International Baccalaureate               Diploma Programme

Course Catalog

Group 1-Language 

IB English Literature HL 1 (1121) - The first year of the two-year curriculum focuses on close reading of three works, examining how authors create meaning through literary techniques. Students begin the year analyzing summer texts and additional 20th and 21st-century readings; the study culminates in an Individual  Oral Presentation of 10-15 minutes based on one of these works. Students then explore four works in translation, exploring the global context of each work through research, discussion, and writing. By the end of the year, students will have created a four-stage written analysis of one of the translated works.  PRE: English 2; CR 5, YO 11

IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL (4494) - The prime intent of this rigorous course is to provide students with a coherent perspective of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies;  one that enables them to adopt an informed personal response to the wide range of pressing environmental issues that they will inevitably come to face. Students’ attention can be constantly drawn to their own relationship with their environment and the significance of choices and decisions that they make in their own lives. It is intended that students develop a sound understanding of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies, rather than a purely journalistic appreciation of environmental issues.  The approach, therefore, is conducive to students evaluating the scientific, ethical, and socio-political aspects of issues. Students meet for mandatory sessions over the summer. The purpose of these meetings is to complete the Topic 1 material as well as take the topic 1 assessment. An independent research paper is due to complete the IB Internal Assessment, an integral component to the diploma process. PRE: Chemistry with a suggested average of 75 or higher. CR 6, YO 11,12

IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL (3370) - The IB DP Mathematics: applications and Interpretation course recognizes the increasing role that mathematics and technology play in a diverse range of fields in a data-rich world. As such, it emphasizes the meaning of mathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used as applications or in mathematical modeling. Students are encouraged to solve real-world problems, construct and communicate this mathematically, and interpret the conclusions or generalizations. Students should expect to develop strong technical skills and will be intellectually equipped to appreciate the links between the theoretical and practical concepts in mathematics. PRE: Algebra 2 &  Geometry with suggested averages of 85 or higher or Algebra 2 & Geometry Concepts with suggested averages of 90 or higher. CR 5, YO 12

IB Dance HL (7844)- The IB dance course takes a holistic approach to dance, and embraces a variety of dance traditions and dance cultures—past, present, and looking towards the future. Performance, creative, and analytical skills are mutually developed and valued whether the students are writing papers or creating/performing dances. The curriculum provides students with a liberal arts orientation to dance. This orientation facilitates the development of students who may become choreographers, dance scholars, performers, or those, more broadly, who seek life enrichment through dance. In addition, the course enables students to understand dance as a set of practices with their own histories and theories, and to understand that these practices integrate physical, intellectual, and emotional knowledge; experience dance as an individual and collective exploration of the expressive possibilities of bodily movement; understand and appreciate mastery in various dance styles, traditions and cultures familiar and unfamiliar; recognize and use dance to create dialogue among the various traditions and cultures in their school environment, their society and the world at large. CR 5, YO 11,12 REQUIRED FOR DANCE 4 STUDENTS

IB Film SL (7846) - The IB film course aims to develop students as proficient interpreters and makers of film texts. Through the study and analysis of film texts, and practical exercises in film production, students develop critical abilities and appreciation of artistic, cultural, historical, and global perspectives in film. They examine concepts, theories, practices, and ideas from multiple perspectives, challenging their own views to understand and value those of others. Students are challenged to acquire and develop critical thinking, reflective analysis and the imaginative synthesis through practical engagement in the art, craft and study of film. Students experiment with film and multimedia technology, acquiring the skills and creative competencies required to successfully communicate through the language of the medium. They develop an artistic voice and learn how to express personal perspectives through film. The course emphasizes the importance of working collaboratively, international and intercultural dynamics, and an appreciation of the development of film across time and culture. The Film course aims to enable students to explore the various contexts of film and make links to, and between, films, filmmakers, and filmmaking techniques (inquiry); and acquire and apply skills as discerning interpreters of film and as creators of film, working both individually and collaboratively (action). CR 5, YO 11,12 REQUIRED FOR COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 4 AND MEDIA PRODUCTION 4 STUDENTS

IB Theatre SL (7769) - Theatre is a practical subject that encourages discovery through experimentation,  the taking of risks, and the presentation of ideas to others. It results in the development of both theatre and  life skills; the building of confidence, creativity, and working collaboratively. The IB Diploma Programme theatre course is a multifaceted theatre-making course of study. It gives students the opportunity to make  theatre as creators, designers, directors, and performers. It emphasizes the importance of working both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. It offers the opportunity to engage actively in the creative process, transforming ideas into action as inquisitive and productive artists. Students experience the course from contrasting artistic perspectives. They learn to apply research and theory to inform and contextualize their work. The theatre course encourages students to appreciate that through the processes  of researching, creating, preparing, presenting and critically reflecting on theatre— as participants and  audience members—they gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community, and the world.  Through the study of theatre, students become aware of their own personal and cultural perspectives,  developing an appreciation of the diversity of theatre practices, their processes, and their modes of presentation. It enables students to discover and engage with different forms of theatre across time, place,  and culture and promotes international-mindedness. CR 5, YO 11,12 REQUIRED FOR THEATRE 4 STUDENTS 

IB Theory of Knowledge 1 (9010) & 2 (9011) - The main goal of this interdisciplinary course is designed to encourage students to think critically about knowledge itself and develop an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. Instead of only being focused on what we know, the primary purpose of TOK  is to examine how we know, rather than what we know. What counts as knowledge? How does it grow?  What are its limits? Who owns knowledge? What is the value of knowledge? What are the implications of  having, or not having, knowledge? TOK activities and discussions aim to help students discover and express  their views on knowledge issues, as well as explore international perspectives of knowledge. Ultimately,  students will also acquire an understanding of what it means to know something as an artist, a scientist, a  psychologist, an economist, a historian, a mathematician, a philosopher, etc., no matter where on the planet they are from and how the forms of knowledge acquired are interconnected. CR 5, YO 11, 12