IB English A: Literature is meant to expose students to literature from different time periods, genres and cultures. It facilitates the development of critical thinking and analytical skills. Students are required to perform both written and oral tasks.
Please note that there are five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization and sharing the planet. While the themes are common to both Spanish ab initio and French B, the Spanish ab initio syllabus additionally prescribes four topics for each of the five themes, for a total of 20 topics that must be addressed over the two years of the course.
French B is a language acquisition course designed for students with some previous experience of the French. Students further develop their ability to communicate through the study of language, themes and texts. There are five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization and sharing the planet. French B SL students learn to communicate in French in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Students who take French B SL have the option of taking the DELF exam in grade 12 in order to gain French certification
Spanish ab initio SL is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where Spanish is spoken. Offered at SL only, Spanish ab initio is a language acquisition course designed for students with no previous experience in—or very little exposure to—the target language. Spanish ab initio students develop their receptive, productive and interactive skills while learning to communicate in Spanish in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Students develop the ability to communicate through the study of language, themes and texts.
IB History SL is an introductory history course that allows students to study history from an international perspective with the aim of explaining trends in developments, continuity and change through time and through individual events. Students will develop skills of historical inquiry through the investigation of a variety of sources. Topics of study include: Peacemaking and Peacekeeping;causes, practices and effects of war;the rise and rule of single-party states,and a regional option which includes an in depth study of modern European history. Evaluation of the course will be based on an historical investigation (1500-2000 words) and an externally assessed IB exam written in May of their Grade 12 year.
IB History HL is a two year in-depth history course that allows students to study history from an international perspective with the aim of explaining trends in developments, continuity and change through time and through individual events. Students will develop skills of historical inquiry through the investigation of a variety of sources. Topics of study include: Peacemaking and Peacekeeping;causes, practices and effects of war;the rise and rule of single-party states,and a regional option which includes an in depth study of modern European history. Evaluation of the course will be based on an historical investigation (1500-2000 words) and an externally assessed IB exam written in May of their Grade 12 year.
IB Physics HL is a two year in-depth physics course for IB students planning on enrolling in physical sciences or engineering in post secondary study. Topics of study include: physical measurements and uncertainties, mechanics, thermal physics, wave phenomena, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics. In addition, two optional topics are studied: electromagnetic waves and astrophysics. All students will complete an interdisciplinary Group 4 science project. Evaluation of the course will be based on practical lab work and an externally assessed IB exam written in May of their Grade 12 year.
IB Chemistry HL is a two year in depth chemistry course for IB students planning on enrolling in science or engineering in post secondary study. Topics of study include: stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction and organic chemistry. In addition, two optional topics are studied: environmental chemistry, and medicine and drugs. There will be an emphasis on laboratory work and students will complete an interdisciplinary Group 4 science project. Evaluation of the course will be based on practical lab work and an externally assessed IB exam written in May of their Grade 12 year.
IB Biology HL is a two year in-depth biology course for IB students planning on enrolling in the life sciences in post-secondary study. Topics include: cell biology (structure, function, chemistry, transport, and cell processes), human anatomy and physiology (digestion, excretion, immune system, nervous system including behavioral studies, reproduction), genetics (theoretical and molecular), evolution, ecology and plant science. There will be an emphasis on laboratory work and students will complete an interdisciplinary Group 4 science project. Evaluation of the course will be based on practical lab work and an externally assessed IB exam written in May of the Grade 12 year
IB Physics SL is a two year physics course for IB students planning on enrolling in arts or biological science programs in post-secondary study. Topics of study include: physical measurements and uncertainties, mechanics, thermal physics, wave properties, electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics. In addition, two optional topics are studied: electromagnetic waves and astrophysics. All students will complete an interdisciplinary Group 4 science project. Evaluation of the course will be based on practical lab work and an externally assessed IB exam written in May of their Grade 12 year.
IB Chemistry SL is a two year chemistry course for IB students planning on enrolling in biological sciences or non-engineering courses in post-secondary study. Topics of study include: stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction and organic chemistry. In addition, two optional topics are studied: biochemistry (alternatively environmental chemistry), and medicine and drugs. There will be an emphasis on laboratory work and students will complete an interdisciplinary Group 4 science project. Evaluation of the course will be based on practical lab work and an externally assessed IB exam written in May of their Grade 12 year.
IB Biology SL is a two* year introductory biology course. Topics of study include: cell biology (structure, function, chemistry, transport, and cell processes), human anatomy and physiology (digestion, excretion, immune system, nervous system, and reproduction), genetics (theoretical and molecular), evolution and ecology. There will be an emphasis on laboratory work and students will complete an interdisciplinary Group 4 science project. Evaluation of the course will be based on practical lab work and an externally assessed IB exam written in May of their grade 12 year. * If scheduling permits this course may be completed in one year, with the external IB exam written in May of their Grade 11 year.
This course is intended for students who wish to pursue studies in mathematics at university or subjects that have a large mathematical content; it is for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem solving and exploring real and abstract applications, with and without technology. This class is most similar to the current Mathematics SL course.
This course is intended for students who wish to pursue studies in mathematics at university or subjects that have a large mathematical content; it is for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem solving and exploring real and abstract applications, with and without technology. This class is most similar to the current Mathematics HL course.
This course is designed for students who enjoy describing the real world and solving practical problems using mathematics, those who are interested in harnessing the power of technology alongside exploring mathematical models and enjoy the more practical side of mathematics. This class is most similar to the current Mathematical Studies SL course.
This course is designed for students who enjoy describing the real world and solving practical problems using mathematics, those who are interested in harnessing the power of technology alongside exploring mathematical models and enjoy the more practical side of mathematics. This course will include new content, including statistics. It is intended to meet the needs of students whose interest in mathematics is more practical than theoretical but seek more challenging content.
Please note that choosing a Group 6 subject is only required if only one Group 4 subject is chosen, instead of 2.
IB Visual Arts HL is a two year course that encourages an active exploration of visual arts within the students’ own and other cultural contexts. The IB Visual Arts HL course enables students to engage in practical exploration, artistic production, and in independent contextual, visual and critical investigation. The course combines studio work with investigation, writing and research. The IB Visual Arts HL course is designed to offer students the opportunity to build on prior experience while encouraging them to develop and use new skills, techniques and ideas. While it is possible to take the IB Visual Arts HL course without previous experience, this is helpful. The course is designed to enable students to study visual arts in higher education. Evaluation of the course will be based on an exhibition of student work followed by an interview evaluated by a visiting artist as well as the assessment of a written investigation.
IB film is a two year course that aims to develop students’ skills so that they become adept in both interpreting and making film texts. Through the study and analysis of film texts and exercises in film making, IB film 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. IB film emphasizes the importance of working individually and as a member of a group. Students are encouraged to develop the professional and technical skills (including organizational skills) needed to express themselves creatively in film.
IB Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary course required for all IB Diploma students. The purpose of TOK is to promote a spirit of inquiry and exploration in students, as well as clarity of thought and good judgment to fully examine, within their own and other cultural and international traditions, the role of knowledge in the human experience. The TOK course emphasizes analytical and critical thought. Topics of study include: knowers and knowing, ways of knowing (perception, language, reason, and emotion) and areas of knowledge (arts, ethics, history, human sciences, mathematics, natural science). Evaluation of the course will be based on class participation (self-examination, research, discussion, written reflections), a presentation, and an essay. Assessment criteria will emphasize: knowledge issues, quality of analysis, breadth and links, structure, clarity, logical coherence, use of examples, factual accuracy and reliability.
The Extended Essay (EE) is an opportunity for students to do an independent, self-directed piece of research on a topic of their personal choice from one of their courses of study. Emphasis is placed on the research process and the ability of the student to effectively communicate their ideas. Students are supported and encouraged throughout the research and writing with advice and guidance from a supervisor. On average, it will take the student 40 hours to prepare and write the extended essay of approximately 4,000 words. The extended essay is an important indicator to universities of a student’s readiness for the academic challenges ahead.
Students participate in experiential learning in the areas of creative programs, athletics and community service over the two year period of participation in the IB Diploma Program. Students can fulfill these requirements by participation in extracurricular activities offered at Prince Andrew High School or by engaging in activities outside of the school on their own time. Students are required to keep and regularly submit to a supervising teacher a record of their hours and a reflective journal to document their participation. These activities help students develop self-confidence, initiative, responsibility, concern for others and the ability to work cooperatively with other people. They also provide an important balance to the academic requirements of the IB Diploma Program.