IB Psychology Year 1 & 2

Grade Level: 11 and 12

Credits: 4 Elective Credits (2 per year)

2-year, 5-day per week course

IB Psychology HL is a two-year course in the systematic study of behavior and mental processes that examines the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behavior. Students can expect to develop an understanding of how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied, allowing them to have a greater understanding of themselves and appreciate the diversity of human behavior. The holistic approach reflected in the curriculum, which sees biological, cognitive and sociocultural analysis being taught in an integrated way ensures that students are able to develop an understanding of what all humans share, as well as the immense diversity of influences on human behavior and mental processes. The ethical concerns raised by the methodology and application of psychological research are also key considerations of the IB psychology course. Students in Year 1 will complete their IB Internal Assessment for Psychology, which has them create, conduct, and evaluate their own Psychological Experiment. The course culminates in Year 2 with the IB HL Psychology Exam. Students must earn a yearlong average of 65% or higher in Year 1 in order to move on to Year 2.