Upper School Curriculum

A typical course load for Grade 9 students includes:

• English (English as an Additional Language students enrol in EAL as their English credit and take English 9 as their Elective 1 choice)
• Mathematics
• Coordinated Science I
• History I
• Physical Education/Health
• German
• Elective 1 (students are encouraged to fulfill the Arts credit requirements during Grades 9 and 10)
• Optional: Elective 2 or study hall

A typical course load for Grade 10 students includes:

• English (English as an Additional Language students enrol in EAL as their English credit and take English 10 as their Elective 1 choice)
• Mathematics
• Coordinated Science II
• History II
• Physical Education
• Elective 1 (students are encouraged to fulfill the Arts credit requirements during Grades 9 and 10)
• Elective 2
• Optional: Elective 3 or study hall

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) is a rigorous two-year pre-university program leading to assessments in six subject areas.

Established in 1968, the IB offers a challenging curriculum noted for its depth and its international perspective. The two-year IB Diploma provides a coherent and demanding educational experience across the full curriculum. Beyond completing university-level courses and examinations, IB students are also required to engage in community service, individual research, and an inquiry into the nature of knowledge.

What is the IB Diploma?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma, based upon best practices from national systems of education around the world, was designed to provide students with a rigorous and holistic education centered upon 21st century skills and global citizenship and resulting in an internationally recognized credential.

• Group 1 First Language
• Group 2 Second Language
• Group 3 Individuals and Societies
• Group 4 Experimental Sciences
• Group 5 Mathematics and Computer Science
• Group 6 The Arts

Students choose one course from each group, except Group 6, where students may elect to take a second course from Groups 1–4 instead of an Arts course. Three courses must be taken at the higher level (HL) and three courses at the standard level (SL). Higher level examinations are more demanding academically.

Other Requirements for the IB Diploma

In addition to six subject courses, Diploma candidates also undertake the following:

• Theory of Knowledge, an externally assessed course that examines how knowledge is produced, validated and evaluated in different disciplines
• Extended Essay, an externally assessed, independent research project of 4,000 words in one of the six subject areas
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), regular involvement in artistic, physical and community service activities Students who do not wish to enroll in the full IB Diploma may enroll in a combination of individual IB courses and will earn IB certificates in those subjects upon completion of the IB exam.

Students select ZIS and Advanced Placement courses to create a personalized two-year program of study. Graduation requirements ensure that the program is balanced, resulting in a well-rounded student, developing both academically capable and empathetic learners, aware of self and others in ethical interactions and decision making.

Courses develop 21st century skills in critical and creative thinking and problem-solving, information literacy, collaboration and communication.

ZIS Courses

ZIS courses are one-year courses designed by ZIS faculty in each curricular area to develop conceptual understanding, content knowledge and skills. These courses are accessible to all students with support and extension as needed. They do not have the same time demands as AP courses, allowing students to balance their course load.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

The Advanced Placement Program (AP) enables willing and academically prepared students around the world to pursue university-level studies while still in high school. By taking AP courses, students demonstrate their mastery of a subject and their ability to work at the academic level required in higher education.

AP courses are developed by a committee of higher education faculty and expert AP teachers who ensure that the course reflects college- and university-level expectations. These committees define the scope and goals of the AP course, articulating what students should know and be able to do upon completing it. AP courses are fastpaced and intended to provide a broad survey of a particular discipline or subject area. Courses allow students to develop a global perspective, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

AP is recognized as a highly desirable academic credential around the globe: it is recognized in the admissions process by more than 4,000 universities worldwide, and outside the U.S., more than 600 universities in more than 65 countries recognize qualifying AP Exam scores. AP courses and exams measure students’ mastery of university-level course content.