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 be offered at Morris Jeff in English at both the Higher and Standard Levels. 

Language A: Spanish Literature
NEW in 2023-24! This course is designed for native speakers of Spanish and uses literature as a vehicle for studying and understanding culture and history. The course aims at developing an understanding of factors that contribute to the production and reception of literature—the creativity of writers and readers, the nature of their interaction with their respective contexts and with literary tradition, the ways in which language can give rise to meaning and/or effect, and the performative and transformative potential of literary creation and response. Through close analysis of a range of literary texts in a number of literary forms and from different times and places, students will consider their own interpretations as well as the critical perspectives of others, to explore how such positions are shaped by cultural belief systems and to negotiate meanings for texts.*  This course is offered at the Standard Level and can be substituted for a Group 6 requirement.

Group 2: Language Acquisition
Language B:  Spanish and French

These courses are 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 Initio course, offered at Standard Level only. Students who have some previous experience with the target language would pursue Language B courses, currently offered at the Standard Level.

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 emphasizes the importance of encouraging students to think historically and to develop historical skills as well as gain factual knowledge. * 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 their 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
Biology is primarily concerned with the study of life and living systems. Biologists attempt to make sense of the world through a variety of approaches and techniques, controlled experimentation, and collaboration between scientists. Through the study of DP biology, students are empowered to make sense of living systems through unifying themes. By providing opportunities for students to explore conceptual frameworks, they are better able to develop an understanding and awareness of the living world around them. This is carried further through a study of interactions at different levels of biological organization, from molecules and cells to ecosystems and the biosphere. Integral to the student experience of the DP biology course is the learning that takes place through scientific inquiry. With an emphasis on experimental work, teachers provide students with opportunities to ask questions, design experiments, collect and analyse data, collaborate with peers, and reflect, evaluate, and communicate their findings.* IBDP Biology is offered at the Standard Level and the Higher Level at MJCS.

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 only be offered at MJCS 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.

SAMPLE STUDENT PROGRAMS

Below are  samples of full IB Diploma Programme courses of study that illustrate how a student with a particular interest can design his/her 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 the following: Biology HL, History HL, English Language and Literature HL, Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL, Spanish B SL, and Psychology SL.

  • The student looking to study history might choosethe following: History HL, English Language and Literature HL, Film HL, Spanish B SL, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations SL, and Biology SL.