IB World School
At Plano East
Course Catalog
Class of 2020
Plano East Senior High School
IB World School
3000 Los Rios Boulevard
Plano, TX 75074
Kathy Witcher
IB Coordinator
Telephone: (469) 752-9120
Fax: (469) 752-9039
Email: kathy.witcher@pisd.edu
Webpage: ib.pisd.edu
International Baccalaureate Organization
MISSION STATEMENT:
The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and
caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural
understanding and respect.
To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to
develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and
lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
Humanities: English and Social Studies – 9th and 10th Grades
IH Humanities I
Hum I
9th Grade
and AP Human Geography)
Prerequisite: None Credit: 2 (IH English I
Humanities I is a unique course that combines IH English I and AP Human Geography. Students will
examine the patterns and processes that have shaped the human world and consider human
expressions (the Humanities: art, theater, architecture, music, dance, and literature) as a response and
insight to geographic, political and social changes at a global level. Students will also learn to apply their
understandings of reading and writing processes to a variety of genres including literary and
informational. Students will study classic and contemporary texts with an emphasis on international
perspectives, theme development, epic characteristics, non-fiction, and the relationship between texts
and ideas. Research and oral/written commu7nication skills are a key focus. This course is vertically
aligned to support the upper level English and Social Studies IB courses.
IH Humanities II
Hum II
10th Grade
Prerequisite: IH Hum I or H English I
Credit: 2 (IH English II and AP World History)
Humanities II combines IH English II with AP World History in an interdisciplinary spiral. The course is a
historical study of the world through the lens of the Humanities (art, theater, architecture, music, dance,
and literature). Students will continue to hone research and oral/written communication skills as they
examine literature from a variety of world traditions. The emphasis on human expression as both a
catalyst and reaction to change throughout time and place provides students a solid foundation to
understanding the importance of internationalism in a shrinking globe. This course is vertically aligned
to support the upper level English and Social Studies IB courses.
Group 1: IB English
IB English III HL
103061
11th Grade
Prerequisite: IH Hum II or H English II
Credit: 1
The IB English Language and Literature course is the first year of a two year HL course which aims to
develop skills of textual analysis and develop and understanding that texts, both literary and nonliterary, can be seen as autonomous yet simultaneously related to culturally determined reading
practices. The course reflects the interests and concerns that are relevant to students while developing
a range of transferable skills. An understanding of the ways in which formal elements are used to create
meaning in nontraditional texts 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.
Students will be introduced to a board understanding of texts which may include film, graphic novels,
journalistic pieces and social media, as well as traditional genres. A wider aim of the course is the
development of an understanding of “culturally literacy” in students.
IB English IV HL
Credit: 1
104061
12th Grade
Prerequisite: English III IB
The IB English Language and Literature builds on year one to hone and refine students’ skills of textual
analysis and the understanding that texts, both literary and non-literary, can be seen as autonomous yet
simultaneously related to culturally determined reading practices. Students will transfer their
understanding of the ways in which formal elements are used to create meaning in a nontraditional text
to more traditional texts. A continued exploration of how meaning is affected by reading practices that
are culturally defined and by the circumstances of production and reception is expanded to more
canonical works. The second year of the course connects the students’ understanding of how language
creates meaning in untraditional texts to a close analysis and consideration of how language creates
meaning in traditional literary works and genres.
Group 2: World Language/Language Acquisition
Chinese I
501601
9thGrade
Prerequisite: None Credit: 1
Chinese I is an introduction to the Chinese world, its language and its people. The main emphasis is on
oral skills while developing reading and writing skills. The student will be guided in recognizing the
interrelationships of language and will develop a cultural appreciation of the Chinese world. The
expected outcome of this course is developing Novice proficiency. The course is conducted in Chinese a
significant amount of the time.
IH Chinese II
Credit: 1
502661
9th/10th Grade
Prerequisite: Chinese I
IH Chinese II continues to develop the oral skills with added emphasis on reading and writing skills.
Expansion of vocabulary and grammatical structures builds upon the knowledge gained in Chinese I.
Culturally related aspects of selected Chinese speaking countries or regions will be explored. The
expected outcome of this course is developing Novice/High proficiency. The course is conducted in
Chinese a significant amount of time.
IH Chinese III
Credit : 1
503661
10th/11th Grade
Prerequisite: IH Chinese II
IH Chinese III continues to develop the oral and writing skills with added emphasis on reading and
increased emphasis on concepts and skills required by the IB. Expansion of vocabulary and grammatical
structure continues. Culturally related activities of selected Chinese regions will be explored. The
expected outcome of the course is developing Intermediate Mid/High proficiency. This course is
conducted predominantly in Chinese.
IB Chinese IV SL
Credit: 1
504661
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisite: IH Chinese III
IB Chinese IV SL stresses the development of fluency in oral skills, comprehension of Chinese literature
and history, expository composition, and expanded use of grammar. This course utilizes higher
level/critical thinking skills and focuses on the development of accuracy and fluency. This course
prepares the student to take the IB Chinese SL exam and is conducted primarily in Chinese.
French I
Credit: 1
501101
7-8th/9th Grade
Prerequisite: None
French I is an introduction to the French language and culture. Students in this course will develop
speaking, writing, and reading proficiency on topics dealing with the everyday life of a student. Students
will be guided in recognizing the interrelationships between cultures and will be able to identify cultural
perspectives and practices of the Francophone world. The expected outcome of this course is develop
Novice/Mid proficiency. This course is conducted in French a significant amount of time.
IH French II
Credit: 1
502161
9th/10th Grade
Prerequisite: French I
IH French II continues to introduce students to French language and culture. Students in this course will
develop speaking, writing, and reading proficiency on topics expanded to include life outside of school
and in the real world. Students will be guided in recognizing the interrelationships between cultures and
will be able to identify cultural perspectives and practices of the Francophone world. The expected
outcome of this course is developing Novice/High proficiency. This course is conducted in French a
significant amount of time.
IH French III
Credit: 1
503161
10th/11th Grade
Prerequisite: IH French II
IH French III introduces students to content-based thematic learning. Students in this course will
continue to develop speaking, writing, and reading proficiency as they work with real-life issues, topics,
and concerns in specific contexts. Use of applicable resources will allow local and global cultural
perspectives within each context. Students in this course will be supported as they expand their
vocabulary and increase the complexity of their products by owning their own learning, implementing
personal and self-selected vocabulary and demonstrating and ability to respond to tasks requiring high
cognition and creative thinking. The expected outcome of this course is developing Intermediate/MidHigh Proficiency. This course is conducted predominantly in French.
IB French IV SL
Credit: 1
504161
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisite: IH French III
French IV IB stresses the development of fluency in oral skills, comprehension of French literature and
history, expository composition, and expanded use of grammar. This course utilizes higher level/critical
thinking skills and focuses on the development of accuracy and fluency. Students participate in oral
examinations which are moderated by international educators. This course prepares the student to take
the IB French SL exam. This course is conducted predominantly in French.
IB French V HL
505161
12th Grade
Prerequisite: IB French IV SL
French V stresses the development of fluency in oral skills, comprehension of French history and of
French literary selections, expository composition and expanded grammatical structures. This course
emphasizes higher level and critical thinking skills and focuses on the development of accuracy and
fluency. The French V, students develop a deeper and broader understanding of the French language
and culture. Internationalism, the awareness of oneself in relation to other cultures, is also explored in
this course. The IB Higher Level exam in French holds the students to language standards that require at
least five years of study. Assessments are comprised of both written and oral work. IB students in
French V are prepared for the IB French HL exam. The course is conducted primarily in French.
Spanish I
501401
Credit: 1
7-8th/9th Grade
Prerequisite: None
Spanish I is an introduction to Spanish language and culture. Students in this course will develop
speaking, writing, and reading proficiency on topics dealing with the everyday life of a student. Students
will be guided in recognizing the interrelationships between cultures and will be able to identify cultural
perspectives and practices of the Spanish speaking world. The focus of this course is developing novice
mid proficiency. This course is conducted in Spanish a significant amount of time.
IH Spanish II 502461
Credit: 1
9th/10th Grade
Prerequisite: Spanish I
IH Spanish II continues to introduce students to Spanish language and culture. Students in this course
will develop speaking, writing, and reading proficiency on topics expanded to include life outside of
school and in the real world. Students in this course will be expected to expand their vocabulary and
increase the complexity of their products by owning their own learning, implementing personal and selfselected vocabulary, and demonstrating an ability to respond to tasks requiring high cognition and
outside-the-box thinking. Students will be guided in recognizing the interrelationships between cultures
and will be able to identify cultural perspectives and practices of the Spanish speaking world. The focus
of this course is developing intermediate proficiency. The course is conducted in Spanish a significant
amount of time.
IH Spanish III 503461
Credit: 1
10th/11th Grade
Prerequisite: IH Spanish II
IH Spanish III introduces students to content-based thematic learning. Students in this course will
continue to develop speaking, writing, and reading proficiency as they work with real-life issues, topics,
and concerns in specific contexts. Use of applicable resources will allow local and global cultural
perspectives within each context. Students in this course will be expected to expand their vocabulary
and increase the complexity of their products by owning their own learning, implementing personal and
self-selected vocabulary, and demonstrating an ability to respond to tasks requiring high cognition and
outside-the-box thinking. The focus of this course is developing intermediate high proficiency. This
course is conducted primarily in Spanish.
IB Spanish IV 504461
Credit: 1
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisite: IH Spanish III
IB Spanish IV stresses the development of fluency in oral skills, comprehension of Spanish literature and
history, expository composition, and expanded use of grammar. This course utilizes higher level/critical
thinking and focuses on the development of accuracy and fluency. Students participate in oral
examinations which are moderated by international educators. This course prepares the student to the
take the IB Spanish SL exam. This course is conducted predominately in Spanish.
IB Spanish V 505461
Credit: 1
12th Grade
Prerequisite: IB Spanish IV
IB Spanish V stresses the development of fluency in oral skills, comprehension of Spanish literature and
history, expository composition, and expanded use of grammar. It utilizes high level/critical thinking and
focuses on the development of accuracy and fluency. Students participate in oral examinations which
are moderated by international educators. This course prepares students to take the IB Spanish HL
exam. This course is conducted primarily in Spanish.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
IB History of the Americas
Credit: 1
251061
11th Grade
Prerequisite: None
The IB History of the Americas course emphasizes the Colonial-Revolutionary War Period, Constitutional
Period, the Age of Jackson, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Progressive Era, the New Deal, and the
emergence of America as a world power after World War II. Cultural diversities and the role of
minorities will be a major focus. Analytical and research skills will be used to study primary sources and
scholarly works in an effort to discover the overall movement and fabric of United States history. This
course also includes a study of the colonial period and independence movement in Latin America which
is tested on the senior History HL exam. This course is the first year preparation for the History HL
exam.
IB World Area Studies
The Americas
253161
Credit: 1
12th Grade
Prerequisite: IB History of
IB World Area Studies focuses on several topics relating to twentieth century history, such as the causes
and effects of war, the rise of dictatorships, and the Cold War. Specific subject studied include World
Wars I and II, the Russian, Chinese, and Cuban Revolutions, Hitler, Stalin, Mao Zedong, and Fidel Castro.
Because historiography is emphasized, students will explore writings from noted historians of each
period. The analysis of primary documents is a focus, along with high-level research skills. Students
completing this course are prepared for the IB History HL exam.
IB Economics SL
Credit: 1
255061
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisite: None
This two semester course focuses on the Principles of Macroeconomics and Microeconomics. The study
of economics is essentially about dealing with scarcity, resource allocation, and methods and processes
by which choices are made in the satisfaction of human wants. As a social science, economics uses
scientific methodologies that include quantitative and qualitative elements. IB Economics has a
pronounced international approach and considers the current and future problems of less developed
countries and their impact on the world economy.
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
Through studying biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental systems, students will become aware of
how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide
variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that
characterizes these subjects. Students will come to appreciate scientific study and creativity within a
global context through stimulating and challenging opportunities.
IH Biology
Credit: 1
204001
9th Grade
Prerequisite: None
This biology course offers an in-depth study and observation of living organisms in the environment,
prepared specimens, various ecosystems, and inherited traits. Student investigations emphasize
accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and the safe manipulation of laboratory
apparatus and materials in the field and the laboratory. The course vertically aligns with the
expectations of the upper level IB sciences courses.
IH Chemistry
Credit: 1
205001
10th Grade
Prerequisite: None
The Chemistry course is designed to introduce the student to the qualitative and quantitative aspects of
a first year chemistry program. An in-depth study of the mathematical applications will be stressed. The
course will emphasize the theoretical concepts of molecular bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, and
equilibrium. The descriptive aspects of the periodic table will be dealt with throughout the course. The
course vertically aligns with expectations of the upper level IB sciences courses.
IB Biology SL
Chemistry
204261
Credit: 1
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisite: Biology and
IB Biology SL is the study of general biological principles as well as more specialized biological sciences.
Cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, biodiversity, human physiology, and aspects of
adaptation are integrated within the course. This course prepares students for the IB Biology SL exam;
students continuing on to IB Biology HL take the IB Biology HL exam and not the SL exam.
IB Biology HL
(1 credit)
204281
Credit: 1
12th Grade
Prerequisite: IB Biology SL
IB Biology HL is the second year continuation of the first year of IB Biology SL. Topics include the study
of nucleic acids, metabolism, plant biology, animal physiology, genetics, and evolution. The course
builds a deeper understanding and provides additional applications of topics covered in IB Biology SL.
Students are prepared for the IB Biology HL exam.
IB Chemistry SL
Chemistry
205361
Credit: 1
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisite: Biology and
IB Chemistry SL focuses on matter, its interactions, and the energy that accompany matter. Some topics
included are thermochemistry, chemical bonding, kinetic, equilibrium, electrochemistry, and organics.
This course prepares students for the IB Chemistry SL exam; students continuing on to IB Chemistry HL
will take the Chemistry HL exam at the end of their senior year and not the SL exam.
IB Chemistry HL
Credit: 1
205381
12th Grade
Prerequisite: IB Chemistry SL
IB Chemistry HL is a second year continuation of the IB Chemistry SL. It builds to provide a deeper
understanding and additional applications of the topics covered in IB Chemistry SL. Topics include
matter, its interactions, and energy of matter. Some additional topics are thermochemistry, chemical
bonding, kinetics equilibrium and electrochemistry. This course prepares the student for the IB
Chemistry HL exam.
IB Physics SL
206061
and two credits of science
11th/12th Grade
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry,
IB Physics SL is a two semester sequential study of physical principles which govern the behavior of
matter. It includes mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, electromagnetic
radiation, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. This course prepares the student for the IB Physics SL
exam; students continuing on to IB Physics HL will take the Physics HL exam at the end of their senior
year and not the SL exam.
IB Physics HL
Calculus
206101
Credit: 1
12th Grade
Prerequisite: IB Physics SL and Pre-
IB Physics SL is a second year continuation of the first year of IB Physics SL. It provides a deeper
understanding and additional application of the topics covered in the first year IB Physics SL. IB Physics
HL is a basic introduction to AC current, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, digital technology, with an
expansion on modern physics with a section on modern communication. Students must build and
submit a lab portfolio from both years for external moderation. This course prepares the student to
take the IB Physics HL exam.
IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL
208261
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Biology, Chemistry
Credit: 1
11th/12th Grade
The IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL course will provide students with scientific principles,
concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to
identify an analyze the environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative
risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or
preventing them. IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide
variety of topics from different areas of study. There are several major unifying constructs, or themes,
that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. This course prepares
the student to take the IB Environmental Systems SL exam.
Group 5: Mathematics
IH Geometry
Credit: 1
153061
9th Grade
Prerequisites: Algebra I
The course builds on students’ previous study of mathematical concepts to strengthen their
mathematical reasoning skills in geometric contexts. Topics include coordinate and transformational
geometry; logical argument and constructions; proof and congruence; similarity, proof, and
trigonometry; two-and three-dimensional figures; and an introduction to probability and statistics. This
course aligns vertically with the sequence of IB math courses.
IH Algebra II
154061
9th/10th Grade
Geometry or concurrently enrolled in Geometry
Prerequisites: Algebra I and
Credit: 1
In this course students will broaden their knowledge of quadratic functions, exponential functions, and
systems of equations. Topics also include logarithmic, square root, cubic, cube root, absolute value,
rational functions, and their related equations. In addition, students will extend their knowledge of
probability and data analysis. This course aligns vertically with the sequence of IB math courses.
IH Pre-calculus
Credit: 1
155061
9th/10th/11th Grade
Prerequisites: Honors Algebra II
IH Pre-calculus is an in-depth study of elementary analysis and trigonometry, and includes an
introduction to probably and statistics. This course aligns vertically with the sequence of IB math
courses.
IB Math Studies SL
Credit: 1
158061
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisites: Algebra II
IB Math Studies SL is an overview of a variety of mathematical topics such as trigonometric and other
functions, statistics, probability, logic, and set theory. This course prepares students to take the IB Math
Studies SL exam.
IB Calculus SL
158161
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus
IB Calculus SL is the study of probability, statistics, functions, and differential and integral calculus, as
well as the application of those topics to read world problems. This course prepares students to take
the IB Mathematics SL exam.
IB Calculus HL
Credit: 1
159061
12th Grade
Prerequisites: AP Calculus BC
IB Calculus HL is the second year of a two-year sequence. This course includes topics such as vector
functions, probability, and statistics. Students are also required to study an additional topic. Two
options will be presented. This course prepares the student to take the IB Mathematics HL exam.
Group 6: Arts and Electives
IH Art Design I
Credit: 1
451041
9th Grade
Prerequisites: None
IH Art I allows the students the opportunity to learn how to work with a large variety of materials.
Students extend their basic understanding of art through drawings, color study, painting, printmaking,
technology, sculpture, and ceramics. This course is vertically aligned with the expectations of the upper
level IB course requirements. This is a two semester course in which students must take both
semesters to meet the one year fine art requirement.
IH Art Design II
Credit: I
452041
10th Grade
Prerequisites: Art I
IH Art II allows the students the opportunity to learn how to work with a large variety of materials.
Students extend their basic understanding of art through drawings, color study, painting, printmaking,
technology, sculpture, and ceramics. This course is vertically aligned with the expectations of the upper
level IB course requirements. This is a two semester course in which students must take both
semesters to meet the one year fine art requirement.
IB Art Design III SL
Review
456401
Credit: 1
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisites: Art I and/or portfolio
IB Art Design III SL is designed for students who are seriously interested in the actual experience of
creating and researching art. This course is individually charted to meet the needs and interests of each
student. IB Art III SL includes both independent research and with instruction in advanced art
techniques and media. This course is the first course necessary for preparation for the IB Art HL exam.
Students are prepared to take the IB Art SL exam upon completion of this course; students continuing
on to IB Art Design IV HL will take the IB Art HL exam and not the SL exam.
IB Art Design IV HL
Credit: 1
456451
12th Grade
Prerequisites: IB Art Design III SL
IB Art Design III HL is the second year of IB Art. It delves deeper into the experience of creating and
researching art. This course is individually charted to meet the needs and interests of each student. IB
Art includes independent research and instruction in advanced art techniques and media. This course is
the second course necessary for preparation for the IB Art HL exam.
Dance I
451871 (FA) / 451851 (PE)
Credit: 1
9th/10th Grade
Prerequisites: None
Dance I focuses on Dance within a variety of dance genres at an introductory level. Students will acquire
vocabulary and skills in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip-hop, and other genres. Dance history,
choreography, and performance skills will be introduced. The class is participatory in nature, utilizing
movement as a form of creative expression. Specific attire will be required. Attendance at after school
rehearsals and performances may be required. The course vertically aligns with the expectations of the
upper level IB dance courses. Successful completion of both semester of this course will satisfy the
Fine Arts credit or P.E. credit required for graduation.
Dance II
452871 (FA) / 452851 (PE)
Credit: 1
9th/10th Grade
Prerequisites: None
Dance II builds upon the technical facility and skills attained in Dance I using advanced skills and
concepts through continued study of various dance genres. In addition, course objectives will
emphasize creative expression through movement, awareness of space, time and energy in dance
technique and improvisational studies, and development of self-confidence through the use of the body
as an expressive instrument and appreciation of dance as an art form. Attendance at after school
rehearsals and performances may be required. This course vertically aligns with the expectations of the
upper level IB dance courses. Successful completion of both semesters of this course will satisfy the
Fine Arts credit or P.E. credit required for graduation.
IB Dance SL 453861
Credit: 1
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisites: Dance II or audition
IB Dance SL focuses on the composition, performance, and analysis of dance, or “expressive
movement,” which is practiced amongst peoples of various backgrounds for a variety of purposes
around the world. Students create, participate in, and reflect upon dance forms and styles from a range
of cultures and traditions, both familiar and unfamiliar. The course offers intercultural awareness that
encourages students to consider multiple perspectives, develop knowledge and skills as they learn about
their own and others’ social, national, and international cultures. Skills are showcased in a final
composition and analysis dance, a filmed performance piece, and an accompanying dance investigation
essay. This course prepares students for the IB SL Dance exam.
IB Dance HL 454861
Credit: 1
12th Grade
Prerequisites: IB Dance SL
IH Dance HL is differentiated from the SL course in both the breadth and depth of study. In addition to
the course requirements and experiences IB Dance SL offers, students in this course are required to
discuss how connections made across the three components of study have influenced their
choreography in the making of one dance work. As a part of their dance investigation, students will
present an in-depth comparative discussion of two short excerpts from dances chosen from different
cultures and/or traditions. This course prepares students for the IB HL Dance exam.
Theater Arts I
Credit: 1
451801
9th/10th Grade
Prerequisites: None
Theater Arts I is an introduction to the high school theater program. Basic acting technique, technical
theater, and the fundamentals of play production are explored. The course also includes the training of
the speaking voice, the study of stage diction, and an exploration of theater history. This course is
vertically aligned with the expectations of the upper level IB course requirements. Students will be
required to read plays and/or attend local productions.
Theater Arts II
452801
Credit: 1
10th/11th/ Grade
Prerequisites: Theater Arts I
Theater Arts II builds upon the previous course stressing basic production and acting techniques,
technical theater, dramatic literature, and theater history. This course is vertically aligned with the
expectations of the upper level IB course requirements. Students will be required to read plays and/or
attend local productions.
IB Theater Arts SL
453841
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisites: Theater Arts I or
an interview with the theater director
Credit: 1
The SL IB theater course gives students the opportunity to make theater as creators, designers,
directors, and performers. It emphasizes the importance of working both individually and
collaboratively as part of an ensemble. Students learn to appreciate the processes of researching,
creating, preparing, presenting, and critically reflecting on theater. As both participants and audience
members, students gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community, and the world by
engaging with different forms of theater across time, place, and culture. This course prepares students
for the IB Theater Arts SL exam.
IB Theater Arts HL
Credit: 1
458841
12th Grade
Prerequisites: Theater Arts IB SL
The IB Theater Arts HL course is a continuation of IB Theater SL and allows for greater breadth and
depth in the exploration of theatrical practices across time, place, and culture. In addition to sitting for
the HL exam, students must complete an additional IB assessment task, which requires them to research
a theater theorist and create and present a solo theater piece demonstrating aspects of the theory in
practice. This course prepares students for the IB Theater Arts HL exam.
IB Computer Science SL
Credit: 1
401061
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisite: Algebra II
IB Computer Science SL is an introduction to computers and the study of managing and processing
information. The emphasis is on solving real world problems by means of computer programming
(software engineering). Students will learn the Java programming language and apply those skills to
explore how computers work. Some topics covered include object-oriented techniques, file
management, data structures, classes, objects, graphics, debugging, hardware components, and social
implications. The IB course prepares students for the IB Computer Science SL exam.
IB Computer Science HL
Science IB SL
402061
Credit: 1
12th Grade
Prerequisite: Computer
IB Computer Science HL is the second year course for the IB Computer Science HL exam. This course has
five main goals: developing advanced software engineering skills in the Java programming language;
teach advanced data structures such as linked lists, trees, classes, and data files; expose students to the
development and analysis of classic computer algorithms such as sorting, searching, recursion, and
numerical analysis; recognize the ethical and social implications of computer use; and teach computer
systems fundamentals and computer architecture. Students will study number systems and
representations; Boolean logic with truth tables and logic circuits; systems fundamentals (processing
configuration, disk storage, operating systems, network fundamentals, file organization); and external
sorts, binary (random access) files. The course prepare students for the IB Computer Science HL exam.
Required Course
Theory of Knowledge
Credit: 1
952461
11th/12th Grade
Prerequisite: None
The Theory of Knowledge course asks students to evaluate the validity of knowledge and ways of
knowing; students are asked to examine each field of knowledge and question both the process and
product of their learning. While abstract discussion is certainly a part of such a course, the students are
grounded in a brief survey of intellectual history. Skill development centers on analysis, original
thought, oral presentations, and written work. IB Theory of Knowledge is unique to the International
Baccalaureate program and is mandatory for every IB diploma candidate.