IB Programme

5 credits (for each Biology 20 & Biology 30) + 3 credits (Biology 35IB)

Biology HL Year 1 covers the key science themes of Biology 20 and the IB Biology programs, including systems, equilibrium, energy and matter. These are continuously related and interconnected with the study of the biosphere, ecosystems, photosynthesis, cellular respiration and human systems. Laboratory skills will be emphasized leading students to the design of their own labs when presented with a biological problem. A portfolio of labs will be generated to continue on to the end of Biology HL Year 2. Biology 35IB accompanies Biology HL Year 1 and continues to build upon concepts introduced in that course as well as other IB extensions, particularly in the area of human physiology. There is a heavy emphasis on laboratory and research skills; students participate in an interdisciplinary project and begin an independent investigation at the end of Year 1.

Biology HL Year 2 will emphasize molecular genetics, reproduction and DNA, and topics related to human physiology are enhanced. The Biology IB Exams are written in May and the Biology 30 provincial diploma exam is written in June.

Prerequisite: Science 10i for Biology HL Y1 + Biology 35IB; Biology HL Y1 + Biology 35IB for Biology HL Y2

5 credits (for each Chemistry 20 & Chemistry 30)

Chemistry SL Year 1 covers the key science themes of Chemistry 20 and the IB Chemistry program including chemical bonding, gas laws, solutions, stoichiometry and an introduction to equilibrium, thermochemistry and acids and bases. There is a heavy emphasis on laboratory and research skills; students participate in an interdisciplinary project and begin an independent investigation at the end of Year 1.

Chemistry SL Year 2 is a detailed study of both the Alberta and IB curriculum, including topics like electrochemistry, organic chemistry and human biochemistry. More extensive laboratory work and applications are integrated throughout the course; lab projects started at the beginning of the program will be completed. The Chemistry IB Exams are written in May and the Chemistry 30 provincial diploma exam is written in June.

Prerequisite: Science 10i for Chemistry SL Y1; Chemistry SL Y1 for Chemistry SL Y2

5 credits per course

Computer Science encourages students to study and take control of the devices that surround them every day. This course sequence introduces students to computer programming and system design and development. Students will have a chance to program interactive apps and games using a variety of platforms. Computer Science 30 fulfills the "Advanced Computer Science" prerequisite for many Alberta post-secondary institutions. Students can opt to complete a set of alternative assessments in Computer Science 30 to earn credit for IB Computer Science SL.

Students can opt to complete a set of alternative assessments in Computer Science year two to earn credit for IB Computer Science SL.

Prerequisite: Computer Science 10 for Computer Science SL Year 1; Computer Science 20 or SL Year 1 for Computer Science SL Year 2.

5 credits

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Grade 9 French. The language is taught through an action-oriented communicative approach in a cultural context. Topics include activities, shopping, vacations and fine arts. A stronger focus on language skills than in French 10.

Recommended prerequisite: Grade 9 French in a six-year program

5 credits

By the end of French B SL Year 2, students will have written a short essay in French (~500 words) and completed several short oral presentations. Completion of French B SL Year 2 will equip students with advanced/intermediate skills and the ability to begin post-secondary language study at the 200-level. The themes of study include world of work, travel and tourism, media and conservation, and the environment. Aspects of the Francophone world will be studied through literary extracts, music and film.

Prerequisite: French 10. Recommended prerequisite: French 10i

5 credits (for both Social Studies 20-1 and 30-1)

The IB History courses are based on the three key elements: content, concepts and skills. Concepts are based on big, powerful ideas that have relevance both within and across subject areas. The content for our program will focus on a solid base of factual knowledge, and throughout the program students will be encouraged to develop skills used to study history and apply them to future study.

Students will study the concepts of nationalism and ultranationalism (the rise of single party and authoritarian states) in Year 1, and they will develop skills in research, document analysis, and to critically reflect on historical evidence. The final courses in the History program provide in-depth study into International Relations 1919-1940, and causes and effects of 20th century wars. Students in Western History Year 2 will write the Social Studies 30-1 Alberta provincial diploma exam in June.

Prerequisite: Social Studies 10-1. Recommended prerequisite: Social Studies 10i.

5 credits per course (for both Mathematics 30-1 and Mathematics 31)

Both of these courses are full-year, where students attend class every second day. For Math SL Year 1, the regular Alberta curriculum for Math 30-1 is covered, as well as a unit on probability distributions. Students will begin a mathematical rxploration, a research-type project where students pick a topic of interest, explore it and write about the mathematics of the topic. Students in Math SL Year 1 will write the Math 30-1 Alberta provincial diploma exam in June. In Math SL Year 2, the Alberta curriculum is covered as well as a unit on vectors. Once vectors are completed, preparation intensifies for the IB exams in May, and the mathematical exploration research project is completed.

Prerequisite: Math 20i for Math SL Year 1; Math SL Year 1 for Math SL Year 2

5 credits

No Spanish experience necessary. The focus is on learning to speak in realistic situations about people, school, activities and celebrations. Students will experience elements of Spanish-speaking cultures.

Prerequisite: none

5 credits 

Students focus on speaking and vocabulary acquisition, and will take a more in-depth look into the rich diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures by studying aspects of the arts, music, technology and entertainment. Hobbies, sports and the environment will also be explored. By the end of Spanish AB Initio SL Year 2, students will have written a short cultural comparison in Spanish (~350 words) and completed a short oral presentation. Completion of Year 2 permits students to commence their Spanish studies in post-secondary at the 200 level.

Prerequisite: Spanish 10.  Recommended prerequisite: Spanish 10i

3 credits per course

Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary, metacognitive course that explores various ways of knowing within different areas of knowledge. Students in Year 2 give a short presentation on a topic of their choice and write a 1,600-word essay on one of six prescribed topics. These courses are mandatory for IB diploma candidates.

Prerequisite: none for Theory of Knowledge 25; TOK 25 is a prerequisite for Theory of Knowledge 35

5 credits per course

Visual Art HL is a course in which students develop problem-solving skills while working towards technical proficiency in all forms of the visual arts. Students are required to explore all forms of contemporary art practices and build their own practice with the goal of a body of artwork that is displayed at the end of the year two. Students explore all forms of art with a deeper exploration of art history.

Prerequisite: Art 10 for Visual Art HL Year 1, Visual Art HL Year 1 for Visual Art HL Year 2

3 credits

Taken concurrently with Literature HL Year 1 in semester two, the texts in this section of the course were originally written in a language other than English.

Corequisite: Literature HL Year 1

3 credits

The focus of this course is the in depth exploration of one 20th century topic of the student's choice. Students will focus on writing and analytical skills. They will also gain expertise in the critical evaluation of information and the synthesis of ideas and theories. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship of world history to the issues of the 21st century.

Recommended Prerequisite: History HL Year 1