International Baccalaureate

Grand Rapids High School

International Baccalaureate Pathway

The International Baccalaureate program is the most competitive, rigorous coursework offered at Grand Rapids High School. IB courses not only offer students the opportunity to earn college credit/equivalence in high school but also prepares students more successfully for the steps to come following high school. IB courses can be taken as a complete program (IB Diploma) or stand alone classes for the students who are planning to challenge themselves in subjects of interest.

Check out the GRHS IB Page For more in-depth detail about the College in the Schools Program through the University of Minnesota Duluth at GRHS

IB Diploma

The IB Diploma program is the most rigorous and demanding opportunity for students at GRHS. Students must not only meet the requirements but must also demonstrate knowledge and delivery of material over multiple applications while balancing a demanding workload. Students who attempt, or achieve, the IB Diploma, demonstrate the skills necessary to compete for competitive admissions with the strongest students across the world.

Diploma candidates are required to:

Study six courses - one in each of the six IB subject areas - and take the IB exams. 3 must be Higher Level (HL).
Take Theory of Knowledge (TOK) I & II - a unique course on the philosophy of learning
Write an Extended Essay - an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper done under the direct supervision of one of our staff.
Participate in CAS. This is a two year program of creativity, activity, and service:

The three strands of CAS, which are often interwoven with particular activities, are characterized as follows:

Creativity – arts, and other experiences that involve creative thinking.
Action – physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, complementing academic work elsewhere in the DP.
Service – an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student. The rights, dignity and autonomy of all those involved are respected.

In order to demonstrate these concepts, students are required to undertake a CAS Project. The project challenges students to:

Show initiative,
Demonstrate perseverance,
Develop skills such as collaboration, problem solving and decision making

Tiers of Recognition

IB Diploma

The Diploma is awarded to students at the end of their Senior Year. To participate as an IB Diploma Candidate, students must fulfill the following requirements beginning in 11th grade:

Enroll in a minimum six IB subjects over two years– three of the six must be considered “Higher Level” (HL) courses (Subjects are divided into "Groups" and students must take an exam in each of the subject groups - see "Subjects" tab).
Take IB examinations in each of the six subject areas (Diploma candidates test free of charge)
Write an original essay (called the Extended Essay) of approximately 4000 words
Take the Theory of Knowledge class for two years (one semester each year)
Participate in C.A.S. (Creativity, Action, and Service) and complete a portfolio that shows Learning Outcomes have been met

The Six Subject Areas:

Group 1: Language A

IB English 11 & 12* (HL)

Group 2: Language B

IB Spanish IV (SL)

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

IB History 11 & 12 (HL)

IB Geography (SL)

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

IB Chemistry I & II* (HL)

IB Physics I & II (HL)

Group 5: Mathematics

IB Calculus (SL)

Group 6: Arts and Electives

IB Studio Art (SL)

IB Business & Management (Based on interest)

IB Film Studies (Based on interest)

IB Biology (SL)

IB Elective (Additional course in group 3 or 4)

Thoery of Knowledge (TOK) I & II

*Students must take the IB test at the completion of these courses.

IB Medallion

The Medallion is awarded to students at the end of their Senior year. To participate as an IB Medallion candidate, students must fulfill the following requirements beginning in 11th grade:

Enroll in a minimum three IB subjects over two years
Take IB examinations in each of the three courses (there is fee associated with each exam)
Take the Theory of Knowledge class for two years (one semester each year)

IB Merit Award

The Certificate is awarded to students at the end of their Senior year. To participate as an IB Certificate candidate, students must fulfill the following requirements beginning in 11th grade:

Enroll in a minimum of three IB subjects over two years and either…
Test in one of the three (there is fee associated with each exam) or
Ensure at least one of the three IB courses is an HL (“Higher Level”) course (the remaining two can be SL (“Standard Level”) or HL

Track Your Progress Through IB

Track your current, past, and potential future classes, as well as the classes you are planning to "Test" in, through the IB Program to see if you are on track for the Tiers of IB recognition listed above.

GRHS IB Program Pathway Tracker

Although not required, note that to receive possible college credit, students have to pay course fees. For those choosing to do so, course assessments are $40 per course (free for Free/Reduced lunch students and IB Diploma Candidates).

Upon completion of each IB course, students are able to test to demonstrate mastery of course material which also allows the students the opportunity to earn college credit and/or college course equivalence.

IB and College in the Schools (CITS)

CITS Credits are awareded by University of Minnesota Duluth

Another benefit of the IB coursework at Grand Rapids High School, is the partnership between the IB and College in the Schools program through the University of Minnesota Duluth. Not only do students taking an IB/CITS course get the benefit of the IB program but are awarded UMD credit upon completion of the course. Students need to meet at 3.0 cumulative GPA to be eligible to receive UMD credit for CITS courses. See the CITS Pathway for more information.

Grand Rapids High School International Baccalaureate Courses

English

#1038 & 2040 IB English 11/ CITS: Introduction to Literature: UMD ENGL 1907
#1040 & 2042 IB ENGLISH 12/CITS College Writing: UMD ENGL 1120

Math

#1218 & 2219 IB PRE-CALCULUS
#1220 & 2221 IB/CITS CALCULUS: UMD MATH 1296 Calculus I

Science

#1305 & #2305 IB BIOLOGY I
#1306 & #2306 IB BIOLOGY II
#1336 & #2336 IB CHEMISTRY I
#1337 & #2337 IB CHEMISTRY II
#1340 & #2340 IB PHYSICS I
#1342 & #2342 IB PHYSICS II

Social

#1109 & #2107 IB/CITS GEOGRAPHY: UMD GEOG 1205 Our Globalizing World
#1108 & #2108 IB/CITS HISTORY of EUROPE 12: UMD HIST 1208 EUROPE in the MODERN AGE
#1111 & #2106 IB/CITS HISTORY of EUROPE 11: UMD HIST 1207 DAWN of MODERN EUROPE

Art

#1768 & #2768 IB STUDIO ART I

Business

#1565 & #2565 IB BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

World Language

#1428 & 2424 IB SPANISH III
#1429 & 2430 IB/CITS SPANISH IV – UMD SPAN 1201
#1432 & 2432 IB SPANISH V

Elective

#1849 & # 2849 IB FILM STUDIES
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE II

IB/CITS English 11^*

#LAE-3111 & #LAE-31112

Requirements needed: for UMD credit, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA

Duration: 1 year

GRHS Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credit: 3 semester credits in semester 1

UMD Course: ENGL 1907: INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE

Open to: 11

Description: IB English 11/CITS ENGL 1001 is the first year of a two-year upper level course which studies the world wide IB curriculum. The class stresses literary studies and applies in-depth reading strategies through analysis of important texts in both the American and world literary tradition. Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to analyze, discuss, and write about a wide range of texts. In order to interpret these readings, students will also acquire a solid understanding of the important elements of literary analysis.

This course receives weighted grading.

IB/CITS English 12*

#LAE-3121 & #LAE-3122

Requirement(s) needed: IB/CITS ENGLISH 11, for UMD credit, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA

Duration: 1 year

GRHS Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credit: 3 semester credits in semester 1

UMD Course: ENGL 1120: COLLEGE WRITING

Open to: 12

Description: A continuation of IB English 11, the 12th grade course stresses deep reading of works as varied as Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus. Students must complete an Individual Oral Commentary and sit for two IB essay exams ($25 per student/free for diploma candidates and free/reduced lunch students). College credit may be earned through adequate IB test scores. The class focuses on developing academic writing skills in the context of authors Henry David Thoreau, William Shakespeare, John Keats, Chimamanda Adichie, Charlotte Bronte, Tim O’Brien, and John Steinbeck.

This course receives weighted grading. Students are required to take the IB Exam.

IB/CITS Lang. & Lit. 12*

#LAL-3121 & #LAL-3122

Requirement(s) needed: IB/CITS ENGLISH 11, for UMD credit, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA

Duration: 1 year

GRHS Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credit: 3 semester credits in semester 1

UMD Course: ENGL 1120: COLLEGE WRITING

Open to: 12

Description: A continuation of IB English 11, the 12th-grade course stresses deep reading of various authors, critical thinking, and an assortment of writing practices. UMD college credit earned (WRIT 1120) for semester 1 and additional college credit may be earned through adequate IB test scores. The class focuses on developing academic writing skills through the studies of authors such as Martin Luther King Junior, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and many more. Works of literature vary by year, but novels taught have included Jane Eyre, The Things They Carry, Born a Crime, and The Budha in the Attic.

This course receives weighted grading. IB testing is not required but is encouraged.

IB Film Studies

#GEZ-3001 & #GEZ-3002

Duration: 1 year

Credit: ½ credit per semester

Open to: 11-12

Description: IB Film is a year-long elective in the International Baccalaureate program at GRHS. The class is open to all interested juniors and seniors. Students may take the class for one year for Standard Level IB credit or take the class for two years for Higher Level IB credit. Class time is divided between students interacting with various films of historical and technical importance and students working on creating their own films for IB assessment. Official IB assessments include presenting on technical elements from a short film clip, writing a script, and creating a short film with accompanying reflection/commentary.

This course receives weighted grading.

IB/CITS History of Europe 11^

#SHH-3111 & #SSH-3112

Prerequisite for: IB/CITS History of Europe 12: UMD Hist 1208 Our Globalizing World

Requirement(s) needed: for UMD credit, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA

Duration: 1 year

GRHS Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credit: 4 Semester Credits

UMD Course: HIST 1207 DAWN OF MODERN EUROPE

Open to: 11 (and 12th graders looking for UMD credit & not on the IB track)

Description: IB European History 11 includes a 4 credit UMD course “Dawn of Modern Europe”. Dawn of Modern Europe is a study of some of the formative events shaping modern Europe. Areas of study include the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation, Scientific Revolution, Political Absolutism, Enlightenment, French Revolution, and the rise of nationalism and imperialism in Europe. There will be an emphasis on historical research, source analysis, and academic writing skills. Research and essays are included as course requirements. This course is designed for juniors interested in the IB program or looking for UMD college credit. Because this course meets both IB and UMD requirements, it is designed to be more intensive than other high school courses.

This course receives weighted grading for IB enrolled students.

IB/CITS History of Europe 12*

#SSH-3121 & #SSH-3122

Requirement needed: IB European History 11 (for students on the IB track), for UMD credit, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA

Duration: 1 year

GRHS Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credit: 4 semester credits

UMD Course: HIST 1208 EUROPE in the MODERN AGE

Open to: 12

Description: IB/CITS History of Europe 12 includes a 4 credit UMD course, “Europe in the Modern Age”. Europe in the Modern Age is a primary source driven, college-level study of 20th century Europe. Students will serve as historiographers in their study of causes & effects of war, nationalist and independence movements, political experiment, peacemaking & peacekeeping, international relations, and the cold war among other selected topics. A historical investigation research paper and academic writing are course requirements.

This course receives weighted grading for IB enrolled students. Exam fees are required if you choose to take the IB test.

IB/CITS Geography

#SSG-3001 & #SSG-3002

Requirement needed: for UMD credit, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA

Duration: 1 year

GRHS Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credits: 6 semester credits (3 credits in fall semester, 3 credits in spring semester)

UMD Course(s): Fall - GEOG 1205 Our Globalizing World, Spring - ES 2005 Environment and Sustainability

Open to: 11-12

Description: In a globalizing world, good geographic education is now more important than ever. As a broad social science concerned with humanity’s impact on the Earth’s surface, this course is an introduction to the global perspectives, basic concepts, and fundamental questions of geography. It focuses on the ways through which all places on Earth are interconnected. Major topics covered will be the human perception of earth space and the ways people give order to space;

human groups in diverse settings; the growth and distribution of human population; the localization and spatial characteristics of patterns of settlement and land use; resource use and consumption; environmental geography; the geography of economic development and modernization; the geographic analysis of issues including gender issues, racism, poverty, leisure, and religion.

This course receives weighted grading for IB enrolled students.

IB Business and Mgmt.

#BEB-3001 & #BEB-3002

Duration: 1 year

Credit: ½ credit per semester

Open to: 11-12

Description: This course is a rigorous and critical study of the ways in which individuals and groups interact in a dynamic business environment. Students will examine how business decisions are made and how these decisions make an impact on internal and external environments. Emphasis is placed on understanding technical innovation and day-to-day business functions of marketing, human resource management and finance. Application and techniques of analysis will be used to enhance the understanding of complex business activities. Ethical concerns and issues of social responsibility in the business environment will be covered. It is not required, but taking accounting is highly recommended.

This course receives weighted grading.

IB/CITS Pre-Calculus^*

#MAP-3011 & #MAP-3012 OR

#MAP-3001 & #MAP-3002 for “Early Bird”

Requirement(s) needed: Algebra II and for UMD credit, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA

Prerequisite for: IB/CITS Calculus

Duration: 1 year

GRHS Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credit: 4 semester credits

UMD Course: MATH 1250 PRECALCULUS ANALYSIS

Open to: 11-12

Description: The intent of this course is to continue the flow of mathematics, as a student makes the transition from specific functions to a more generalized view of functions and into the fundamental concepts of calculus. In the process of this transition some of the topics to be studied will be: an overview of linear, quadratic, cubic, log and trig functions; permutations; binomial expansion; series and sequences; limits; continuity; bounds; statistics and probability; set and logic theory. Earlybird starts at 7:30 a.m. and can be an 8th course.

This course receives weighted grading.

IB/CITS Calculus*

#MAC-3001 & #MAC-3002

Requirement(s) needed: IB Pre-Calculus and for UMD credit, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA

Duration: 1 year

GRHS Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credit: 4 semester credits

UMD Course: MATH 1296 CALCULUS I

Open to: 12

Description: This course begins with a review of functions and progresses to Differential Calculus and Integral Calculus.

This course receives weighted grading. Possible IB Exam fees.

IB Physics I^

#SCP-3111 & #SCP-3112

Requirement(s) needed: Biology, Advanced Algebra

Prerequisite for: IB Physics II

Duration: 1 year

Credit: ½ credit per semester

Open to: 11-12

Description: This course is designed for motivated students potentially interested in a science major or career. Topics covered in IB Physics I are kinematics, Newton’s Laws, energy, momentum, waves and sound, global energy needs, and electricity (static and current). Course work will be in more depth than a standard course and will include lectures, experiments, demonstrations, videos, problem solving and discussions.

This course receives weighted grading.

NOTE: Students going for the IB diploma should take IB Chemistry to meet their 3 HL courses requirement as no guarantee will be made that IB Physics II will be offered in the future.

IB Physics II*

#SCP-3121 & #SCP-3122

Requirement(s) needed: Biology, Integrated Science, IB Physics I. Ideally, students should be enrolled in IB Pre-Calculus or IB Calculus.

Duration: 1 year

Credit: ½ credit per semester

Open to: 12

Description: This course is the second year of a two year higher level Physics course designed for the science oriented college bound student. IB Physics II continues with electricity and moves onto magnetism, light & optics, atomic and nuclear physics, quantum, and one option to be decided on (generally astrophysics or relativity).

This course receives weighted grading.

IB/CITS Chemistry I^*

#SCC-3111 & #SCC-3112

Requirement(s) needed: Integrated Science 9 and Biology and for UMD credit, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA

Prerequisite for: IB Chemistry II: UMD CHEM 1153 General Chemistry and UMD CHEM 1154 General Chemistry Lab

Duration: 1 year

GRHS Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credit: 5 credits (4 semester credits for course - 1 semester credit for lab)

UMD Course: CHEM 1153 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I and UMD CHEM 1154 GENERAL CHEMISTRY LAB

Open to: 11

Description: This course is the first of a two year course designed for students who are completing the IB Diploma or considering careers in science-related fields after graduating from high school. Students interested in engineering, medicine, pharmacy, research, dentistry and other related fields should consider the IB Chemistry I and II sequence of courses. This course will cover all of the topics in chemistry at an accelerated level. Student evaluation is based on lab work, homework, quizzes, and major exams.

This course receives weighted grading.

IB/CITS Chemistry II*

#SCC-3121 & #SCC-3122

Requirement(s) needed: IB Chemistry I and for UMD credit, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Duration: 1 year

GRHS Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credit: 5 credits (4 semester credits for course - 1 semester credit for lab)

UMD Course: CHEM 1153 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I and UMD CHEM 1154 GENERAL CHEMISTRY LAB

Open to: Seniors that have completed IB Chemistry I

Description: This course is the second of a two year IB program. Students who finish this course will take the IB HL Chemistry exam. The course is designed for students considering science-related fields after graduating from high school. Concepts learned in IB Chemistry I will be broadened. Student evaluation is based on lab work, homework, quizzes, major exams, and design and research projects.

This course receives weighted grading. Exam fees required.

IB Biology I^

#SCB-3001 & #SCB-3002

Prerequisites for: IB Biology II

Duration: 1 year

Credit: ½ credit per semester

Open to: 11-12

Description: This course is great for those interested in the biological or medical field as it is designed to prepare you for college courses. Topics of study include cellular structure and function, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, ecology, climate change, human anatomy and physiology plus one optional unit of study that the class selects. Lab work is an important component. Earning college credit for this course is possible.

This course receives weighted grading. Exam fees required.

IB Biology II*

#SCB-3011 & #SCB-3012

Requirement(s) needed: IB Biology I

Duration: 1 year

Credit: ½ credit per semester

Open to: 12

Description: This course is the second of a two year advanced, IB program that is designed for those considering a science-related field of study. The concepts of cells, microbiology, genetics, ecology and evolution from the first year will be built upon as well as the study of material in plant biology, anatomy and physiology and neurobiology and behavior. A personally designed lab will be conducted as a final project and is an exciting way to make the knowledge gained over two years of study personally relevant. Earning college credit in this course is possible.

This course receives weighted grading. Exam fees required.

IB/CITS Spanish III^*

#WLS-3001 & #WLS-3002

Requirement(s) needed: Spanish I, II

Prerequisite for: Spanish IV

Duration: 1 year

Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credit: 4 credits

UMD Course: SPAN 1102 Beginning Spanish II

Open to: 11-12

Description: Spanish III students greatly expand their skills in the language. Vocabulary and grammar are reviewed and new words, tenses and phrases are introduced to allow students to speak, read, comprehend and write about a variety of subjects including leisure activities, health, entertainment, arts, future plans and current events. Students will also develop a better understanding of the cultures in the Spanish speaking world through research, stories, art and current news.

IB Spanish III is the first year in the 2 year IB sequence and preparation for the standard level IB Spanish Exam. This course receives weighted grading.

IB/CITS Spanish IV*

#WLS-3011 & #WLS-3012

Requirement: Spanish III/equivalent language skills. Teacher approval required.

Duration: 1 year

GRHS Credit: ½ credit per semester

UMD Credit: 4 credits

UMD Course: SPAN 1201 Intermediate Spanish I

Open to: 11-12

Description: Use of the language in realistic situations is required. Students will study advanced grammar and vocabulary in thematic units such as travel, business and recreation. Students will be asked to find and discuss information presented in Spanish newspapers, magazines and advertising. Short stories, some poems and parts of a novel are also part of the class. The curriculum is preparation for the IB exam. The class is conducted in Spanish with students encouraged to do all communicating in Spanish.

This course receives weighted grading. IB Exam and examination fees are optional.

IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) I

#GEZ-3011

Prerequisites: Grade point average of 3.0 or teacher permission

Duration: 1 semester for each course

Credit: ½ credit per semester

Open to: 11-12

Description: TOK is a combination of Psychology, Sociology, a little bit of Philosophy, and a lot of learning how to think critically. It challenges students to reexamine what they have learned to date, to become more aware of both themselves as thinkers and the amazing complexity of knowledge. The course is centered on the question, “How do we know what we know?” Class time will largely be devoted to examining questions and engaging in discussions based on reading and video as well as the students’ own knowledge and experiences. The focus of the discussion will not be the differentiation between “right” and “wrong” ideas, but on the quality of justification and a balanced approach to the knowledge claim in question. In other words, we will focus on how you know, rather than on what you know.

IB Diploma candidates need to take TOK I their junior year and TOK II their senior year.

This course receives weighted grading.

IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) II

#GEZ-3012

Prerequisites: Grade point average of 3.0 or teacher permission

Duration: 1 semester for each course

Credit: ½ credit per semester

Open to: 11-12

IB Diploma candidates need to take TOK I their junior year and TOK II their senior year. This course receives weighted grading.

How to prepare for the IB Program

Listed below are recommended courses to help prepare for the International Baccalaureate curriculum. The recommended courses provide a knowledge base and encourage further development of skills such as organization, time management, and determination that increase the likelihood of success in the IB program.

Requirements for the IB Program: There is no requirement to register for an IB course at GRHS however, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to register with UMD AND have the opportunity to earn college credit UMD credit through the CITS program.

GRHS CITS Page

Check out the GRHS CITS Page for more information on the CITS Program through the UMD

GRHS IB Page

Check out the GRHS IB Page for more information on the International Baccalaureate Program

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