GDHS IB

The three semester course will introduce students to a wealth of literature & literary styles that will excite & inspire. This course is designed to prepare students for the study of literature at university. It will inculcate an ability to think critically and to communicate an understanding about literature & other forms of media through
written analysis, discussion & criticism.
The works selected for this course are intended to move the student beyond their community & to provide them with the opportunity to witness other world cultures and time periods; to gain an understanding of the issues & concerns of these individuals; and to foster insight & empathy for all people. Students will study a number of works in translation, thus gaining insight into the universality of the human condition. This subject meets and exceeds the expectations of its Ontario components.
Major Assessments that will be either examined or moderated externally include a taped oral commentary, an oral presentation, a written examination, and two (2) world literature papers.

Expectations
Having followed the Language A1 program, students will be expected to demonstrate:
- an ability to engage in literary criticism in a manner which reveals
- an ability to express ideas with clarity, coherence, conciseness, communication;
- a command of the language appropriate for the study of literature, an effective choice of register and style in both written and oral
- knowledge of the individual works studied and of the relationships
- an appreciation of the similarities and differences between literary
- an ability to engage in independent textual commentary on both
- an appreciation of structure, technique and style as employed by
- an ability to structure ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing, and to support them with precise and relevant examples.

Group 2: Language B (SL FRENCH B - FSF3US, FSF4US)

This three-semester History Higher Level subject is designed to provide students with an international perspective. In the contemporary context, one of globalization & technological development, different cultures & societies are increasingly in contact & interdependent. Students will be challenged to display their analytical ability to assess theories, interpretations, concepts, & arguments about the nature & activities of individuals & societies that have shaped our world.
The aim of the History of the Americas course is to teach students to investigate a variety of sources; to explain
trends & developments, continuity & change through time & through individual events. This course will investigate the events of the 20th century. Students will explore major themes such as: the Rise and Rule of Single-Party States; Causes, Practices & Effects of War; the Cold War; & the development of foreign, economical, political, social, & cultural policy in the Americas. This subject meets & exceeds the expectations of its Ontario components.
Major Assessments that will be either examined or moderated externally include a written examination and a historical investigation.

Expectations
Having followed the Language B program, students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to:
- communicate clearly and effectively in a range of situations;
- understand and use oral and written forms of the language that are essential for effective communication in a range of styles and situations
- understand and use a wide range of vocabulary;
- elect a register and style that are appropriate to the situation;
- express ideas with general clarity and fluency;
- structure arguments in a clear, coherent and convincing way;
- understand and analyze moderately complex written and spoken material;
- assess subtleties of the language in a wide range of forms, styles and registers;
- show sensitivity to the culture related to the language studied.

Group 3: Individuals & Societies (HL HISTORY of the Americas - CHA3UH, CHI4UH, CHY4UH)

Expectations
Having followed the History course, students will be expected to:
- recall & select relevant historical knowledge & demonstrate an understanding of historical context & processes: cause & effect, & continuity & change;
- understand historical sources & deploy detailed, in-depth knowledge;
- demonstrate knowledge & understanding of a specific historical topic;
- apply historical knowledge as evidence;
- show awareness of different approaches to, & interpretations of, historical issues & events;
- compare & contrast historical sources as evidence & present a summary of evidence;
- evaluate different approaches to, & interpretations of, historical issues & events;
- evaluate historical sources as evidence;
- evaluate & synthesize evidence from both historical sources & background knowledge.

(HL/SL ECONOMICS - CIE3MH, CIA4UH, BBB4MH/CIE3MS, CIA4US)

The Economics Higher Level is a three semester/ Standard Level is a two-semester subject that studies how humans use scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants. Economics explains how societies produce, distribute, & consume goods & services. This course is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of the world in which they live, by applying theoretical economic concepts to real world problems. Students will complete units in introductory economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, trade & development. The economics programme ensures that students will learn to appreciate the interdependence of countries and develop a critical awareness of the global economy and its economic and cultural implications. This subject meets and exceeds the expectations of its Ontario components.
Major Assessments that will be either examined or moderated externally include a written examination and a portfolio of commentaries on economics in the media.

Expectations
Having followed the course in Economics, students will be expected to:
- have an understanding & knowledge of economic concepts & theories;
- apply economic theory to a range of circumstances & a variety of situations;
- analyze information through the use of economic concepts & theories;
- evaluate concepts & theories from different economic perspectives.

Group 4: Experimental Sciences (HL BIOLOGY - SBI3UH, SNC4MH, SBI4UH)

This three-semester Biology High Level subject is designed to give students the opportunity to reach a high
degree of proficiency in experimental & theoretical biology, providing a solid foundation for future study at the
university level. The four basic biological concepts of structure & function; universality versus diversity; equilibrium within systems; & evolution will be studied. The HL Biology will focus on the various aspects of the scientific method including the design & implementation of controlled investigations, collection & interpretation of data, & the communication of scientific ideas. Theoretical & experimental interconnections between chemistry, biology, & physics will be addressed in the core topics and in the context of the overall themes of the subject. Students will be encouraged to examine & evaluate the key roles of science & biology in the global community. This subject meets and exceeds the expectations of its Ontario components.
Major Assessments that will be either examined or moderated externally include a written examination and a Group 4 Research Project. The Group 4 Project is an opportunity for students to complete an experimental project that models cross-curricular research and the collaboration that exists amongst the international scientific community.

(SL CHEMISTRY - SCH3US, SCH4US)

This two-semester subject will enable students to deepen their understanding of chemistry & will provide a solid experimental foundation for future study. SL Chemistry will involve the various aspects of the scientific method including the design & implementation of controlled investigations, collection & interpretation of data, & the communication of scientific ideas. Core units include atomic theory, bonding, stoichiometry, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. Theoretical & experimental interconnections between chemistry, biology & physics will be addressed in the core topics & especially in the optional topics of Medicine, Drugs, & Environmental Chemistry. This subject meets and exceeds the expectations of its Ontario components.
Major Assessments that will be either examined or moderated externally include a written examination and a Group 4 Research Project.

Expectations
Having followed an Experimental Sciences course, students will be expected to:
- display knowledge of factual information in the syllabus & a command of concepts & principles;
- select and apply relevant information, concepts and principles in a wide variety of contexts;
- analyze and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data;
- construct explanations of complex phenomena and make appropriate predictions;
- solve quantitative and/or qualitative problems;
- communicate logically & concisely using appropriate terminology & conventions, showing insight or originality in their inquiries;
- demonstrate personal skills, perseverance and responsibility in investigative activities;
-work well within a team and approach investigations in an ethical manner, paying attention to environmental impact;
- display competence in a range of investigative techniques.

Group 5: Mathematics & Computer Sciences (SL MATHEMATICS - MHF4US, MCV4US)

This two-semester subject will prepare students for further studies at university in the sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, business, &/or economics. This subject focuses on introducing important mathematical concepts through the development of mathematical techniques. Students will apply the mathematical knowledge they have acquired to solve realistic problems set in an appropriate context. This subject meets & exceeds the expectations of its Ontario components.
Major Assessments that will be either examined or moderated externally include a written examination and a portfolio of mathematical investigations.

Expectations
Having followed a Mathematics course, students will be expected to be able to:
- read, interpret and solve a given problem using appropriate mathematical terms;
- organize and present information and data in tabular, graphical and/or diagrammatic forms;
- know and use appropriate notation and terminology;
- formulate a mathematical argument and communicate it clearly;
- select and use appropriate mathematical strategies and techniques;
- demonstrate an understanding of both the significance and the reasonableness of results;
- recognize patterns and structures in a variety of situations, and make generalizations;
- recognize and demonstrate an understanding of the practical applications of mathematics;
- use appropriate technological devices as mathematical tools;
- demonstrate an understanding of, and the appropriate use of, mathematical modeling.

Group 6: The Arts (SL VISUAL ARTS - AVI3MS, AVI4MS)

This two-semester course provides students with opportunities to further develop their skills and knowledge in
visual arts. Students will explore a range of subject matter through teacher-directed studio activities, & will consolidate their practical skills. Research workbooks include visual, critical, contextual and independent inquiry into the Visual Arts. This Visual Arts course will focus on the refinement of students’ skills & knowledge. Students will analyze art forms; use theories of art in analyzing & producing art; & demonstrate their understanding of stylistic changes in modern & contemporary Western art, Canadian (including Native Canadian) art, & art forms from various parts of the world. This subject meets & exceeds the expectations of its Ontario components.
Major assessments includes external evaluation of an exhibition of a student’s studio work as well as external moderation of teacher-evaluated student research. There is no written examination for the Visual Arts course.

Expectations
Having followed a course in Visual Arts, students will be expected to demonstrate:
- artistic growth;
- a relationship between research and artistic production;
- a command of concepts;
- an understanding of sociocultural and historical perspectives from more than one cultural context;
- critical analysis;
- an exploration of ideas;
- meaningful and creative of studio works;
- technical ability;
- use of effective setting;
- the ability to solve artistic problems.

(SL THEATRE ARTS - ADA3MS, ADA4MS)

This two-semester course emphasizes the importance of working individually & as a member of an ensemble.
Students are encouraged to develop the organizational & technical skills needed to express themselves creatively in theatre. Students are challenged to become aware of their own perspectives & biases. This requires a willingness to understand alternative viewpoints, to respect & appreciate cultural diversity, & to see the varied role that theatre plays in reflecting society. The subject aims to promote clarity of understanding, critical thinking, reflective analysis, effective involvement & imaginative synthesis. This subject meets and exceeds the expectations of its Ontario components.
Major assessments that will be either examined or moderated externally include a research commission (presentation of a study based upon a study of world theatre), a practical play analysis (an oral presentation of a directorial approach to a play), a performance and production skills component, and a portfolio that is maintained over the course. There is no written examination for Theatre Arts.

Expectations
Having completed a course in Theatre Arts, students will be expected to demonstrate:
- a knowledge of the major developments & techniques in the theatrical history of more than one culture;
- an ability to interpret & illuminate play scripts & other theatrical texts analytically & imaginatively;
- an understanding of the art of the stage & of criticism in relation to it;
- an ability to perform before an audience, & to demonstrate an understanding of, & some skill in, acting techniques;
- the acquisition of sufficient technical skill to produce satisfactory work in at least one of the theatrical arts or crafts;
- an understanding of the processes of theatrical production;
- an ability to research imaginatively, selectively and with persistence.

If there is a course that you do not see offered here at Georgetown, there is another option. Pamoja Education is an online IB World School. Unfortunately, students that choose this option will not earn Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits. However, it may provide a potential GDHS IB Diploma student with a viable option. Please ask the IB Coordinator for more information or go to http://www.pamojaeducation.com.