International Baccalaureate Courses IB Lang A1: English SL A two year course that follows IB curriculum designed for students to enlarge their world view by reading literature in translation, develop vocabulary to talk about how writers use language to convey meaning. Our reading list includes works from Japan,Germany, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Latino Chicago, and NYC. In December, students will write a paper on a topic of their choice on these works in translation. In April or May students will prepare for an Oral Commentary assessment that asks the student to talk for 10-15 minutes on a piece of literature. IB Language A1 HL This two year program will encourage a greater appreciation for the student’s own culture and the culture of others through the study of multicultural literature. The pivotal theme of reference for each of the works of literature will be love and a journey. IB English B SL This course is designed to help students progress toward an IB diploma. In order to do so, competence in the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) is required. We work on handling the language system accurately (grammar, syntax, etc.), selecting language appropriate to a particular social and cultural context, and understanding ideas and how they are organized in order to communicate them appropriately. IB History of the Americas HL Higher Level History of the Americas fulfills the first year Group 3 requirement for the IB Diploma Programme. The course concentrates on three 20th century topics:  The Second World War and the Americas 1933 – 1945 Political developments in the Americas after the Second World War 1945 –1979 The Cold War and the Americas 1945 – 1981 We will divide the academic year up into three “quarters” and devote an entire quarter to each of these topics. While most of our focus will be on the United States, we will include the study of events in Latin America and Canada during this time as part of our curriculum. IB Economics HL The course begins a two-year commitment to the study of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and economic development, under the I-B structural dictates. In preparation for the I-B Internal Assessment and Extended Essay requirements, the class will prepare up to six Commentaries on Extracts from contemporary reporting of economic issues. These commentaries are strictly limited in form to 750 words, including the captions to all graphs. The rigor of the form dictates careful choice of the reportage and fit to the relevant economic theory which is underlying the news. IB Business  Management                                                                       This course  provides students with an understanding of business principles, practices, and skills.  IB Math Studies SL   This course covers a wide variety of topics and is designed for students who have already taken algebra and geometry. Students who have a serious interest in mathematics or who plan to major in a scientific field should take either the SL or HL course. Topics include an introduction to naïve set theory, logic, functions including topics such as domain, range, one to one, inverse functions, graphing and shifting graphs, the algebra of functions, quadratic equations, full coverage of trigonometry including the law of sines and law of cosines from first principals, probability and statistics, basic coverage of differential calculus, and more.   IB Math HL This is the most challenging math course offered and should only be taken by someone with a significant interest in math who will likely go on to study mathematics, engineering, physics, and so on. Students are expected to be fully comfortable with Algebra and Geometry before entering. Topics include a rigorous coverage of functions, including concepts such as domain, range, one to one, onto, inverse functions, and the algebra of functions, a detailed study of complex numbers,two and three dimensional vectors, lines and planes in space, matrices and linear algebra, determinants, full coverage of trigonometry including the law of sines and law of cosines from first principals, coverage of calculus comparable to an AP course,counting techniques, and probability and statistics. IB Math SL This course is an extension of Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry with the inclusion of a unique set of definitions. This course deals with domain, range, inverse functions, sequence, Binomial expansion, Matrices, Vectors in 2 and 3 dimensions, Integration and Application of integration ,probability and statistics, basic coverage of differential calculus, and more. Class time will be used to review homework questions, introduce “new” concepts, discuss the significance of the concepts, and apply the concepts to solve problems. In addition to learning concepts and solving problems, the students will learn to become comfortable with presenting their problems solving in a methodical manner. IB Biology HL A two - year lab science course presented in accordance with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program guidelines. A minimum of 180 classroom hours will be devoted to theory/lecture and 60 hours to practical lab investigations. Topics to be studied include: statistical analysis, cell, chemistry of life, genetics, ecology and evolution, human health and physiology, nucleic acids, proteins, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, plant science, microbes and biotechnology. IB Chemistry HL A two - year lab science course presented in accordance with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program guidelines. A minimum of 180 classroom hours will be devoted to theory/lecture and 60 hours to practical lab investigations. The goal of this course is to understand how matter undergoes change. Beginning with the elements, molecules, and various types of chemical reactions students will be encouraged to pay attention to details. They should be capable of explaining the material themselves. IB Environmental Systems SL ESS is a SL transdisciplinary subject, which combines both experimental science (Group 4) and Individuals and Societies (Group 3). Our main goal in this class is to provide a coherent understanding of the interrelationships between environmental systems and Societies. Students will learn a wide range of environmental issues such as economics, biodiversity, history, weather, energy, global trade, philosophy, religion, ethics, and nature. Students will be asked to call on previous experiences in science such as informal equations and laws of science, but to an equal extent Students will inquire and discuss study case studies, design and conduct experiments, and participate in field trips. IB French B-SL This course is designed for students with 2-5 years of previous experience learning French. It focuses on mastering communicative skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing through the use and study of a range of written, spoken and visual material. French is the only language of instruction and communication. Students continue to learn about Francophone populations and how language study brings them closer to understanding various world cultures. IB Spanish B SL This course is designed for students with 2-5 years of previous experience of learning Spanish. Students will focus on mastering communicative skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing through the use and study of a range of written, spoken and visual material. Such material will extend from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts, always related with the Spaniard, Latin American and Equatoguinean cultures and countries. IB Visual Arts HL and SL This course is an introduction and study to various forms of arts and artists. Students will explore a variety of media through gallery and museum visits and personal research. Elements of design and composition are emphasized and refined through class discussion and projects. Students will be encouraged to explore different cultures and artists as well as their own cultural influences. Their personal research, ideas and artistic growth will be documented in their Investigative Work Book through writing and sketching. Throughout the year, the students will become familiar with the work of local artists and galleries and art resources available in the Boston area.   IB Music                                                                                           This course focuses on music theory, music history, world music, musical composition and performance.     Read More About The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program