Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Language A: Language & Literature
The curriculum balances the focus areas of advanced study of literature and a thematic approach to advanced language study. The course will explore the crucial role language plays in communication, reflecting experience and shaping the world, and the roles of individuals themselves as producers of language.* This course will only be offered at MJCS in English at both the Higher and Standard Levels.

Group 2: Language Acquisition
Language B:  Spanish and French

This is for students who are studying a language that is clearly their second or “foreign” language.  These courses provide students with the opportunity to acquire or develop an additional language and to promote an understanding of other cultures through the study of language.*  Beginners in a language would pursue an Ab Intio course, offered at Standard Level only. Language B courses offered at MJCS are ab initio, Standard and Higher Level and will be based upon students’ interest and level in that language. 

Group 3: Individuals and Societies
History
The curriculum helps students develop the skills of critical thinking and understanding of multiple interpretations of history.* The course involves a challenging and demanding critical exploration of the past and will only be offered at MJCS at the Higher Level. 

Psychology
The curriculum focuses on three different approaches to understanding behavior: the biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. Students are challenged to study and critically evaluate the knowledge, concepts, theories, and research that have developed the understanding in these fields.*  This course will only be offered at MJCS at the Standard Level and can be substituted for a Group 6 requirement.

Global Politics
This course explores fundamental political concepts such as power, equality, sustainability and peace in a range of contexts. Throughout the course, issues such as conflict, migration or climate change are explored through an explicitly political lens: “politics” provides a uniquely rich context in which to explore the relationship between people and power. *  This course will only be offered at MJCS at the Standard Level and can be substituted for a Group 6 requirement. 

Group 4: Sciences
Biology
The curriculum focuses on major Biological themes, experimental experiences, and the nature of science in the 21st century.  By studying biology in the DP, students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other.* This course will be offered at MJCS at both the Higher and Standard Levels. 

Group 5: Mathematics
Applications and Interpretations
This course recognizes the increasing role that mathematics and technology play in a diverse range of fields in a data-rich world. It includes topics that are traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course such as calculus and statistics.*  This course will be offered at MJCS only at the Standard Level.

Analysis and approaches
The focus of this course is on developing important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent, and rigorous way, achieved by a carefully balanced approach.* This course is intended for students who enjoy problem-solving, and exploring real-world and abstract applications, with and without technology. This course will be offered at MJCS only at the Standard Level. 

Group 6: The Arts
Film
This course aims to develop students as proficient interpreters and makers of film texts. Through the study and analysis of film texts and practical exercises in film production, students develop critical abilities and appreciation of artistic, cultural, historical, and global perspectives in film. They examine concepts, theories, practices, and ideas from multiple perspectives, challenging their own views to understand and value those of others.* This course will be offered at MJCS only at the Higher Level.

Theory of Knowledge

Tok
Theory of knowledge (TOK) is a course about critical thinking and inquiring into the process of knowing, rather than about learning a specific body of knowledge. It plays a special role in the DP by providing an opportunity for students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, to make connections between areas of knowledge and to become aware of their own perspectives and those of the various groups whose knowledge they share.*

*Course descriptions obtained from IBO subject briefs


SAMPLE STUDENT PROGRAMS

Below are sample IB Diploma Programme courses of study that illustrate how a student with a particular interest can design their program. Keep in mind that a student must select a subject from each of Groups 1 through 5; however, for their sixth choice, they can choose an arts subject or return to Group 3 to “double-up” in an area of interest.  Higher Level classes are indicated as HL, and Standard Level classes as SL.

Samples:

The student looking to study engineering might choose: Biology HL, History HL,  Language and Literature HL,  Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL, Spanish SL, Psychology SL 

The student looking to study History might choose:  History HL, English HL, Film HL, Spanish B SL, Mathematics SL, Biology  SL, Global Politics SL