Home
About Us
Administration
Contact Us
Faculty/Staff
Our Location
PTSA
Search
Site Map

Resources

ACCESS
Alumni
Guidance
Library-LMC
SOL Tests
Technology

Programs

AP Courses
Gifted Program
IB Program
Middle Years
PA Center
Special Ed.

Activities

Athletics
Cheerleaders
Chorus
Clubs
Newspaper
Orchestra
Visual Arts
Yearbook

VBCPS Links

Calendar
Competitions
Disclaimer/AUP
Emergency Info
Employees
Handbook
Internet Safety
Scholarships

Offsite Links

Band
CAP Center
HS Sports.net

English: Pre-IB English, Grade 9
Course Description: In this course, students prepare to meet the requirements of IB English in eleventh and twelfth grades. As they study classics of world literature, they acquire experiential knowledge of literary genres and terms. Both written and oral literary analyses, including a fully documented research report, are regularly required. This course focuses on improving oral skills in preparation for the oral commentaries. There is also an emphasis on formal, expository writing. The volume, difficulty, and pacing of assignments are challenging. Summer reading assignments are also required.

English: Pre-IB, Grade 10
Course Description: This one-year course includes an exhaustive study of American Literature and World Literature in translation. Writing requirements for the course include fully documented research papers, critical analyses, reader response journals, and explications. Numerous written and oral assignments are graded by the teacher. Summer reading assignments are required in this course.

IB English: Higer Level, Grades 11 and 12
Course Description: This two-year course consists of four parts: Part I (World Literature), Part II (Detailed Study), Part III (Groups of Works), and Part IV (School’s Free Choice). Parts I and IV are covered in the first year; Parts II and III are covered in the second year. Works are selected according to IB requirements and from Prescribed Book Lists so as to cover all genres and time periods of World and Western Literature within the two-year course. Numerous written and oral assignments are graded both internally and externally by the International Baccalaureate Organization. The two internally assessed oral components are the formal oral presentation on Part IV works and the formal oral commentary on Part II works. Each assessment counts 15% of the student’s Language A1 diploma score. The formal oral presentation is completed in the first year of the program, and the formal oral commentary is completed in the second year of the program. In the first year of the program, students will write two externally assessed World Literature papers which count 20% of the student’s Language A1 diploma score. In the second year of the program, students will sit for the IB exam which consists of two papers, one on Groups of Works and one a written commentary on either a piece of prose or a poem. These papers count 25% each of the student’s Language A1 diploma score. Summer reading assignments are required prior to both years in this two-year course.

Foreign Language: Pre-IB French or Spanish 1/2, Grade 9
Course Description: Preparatory International Baccalaureate French 1/2 and Spanish 1/2 combine the first two years of study of the modern language into one year and prepare students to fulfill their IB Language B requirement. In this fast paced course students begin the sequential development of the skills needed to understand and speak the foreign language and refine and establish control of the language. Reading and writing are also developed. Students are also introduced to the culture of the countries where the language is spoken. Students must maintain a portfolio of written work and produce audiocassette tapings throughout the course. Both written and oral assessments are required. Summer assignments may be required.

Foreign Language: Pre-IB French, Spanish or Latin 2, Grade 9 or 10
Course Description: Preparatory International Baccalaureate French 2, Spanish 2, and Latin 2 prepare students to fulfill their IB Language B requirement. The ability to understand and speak the foreign language is further developed through the introduction of additional vocabulary and grammar with emphasis on refining and establishing control of the language. The amount of reading for comprehension is increased. Writing for expression and reinforcement is continued. Students gain additional insights into the culture of the countries where the language is spoken. Students must maintain a portfolio of written work and produce audiocassette tapings throughout the course. Both written and oral assessments are required; Latin has no oral requirements. Summer assignments may be required.

Foreign Language: Pre-IB French, Spanish or Latin 3, Grade 9 or 10
Course Description: Preparatory International Baccalaureate French 3, Spanish 3, and Latin 3 prepare students to fulfill their IB Language B requirement. Students continue to develop competency in the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through extensive creation and practice. Increasingly, the foreign language is used for meaningful communication. The culture of the countries where the language is spoken continues to be stressed. Students must maintain a portfolio of written work and produce audiocassette tapings throughout the course. Both written and oral assessments are required; Latin has no oral requirements. Summer assignments may be required.

Foreign Language: IB French, Spanish or Latin 4 Standard Level, Grade 9, 10 or 11
Course Description: International Baccalaureate French 4, Spanish 4, and Latin 4 (AP Latin) prepare students to fulfill their IB Language B requirement. In this course students develop increased proficiency in the foreign language. The development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills continues through questions, discussion, and presentations. The foreign language is used exclusively as the vehicle for communication. Pertinent culture, grammar, and syntax are presented and applied in context. Students must maintain a portfolio of written work and produce audiocassette tapings throughout the course. Both written and oral assessments are required; Latin has no oral requirements. IB monitoring of student work begins at this level of study for juniors using portfolio and audiocassette samples. Summer assignments may be required.

Foreign Language: IB French, Spanish, Latin 5, Standard Level, Grade 10, 11 or 12
Course Description: International Baccalaureate French 5, Spanish 5, and Latin 5 prepare students to fulfill their IB Language B requirement. Students will employ their skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in an appropriate variety of culturally and linguistically sophisticated formats. Students must maintain a portfolio of written work and produce audiocassette tapings throughout the course. Both written and oral assessments are required; Latin has no oral requirements. IB monitoring of student work continues at this level of study using portfolio and audiocassette samples. Juniors and seniors in this course can sit for the standard level International Baccalaureate Language B exam in the spring. Summer assignments are required.

Foreign Language: IB French, Spanish, or Latin 6, Higher Level, Grade 11 or 12
Course Description: International Baccalaureate French 6, Spanish 6, and Latin 6 prepare students to fulfill their IB Language B requirement. The course involves intensive study of numerous French, Spanish, or Latin literary works. Extensive composition and discussion require students to demonstrate their sensitivity to the language and structure of writing as well as their own power and precision in organizing and expressing thoughts. Students must maintain a portfolio of written work and produce audiocassette tapings (French & Spanish only) throughout the course. Both written and oral assessments are required; Latin has no oral requirements. IB monitoring of student work continues at this level of study using portfolio and audiocassette samples. Seniors in this course will sit for the higher level International Baccalaureate Language B exam in the spring; juniors may choose to sit for the standard level IB exam. Summer assignments may be required prior to the course.

Social Studies: Pre-IB Virginia/U.S. History, Grade 9
Course Description: In this course students prepare to meet the requirements of IB World Studies in eleventh and twelfth grades. Pre-IB U.S. History covers the period from colonial times to the 1980s. Students will develop higher-level thinking skills by analyzing document-based questions (DBQ’s) using primary sources. Research skills will also be emphasized. Analytical writing and synthesis skills, along with essay writing will be another focus of this class. This course fulfills the state of Virginia requirement and the students will take the U.S./Virginia End of Course SOL test. Summer assignments are required.

Social Studies: IB World Studies, Higher Level, Grade 11 and 12
Course Description: This two-year course traces European history from the Enlightenment through the Cold War. The course emphasizes political, intellectual, social and economic history. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of events and eras. In the first-year course, IB History of Europe, students focus on the significant events of the 18th and 19th centuries; the second year, IB 20th Century Topics, is devoted to the topics of war, single party states, and the Cold War. As in previous courses, students are expected to work on essay writing as well as research skills. This course satisfies both the state of Virginia graduation requirements as well as the IB course requirements. In the senior year, students will be required to complete a major research assignment (Internal Assessment or IA) that is evaluated by both the classroom teachers and the IB organization. In addition they will be required to sit for the five hour IB exam on the higher level. Summer assignments are required.

Experimental Science: IB Biology, Higher Level, Grades 11 and 12
Course Description: Higher level International Baccalaureate Biology is a two-year course of study which emphasizes basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetic patterns of inheritance, plant form and function, evolution, ecology, animal physiology and the international nature of science. An interdisciplinary group project helps students realize that one discipline is not isolated from another and that scientists can work together on problems to discover solutions to a common goal. Requiring structured labs, research papers and experimental design projects emphasizes laboratory work. Instruction is student-centered with cooperative learning as well as teacher directed, thus offering the student a college-level biology experience. Students will sit for the higher level International Baccalaureate Biology exam in the spring of their senior year. Students entering the program will be given a summer assignment, which will review basic biological principles learned in the pre-IB Biology course.

Experimental Science: IB Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12 (Standard Level), Grade 11 (1st Year of Higher Level)
Course Description: International Baccalaureate Chemistry can be taken in the junior or senior year as a Standard Level (SL) course or over the junior and senior years as a Higher Level (HL) course. It is designed to expand on the knowledge and experimental skills obtained in Pre-IB Chemistry and to prepare the student for further study of pure and applied sciences in higher education. It will also help the student to develop the ability to analyze scientific literature critically and to develop manipulative and experimental skills necessary to perform college level scientific investigations. Topics include Stoichiometry, Atomic Theory, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter, Carbon Chemistry, and the Periodic Table. The second year of HL Chemistry goes on to emphasize carbon chemistry, biochemistry and environmental chemistry. A three-hour IB exam is taken at the end of the SL Chemistry course. The IB Internal Assessment for this course includes formal lab reports, informal lab notebook excerpts, and participation in the IB Group 4 Project. Summer assignments may be required.

Experimental Science: IB Chemistry, Higher Level, Grade 12
Course Description: International Baccalaureate Higher Level Chemistry is a two-year course taken over the junior and senior years. This course description pertains to the second year of HL Chemistry only. This course is designed to expand on the knowledge and experimental skills obtained in SL Chemistry and to prepare the student for further study of pure and applied sciences in higher education. It will also help the student to develop the ability to analyze scientific literature critically and to develop manipulative and experimental skills necessary to perform college level scientific investigations. Topics include Organic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Human Biochemistry, as well as a review of topics covered during the SL Chemistry year. The internal assessment for this class includes formal and informal lab reports. A four-and-half-hour IB exam is taken at the end of the HL Chemistry course in the senior year. Participation in the IB Group 4 Project is required once during the two-year program. Summer assignments are also required.

Experimental Science: IB Physics, Standard Level, Grade 11 or 12
Course Description: Standard level International Baccalaureate Physics is a one-year course of study, which emphasizes the two basic scientific domains of knowledge and activity within the framework of understanding natural physical phenomena. An interdisciplinary group project helps students realize that all scientific disciplines share the common goal of understanding how the world works, and that scientists can work together on problems to discover solutions to a common goal. Laboratory work is emphasized and requires structured labs, research papers and experimental projects. Instruction is student-centered with cooperative learning as well as teacher direction, thus offering the student a college-level physics experience. Students will sit for the standard level International Baccalaureate Physics exam in the spring. This one-credit course meets every other day during the first semester and every day during the second semester. Students entering the program will be given a summer assignment, which will review basic mathematical skills and introduce concepts of analytical reasoning.

Mathematics: IB Mathematical Studies, Standard Level, Grade 11 or 12
Course Description: International Baccalaureate Mathematical Studies is designed for IB students whose future careers will not include a focus on mathematics. This course is designed to provide a realistic mathematics course for students with varied backgrounds and abilities. The skills needed to cope with the mathematical demands of a technological society are developed, and emphasis is placed on the application of mathematics to real-life situations. A substantial piece of personal research, in the form of a statistical project, is a requirement of this program. Students who successfully complete this course will sit for the IB Mathematical Studies exam in May. Summer assignments are required.

Mathematics: IB Mathematical Methods, I Standard Level, Grade 9, 10, and 11
Course Description: IB Math Methods is a rigorous, two-year course of study. The first year encompasses pre-calculus, which establishes a foundation for the second year, which introduces calculus, statistics, and various topics of college mathematics. IB Math Methods I extends concepts of intermediate Algebra. Topics include vectors, matrices, probability, and functions (quadratic, rational, exponential, logarithmic, etc.) and their graphs, sequences and series, and trigonometry. IB Math Methods I and II require college-level performance and work habits. A three and one half-hour external IB examination is given at the end of the second year. Summer assignments are required.

Mathematics: IB Mathematical Methods II, Standard Level, Grade 11 or 12
Course Description: IB Mathematical Methods is a rigorous, two-year course of study. The first year encompasses pre-calculus, which establishes a foundation for the second year. IB Math Methods II is an introduction to the study of differential and integral calculus with emphasis on application and extends concepts of vectors, probability, statistics, exponential, and logarithmic functions. IB Math Methods I and II require college-level performance and work habits. A three and one half-hour external IB examination is given at the end of the second year. Summer assignments are required.

Mathematics: IB Mathematics, Higher Level, Grade 11 and 12
Course Description: IB Higher Level Mathematics is a rigorous, two-year course of study. The first year encompasses calculus topic, including Functions, Graphs Limits & Continuity, Differential Calculus, Differential Applications, Integral Calculus, Integral Applications, and Sequences & Series. These topics assume thorough background knowledge in algebra, axiomatic geometry, trigonometry and analytic geometry. The second year of IB HL Mathematics includes topics such as Vectors, Matrices & Transformations, Complex Numbers, Probability & Statistics, Functions & Equations, Circular Functions & Trigonometry and Vector Geometry. IB HL Mathematics requires college-level performance and work habits. A five-hour external IB examination is given at the end of the senior year that accounts for eighty per-cent of the grade. An internal assessment consisting of three assignments accounts for twenty percent of the grade. Summer assignments are required.

Computer Science: IB Computer Science, Standard Level, Grade 11 or 12
Course Description: The International Baccalaureate Computer Science curriculum provides a rigorous framework for the exploration of problem solving using computers. Students are expected to master the JAVA programming language and appropriate software design techniques equivalent to the first programming course offered at many colleges. Each student will develop a Program Dossier to demonstrate mastery of the basic computer science techniques including software design, coding, debugging, testing and documentation. Students will sit for the IB Computer Science exam in the spring. Summer assignments may be required.

Computer Science: IB Computer Science, Higher Level, Grade 12
Course Description: The International Baccalaureate Higher Level Computer Science curriculum builds on the concepts introduced in the Standard Level Course. Students are expected to master additional features Java programming language, specifically advanced data structures such as linked lists and trees, as well as direct file input and output equivalent to the second programming course offered at many colleges. Additionally, students will explore hardware architecture concepts such as logic design. Each student will develop a Program Dossier to demonstrate mastery of these advanced computer science techniques including software design, use of advanced data structures, advanced file input and output, coding, debugging, testing and documentation. Students will sit for the IB Higher Level Computer Science exam in the spring. Summer assignments may be required.

Music: IB Music, Standard or Higher Level, Grades 11 and 12
Course Description: International Baccalaureate Music is designed for students with a strong interest in music. The course is designed to promote greater awareness and understanding of both the power and variety of musical experiences. Topics include a study of music in western society, international music, basic musical literacy, and music theory. This study of music is concerned with elements of music, and the music of numerous cultures and eras. Both worldwide and historical perspectives are required of students, as well as a commitment to creating and performing music. Summer assignments are required, and students will take the IB Music exam at the end of the second year of the course.

Visual Arts: IB Visual Arts, Standard Level, Grade 11 or 12
Course Description: International Baccalaureate Visual Arts is a one-year, standard level IB elective course open to students in their junior or senior year. It is structured to encourage individual exploration of one’s artwork and personal impressions. Students will create two separate journals, one visual and one written. The written journal will reflect the student’s personal choice of concentration in both a period of art history or artist and in an artistic medium in which they choose to work. The assessment in IB Visual Arts will consist of an external evaluation of the journal by IB Examiners as well as an on-site exhibition of a student’s portfolio in addition to an interview with the examiner. The journal accounts for thirty percent of the student’s IB exam score, while the exhibition/interview comprises seventy percent of the exam score. Summer assignments will be required prior to the course.