Newman Curriculum

Students at Newman School can be assured of a robust and engaging academic journey, taking advantage of the opportunity to choose to graduate with a traditional high school diploma or with an International Baccalaureate degree.

Those who choose to participate in the IB program may do so in one of three ways:

As an IB Diploma candidate.
As an IB Certificate candidate.
As a non-IB Course student.

Course Selection

IB Diploma students choose from six subject areas:

Course Groups

Studies of Language and Literature
Language Acquisition
Individuals and Society
Sciences
Mathematics
The Arts

The classes they choose are designed to work within each Diploma candidate’s Group Courses. This enables them to delve more deeply into independent investigations of subjects that most intrigue them. IB’s core classes require each student to take initiative and be pro-active for his/her own success.

Faculty are available to guide students, helping them develop effective academic strategies, but students are expected to direct their own learning, especially in preparing for presentations and writings. All students work with their advisors and utilize teacher recommendations for their course selections.

IB Diploma Requirements- Additonal

Theory of Knowledge

Knowledge, we know, is not learned by rote, it is acquired. The Theory of Knowledge course at the center of Newman’s IB curriculum examines knowledge at its very core. Together, students and teachers examine the origins and validity of various forms of knowledge.

Content for the course originates from the subject areas the students are learning as well as their own personal beliefs. Art, history, science and math – we interweave knowledge from all its sources, contemplating moral, ethical and scientific questions within the context of the world today.

The process is critical reflection on what the student claims to know and what is professed as knowledge by others. Students of different cultural backgrounds are encouraged to compare and contrast their diverse attitudes and perceptions. With this focus on inquiry, there may not be right or wrong answers, but there are standards for judgement and defenses of knowledge claims.

Course Aims and Objectives:

Students develop a critical capacity to consider and understand the importance of evaluating knowledge claims

Students learn to be aware of subjective and ideological biases

Students develop a concern for rigor in formulating knowledge claims, and intellectual honesty

Students make connections between personal experience and Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge through linking questions

Students demonstrate an understanding of the influence that personal views, judgements and beliefs have on their own knowledge

Students can use oral and written language to communicate ideas clearly and appropriately

Students demonstrate an understanding of knowledge at work in the world

Extended Essay

Creativity, Action and Service

IB’s Learner Profile

Students are encouraged to embrace the values inherent in IB’s curriculum. The Learner Profile presents a set of ideals that can position one for success and spiritual well being in our global village.

IB Profile

What to Expect

A student who decides to participate in the IB Program, as a Diploma candidate or as an IB Courses candidate, can expect to:

Be challenged to work hard to improve themselves
Approach tasks with a sense of purpose
Demonstrate self-discipline and responsibility
Learn from fellow students as well as teachers
Seek assistance, and give it, without hesitation
Be open to constructive feedback
View adversity and challenge as an opportunity
Share with, and contribute to, the community

IB students should expect to be educated, amused, excited, delighted, and at times, to be disappointed and frustrated. If the student has the motivation, an IB Diploma or Course Certificate is a realistic goal. Students learn to cope with adversity and understand the privilege of pressure.

Managing IB Learning

Newman utilizes IB’s database management system - Managebac. Students can manage their courses and communicate with their course instructors in one place.

Newman School Managebac Login

Visit the IBO Website

I started my college career a step ahead of other members of my class in terms of independent work and organization. This is how Newman helped me the most.

The class size and structure gave me a huge advantage in college, where courses are a lot less structured and more research oriented.

Adam
Newman ' 11
Babson University ' 15

In This Section