

IB History of the Americas HL1

Prerequisites: Successful completion of a “C” or better of AP Human Geography. Students must complete and IB Application Packet.

Grade Level: 11

Credit 10 credits/year

A-G requirement: History/ Social Science “A”

Course Description:

This course will focus on the many aspects that encompass the human experience such as physical, socioeconomic, cultural and historical environments. In studying these themes, students will be able to identify and analyze the theories and concepts that illustrate the relationship between the individual and society. This course will also take students from the formation of hypotheses to collection of data and its analysis to better understand and interpret society and its historical context. In doing so, students will achieve an awareness of cultural diversity and understand the complex nature, historical and cultural perspectives and how these may inform the future. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the IB exam in May of their senior year after developing proficiency.

IB History HL2 (20^th Century World History Topics)

Prerequisites: IB History of the Americas, this course is a continuation of the IB History of the Americas HL1 course. Students must complete and IB Application Packet.

Year: 12 Credit: 10credit/year

A-G requirement: History/ Social Science “A”

Course Description:

This course is a survey of the 20th Century World, beginning with an in-depth study on the major global powers that made up the Second World War and ending with a study on the Cold War and its authoritarian leaders. In each subject area, we will explore the events, peoples, groups, ideas, institutions, and trends that shaped today's world. This course reflects the multiple perspectives of gender, class, religion, international community, and ethnic groups. In this course we will also focus on developing, practicing, and strengthening the skills historians use while constructing knowledge in this discipline. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the IB exam in May of their senior year after developing proficiency.

IB Biology SL/HL

Year: 11 & 12

SL=1 year course

HL=2 year course

Prerequisites: completed “C” of better in Honors Biology, “B” or better in Biology, or teacher recommendation.

A-G requirement: Laboratory Science “D”

Course Description:

The Biology HL & SL courses will provide students with higher-order investigative experiences and activities to promote a deeper understanding of critical concepts in Biology. Such concepts will include basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetic patterns of inheritance, plant form and function, evolution, ecology, animal physiology and the international nature of science. It will emphasize the development of inquiry skills and higher order thinking via experiential learning in both a classroom and laboratory settings. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge in experimental methodology, data collection, and the interpretation of experimental data. The classroom environment will stimulate student understanding and open-mindedness by providing authentic application to the biology content, thus enabling students to make the broad connections to how these biological concepts are applicable to the global community. IB Biology will include an internal assessment project that requires students to conduct an investigation in the field of biology research. It will also include a Group 4 (DP Science) collaborative project and an externally assessed IB exam at the end of the course. Both of these assessments will contribute to the student’s IB grade and will count towards the earning of an IB Diploma. Students are expected to take the IB Biology exam at the completion of this course.

IB Chemistry SL

Year: 11

Prerequisites: completed “C” or better in Honors Chemistry, “B” or better in Chemistry, or teacher recommendation. Students must complete and IB Application Packet.

A-G requirement: Laboratory Science “D”

Course Description:

The IB Chemistry SL course is a two-year chemistry course. Juniors will be enrolled in Chemistry SLI and upon successful completion will advance to Chemistry SL2. This is a rigorous experimental approach to an in-depth study of chemical principles that underpin both the physical environment and biological systems, similar to a college-level introductory chemistry course. Emphasis is placed on investigational skills and data processing. The course design is based upon lecture, class discussion, problem solving, laboratory, and evaluation. Demonstrating knowledge in chemistry will be accomplished by discussion, short answer assignments, and evaluations. Problem solving skills will be evaluated through assigned exercises and evaluations. Critical thinking skills will be demonstrated through creating laboratory hypothesis and procedures for testing those hypothesis, as well as through data interpretation and scenario evaluation. Students are expected to take the IB Chemistry exam at the completion of this course.

IB Chemistry HLI & HL2

Year: 11& 12

Prerequisites: completed “C” or better in Honors Chemistry, “B” or better in Chemistry, or teacher recommendation. Students must complete and IB Application Packet.

A-G requirement: Laboratory Science “D”

Course Description:

The IB Chemistry HL course is a two-year chemistry course. Juniors will be enrolled in Chemistry HLI and upon successful completion will advance to Chemistry HL2. This is a rigorous experimental approach to an in-depth study of chemical principles that underpin both the physical environment and biological systems, similar to a college-level introductory chemistry course. Emphasis is placed on investigational skills and data processing. The course design is based upon lecture, class discussion, problem solving, laboratory, and evaluation. Demonstrating knowledge in chemistry will be accomplished by discussion, short answer assignments, and evaluations. Problem solving skills will be evaluated through assigned exercises and evaluations. Critical thinking skills will be demonstrated through creating laboratory hypothesis and procedures for testing those hypothesis, as well as through data interpretation and scenario evaluation. Students are expected to take the IB Chemistry exam at the completion of this course.

IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches Higher Level I & Higher Level II

Prerequisites: IM III/ III honors, MAP score, or teacher recommendation. Students must complete and IB Application Packet.

HL= Two-year Course HL1& HL2

Grade Level: 11 & 12

Credit: 10 Credits/year

A-G requirement: Mathematics “C”

Course Description:

IB Math Analysis and Approaches HL is a rigorous 2-year course designed to create a solid mathematical foundation for students to pursue further education in fields such as mathematics, engineering, physical sciences, and some economics. This math higher level course covers five math topics in depth which are: Number and Algebra, Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, Statistics and Probability, and Calculus. All students will be required to complete a mathematical project initiated in the middle of the first year and completed no later than the beginning of the second of the second year. Students will be prepared to take the IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches Higher Level exam at the end of the second year.

IB Film (SL/HL)

Prerequisites: Students must complete and IB Application Packet.

Comments: Strong reading and writing skills recommended

Grade Level: 11 & 12

Credit: 10 Credits/year

A-G requirement: Visual & Performing Arts “F”

Course Description:

Students are expected to complete the IB Assessments associated with this class and to complete other site requirements. Through the study and analysis of film texts and exercises in film-making, the course explores film history, theory and socio-economic background. The course develops students’ critical abilities, enabling them to appreciate the multiplicity of cultural and historical perspectives in film. To achieve an international understanding within the world of film, students are taught to consider film texts, theories and ideas from the points of view of different individuals, nations and cultures.

Students also develop the professional and technical skills (including organizational skills) needed to express themselves creatively in film. The course emphasizes the importance of working individually and as a member of a group. A challenge for students following this course is to become aware of their own perspectives and biases and to learn to respect those of others. This requires willingness to attempt to understand alternative views, to respect and appreciate cultural diversity, and to have an open and critical mind.