Click here to link to an overview
of the IB Diploma Program in the IB's own words.
Below is a more detailed view of
the Bellaire High School International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
GROUP 1 (Best Language)
Language A1
A language and literature course in the student’s native
or best language including the study of selections from World Literature.
- Offered at both HL (higher level) and SL (standard level) in 52
languages
- Promotes an appreciation of literature and a knowledge of a student’s
own culture along with that of other societies
- Designed to develop students’ powers of expression, both
in oral and written communication
- Emphasizes skills involved in writing and speaking in a variety
of styles and situations
- Students read several texts grouped by themes or genres chosen
from a broad list of prescribed authors and works representing different
literary styles and genres in the target language, as well as literature
from other languages and cultures read in translation
- Assessment is done through both oral and written examinations focusing
on the students’:
-Individual language skills
-Ability to critically analyze and comment upon both familiar and
unfamiliar texts
-Ability to express a personal and independent response to literature
Assessment- HL (Higher Level)
- Two written examination papers
- World Literature — 2 written papers of 1000-1500 words each
- Two compulsory oral activities internally assessed and externally
moderated.
Assessment-SL (Standard Level)
- Assessment the same as SL except with only one World Literature paper
GROUP 2 (Second Language)
Language A2
- Designed for students with a high level of ability in the target
language (may be native second language speakers or advanced non-native
speakers)
- Offered in 14 languages
- Gives candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds the opportunity
to reach a high level of competency in a second language through the
study of a number of prescribed texts (primarily literary)
- Students perform oral and written assessments to demonstrate:
- Their understanding of the culture(s) related to the target language
- Their ability to express themselves with clarity, coherence, and
fluency
- Their ability to engage in critical examination of a wide range of
texts
Assessment- HL (higher level)
- Two written examination papers externally assessed
- Two essays totaling 1500 words externally assessed
- Two oral activities performed over the duration of the course, internally
assessed and externally moderated by the IBO
Assessment-SL (standard level)
Language B
- Offered at both HL (higher level) and SL (standard level) in 30 languages.
- Designed for foreign language learners and focuses principally on
the interaction between speakers and writers of the target language
- The aim of the course is to prepare students to use the language
appropriately in a range of situations and contexts and for a variety
of purposes
- Allows students to develop an awareness and appreciation of the culture(s)
of the countries in which the target language is spoken
- The skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are equally
emphasized, and are taught and developed through the study of a range
of authentic oral and written texts chosen by the teacher
- Prior to enrolling in a Language B course, it is assumed students
have studied the target language for two to four years
Assessment HL (higher level)
- Two examination papers externally assessed
- Two oral activities internally assessed by the teacher and externally
moderated
Assessment SL (standard level)
- Two examination papers externally assessed
- Two oral activities internally assessed by the teacher and externally
moderated
Classical Languages (Latin )
- Offered at both HL (higher level) and SL (standard level)
- Both are subject to the same Classical Languages requirements
- Introduction to the language, literature and culture of ancient Greece
and Rome
- Development & cultural achievements of ancient Greek & Roman
society
- Linguistic skills are at the heart of the course
- Surviving texts are studied in the original language & additional
texts are set for study in translation, but the foundation of the course
remains the acquisition of language skills
Assessment HL (higher level)
- Two examination papers externally assessed
- An activity internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.
Choice of:
- 1000 word Research Dossier
- 10 minute oral presentation in the target language
- 200 word composition translating English, French, or Spanish into
Latin.
Assessment-SL (standard level)
GROUP 3 (Individuals and Societies)
Economics
-Offered at both the HL (higher level) and SL (standard level)
-Designed to develop within the student:
-Disciplined economic reasoning skills
-An ability to apply tools of economic analysis to situations and data,
and to explain the findings clearly
-An understanding of how individuals and societies organize themselves
in the pursuit of economic objectives
-An ability to evaluate economic theories, concepts, situations and
data in a way which is considered, rational and unprejudiced
-international perspectives which feature a tolerance and understanding
of the diversity of economic realities in which individual and societies
-Four compulsory parts of the syllabus covering both macro and micro
economics
-Resource allocation; national income analysis; international trade;
and economic growth and development
Assessment — HL (higher level)
-Three written examination papers externally assessed
-Portfolio of eight commentaries each between 350-450 words internally
assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.
Assessment SL (standard level)
-Two written examination papers externally assessed
-Portfolio of five extracts each between 350-450 words internally assessed
by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.
Geography
-Offered at both the HL (higher level) and SL (standard level)
-Three core themes - population, resources and development
-Optional themes include; topographical mapping, globalization and
contemporary issues, and the management of specific environments.
Assessment — HL (higher level)
-Two written examination papers externally assessed
-Fieldwork, leading to two hypothesis-based written reports (2000 words
each) internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by
the IBO
Assessment — SL (standard level)
-Two written examination papers externally assessed
-Two pieces of coursework, related to fieldwork or research, 1000 words
each, internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by
the lB.
GROUP 4 (Experimental Sciences)
Biology
Offered at both the HL (higher level) and SL (standard level)
-The Biology program consists of study in five core topics:
-Cells
-The chemistry of life
-Genetics
-Ecology and evolution
-Human health and physiology.
-Biology HL students must complete additional study in eight topics:
-Nucleic acids and proteins
-Cell respiration and photosynthesis
-Genetics
-Human reproduction
-Defense against infectious disease
-Nerves, muscles and movement
-Excretion
-Plant science
Optional course topics at both levels
-Evolution
-Neurobiology and behavior
-Applied plant and animal science
-Ecology and conservation
-Further options for SL (standard level):
-Diet and human nutrition
-Physiology of exercise
-Cells and energy
-Further options for HL (higher level):
-Further human physiology
**SL (standard level) candidates are required to study any two options
with a duration are required to study any two options with a duration
each of 15 Hours. HL (higher level) candidates with a duration each
of 22 hours.
Assessment HL (higher level)
-Three written examination papers externally assessed
-Practical/laboratory Investigations internally assessed by the teacher
and externally moderated by
the IBO
-Group IV Project - multidisciplinary
Assessment SL (standard level)
Chemistry
-Offered at both the HL (higher level) and Sb (standard level)
-The core of the Chemistry program consists of study in eleven topics:
-Stoichiometry
-Atomic theory
-Periodicity
-Bonding
-States of matter
-Energetics
-Kinetics
-Equilibrium
-Acids and bases
-Oxidation and reduction
-Organic chemistry
-Addition HL (higher level) topics:
-Atomic theory
-Periodicity
-Bonding
-Energetics
-Kinetics
-Equilibrium
-Acids and Bases
-Oxidation and reduction
-Organic chemistry
-Options for both HL (higher level) and SL (standard level)
-Medicines and drugs
-Human biochemistry
-Environmental chemistry
-Chemical industries
-Fuels and energy
-Further options for HL (higher level)
-Modem analytical chemistry
-Further organic chemistry
-Further options for SL (standard level)
-Higher physical organic
** HL (higher level) candidates are required to study any two options
with a duration each of 22 hours SL the same but with a duration
of 15 hours.
Assessment HL (higher level)
-Three written examination papers externally assessed
-Practical/laboratory Investigations internally assessed by the teacher
and externally moderated by
the IBO.
-Group IV Project - multidisciplinary
Assessment SL (standard level)
Physics
Offered at both the HL (higher level) and SL (standard level)
-Designed to introduce students to the laws of physics, the experimental
skills required in physics, and the social and historical aspects
of physics as an evolving body of human knowledge about nature.
-The core of Physics consists of study in six topics:
-Physics and physical measurement
-Mechanics
-Thermal physics
-Waves
-Electricity and magnetism
-Atomic and nuclear physics
Additional HL (higher level) topics:
-Measurement and uncertainties
-Mechanics
-Thermal physics wave phenomena
-Electromagnetism
-Quantum physics and nuclear physics
-Options for both HL (higher level) and SL (standard level):
-Biomedical physics
-The history and development of physics
-Astrophysics
-Relativity
-Optics
Options for SL (standard level):
-Mechanics extension
-Quantum physics and nuclear physics
-Energy extension
*SL (standard level) candidates are required to study any two options
with a duration each of 15 hours. HL (higher level) candidates are
required to study any two options with a duration each of 22 hours.
Assessment HL (higher level)
Three written examination papers externally assessed
Practical/laboratory Investigations internally assessed by the teacher
and externally moderated by the IBO.
Group IV Project multidisciplinary Assessment SL (standard level)
Assessment SL (higher level)
Group 5 (Mathematics and Computer Science)
MATHEMATICS HIGHER LEVEL
Offered at the HL (higher level) only
-Designed for students who will continue to study mathematics or
engineering at university, and for students who have a good background
and genuine
interest in mathematics and who enjoy meeting its challenges
and problems.
-Before entering the course, students should have a strong understanding
of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics.
-All students must study eight core topics:
-Number and algebra
-Functions and equations
-Circular functions and trigonometry
-Vector geometry
Matrices and transformations
-Statistics
-Probability
-Calculus
Options: Students also must complete one of the following five options:
-Statistics
-Sets, relations and groups
-Discreet mathematics
-Analysis and approximation
-Euclidean geometry and conic sections
Assessment — HL (higher
level)
Two written examination papers externally assessed
Portfolio — three assignments internally assessed by the teacher
and externally moderated by the 1130. Must represent the following
three activities:
Mathematical investigation
Extended closed-problem solving
Mathematical modeling
MATHEMATICAL METHODS
Offered at the SL (standard level) only
-Designed to provide students who will continue to study mathematics
at university with a background of mathematical thought and a
reasonable level of technical ability.
-Before entering the course, students should have a good understanding
of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics.
-The core of Mathematical Methods consists of study in six topics:
-Number and algebra
-Functions and equations
-Circular functions in trigonometry
-Vector geometry
-Statistics and probability
-Calculus
Options - Students must complete one of three optional topics in:
Assessment — SL (standard level)
-Two written examination papers externally assessed
-Portfolio — three assignments internally assessed by the teacher
and externally moderated by the IBO. Must represent the following
three activities:
-Mathematical investigation
-Extended closed-problem solving
-Mathematical modeling
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Offered at SL (standard level)
-Explores the principles underlying problem solving using computers,
and the operation of computer systems.
-At both levels, students also study the social significance of
computer systems. The SL course is designed to provide the foundations
for an
introduction to computer science by building the structure and design
of sound, problem-solving methods. The I-IL course expands on this
process and studies more in depth problems and algorithmic designs.
-Common Core ( SL students)
-Software Development
-Computing system fundamentals
-Computing systems and society
-Computer mathematics and logic
-Advanced data structures and algorithms
-Further system fundamentals
-System life cycle
-File organization
Assessment — SL (standard level)
-Two written examination papers externally assessed
-Program Dossier internally assessed by the teacher and externally
moderated by the IBO.
GROUP 6 (The Arts)
VISUAL ARTS
Offered at both the HL (higher level) and SL (standard level)
Designed to:
-Provide students with the opportunities to make personal, sociocultural
and aesthetic experiences meaningful through the production and
understanding of art
-Exemplify and encourage an inquiring and integrated approach towards
visual arts in their various historical and contemporary forms
-Promote visual and contextual knowledge of art from various cultures
-Enable students to learn about themselves and others through individual
and, where appropriate, collaborative engagement with the visual arts
Core Elements - HL and SL
-Introduction to art concepts, criticism and analysis
-Acquisition of studio technical and media skills
-Relation of art to sociocultural and historical contexts
Higher Level (HL) — 2 compulsory parts: designed
for the specialist visual arts
student, with creative and imaginative abilities, who may pursue the visual
arts at
university or college level.
-Part A — Studio Work
-Practical exploration and artistic production
-Part B — Research Workbooks
- Independent critical research and analysis, visual and written, in
more than one culture
Standard Level (SL) — 2 compulsory parts:
-Option A (SLA) - designed for the visual arts student with creative and imaginative
abilities.
-Part A — Studio Work
-Practical exploration and artistic production
-Part B — Research Workbooks
-Independent critical research and analysis, visual and
written, in more than one culture
Option B (SLB)— designed for the student
whose interest in art is mainly
critical, cultural and historical
-Part A — Studio Work
-Practical exploration of artistic techniques
-Part B — Research Workbooks
-Independent critical research and analysis, visual and
written in more than one culture
Visual Arts Assessment — General
-Consists of an evaluation of each candidate’s body of work
as a whole.
-Both the finished products, and the processes of artistic research
and development, are assessed.
Assessment — HL (higher level)
-External Assessment: Part A Studio Work - Exhibition and Interview
-Assessed by a visiting IBO examiner
-Internal Assessment: Part B — Research Workbooks internally
assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.
Assessment — SL Standard Level Option A (SLA)
-Same as above
Assessment — SL Standard Level Option B (SLB)
-External Assessment: Part B — Research Workbooks and Interview
-Assessed by a visiting IBO examiner
-Internal Assessment: Part A — Studio Work internally assessed
by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO
MUSIC
Offered at both the HL (higher level) and SL (standard level)
-Designed to promote a greater awareness and understanding
of the power and variety of musical experiences for those who
have a general
interest in music, and for those who intend to continue their
formal study of music further.
-Candidates are exposed to a broad spectrum of music, ranging
from classical and modern Western traditions to that of other regions
and cultures.
-At both levels, the creative and practical aspects of music
are evenly balanced with the theoretical or academic.
-All students study musical perception and analysis; undertake
studies of a wide range of musical genres and styles.
-Students also participate in the creation of music through compositions
or performance.
Higher Level (HL) — 3 compulsory parts. This
course is designed for the specialist music student with a background
in musical
performance
and composition, who may pursue music at university or conservatoire
level.
-Musical Perception and Analysis
-Solo Performance: voice or instrument, one or more recitals
-Composition: three contrasting compositions
Standard Level (SL) - 3
options:
-Solo Performance Option (SLS) — 2 compulsory parts: This
course is designed for the student who has a background in
musical performance.
-Musical Perception and Analysis
-Solo Performance: voice or instrument, one or more recitals
Group Performance Option (SLG) —2 compulsory parts: This
course is designed Jar students with a general interest in music,
or those
without
prior experience, particularly members of ensembles.
-Musical Perception and Analysis
-Group performance: two or more public performances
-Composition Option (SLC) — 2 compulsory parts: This course
is designed br the student who has a background in musical composition.
Musical Perception and Analysis
-Composition: two contrasting compositions
-Note on Musical Perception and Analysis. This part of the syllabus
is common to all four programs and consists of
-Study of Prescribed Work
-Study of Musical Genres and Styles
-Musical Investigation
Assessment — HL (higher level)
-External Assessment:
-Listening Paper
-5 musical extracts and 5 compulsory questions based on the
Musical Perception and Analysis part of the syllabus
-Musical Investigation
-A written media script (1500 words) investigating the relationships
between two musical genres
-Internal Assessment: These components to be internally assessed by the
teacher
and externally moderated by the IBO.
-Solo Performance
-Presentation of one or more solo recitals (approximately 20 mm)
-Composition
-Three contrasting composition with recordings and a written
statement (5-15 minutes total)
Assessment — SL standard level (SLS. SLG. SLC)
-External Assessment: same as HL (higher level)
-Internal Assessment: One of the following options, which will be internally
assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.
-Solo Performance (SLS)
-Presentation of one or more solo recitals (approx. 15 mm)
-Group Performance (SLG)
-Presentation of two public performance (15-30 minutes)
-Composition (SLC)
-Two contrasting compositions (5-15 minutes total) with recordings
and a written statement.
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