Language and Literature HL 1 (11th grade) 

Language and Literature IB HL 1 allows students to submit typed final drafts of their work and develop college-level reading, writing and speaking skills. This course allows students to continue at an accelerated pace in their growth of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis in the study of American and other world literature. It also introduces the elements and dynamics of rhetorical theory. This course prepares students to take the IB Exams. Note: This course is designed to be the equivalent of freshman English programs at most colleges and universities.

Language and Literature HL 2 (12th grade) 

Language and Literature HL 2 IB is designed to allow students to develop analytical skills in critical reading and writing that demonstrate college level achievement in the study of world literature. Instruction emphasizes developing skills in composition and literary analysis through various activities. This course prepares students to take the IB Exams. Note: This course is designed to be the equivalent of sophomore English programs at most colleges and universities.

French 

Prerequisite: French III Advanced; French IB is designed to prepare students for success in the IB French Exam. Areas of concentration are based on IB core and option subjects. Reading and writing authentic contemporary French, using IB text types, is a primary objective. Students will develop fluency in individual and interactive speaking skills. They will use individual and group inquiry to examine global issues, and to support continued language acquisition. The five components of the International Baccalaureate Language B Exam in French are administered over the course of the academic year. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam

Spanish

Prerequisite: Spanish III; Spanish IV IB stresses oral skills, composition and grammar while emphasizing the use of Spanish for active communication. The students will develop the following skills: comprehension of a variety of registers, acquisition of vocabulary and structure to allow the easy, accurate reading of newspaper and magazine articles as well as modern Hispanic literature, composition of expository passages, expression of ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam.

History of the Americas IB HL1 (required)

History of the Americas IB HL1 is equivalent to college-level survey American History. The topics considered in this study follow the chronology of U.S. History from colonization to the present. Additional focus is placed on document analysis and timed analytical writing. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam.

History of the Americas IB HL2   (required)

Prerequisite: History of Americas IB HL1 

History of the Americas IB HL2 is a more focused study of the roles of the American nations (North, Central and South America) in the twentieth century. Special emphasis will be placed upon broad topics including war, nationalism and independence movements, rise and rule of single-party states, establishment and work of international organizations, the Cold War, and the state and its relationship with minorities. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam. Note: Students must take History of Americas HL1 and HL2 to satisfy the graduation credit for US History and Government.

Psychology SL or HL

Psychology IB SL (one year) or HL (two year course) is the study of our behavior and its relationship to our day-to-day experiences. Students will examine the biological, cognitive, and learning perspectives of psychology, as well as one of the following sub-topics: cultural, dysfunctional, lifespan, psychodynamic or social psychology. During the spring semester, students will learn research methods and apply their knowledge to a simple experimental study using quantitative methods. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam.

Biology SL

Biology IB I is designed to be the equivalent of a first-year college biology course. The goal is to enable the student to develop a solid understanding of the principal concepts in Biology such as molecules and cells; genetics, reproduction and change; and organisms and populations; and to provide the student with the analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapid changing science of biology. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam.

Biology HL

Biology IB II is a continuation of Biology IB I involving a more in-depth study of the topics of human anatomy, evolution, ecology, plants and animals. Laboratory exercises will be inquiry-based to compliment the topics studied. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam.

Chemistry SL

Chemistry IB is designed to be a laboratory preparatory course for a first year, general chemistry course (Chemistry II IB) at the college level. Basic concepts of chemistry are covered using a high level of thinking and problem-solving skills. An emphasis is placed on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles. Chemistry IB will involve a more in-depth study of topics, including higher-level thinking skills in both laboratory exercises and assessment. The student will be expected to conduct research involving chemistry topics throughout the year. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam.

Chemistry HL

Chemistry IB II is designed to be the equivalent to a college chemistry course concentrating on the concepts of molecular structure and bonding, chemical equations, and quantitative analysis which includes stoichiometry, chemical equilibria, redox and electrochemistry. In addition to these topics, organic chemistry and environmental chemistry will be discussed. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam.

Physics SL

Physics IB SL includes laboratory investigations designed to introduce students to the practical application of physics. Basic physics concepts such as mechanics, dynamics, kinematics, heat, waves and electricity will be covered, including the modern physics of nuclear phenomena and astronomy. Physics IB will involve a more in-depth study of topics including higher-level thinking skills in both laboratory exercises and assessment. This course requires students to complete a laboratory notebook, which will be used as one of the measures of their performance in the course. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam.

Physics HL

Physics IB HL emphasizes practical applications and higher-level thinking skills. Topics include: motions in fields, thermal physics (thermodynamics), wave phenomena, electromagnetic induction, quantum physics and nuclear physics, digital technology and options such as astrophysics and particle physics. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam.

Computer Science

The IB Computer Science Program requires an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computational thinking as well as knowledge of how computers and other digital devices operate. The course, underpinned by conceptual thinking, draws on a wide spectrum of knowledge, and enables and empowers innovation, exploration and the acquisition of further knowledge. Students study how computer science interacts with and influences cultures, society and how individuals and societies behave, and the ethical issues involved. During the course the student will develop computational solutions. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam. Note: Computer Science HL IB can substitute for a mathematics graduation requirement. Please see your counselor for additional information concerning substitution options/requirements.

Analysis and Approaches

Analysis and Approaches IB is designed for students who enjoy developing their mathematics to become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. Students will explore real and abstract applications, sometimes with technology, and will enjoy the thrill of mathematical problem solving and generalization. This course emphasizes algebraic methods. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam.

Dance

The IB dance program is a two-year course of study starting in grade 11 and culminating with examinations in grade 12. It is a challenging, rigorous course that seeks to challenge students who are motivated as self-learners. Students will be exposed to and learn a variety of dance techniques, performance skills, dance from other cultures, compositional tools, somatic practices, research practice, and dance history. Students will also perform their work in progress at informal open showings throughout the year. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam. There may be a cost associated with taking these courses.

Theater

IB Theatre Arts provides students with the opportunity to analyze, interpret and criticize play scripts and other theatrical texts; investigate cultural and historical movements in the theatrical arts; direct, perform, and learn technical skills. Students complete a 2500- word research commission, make an oral presentation, compile an extensive portfolio of reflection on performance skills and technical skills, and produce an independent project. Students will be required to participate in productions for the community and school. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam. There may be a cost associated with taking these courses.

Music

Prerequisite: Instructor approval, current active participation in a music ensemble or private lessons, music reading ability and advanced instrumental or vocal performance skills. Music SL & HL IB is designed for music students with varied backgrounds in music performance. The aim of the IB music program is to give music students the opportunity to explore and enjoy the diversity of music throughout the world by enabling them to creatively develop their knowledge, abilities and understanding through performance and composition. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of music by performing, by using appropriate musical language and terminology in analyzing musical works from many and varied cultures and periods and by exploring music through music theory, sight singing, composition, and so on. IB students must take this course either in conjunction with one of the school’s large ensembles (Band, Choir), or be involved in private lessons outside of school. This course prepares students to take the IB Exam.

Visual Arts

Students will work on developing portfolios that comply with the criteria set by International Baccalaureate working toward possible colleg credit. Students must be accepted into this program. There may be a cost associated with taking this course.

*Elective choice for Group 6 can come from one of the other groups 2-5.

Students must take the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, complete a commitment to Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), and write an Extended Essay on a topic of their choice.

CAS - Creativity, Activity, Service

CAS involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies. 

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.

• Activity – 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.

TOK - Theory of Knowledge

TOK aims to make students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases – whether these biases are retained, revised or rejected.

It offers students and their teachers the opportunity to: 

• reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and on areas of knowledge

• consider the role and nature of knowledge in their own culture, in the cultures of others and in the wider world.

In addition, TOK prompts students to: 

• be aware of themselves as thinkers, encouraging them to become more acquainted with the complexity of knowledge

• recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected but uncertain world. 

TOK also provides coherence for the student, by linking academic subject areas as well as transcending them.

It therefore demonstrates the ways in which the student can apply their knowledge with greater awareness and credibility.

Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is a 3,000-4,000-word independent research project completed by IB students with the assistance of a faculty advisor. It is an independent piece of research, culminating with a 4,000-word paper.

The extended essay provides:

• practical preparation for undergraduate research

• an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.

Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:

• formulating an appropriate research question

• engaging in a personal exploration of the topic

• communicating ideas

• developing an argument.