ST. MARY' S
I N TERNAT IO N A L S C HO O LPR O G RA M O F S T U D I ES
2024 - 2 0 2 5

Table of Contents
WelcomeGraduation Requirements
The International Baccalaureate Programme

Course Catalogue

Planning Your Path to Graduation

English Courses• Choosing Courses

Mathematics Courses• Sample program - 4 years at a glance -Science Courses

IB Diploma Candidate

Social Studies Courses• Sample program -4 years at a glance IB Course Program

World Languages Courses
Physical Education Courses

Subject Strands

Ethics, Religion and Personal Growth Courses

EnglishArts Courses

Mathematics

Technology and Design Courses

Science
Social Studies
World Languages
The Arts
Technology and Design
Ethics, Religion and Personal Growth
Physical Education

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St. Mary's﻿Welcome
Dear Parents and Students of St. Mary’s International School
The High School Program of Studies outlines the courses
offered and credit requirements for graduation from St. Mary’s
International School. In addition to earning a High School
Diploma, students also have the opportunity to earn theInternational Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
The Program of Studies provides course descriptions, and otherinformation (course length, credit value and pre-requisites)
to help students make informed and appropriate selections
during the January/February course registration process.
Required course selections are automatically made for students. In some courses
placement recommendations are provided by faculty. Grade 10 students in particular
begin the process of IB course selection at the beginning of second quarter withmeetings for students and parents to explain the IB Diploma programme.
As selection of IB courses is an important two-year commitment, these students begin
the course selection process in late November. Over the second semester, students willreflect on their initial interests and work with counselors, the IB coordinator, teachers,
and parents to make the best choices for the following school year. Final course
selection decisions are made prior to course registration in February and March.
Please be aware that courses at St. Mary's are offered subject to demand andavailability within the scheduling and staffing process. Academic requirements forgraduation and IB programme configurations are given priority in all schedulingdecisions.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The minimum number of credits that are required to earn a diploma from St. Mary’s High School is
27.0. Each year long (2 semesters) course has a credit value of 1.0. Semester long courses have a 0.5
credit value.

Subject Strand

Required Credits

Recommended Credits

ENGLISH

4.0

4.0

MATHEMATICS

3.0

4.0

SCIENCE

3.0

4.0

SOCIAL STUDIES

3.0

3.0

WORLD LANGUAGES

3.0

4.0

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

1.0

1.0

THE ARTS

0.5

1.0

RELIGION/ETHICS

1.0

1.0

ADDITIONAL COURSES

8.5

8.5

TOTAL

27.0

30.5

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St. Mary's

Graduation

R E Q UIR E M E NT S

The International
Baccalaureate
Programme
In addition to earning the St. Mary's High School diploma, students havethe opportunity to prepare for the externally awarded International
Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The IB Diploma is recognized worldwide
and may earn students advanced university standing in many
universities. However, it is important to recognize that university
requirements and credits are different at each institution, so it isadvisable for students and parents to consult universities in theirhome countries and/or where they intend to study for further details.

IB Diploma courses are divided into six groups:

IB Diploma candidates are required to take one subject from each group. A student
may replace a Group 6 subject with a second subject from Groups 1 - 4. Group 2 subjects may be replaced with a second subject from Group 1.
Most IB subjects are offered at the Standard (SL) Level and the Higher (HL) Level. Students completing the full IB Diploma take 3 subjects at the Higher Level (HL) with theremainder taken at the Standard Level (SL). St. Mary’s and the IB Organization do notrecommend that students take 4 Higher Level (HL).
Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The
award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of three additional requirements:• the Extended Essay of some 4000 words, which provides the experience of an independent research paper;• the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, that explores the relationships among thevarious disciplines and ensures that students engage in critical reflection and analysis of the knowledge acquired within and beyond the classroom;• the compulsory participation in CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) extracurricular andcommunity service activities.
The maximum score attainable in the Diploma is 45 points, including the three possible
bonus points for the Extended Essay and TOK.
IB (Full) Diploma vs Non-Diploma (IB Course Program)
All St. Mary's students are IB students in the sense that they are enrolled in at least one
IB course in grades 11/12. Non-Diploma students at St. Mary's complete the requirements of the IB course program they have selected but have more flexibility and fewer
requirements than a Diploma candidate.
See the St. Mary's IB Programme pages for more details.

Group 1: Studies in Language and LiteratureGroup 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts

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Planning Your Path to Graduation
Choosing Courses
It is important that students take graduation planning seriously and make informed
decisions when choosing courses. Often the best choices are the courses students
feel they will enjoy the most and where they are most likely to be successful. However, in addition to graduation requirements, there are specific courses that are
essential for application to some college and university programs. If a student hasplans to follow a particular path after graduation, it is extremely important to findout what courses will be required and to do so as early as possible working closelywith your counselor.
When choosing courses, students should consider
1. Required or recommended courses leading toward IB Diploma Programme(grades 11 & 12) and future College/University admission requirements.
Even though Grade 11 or graduation may seem far away, decisions early in 		
high school may affect your options later. Grade 10 students especially needto think about college/university programs and required courses when theychoose their IB subjects. Since most IB courses run through Grade 11 and 		
Grade 12,it is important you don’t wait till Grade 12 college application time torealize you needed a different course back in Grade 11.

Do choose a course because• You will enjoy it• You have a strong interest in it• You are good at it• It will help you in your future plans• You believe you will succeed in it
Do not choose a course because• Your friends have chosen it• You think it will be easy
• You have been told it involves less work
• Relatives or friends tell you to do it without good reason• You just like the teacher

2. Level of interest in the subject studied
Why does a particular course interest you? You will certainly enjoy a course
more if you are both interested in the subject matter and the skills required
to study it. For example, does the course involve extended writing and do you
like or want to get better at writing? Does the subject require you to take initiative and be proactive? In some classes students have to learn more independently. Are you ready for that responsibility?

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Graduation

R E Q UIR E M E NT SSample Program - 4 years at a glance-

Sample Program - 4 years at a glance-

IB Diploma Candidate

IB Course Program *non-IB courses in BLUE font

S TRAND

91011 (IB1)

12 (IB2)

S TRAND

91011 (IB1)ENGLISHENGLISH 9ENGLISH 10

IB ENGLISH
L AN G UA G E AND
L IT E RATUR E

IB ENGLISH
L AN G UA G E AND
L IT E RATUR E

ENGLISHENGLISH 9ENGLISH 10

M INI M U M T W O ADDITIONA L C R E DIT S
F RO MI B M AT H E M ATI C S :ANA L Y S I S AND
A P P ROA C H E S
ORA P P L I C ATION S AND
INT E R P R E TATION S

I B M AT H E M ATI C S :ANA L Y S I S AND
A P P ROA C H E S
ORA P P L I C ATION S AND
INT E R P R E TATION S

I B B IO L O G Y
IB PHYSICSI B C H E M I S TRYI B C O M P UT E R
SCIENCEIB DESIGNT E C H NO L O G Y

I B B IO L O G Y
IB PHYSICSI B C H E M I S TRY
IB DESIGNT E C H NO L O G Y

I B H I S TORYI B E C ONO M I C S
I B B U S IN E S S
M ANA G E M E NTI B H I S TORYI B E C ONO M I C S
I B B U S IN E S S
M ANA G E M E NT

MATHEMATICSSCIENCES

SOCIALSTUDIESM AT H E M ATI C S 9

M AT H E M ATI C S 1 0

OROR

M AT H E M ATI C S 9
E X T E ND E D

M AT H E M ATI C S 1 0
E X T E ND E DSCIENCE 9

SCIENCE 10

W E S T E RN W OR L D
H I S TORY 9

E A S T E RN
C I V I L I Z ATION SAND
INTRODU C TION TO
E C ONO M I C S ANDB U S IN E S S
M ANA G E M E NTWORLD
LANGUAGESPHYSICALEDUCATIONETHICS&RELIGIONJ A P AN E S E

J A P AN E S E

I B J A P AN E S E

I B J A P AN E S E

OR

OR

OR

OR

FRENCH

FRENCHIB FRENCHIB FRENCH

PHYSICALE DU C ATIONPHYSICALE DU C ATIONANY C R E DIT S
R E Q UIR E D F OR
G RADUATIONANY C R E DIT S
R E Q UIR E D F OR
G RADUATIONETHICSETHICSOROR

R E L I G ION

R E L I G ION

THE ARTSM INI M U M 1 S E M E S T E R - ANY ART S C OUR S E

OTHER

P E R S ONA L L I F E
M ANA G E M E NT+
ADDITIONA L
C OUR S E S TO M A K E
TOTA L 8 . 0 C R E DIT SADDITIONA L
C OUR S E S E TO M A K E
TOTA L 8 . 0 C R E DIT S

6 T H I B 1 C OUR S E+
I B DI P L O M A C OR E+
1 . 0 C R E DIT S

6 T H I B 2 C OUR S E+
I B DI P L O M A C OR E+
1 . 0 C R E DIT SORS TUDY H A L L

12 (IB2)

ENGLISH 11 + ENGLISH 12I B E N G L I S H L AN G UA G E AND
L IT E RATUR E

M AT H E M ATI C S

M AT H E M ATI C S 9
ORM AT H E M ATI C S 9
E X T E ND E D

M AT H E M ATI C S 1 0
OR
M AT H E M ATI C S 1 0
E X T E ND E D

M INI M U M ON E ADDITIONA L C R E DITF RO MSCIENCESSCIENCE 9

SCIENCE 10

M INI M U M ON E ADDITIONA L C R E DITF RO MI B B IO L O G Y
IB PHYSICSI B C H E M I S TRYI B C O M P UT E R S C I E N C E
I B D E S I G N T E C H NO L O G Y
E N V IRON M E NTA L S TUDI E SS O C IA L
S TUDI E S

W E S T E RN W OR L D
H I S TORY 9

E A S T E RN
C I V I L I Z ATION SM INI M U M ON E ADDITIONA L C R E DITF RO MI B H I S TORYI B E C ONO M I C S
I B B U S IN E S S M ANA G E M E NTC ONT E M P ORARY S O C IA L S TUDI E SANDINTRODU C TION TO
E C ONO M I C S ANDB U S IN E S S
M ANA G E M E NT
W OR L D
L AN G UA G E S

J A P AN E S E

J A P AN E S E

OROR

FRENCH

FRENCHPHYSICALE DU C ATIONPHYSICALE DU C ATIONPHYSICALE DU C ATIONETHICS&R E L I G IONETHICSETHICSOROR

R E L I G ION

R E L I G ION

M AT H E M ATI C S : A P P L I C ATION S AND
INT E R P R E TATION S I B S L / H L
OR
M AT H E M ATI C S : ANA L Y S I S AND
A P P ROA C H E S
IB SL/HLM INI M U M ON E ADDITIONA L C R E DITI B OR NON - I B

T H E ART S

M INI M U M 1 S E M E S T E R - ANY ART S C OUR S E

OT H E R

P E R S ONA L L I F E
M ANA G E M E NT+
ADDITIONA L
C OUR S E S TO M A K E
TOTA L 8 . 0 C R E DIT SANY C R E DIT S R E Q UIR E D F OR
G RADUATION

ADDITIONA L C OUR S E S TO M A K E TOTA L 8 . 0 C R E DIT SS TUD E NT S M AY TA K E S TUDY H A L L IN S E NIOR Y E AR

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R E Q UIR E M E NT S

Subject Strands
Course offerings and progressions are outlined for each of the subject strands listed. Suggested
progressions from grade 9 to grade 12 are shown for each subject strand. These progressions
are recommendations and students are encouraged to make appropriate choices based on
discussions with counselors, teachers and the IB coordinator.

ENGLISHM AT H E M ATI C SSCIENCES O C IA L S TUDI E S
W OR L D L AN G UA G E S
P H Y S I C A L E DU C ATIONE T H I C S , R E L I G ION AND P E R S ONA L G RO W T H
T H E ART S
T E C H NO L O G Y AND D E S I G N

For detailed information on individual courses, please consult the Course Catalogue.
Although listed in the course catalogue, a given course may not run in a given academic year orsemester dependent on student interest, staffing, and scheduling constraints.

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SUBJECTSTRAND
St. Mary's

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S u bjec t S t r a n d

English

Mathematics

The St. Mary's International School English program aims to promote the acquisition, use,
and appreciation of the English language. We seek to guide students toward a clear
understanding and fluent expression of ideas through critical thinking, speaking, listening,reading, viewing, researching, and writing skills.

The St. Mary’s International School Mathematics department aims to ensure our students
are numerate and embody mathematical habits of mind to spark curiosity and enjoyment
in mathematics. The curriculum will develop fundamentals, skills, and processes they can
use to critically analyze information encountered in their daily and future lives.

English Credit Courses (4.0 credits required)

Mathematics Credic Courses (3.0 Credits required)

GRADE 9G RAD E 1 0

G RAD E 1 1

EnglishLanguage andLiterature
IB HL1English 9

English 10

EnglishLanguage andLiterature
IB SL1English 11

G RAD E 1 2

GRADE 9EnglishLanguage andLiterature
IB HL2EnglishLanguage andLiterature
IB SL2Mathematics 9(Extended)

Other Courses
Note: These classes are often taught by faculty in the English department but do notcount towards English credit graduation requirements.

Creative Writing

Mathematics 10(Extended)

English 12
Mathematics 9

Journalism

G RAD E 1 0

Mathematics 10

G RAD E 1 1

G RAD E 1 2Mathematics:
Applications andInterpretations
IB HL1Mathematics:
Applications andInterpretations
IB HL2Mathematics:
Analysis andApproaches
IB HL1Mathematics:
Analysis andApproaches
IB HL2Mathematics:
Applications andInterpretations
IB SL1Mathematics:
Applications andInterpretations
IB SL2Mathematics:
Analysis andApproaches
IB SL1Mathematics:
Analysis andApproaches
IB SL2

Detailed information about Mathematic courses can be found in the course catalogue.

Acting

Detailed information about English courses can be found in the course catalogue.

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Science

Social Studies

The St. Mary’s International School Science program aims to explain, model, andpredict various aspects of the Universe in which we live. The science program provides
opportunities for scientific study and creativity that will stimulate and challenge students.
The knowledge, understandings, and scientific skills gained by students will enable themto analyze, communicate, evaluate, and interpret scientific information. The program willdevelop student awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic, and environmental
implications of integrating science and technology in the 21st century.

The St. Mary’s International School Social Studies program encourages and promotes
acquisition of knowledge, skills, and dispositions that enable students to become informed,
responsible, and contributing members of the local and global society.

GRADE 9G RAD E 1 0

Science Credit Courses (3.0 credits required)
GRADE 9Science 9

G RAD E 1 0

Science 10

G RAD E 1 1

G RAD E 1 2

G RAD E 1 1

G RAD E 1 2

History IB HL1

HIstory IB HL2History IB SL1

HIstory IB SL2

Chemistry IB HL1

Chemistry IB HL2

Economics IB HL1

Economics IB HL2

Chemistry IB SL1

Chemistry IB SL2

Economics IB SL1

Economics IB SL2

Physics IB HL1

Physics IB HL2Business
Management IB HL1

Physics IB SL1

Physics IB SL2Business
Management IB HL2

Biology IB HL1

Biology IB HL2Business
Management IB SL1

Business
Management IB SL2

Biology IB SL1

Biology IB SL2

Environmental
Studies (non-IB)*

Environmental
Studies (non-IB)*

Design Technology
IB SL1

Design Technology
IB SL2Computer Science
IB HL1

Computer Science
IB HL2Computer Science
IB SL1

Computer Science
IB SL2

Contemporary
Social Studies*

Contemporary
Social Studies*

Western WorldHistory 9

Eastern
Civilization 10
AND
Introduction to
Economics
and Business
Management 10

Detailed information about Science courses can be found in the course catalogue.

Detailed information about Social Studies courses can be found in the course catalogue.

* Environmental Studies will not be offered in the 2024-2025 school year.

*Contemporary Social Studies will not be offered in the 2024-25 school year

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World Languages

Physical Education

The St. Mary’s International School World Languages program philosophy is currently underdevelopment. All academic programs at St. Mary's are designed to prepare students forhigher education through a rigorous and challenging curriculum. Through well crafted
learning activities, students develop critical thinking skills, express creativity and learn tocommunicate effectively.

The St. Mary’s International School Physical Education department aims to develop physicallyliterate individuals. Physical literacy is the ability to move with competence and confidence ina wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments.

World Languages Credit Courses (3.0 credits required)
GRADE 9French 3

G RAD E 1 0

French 4
French B
Beginner

Japanese A9Japanese B
Level III

Japanese B
Level II

Japanese B
Level I

Japanese B
beginner

Japanese
A10

G RAD E 1 1

G RAD E 1 2

French B IB HL1

French B IB HL2

French B IB SL1

French B IB SL2

French ab initio
IB SL1

French ab initio
IB SL2

Japanese A
Language andLiterature IB HL1Japanese A
Language andLiterature IB HL2Japanese A
Language andLiterature IB SL1

Japanese A
Language andLiterature IB SL2

Japanese B IB HL1Japanese B IB HL2Japanese B IB SL1

Japanese B IB SL2

Japanese ab initio
IB SL1

Japanese ab initio
IB SL2The Physical Education program at St. Mary’s aims to provide knowledge and skills by helping
them develop physical literacy and well-being, ultimately giving them the capacity they willneed to lead healthy, active lives.
Physical Education Credit Courses (1.0 credits required)

Physical
Education(G9-10)StrengthandMovement(G9-12)Aquatics, Fitness,
Sports and Safety(G9-12)

Japanese B
Level IV

Japanese B
Level III
Japanese B
Level II

Detailed information about Physical Education courses can be found in the course
catalogue.

Japanese B
Level I
Japanese B
beginner

Detailed information about World Language courses can be found in the course catalogue.
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Ethics, Religion, and Personal Growth

The Arts

The St. Mary's International School Ethics, Religion, and Personal Growth programphilosophy is currently under development.

The St. Mary's International School Fine Arts Program aims to promote creative skills,
critical appreciation, knowledge of artistic techniques and technologies, and skills tocommunicate ideas. We seek to develop students' sense of personal and cultural identity,and equip them for lifelong involvement in the arts.

Ethics and Religion Credit Courses (1.0 Required)

The Arts Credit Courses (0.5 credits required)

Christian
Ethics andVirtuesin Today''s World(G9-12)Business Ethics(G9-12)Introduction to
Catholicism(G9-12)G RAD E 9 - 1 2

Scripture and
Pop Culture(G9-12)

Ceramics I(G9-12)

Ceramics 2(G9-12)Introduction
to Art
(G9-12)

Personal GrowthStudent Support

Personal
Life Management(G9-12)

Guided Learning(G9-12)

IB Diploma Candidate Courses and Requirements
All IB Diploma candidates take Theory of Knowledge and must complete their Extended
Essay and CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) requirements.

Theory of Knowledge IB(G11 and 12)

Extended Essay(G11 and 12)

CAS(G11 and 12)

Detailed information about Ethics, Religion and Personal Growth courses can be found in
the course catalogue.

G RAD E 1 1

G RAD E 1 2

Visual Arts IB HL1(G11)Visual Arts IB HL2(G12)Visual Arts IB SL1(G11)Visual Arts IB SL2(G12)2-D Art
(G9-12)

Acting(G9-12)
Bell Choir(G9-12)

Varsity
Ensemble(G9-12)

Music IB HL1(G11)Music IB HL2(G12)ConcertBand(G9-12)

Jazz Band(G9-12)

Music IB SL1(G11)Music IB SL2(G12)

Men's Choir(G9-12)Music
Accelerator(G9-12)

Detailed information about Arts courses can be found in the course catalogue.

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S u bjec t S t r a n dTechnology and Design
The philosophy that underlies broad-based technological education at St. Mary's is thatstudents learn best by doing. Technology and Design curriculum therefore adopts anactivity-based, project-driven approach that involves students in problem solving as theygain knowledge, skills and experience in the subject area of their choice.The St. Mary's
International School curricular program explores the world of technology and design, providing
opportunities for students to research, plan, create, experiment, collaborate, and think critically
about the applications of technology, design, related issues.
G RAD E 9 - 1 2

DesignTechnology I(G9-12)G RAD E 1 1

DesignTechnology II(G9-12)Computer Science I(G9-12)
Filmmaking
and Visual Effects(G9-12)
Digitall Arts I(G9-12)G RAD E 1 2

Design Technology
IB HL1 (G11)

Design Technology
IB HL2 (G12)

Design Technology
IB SL1 (G11)

Design Technology
IB SL2 (G12)

Digital Arts II(G9-12)

Embedded
Systems I(G9-12)
Yearbook(G9-12)

Detailed information about Technology and Design courses can be found in thecourse catalogue.

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English Courses
English 9

Credit Type: ENG
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: none
Grade 9 English Language Arts provides students with the preparatory skills required for highschool and IB English. Whilst students receive exposure to all of the language arts (listening,reading, speaking, and writing), the main focus of the course is to ensure students are able
to articulate fluently and confidently in both written and verbal form. The course begins witha rigorous review of grammatical functions and vocabulary; following this, students spend
time on both creative writing and literary analysis through the study of journalism, speeches,
drama, prose, and poetry.

English 10

Credit Type: ENG
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: English 9
English 10 is IB preparatory course that focuses on increasing students' appreciation of theinteractions of culture, language, and media, developing their listening and note-taking
skills, improving their reading comprehension, and strengthening their composition skills.
Students practice these skills through exposure to a variety of literary and non-literary forms
and opportunities to critically think about and discuss them. Summative assessments areadministered in both oral and written formats and include projects such as researchedpresentations or papers.

English 11/12

Credit Type: ENG
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: previous course

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COURSECATALOGUE
St. Mary's

Grade 11 and Grade 12 English Studies are non-IB English courses that are not restrictedby IB requirements and consequently have a greater flexibility in terms of works studied
and methods of assessment. In addition, course materials may more readily be modified
to accommodate individualized student needs and interests, as can the pacing of
the instructional sequence over the life of the course. The emphasis remains on the
improvement of students' English proficiencies in all of the language arts: listening, speaking,reading, and writing.

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English Language and Literature IB HL/SL

Mathematics Courses

Credit Type: ENG
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: English 10 + department approval

Mathematics 9

The Language A: Language and Literature course aims to develop skills of textual analysis
and the understanding that texts, both literary and non-literary, can relate to culturally
determined reading practices, and to encourage students to question the meaning
generated by language and texts. An understanding of the ways in which formal elements
are used to create meaning in a text is combined with an exploration of how that meaning
is affected by reading practices that are culturally defined and by the circumstances of
production and reception. Helping students to focus closely on the language of studied
texts and to become aware of the role of wider context in shaping meaning is central to thecourse. The study of literature in translation from other cultures is especially important to IB
DP students because it contributes to a global perspective. Texts are chosen from a variety
of sources, genres and media. More information can be found following these Language A:
Language and Literature SL/HL links.

Credit Type: MAT
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: none
This course enables students to develop an understanding of mathematical concepts
related to functions, analytic geometry, and patterns in shape, data, and chance. Students
will develop, select, apply, and compare a variety of problem-solving strategies as theypose and solve problems and conduct investigations, to help deepen their mathematicalunderstanding. They will also develop and apply reasoning skills to make mathematicalconjectures, assess conjectures, and justify conclusions, and plan and construct organizedmathematical arguments, and will demonstrate that they are reflecting on and monitoring
their thinking to help clarify their understanding as they complete an investigation or solvea problem. Students will communicate mathematical thinking orally, visually, and in writing,using mathematical vocabulary and a variety of appropriate representations, and observing
mathematical conventions.
The topics covered in Mathematics 9 are a subset of those covered in Mathematics 9- Extended. The intention is to provide students additional time to develop and mastermathematical processes and skills as well as to develop a deeper understanding ofmathematical concepts

Journalism

Credit Type: ELEC
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: none
The St. Mary's Journalism Program is a year long course which operates as a mocknewsroom with Senior Editors, Junior Editors, Desk Editors, Reporters, Photographers, andTech Support positions at which students may be assigned work based on their interestsand publication needs. The Course has a weekly news video program called The Diplomat,
a show streamed live weekly to our school YouTube channel. It is a student-led andcollaborative production focused on creating high quality content. Primary avenues ofassessment are work logs, which document student activity, and digital portfolios, whichcontain student work process products.

Creative Writing

Credit Type: ELEC
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none

Creative writing is a skill useful for all fields in the future. Businesses need creative writing tomarket and sell products, promote their work, or to build branding. Engineers and architects
need the ability to communicate creatively to paint a picture for their clients about what
their work will provide. Filmmakers need excellent scripts and creative individuals to bringstories to life. During this course, students will read and discuss creative works of story-telling,
and will write their own versions of such pieces like: poems, short stories, business-oriented
ghost-writing, film scripts, and more! They will also learn to read and critique other creative
works, to better improve their story-telling skills.

Mathematics 9 - Extended

Credit Type: MAT
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Grade 8 math teacher recommendation
This course enables students to develop an understanding of mathematical concepts
related to functions, analytic geometry, trigonometry, data and probability. Students
will develop, select, apply, and compare a variety of problem-solving strategies as theypose and solve problems and conduct investigations, to help deepen their mathematicalunderstanding. They will also develop and apply reasoning skills to make mathematicalconjectures, assess conjectures, and justify conclusions, and plan and construct organizedmathematical arguments, and will demonstrate that they are reflecting on and monitoring
their thinking to help clarify their understanding as they complete an investigation or solvea problem. Students will communicate mathematical thinking orally, visually, and in writing,using mathematical vocabulary and a variety of appropriate representations, and observing
mathematical conventions.

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Mathematics 10

Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches IB HL/SL

Credit Type: MAT
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Mathematics 9
This course enables students to broaden their understanding of relationships and extend
their problem-solving and algebraic skills through investigation, the effective use oftechnology, and abstract reasoning. Students will work with nonlinear and inverse functions.
They will be introduced to recursion and iteration, reasoning and proof, trigonometricmethods, similarity and congruence, and probability distributions.
The topics covered in Mathematics 9 are a subset of those covered in Mathematics
9 - Extended and 10 - Extended. The intention is to provide students additional time todevelop and master mathematical processes and skills as well as to develop a deeper
understanding of mathematical concepts.
The course is intended to adequately prepare students for what is to come in the IB Diploma
Programme and to help them make the appropriate course selection between Analysis andApproaches SL or Applications and Interpretations SL.

Mathematics 10 - Extended

Credit Type: MAT
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Mathematics 10 (Mathematics 10 Extended for HL) + department approval
This course recognizes the need for analytical expertise in a world where innovation isincreasingly dependent on a deep understanding of mathematics. This course includes
topics that are both traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course (for example,
functions, trigonometry, calculus) as well as topics that are amenable to investigation,
conjecture and proof, for instance the study of sequences and series at both SL and HL, andproof by induction at HL.
The course allows the use of technology, as fluency in relevant mathematical software andhandheld technology is important regardless of choice of course. However, Mathematics:
analysis and approaches has a strong emphasis on the ability to construct, communicate
and justify correct mathematical arguments.
Students who choose Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at SL or HL should be
comfortable in the manipulation of algebraic expressions and enjoy the recognition ofpatterns and understand the mathematical generalization of these patterns. Students whowish to take Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at higher level will have strong algebraic
skills and the ability to understand simple proof. They will be students who enjoy spendingtime with problems and get pleasure and satisfaction from solving challenging problems.

Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations IB HL/SL

Credit Type: MAT
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Mathematics 9 - Extended

Credit Type: MAT
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Mathematics 10 (Mathematics 10 Extended for HL) + department approval

This course enables students to broaden their understanding of relationships and extend
their problem-solving and algebraic skills through investigation, the effective use oftechnology, and abstract reasoning. Students will work with nonlinear, inverse, polynomial,rational, and circular functions as well as families of functions. They will be introduced
to recursion and iteration, reasoning and proof, vectors and motion, and samples andvariation.

This course recognizes the increasing role that mathematics and technology play ina diverse range of fields in a data-rich world. As such, it emphasizes the meaning ofmathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used as applications or inmathematical modelling. To give this understanding a firm base, this course also includes
topics that are traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course such as calculus
and statistics.

The course is intended to adequately prepare students for what is to come in the IB Diploma
Programme and to help them make the appropriate course selection between Analysis andApproaches or Applications and Interpretations and determine the appropriate level.

The course makes extensive use of technology to allow students to explore and constructmathematical models. Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation will develop
mathematical thinking, often in the context of a practical problem and using technology tojustify conjectures.
Students who choose Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at SL or HL should enjoy
seeing mathematics used in real-world contexts and to solve real-world problems. Students
who wish to take Mathematics: applications and interpretation at higher level will have good
algebraic skills and experience of solving real-world problems. They will be students who getpleasure and satisfaction when exploring challenging problems and who are comfortable toundertake this exploration using technology.

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Biology IB HL/SL

Science Courses

Credit Type: SCI
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Science 10 + department approval

Science 9

Credit Type: SCI
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: none
Science 9 develops core inquiry skills including investigation design, data logging, data
management and processing, and communication. These foundations are emphasized
through topics in chemistry, physics and biology that prepare the students for subject
specific science courses in Grade 10. Beginning with the big ideas introduced in Middle
School science, the goal of Science 9 is for the student to master these concepts and thenextend through both broader and deeper understandings.
The chemistry units of study focus on structure and properties of matter. Students develop
understandings of physical and chemical properties, atomic structure, chemical bonding
and reactions. The physics portion of the course introduces students to concepts andunderstandings related to motion, forces and thermal physics. These units have a strongemphasis on graphing skills and using sensors to collect data. In biology, students willdevelop knowledge and conceptual understanding of the cell as the basic structure oflife. Using a microscope to examine and diagram cell structure is a large component of
the practical program. Study of membranes and cellular transport concludes the biology
content.

Science 10
Credit Type: SCI
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Science 9 or equivalent
Science 10 continues building students’ core inquiry skills with more investigation design,
data logging, data management and processing, and communication giving students the
background necessary to succeed in Grade 11 and 12 Science classes, including IB Diploma
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. While the course is not designed to teach the IB syllabus inadvance, it will scaffold some of the required knowledge and skills that students can utilize.
Lab activities will be more rigorous and encourage a professional, methodical approachto scientific investigation through the development of more technical lab skills such ascolorimetric analysis, titration and the use of data-loggers. A similar philosophy applies
to documentation of methodology, data collection and analysis and the evaluation of
the investigation. Students are challenged to communicate concisely using appropriatescientific conventions and terminology. Grade 10 Biology students will study anatomy
and physiology, genetics and evolution, and plants and ecology, with an emphasis on
fundamental structures and processes in plants and animals. In Chemistry, Grade 10
students study quantitative chemistry, acids and bases and organic chemistry, and gain
understanding of a powerful analytical technique in titration. For Physics, students will
analyze data from analog and digital sources, explore the relationships between work,
energy, and power, build and test electric circuits, and explain the nature of waves.

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In IB Biology there are four basic biological concepts that run throughout the course: Structure andFunction, Universality Versus Diversity, Equilibrium within Systems, and Evolution. A variety of topics
covered in this course are Cells, the Chemistry of Life, Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, and Human
Health and Physiology. It is hoped that students will not only acquire a body of facts, but also develop
a broad, general understanding of the principles of biology at the same time. The required Individual
Investigation gives the students an opportunity to design controlled experiments, properly analyze
and present data, and communicate their observations through evaluation and conclusion. In
addition, students are required to participate in a cross-discipline (Group IV) project that requires
them to collaborate with all other science students in the IB program that is specifically assessedfor personal skills and the ability to work within a team framework. The IB Biology SL/HL subject
briefs provide more detail on the course description, aims, curricular topics and assessment. Moreinformation can be found following these Biology SL/HL links.

Chemistry IB HL/SL

Credit Type: SCI
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Science 10 + department approval
IB Chemistry covers 11 topics central to the foundations of physical and organic chemistry including
concepts such as atomic structure, quantitative chemistry, oxidation and reduction reactions, thermal
chemistry, acids and bases, and equilibrium. The purpose of the curriculum is to expose students tomajor scientific themes and demonstrate the connections and interactions that exist between theconcepts. The required Individual Investigation gives the students an opportunity to design controlled
experiments, properly analyze and present data, and communicate their observations throughevaluation and conclusion. In addition, students are required to participate in a cross-discipline(Group IV) project that requires them to collaborate with all other science students in the IB programthat is specifically assessed for personal skills and the ability to work within a team framework. The IB
Chemistry SL/HL subject briefs provide more detail on the course description, aims, curricular topics
and assessment. More information can be found following these Chemistry SL/HL links.

Computer Science IB HL/SL
Credit Type: SCI
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Computer Science 1 is highly recommended for SL and HL. Students should have also
completed Math 10 Extended to be eligible for HL
The IB DP computer science course requires an understanding of the fundamental concepts ofcomputational thinking as well as knowledge of how computers and other digital devices operate. The
course, underpinned by conceptual thinking, draws on a wide spectrum of knowledge, and enables
and empowers innovation, exploration and the acquisition of further knowledge. Students study how
computer science interacts with and influences cultures, society and how individuals and societies
behave, and the ethical issues involved. During the course the student will develop computational
solutions. This will involve the ability to identify a problem or unanswered question, design, prototype
and test a proposed solution, and liaise with clients to evaluate the success of the proposed solution
and make recommendations for future developments. More information can be found following these31
Computer Science SL/HL links.
C o u r se

Physics IB HL/SL

Social Studies Courses

Credit Type: SCI
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Science 10 + department approvalWestern World History 9

Physics, the foundation of science, seeks to explain the 'why' of the universe. From the smallest
constituents of matter to the vast distances of space, physics describes the fundamental principles
that govern our physical world. The IB SL Physics course is a two year program consisting of eightcore units of study and one additional option topic collectively giving the student strong foundationsin classical physics. The additional HL syllabus material extends the depth and breadth of concepts
introduced in core units. Scientific investigation is a significant part of the course. The required
Individual Investigation gives the students an opportunity to design controlled experiments, properly
analyze and present data, and communicate their observations through evaluation and conclusion.
In addition, students are required to participate in a cross-discipline (Group IV) project that requires
them to collaborate with all other science students in the IB program that is specifically assessedfor personal skills and the ability to work within a team framework. The IB Physics SL/HL subject
briefs provide more detail on the course description, aims, curricular topics and assessment. Moreinformation can be found following these Physics SL/HL links.

Environmental Studies

Credit Type: SOC
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: none

Western World History is a chronological survey of world history from the Renaissance tothe end of World War II. Although European developments predominate, ample attention
is paid to the non-European aspects of world history. The major Asian nations and theAmericas are portrayed. Connections are also made from historical events to modernday world affairs. The course places a focus on the effect of the contact between cultures,social and political change, economic development, the influence of geography, the growthof science and technology, as well as the history of women and minorities. Western WorldHistory will introduce, reinforce and extend basic skills in the social sciences. Lessons will
cover understanding sequence, identifying cause and effect relationships, distinguishing
fact from opinion, developing investigative skills, the use of primary sources, thinking
critically, presenting knowledge in a variety of manners, and effectively communicating andcollaborating with others.

Eastern Civilizations 10

Credit Type: SCI
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: department approval
The purpose of this one year course is to introduce students to a wide-range of topics related to theenvironment and the world they live in. It consists of five major units covering: An Introduction toEnvironmental Science/Systems and Economic Policies, Ecology, Humans and the Environment, Earth’s
Resources, and Looking Towards a Sustainable Future. This course utilizes multiple labs, activities,
projects, and case studies designed to empower students to take an active role in their learning, andis designed to provide an alternate route to full science accreditation in the high school. Environmental
Science is offered to Grade 11 and 12 students, who will gain insight and practical scientific knowledge
outside of the IB setting.
This course will not be offered in the 2024-2025 school year.

Credit Type: SOC
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: Western World History 9
Eastern Civilizations is a one semester course designed to focus on the geopolitical issues
and social traditions of China, Japan and Korea, and serve as a survey of history to thepresent. Students will develop an understanding of these countries' emergence onto theworld stage in the modern world. This course is designed to help students understand thepresent by caring about and understanding what happened in the past.

Introduction to Economics and Business Management 10
Credit Type: SOC
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
This one semester course is designed to provide students with an introduction to thebasic principles of economics and business management. Students will develop anunderstanding of the Economics concepts of scarcity, demand and supply model, inflation
and unemployment, and will explore business topics such as different types of business,organisational structure and marketing.

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Business Management IB SL/HL 1

Economics IB HL/SL

Credit Type: SOC
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: department approval

Credit Type: SOC
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: department approval

The IB Business Management course is designed to develop students’ knowledge andunderstanding of business management theories, as well as their ability to apply a rangeof tools and techniques. Students learn to analyze, discuss, and evaluate business activities
at local, national, and international levels. The course covers a range of organizations fromall sectors, as well as the sociocultural and economic contexts in which those organizations
operate.

Economics is a dynamic social science. The study of economics is essentially about dealing
with scarcity, resource allocation, and the methods and processes by which choices are
made in the satisfaction of human wants. As a social science, economics uses scientificmethodologies that include quantitative and qualitative elements. The DP economics course
emphasizes the economic theories of microeconomics, which deal with economic variables
affecting individuals, firms and markets, and the economic theories of macroeconomics,
which deal with economic variables affecting countries, governments and societies. These
economic theories are not studied in a vacuum— rather, they are to be applied to real-world
issues. Prominent among these issues are fluctuations in economic activity, international
trade, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The economics course
encourages students to develop international perspectives, fosters a concern for global
issues, and raises students’ awareness of their own responsibilities at a local, national,
and international level. Teachers explicitly teach thinking and research skills such ascomprehension, text analysis, transfer, and use of primary sources. More information can befound following these Economics SL/HL links.

The course encourages the appreciation of ethical concerns at both a local and global level.
It aims to develop relevant and transferable skills, including the ability to: think critically, makeethically sound and well-informed decisions, appreciate the pace, nature, and significanceof change, think strategically, and undertake long-term planning, analysis and evaluation.
The course also develops subject-specific skills, such as financial analysis. More information
can be found following this Business Management SL/HL link.

20th Century World History IB SL/HL
Credit Type: SOC
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: department approval
IB History is a dynamic and evidence-based study that involves an exciting engagementwith the past. It is based on a comparative and multi-perspective approach to history. It
involves the study of a variety of types of history, including political, economic, social, andcultural. It puts a premium on developing critical thinking skills and understanding multiple
interpretations of the past. History IB students study the major cultural, socio-economic,
and historical trends related to Single Party and Authoritarian States, Causes, Practices andEffects of 20th Century Wars, and Move to Global War. HL students also will explore China andKorea (1910 - 1950), Modern Japan, and the People's Republic of China. More information canbe found following this History SL/HL link.

Contemporary Social Studies
Credit Type: SOC
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: department approvalContemporary Social Studies aims at exploring and inquiring into a range of topics including:Business and Employment, Education, Environment, Healthcare, Policies and Governmentand Lifestyle. The course focuses primarily on the contemporary world and on the forces
which have shaped it and will continue to shape it in the future. Students who completed thecourse will be able to anticipate, understand, and respond to this ever-changing world, andshow appreciation of the impact of technology on society.
This course will not be offered in the 2024-25 school year.

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World Languages Courses

French Ab Initio IB SL

French B - BeginnerCredit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: None or French Beginner and department approval

Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: none
This course is designed for students with little or no knowledge of the French language. The
overarching objective of this course is to achieve communicative competence in everyday
situations. Students will learn how to express themselves to talk about their feelings inboth writing and speech. This will entail the study of basic grammatical patterns and theacquisition of an extensive vocabulary.

This course is developed through the Junior and Senior grade years to prepare the students
for the IB-Ab Initio exams. Students will develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening
skills. Emphasis is put on using consistently and reinforcing all of the language skills throughvarious media in accordance with the standards defined by the IBO. These skills are polished
all the while enhancing awareness of the cultural specificities of French culture through fivemain themes: Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization and Sharing theplanet.
More information can be found following this Language ab initio SL link.

French 3

Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: French 2 or 2 years of French learning experience and department approval
This course provides opportunities for students to communicate and interact in French, witha focus on familiar topics related to their daily lives. The focus is on acquiring a confident
command of intermediate language skills in order to sound as close as possible to native
speakers of French. With that objective in mind, projects are organized throughout the year.

French 4

Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: French 3
Focused on acquiring the skills needed for reading and writing, this course is meant at
introducing step by step the standards of assessment for the IB examination in French
Language B. Aside from the various reading activities, the students are also introduced to themethod for the Individual Oral Presentation. As often as possible, projects are also organizedthrough the year.

French B IB HL/SL

Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: French 4 for the students who have been studying at St. Mary's (2-4 years ofFrench learning experience)
This course requires a minimum of 2-4 years experience in French language learning andaims at preparing the students for French as Language B of the IB diploma. The course
is developed through the Junior and Senior grade years. At this stage, the students havea command of French language sufficient enough to allow them to delve into authentic
material and use skills to understand them. Emphasis is put on using consistently andreinforcing all of the language skills through various media in accordance with thestandards defined by the IBO. These skills are polished all the while enhancing awarenessof the cultural specificities of the francophone world through five main themes: Identities,
Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization, and Sharing the planet. While HL students
are also required to read two works of literature originally written in French, all students will
enhance their intercultural understanding through texts about global and current issues in
the francophone world, a key course element.
More information can be found following these Language B SL/HL links.

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Japanese B Level III

Japanese A9
Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Department placement or approval

Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Japanese B Level II or department placement

The study of the texts produced in a language is central to an active engagement withlanguage and culture and, by extension, to how we see and understand the world in which
we live. Therefore the objective of this course is to provide students with the linguistic skills
necessary to read and understand a wide range of materials covering literature, culture,society and issues pertaining to man and environment. Assessment will be made through avariety of tasks using specific rubrics.

This course is designed for students who should already be able to comprehend basic
written and spoken Japanese. Students are expected to speak and write Japanese within
the context of more complex sentence structures. Students are expected to deepen theirreading, writing, and understanding of Japanese society, culture and language. Students
also need to perform what they have achieved in class in various ways.

Japanese A10

Japanese B Level IV

Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Japanese A9
The study of the texts produced in a language is central to an active engagement withlanguage and culture and, by extension, to how we see and understand the world in which
we live. Therefore the objective of this course is to provide students with the linguistic skills
necessary to read and understand a wide range of materials covering literature, culture,society and issues pertaining to man and environment. Assessment will be made through avariety of tasks using specific rubrics.

Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites:Japanese B Level III or department placement
This course is designed for students who should already be able to comprehend somecomplex written and spoken Japanese. Students are expected to speak and write Japanesewithin the context of more complex sentence structures. Students are expected to deepen
their reading, writing, and understanding of Japanese society, culture and language.
Students also need to perform what they have achieved in class in various ways.

Japanese B Level I

Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Japanese B Beginner or department placement
This course is designed for students who should already be able to comprehend written
and spoken simple Japanese. Students are expected to learn more grammar patterns (e.g.
conjugate verbs ) to make long and complex sentences, and use them in reading, writing,speaking and listening. Students also need to perform what they have achieved in class invarious ways, such as giving presentations, role-plays and writing short essays. About 160
Kanji will be covered in this course.

Japanese B Level II

Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Japanese B Level I or department placement

Japanese B BeginnerCredit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: none
This course is designed for students with little or no knowledge of the Japanese language.
The overarching objective of this course is to achieve communicative competence ineveryday situations. Students will learn how to express themselves to talk about their
feelings in both writing and speech. This will entail the study of the Japanese writing system(Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji), basic grammatical patterns and the acquisition of an
extensive vocabulary.

This course is a continuation of Japanese B Level1 and emphasizes grammatical structure
and vocabulary. Students will strengthen their oral, reading and writing language skills
through giving a presentation, acting out role-plays and writing short essays using complex
sentence structures. About 300 Kanji will be covered in this course.
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Japanese A: Language and Literature IB HL/SL
Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Japanese A10 and department approval

In this course, students study a wide range of literary and non-literary texts in a variety of
media. By examining communicative acts across literary form and textual type alongside
appropriate secondary readings, students will investigate the nature of language itself andthe ways in which it shapes and is influenced by identity and culture. Approaches to study
in the course are meant to be wide-ranging and can include literary theory, sociolinguistics,
media studies, and critical discourse analysis among others.
More information can be found following these Language A: Language and Literature HL/SL
links.

Japanese B IB HL/SL
Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Japanese B Level III/IV for HL and B Level I/II for SL and department approval
The course aims at preparing the students for Japanese as Language B of the IB diploma
and is developed through the Junior and Senior grade years. At this stage, the students havea command of Japanese language sufficient enough to allow them to delve into authentic
material and use skills to understand them. Emphasis is put on using consistently andreinforcing all of the language skills through various media in accordance with the standards
defined by the IBO. These skills are polished all the while enhancing awareness of the cultural
specificities of the Japanese culture through five main themes: Identities, Experiences, Human
Ingenuity, Social Organization, and Sharing the planet.
Students will study 400 kanji in SL and 600 kanji in HL over 2 years and employ them intheir compositions. In addition, the course aims to develop the students' intercultural
understanding. Therefore, while HL students are also required to read two works of literature
originally written in Japanese, all students will enhance their intercultural understanding
through texts about global and current issues in Japan, a key course element.

Physical Education Courses
Physical Education
Credit Type: PE
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none

Students will be exposed to a variety of activities designed to give them an appreciation forthe physical activity options open to them. These activities will be pursued in the pool, thegymnasium, the playing field, and tennis courts. The activities may include middle distancerunning, combatives (e.g. wrestling), team sports/activities (e.g. basketball), rhythms,
individual sports/activities (e.g. badminton), aquatics, self-testing, general strength andconditioning. Students will also be expected to gain a workable understanding of the rules
governing the various games and activities. The course will be graded on a pass/fail basis
and the heavy emphasis will be on an energetic conformity to the goals and rules of theclass. This conformity includes the dress code in effect for all physical education classes.

Strength and Movement
Credit Type: PE
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
The focus of this course is to learn how to improve your strength thereby improving youroverall movement patterns. The health and performance related components of physicalfitness and principles of training will be reviewed and students will be taught to perform
various compound movements in a logical progression from unweighted to weighted toensure safety. Students will be taught how to apply these principles and movements byparticipating in a program designed to increase muscular strength and improve movement
patterns. There will also be some focus on human surface anatomy, planes of movement
and exercise selection. Ongoing feedback will be provided by the teacher and students
themselves in real-time and through multiple opportunities for video analysis with the goalof improving movement patterns and ensuring safety.

More information can be found following these Language B SL/HL links.

Japanese Ab Initio IB SL

Credit Type: LAN
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: None or Japanese B Beginner and department approval
This course is developed through the Junior and Senior grade years to prepare the students
for the IB-Ab Initio exams. Students are required to develop their reading and writing skills
by reading basic topics after discovering the hiragana and katakana characters. They will
also learn 160 kanji. Emphasis is put on using consistently and reinforcing all of the language
skills through various media in accordance with the standards defined by the IBO. Theseskills are polished all the while enhancing awareness of the cultural specificities of theJapanese culture through five main themes: Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social
Organization, and Sharing the planet.

Aquatics Fitness, Sports and Safety
Credit Type: PE
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: competent swimmer

This course has a number of aquatics related goals which include: Out of water fitnesstraining including poolside circuit training, in water fitness training including high intensity
interval training (HIIT) swim sport training including race starts, turns, pacing, goal-time
setting, stroke technique, water polo sport training including game theory, positioning,
passing, shooting, blocking, and safety in the aquatic environment including awareness ofpotential hazards, familiarity of safety equipment, and victim assist techniques.

More information can be found following this Language ab initio SL link.

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Ethics, Religion and Personal Growth Courses

Scripture and Pop Culture

Christian Ethics & Virtues in Today's World

Credit Type: ETH
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none

Credit Type: ETH
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
Through case studies, discussion, lecture, films, research, and oral presentations, students
will learn to apply a systematic framework to examine moral problems in their personal
lives and in society. Students will also be introduced to the Catholic teaching on morality
and the human person. Ethics is translated from the Greek word, ethos, that means habit
or character. 'Vir' is Latin for man and the root of the word Virtue. Our studies will help
understand the human desire for Happiness and Meaning in our lives.
Societal topics include Natural Law, Catholic Social Teaching, Corporate Business Ethics,
Global Economic Ethics, Crime and Punishment, Just War Doctrine, Ecology, Beginning of Life
Bioethics, End-of-Life Bioethics, Stem cell research, Genetic Enhancement, Human Sexuality,
Transhumanism, and Catholic Anthropology.

The students will learn the origins and history of the Bible and learn to interpret Scripture theCatholic way. In the tradition of the Church, we will search for God in all things- including
Pop Culture. We will analyze when the culture expresses the Good News and when it doesnot. Our study will enable us to evaluate and be critical of our culture from a Catholic
perspective. The student will come to understand the Bible and be encouraged to integrate
Scriptural lessons into his own life. This class will use Sacred Scripture, scriptural study
guides, mass media, feature-length movies, novels, and current events. A variety of lectures,classroom discussions, videos, and in-class writing evaluations will be used. Methods ofevaluation include quizzes, tests, presentations, papers, and group projects.

Personal Life Management

Methods of evaluation include quizzes, tests, essays, research papers, and classparticipation.

Credit Type: Additional Credits
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none

Business Ethics

The aim of this course is to enable students to make well-informed, considered decisions
and choices in many aspects of their lives and to develop behaviors and attitudes that
contribute to the well-being and respect of self and others, now and in the future. This course
aims to help students develop awareness and understanding of how to better manage theirpersonal well-being and their relationships with others. Students will learn how to set realistic
goals, establish priorities, and approach decisions regarding future choices.

Credit Type: ETH
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
Business Ethics is a semester course that explores ethical issues present in today’s world of
business. Students evaluate ethical dilemmas that arise from business practices throughcase studies and applying traditional and contemporary ethical theories. Issues that areinvestigated include topics such as: values, globalization, social responsibility, environmental
responsibility, and economic responsibility, the triple bottom line of sustainability, and CSR(corporate social responsibility).

Intro to Catholicism

Guided Learning

Credit Type: ETH
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none

Credit Type: Additional Credits
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none

This class will introduce the student to the beauty, depth, and universal truths of Catholicism
and its grounding in Reason and Faith. The student will reflect on his own life and the life of
the Church to help him grow in the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love. This course will explore
the philosophical and metaphysical proofs for God, the reality of Jesus Christ, the formationof the early Church and its role and contributions throughout history, selected readings
from Sacred Scripture, and the presence of the Gospels in popular culture. Methods of
instruction include lectures, readings, documentaries, and pop culture multimedia. Methodsof evaluation include quizzes, tests, essays, research papers, and class participation.

The Guided Learning class seeks to help students better understand their individual learning
abilities and style. The course's primary focus is to broaden students' strengths and use
them to minimize what causes them to struggle academically. In class, students set goals
based on their specific areas of need, typically in the areas of study skills, time management,
test taking, written expression, and/or reading comprehension. Students incorporate theselearning and study strategies in the context of coursework from their academic classes.

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Art Courses

Literacy

ActingCredit Type: Additional Credits
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
Literacy provides students with the chance to learn or improve their reading and writing skills
and ability. The course uses an interdisciplinary approach using interesting articles and texts
about science, global and social issues to provide the basis of the reading with short essays
or writing pieces by the student. Grammar, vocabulary building, MLA formatting, referencing
are learnt during the course along with note-taking, summarizing, annotation and criticalthinking skills. The course provides a solid foundation of skills at the beginning of high school
upon which students can use throughout their future studies and life.
Students are enrolled in the course upon consultation with counselors, learning support staff
and administrators and close analysis of student’s scores and standardized tests.

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
This course provides opportunities for students to explore acting forms and techniques,using material from a wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use the elements ofacting to examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create,
perform, discuss, and analyse acting, and then reflect on the experiences to develop anunderstanding of themselves, the art form, and the world around them.

Bell Choir
Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: none

IB Diploma Core

Bell choir is a two-semester course that is open to students interested in ringing. It is
intended to enhance listening and performance skills in artistic renditions of bell music
through kinesthetic, rhythmic, and interpretive accuracy. The Bell Choir performs at the major
concerts during the school year and for invitational performances throughout Tokyo.

Credit Type: TOK
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: none
The IB Diploma Core gathers the three components that an IB Diploma student must pass inorder to obtain the full IB Diploma. This includes: TOK (Theory of Knowledge), CAS (Creativity,
Activity & Service) and the Extended Essay. The class time is distributed in the following way:
70% TOK, 15% CAS and 15% Extended Essay. TOK aims at developing critical thinking skills andto tease the students' curiosity for the complexity of knowledge in all domains. By the endof the course, the students should be able to approach any kind of real life situation with acritical reflection supported by adequate conceptual scaffolding. CAS aims at developing
balanced IB learners as well as raising their awareness of the world around them and how
they can make a difference out there. The Extended Essay is a supervised individual piece of
research leading to a 4,000 word essay externally assessed by the IBO.

Supervised Study Period
Credit Type: NON
Credit Value: 0
Prerequisites: none

Concert Band

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Recommended that students have 1-2 years of previous instrumental
experience
The Concert band is a two-semester ensemble for instrumentalists who have previous
experience on a traditional band instrument. Continued emphasis is given to thedevelopment of musicianship and basic skills through a large repertoire of appropriate levelband literature. Students perform several times throughout the year including the Christmas
Concert, KPASSP Instrumental Festival, Spring Concert, and school assemblies.

Men's Choir

The supervised study period is an opportunity for students to spend time with a qualified
teacher to work on class requirements and develop writing skills.
Note: Supervised Study Period is available to seniors only.

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: none
The Men's Choir is a two semester ensemble designed to provide continuing vocal
instruction and general musicianship skills for choral students at different levels. Instruction
will include continuing music literacy and music theory and will expose students to all typesof music from baroque to contemporary popular styles. Students perform several times
throughout the year including the Christmas Concert, KPASSP Choral Festival, SMA Luncheon,
Spring Concert, Carnival, school assemblies, and for community charity events.

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C o u r seMusic Accelerator 1

Varsity Ensemble

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Instructor approval and audition may be required

This course begins with the basics of music, including learning how to read written music aswell as audiate the written music (sightsinging). Additionally, students would learn about
tonality (major and minor), key signatures, chords and chord progressions, and simple
analysis. Practice lab time will be allocated for students to practice and hone in on theirmusical skills and creative endeavors using music software.

This auditioned ensemble consists of a select group from the Men's Choir. Students performseveral times throughout the year including the Christmas Concert, KPASSP Choral Festival,
SMA Luncheon, Spring Concert, school assemblies, community charity events as well asinternational choral competitions and ACDA conventions.
Note: Scheduled outside of normal 8 period school day

Music Accelerator 2
Ceramics I

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: Music Accelerator 1
This course is a continuation of Music Accelerator 1.

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
A wide variety of ceramic wares will be explored using hand-building techniques. Students
will also explore throwing on our pottery wheels. 2D surface design is an essential aspect of
this 3D medium. Experimentation and exploration of ceramics to make works of art are theprimary focus of the class. However, we do artist investigations, along with critical analysis of
inspirational artworks as well.

Music IB HL/SL
Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: department approval
This two-year course is designed for music students with varied backgrounds in music
performance or composition. The aim of the IB music program is to give music students
the opportunity to explore and enjoy the diversity of music throughout the world byenabling them to creatively develop their knowledge, abilities, and understanding
through performance and composition. Students will be expected to demonstrate theirunderstanding of music by performing, by using appropriate musical language andterminology in analyzing musical works from many and varied cultures and periods, and by
exploring music through composition. More information can be found following these Music
SL/HL links.

Jazz Band
Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Instructor approval and audition may be required

Ceramics II
Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: Ceramics I
Ceramics II builds on skills and concepts from Ceramics I.

Ceramics III

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: Ceramics II
Ceramics III builds on skills and concepts from Ceramics I & II.

The Jazz Band is a two-semester auditioned ensemble that consists of select students fromthe concert band. Students will perform several times throughout the year at the Christmas
and Spring concerts as well as the International Ball, Carnival, school assemblies, andinternational jazz festivals. Students involved in Jazz Band will perform with the Concert Band,
regardless of enrollment in the Concert Band class. Students can, however, enroll in bothcourses.
Note: Scheduled outside of normal 8 period school day
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Introduction to Art

Introduction to Art II

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: Introduction to Art

This course will provide the necessary foundational art skills for the high school art program.
Students will explore various 2D and 3D projects while utilizing the basic elements andprinciples of art and design. Students will research art movements and periods, work in theirvisual art journals, explore printmaking, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and various othermediums.

Introduction to Art II builds on skills and concepts from Introduction to Art.

2D Art I

2D Art II
Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
2-D Art builds on skills and concepts from 2-D Art l.

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
This course will develop students' 2D skills using a variety of mediums including drawing,
painting, photography, paper marbling, collage, digital software, and printmaking. Students
learn to develop personally meaningful works of art that successfully communicate theirunique concepts using complex signs, symbols, and imagery.

Visual Arts IB HL/SL
Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: department approval
The IB Diploma Programme IB Visual Art is the most advanced art course offered at SMIS. It isa rigorous two-year class that emphasizes the artistic process. Students will go on a journeyof self-discovery as they learn how to make meaningful artworks that apply a variety of
mediums with the best possible technical skill. In IB VA, students are required to explore 2D,
3D, and screen-based mediums- drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, digital art,
animation, sculpture, and ceramics.
Additionally, students will hone their research abilities when investigating artworks from
history and contemporary art. Analysis, evaluation, and synthesis are integral parts of thecurriculum. One of the assessments of the course, called the Comparative Study, requires
students to immerse themselves in a two-month-long research project which explores threeartists' works from three contrasting cultural contexts.

Technology and Design Courses
Digital Arts I

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
This course introduces students to the foundations of digital arts; it primarily focuses onphotography and graphic design and how the two work cohesively in modern professional
design. Students learn to use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Dimensions and InDesign for
artistic, marketing and design purposes. This course encourages students to analyze
marketing and professional works and how they make an impact in the digital world whiledeveloping their own works and designs.

Digital Arts II

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: Digital Arts I
Digital Arts II builds on skills and concepts from Digital Arts I.

The grand finale of the class results in the final exhibition. Students will curate and exhibit thebest artworks from the course in a cohesive body of work that expresses their own concepts
and artistic style. More information can be found following these Visual arts SL/HL links.
Addition Course Options
Course I, II, and III will be offered during the same core. Example: 2D Art I and 2D Art ll isscheduled at the same core.
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C o u r seFilmmaking and Visual Effects

Design Technology I

Credit Type: ART
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none

Credit Type: ELEC
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none

This course introduces students to what goes on behind the scenes when creating a film or
TV show. Students learn to use Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects to produce their own
short films. Throughout the course, students will analyze film for storytelling, cinematography
and post-production techniques and choices.

Students embark on a series of design projects that are situated within a range of real world,
engaging contexts. These projects range from fashion to architecture, product design tofabrication. Students use design thinking to create solutions to problems, beginning withresearch, moving through design, before the creation of prototypes and testing against
the specification. Students are able to learn both technical making skills, as well as project
management skills.s

Computer Science I

Design Technology II

Credit Type: ELEC
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
This course introduces students to computer science. Students will learn the fundamentals
of coding through the medium of video gaming. They will also experience the design andcreation of robotics through the creation of prosthetics. This course asks students to address
real world problems in real world contexts in order to understand how and why computerscience is relevant to students lives. .

Embedded Systems I

Credit Type: ELEC
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: Design Technology I
Building on the experiences and knowledge gained in Design Technology 1, students identify
a real world problem that has the scope to be the driving focus of an independent project.
Students use the design cycle in order to research and develop solutions to the problem,
before the creation of a prototype ready for testing. These projects can be based in a
number of design fields, including fashion, product design, architecture, and more.

Design Technology IB SL/HL

Credit Type: ELEC
Credit Value: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
This course provides a basic introduction to microcontroller-based embedded systems
design, development and implementation. Students will use the Arduino micro-controller
in a progression of projects designed to teach elementary electronics, programming and
I/O interfacing. These projects involve connecting a wide variety of hardware including
LEDs, switches, resistors, motors, servos and then installing various sensors for autonomous
control.

Yearbook
Credit Type: ELEC
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: none
This course requires intensive work to produce the school yearbook. It covers thefundamentals of layout, graphics, photography, composition, and editorial skills. Students
are encouraged to examine and explore these concepts as they apply to their publication
efforts and to use them in creating an expressive, interesting, and well-organized yearbook.

Credit Type: SCI
Credit Value: 1.0
Prerequisites: Recommend taking DT 1 and DT 2 in grades 9/10 to be eligible for HL
Diploma Programme design technology is based on a model of learning that incorporates
knowledge, skills, and design principles in problem-solving contexts, while at the sametime maximizing the use of local and readily available resources.The intent is not solely theacquisition of knowledge about design and technology, which may change or become
outdated, but it is about learning how to adapt to new experiences and to approach
problems with the appropriate skills and the relevant techniques to identify the importantelements and, crucially, to develop the optimum solutions. The design cycle is at the core of
the course, and it is expected that students will use this process in the practical investigative
work as well as in the theory. Each element in the design cycle represents an aspect ofdesign technology, which, when viewed together, constitutes a holistic approach. Any given
element is therefore only to be seen in the context of the whole process. In addition, students
are required to participate in a cross-discipline (Group 4) project that requires them tocollaborate with all other science students in the IB program that is specifically assessed for
personal skills and the ability to work within a team framework.

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(UPDATED DECEMBER 2023)

Nurturing, Challenging and Connecting
all Hearts and Minds