IB Courses & Faculty
IB Courses & Faculty
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Purcell Marian's IB courses are taught by experienced, IB-trained faculty who work closely with students over time and bring a range of prior IB teaching experience, including in international settings. With the exception of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), IB courses are two-year sequences across grades 11 and 12, emphasizing depth, sustained inquiry, and skill development. Courses may be offered at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), depending on the subject.
Below, meet our IB faculty and learn more about each IB course, including course structure, level options (SL/HL), and recommended preparation.
IB Language and Literature (HL & SL)
IB Language and Literature (HL & SL)
Required for all juniors and seniors
Focuses on the close analysis of literary and non-literary texts
Emphasizes academic writing, discussion, argumentation, and interpretation
Develops skills central to college-level reading and writing
Serves as the shared IB foundation for all students
Ms. Marnie Penkalski
Ms. Annie Welter
Dr. Emily Erken
IB Spanish (SL only)
IB Spanish (SL only)
Prerequisite: At least two years of Spanish
Develops communicative competence in Spanish
Explores language, culture, and global perspectives
Emphasizes reading, writing, listening, and speaking
Ms. Andrea Heile
IB History (HL & SL)
IB History (HL & SL)
Examines key political, social, and economic developments in the Americas
Emphasizes historical thinking skills: sourcing, contextualization, and argumentation
Requires sustained reading, writing, and independent analysis
Required at HL students pursuing the IB Diploma
Mr. Lyle Greer
Mr. Charlie Bernas
IB Environmental Systems and Societies (SL only)
Interdisciplinary course combining environmental science and social systems
Explores sustainability, environmental challenges, and human impact
Emphasizes data analysis, systems thinking, and applied inquiry
View the IB Subject Brief for Environmental Systems & Societies
Ms. Dani Holtz
IB Mathematics (SL only)
IB Mathematics (SL only)
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Develops mathematical reasoning, modeling, and problem-solving
Emphasizes conceptual understanding and real-world application
Year 1 is taught by Mr. Sabanbia, Year 2 by Mr. Nobbe
View the IB Subject Brief for Mathematics: Application & Analysis
Mr. Stephen Sabanbia
Mr. Kyle Nobbe
IB Visual Arts (HL only)
IB Visual Arts (HL only)
Studio-based course emphasizing artistic development and critical reflection
Students develop a sustained body of artwork and supporting written analysis
Encourages independent inquiry, experimentation, and creative risk-taking
Mr. Joey Versoza
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge
One-year critical thinking course open to all students.
Part I is offered in the Spring, Part II in the fall.
This course is part of the IB Diploma "core," and required for students seeking the IB Diploma.
Ms. Barret Bell
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