Idea Transcript
Contents HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAM ........................................................................................... 1 DIPLOMA & COURSE REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................ 2 IB PROGRAMME AT ISB .............................................................................................................. 5 ENGLISH ..................................................................................................................................... 7 ESOL ......................................................................................................................................... 16 CHINESE.................................................................................................................................... 17 WORLD LANGUAGE .................................................................................................................. 26 IB SELF - TAUGHT LANGUAGE A ................................................................................................ 32 MATHEMATICS ......................................................................................................................... 34 SCIENCE .................................................................................................................................... 41 SOCIAL STUDIES........................................................................................................................ 50 PERFORMING ARTS .................................................................................................................. 63 FILM, ARTS & DESIGN ............................................................................................................... 68 HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION ............................................................................................. 75 THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE ......................................................................................................... 77 DIRECTED INDEPENDENT STUDY .............................................................................................. 78 ADDITIONAL COURSES.............................................................................................................. 81 ONLINE LEARNING .................................................................................................................... 83
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International School of Beijing
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAM
The ISB High School Diploma program at ISB is a four-year university preparatory course of study that prepares young women and men to be global-minded, curious, respectful lifelong learners. At ISB we believe that successful students are distinguished not solely by their attainments on tests and exams, although our students’ academic achievements are worthy of note. Rather, we believe that a habit of inquiry, marked by perseverance and a willingness to take risks, will prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to the world of the future. High School students at ISB are expected to be working in good faith toward completion of the School’s graduation requirements within a four-year period. All students are expected to graduate from ISB by the time they are 19 years of age. By the end of high school, the ISB graduate will have earned a minimum of 24 credits. In addition, students will have demonstrated, through participation in co-curricular, athletic, and service opportunities, their commitment to global citizenship and to enriching the world around them. ISB is fully accredited by both the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in the United States and the National Center for School Curriculum and Textbook Development (NCCT) here in China. The ISB high school diploma is highly respected by colleges and universities around the world. ISB is also authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to administer the IB Diploma Programme in grades 11 and 12. The opportunity to earn this second diploma presents an exciting, challenging pathway of studies for many of our students. Students in grades 11 and 12 who choose not to pursue the IB Diploma may choose to undertake IB courses at the Standard Level or the Higher Level, complemented by ISB courses, to create a personalized program that aligns with their passions and goals. For further information about the IB Diploma and IB courses, visit the IB Diploma Programme pages of the Dragons’ Gate, or read the brochure available from the High School Office or from the IB Coordinator.
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAM
High School Course Guide 2015-2016
DIPLOMA & COURSE REQUIREMENTS Earning Graduation Credits
Total Credits Needed for Graduation: 24
The International School of Beijing high school program is modeled on a U.S. high school program leading to a college preparatory U.S. high school diploma. Students in grades 9 through 12 work toward earning a specific number of graduation credits each year. A passing grade in a subject for a year’s work earns one credit toward high school graduation. A passing grade in a one-semester course earns one-half credit. Students must earn 24 credits, distributed as shown on the chart at the right.
Distribution of credit as per the chart below:
Beginning with the class of 2015, students are required to complete one full credit in the Film, Arts and Design or Performing Arts during their four years of High School. This credit may be earned through semester-long or year-long electives.
Eligibility To be eligible to earn a High School Diploma from ISB, a student must be in attendance the entire grade 12 year. If a student transfers into ISB after the start of his/her grade 12 year, the sending school will be responsible for awarding graduate status and a high school diploma for that student.
Notes on Requirements ISB’s challenging high school courses create an atmosphere of high expectations. Students must earn a minimum of six (6) academic credits per school year. By the end grade 9 students must have earned a minimum of 6 credits; at least 12 credits by the end of Grade 10; 18 by the end of Grade 11, and 24 by the end of their senior year. We recommend that students take no more than five courses from the core academic areas (English, math, science, social studies, and world languages or ESOL) each semester, allowing for at least one study hall and up to two credit-bearing electives. Study Hall is a teacher-supervised, non-credit block in which students may work on assignments, study for tests, or use the Library. Students may enroll in a maximum of two study halls per semester.
Department
Credit
English
4
Social Studies*
3
Mathematics*
3
Science*
3
Foreign Language*/ESOL
2
Physical Education
2
Health (Grade 10 only)
0.5
Visual Arts & Performing Arts
1
The requirements shown total 18.5 credits (17.5 for the class of 2014); the remaining credits needed for graduation are to be made up of electives and must include at least two credits from the subject areas marked with an asterisk*. Additionally, students must demonstrate a sustained commitment to culturally aware global citizenship through participation in co-curricular and community service activities. Please see the HS Handbook for more details.
Letter Grade
Percent
Point Value
IB & AP Point Value
A+
98-100
4.3
4.8
New seniors with no previous high school language credit will be required to complete only one credit of a world language.
A
93-97
4.0
4.5
A-
90-92
3.7
4.2
Minimum Academic Standards
B+
87-89
3.3
3.8
B
83-86
3.0
3.5
B-
80-82
2.7
3.2
C+
77-79
2.3
2.8
C
73-76
2.0
2.5
C-
70-72
1.7
2.2
D+
67-69
1.3
1.8
D
63-66
1.0
1.5
D-
60-62
0.7
1.2
F