Individuals and Societies
Geography
Exploring Canadian Geography Grade 9, De-streamed (CGC1W)
In this course, students will explore relationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how they interconnect with other parts of the world. Students will also examine environmental and economic issues, and their impact related to topics such as natural resources and industries, careers, land use and responsible development, and sustainability. In addition, students will understand the connections that diverse communities and individuals have with the physical environment and each other throughout Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives. Students will apply geographic thinking, use the geographic inquiry process, and use geospatial technologies throughout their investigations.
Prerequisite: None
Additional Note: This course, taught as part of the interdisciplinary Integrated Canadian Experience (ICE) program with an emphasis on experiential learning, draws on a variety of approaches to the physical, human, and economic geography of Canada to explore our distinct and evolving character. Students will investigate the interconnections among the landforms, climate, soils, plants, animals, and human activities in Canadian regions to develop geographic knowledge and skills that contribute to an understanding of Canada’s diversity and its role in the world.
Grades 11 and 12
IB Diploma Program: Standard or Higher Level Ministry Credits: CGU4M, CGW4U
World Geography: Urban Patterns and Population Issues Grade 12, University/College Preparation (CGU4M)
The world’s population is growing, it is moving and intermixing, and it is increasingly found in cities. This course explores these changes and the challenges that come with them. It investigates the forces that are shaping the world’s communities, the patterns of interaction between them, the quality of life within them, and their impact on the world around them. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking, the geographic inquiry process, and spatial skills and technologies as they investigate issues related to population change and urban life and propose ways of enhancing the sustainability of communities around the world.
Prerequisite: Any university, university/college, or college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities.
World Issues: A Geographic Analysis Grade 12, University Preparation (CGW4U)
In this course, students will address the challenge of creating a more sustainable and equitable world. They will explore issues involving a wide range of topics, including economic disparities, threats to the environment, globalization, human rights, and quality of life, and will analyse government policies, international agreements, and individual responsibilities relating to them. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including the use of spatial technologies, to investigate these complex issues and their impacts on natural and human communities around the world.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities.
IB Description
This is a two-year university preparatory course. Studies will focus upon the development of geographic skills and the central themes of patterns and change, focusing on population, global development, climate change, sustainability and consumption. Other themes that will be studied in more depth include: urban environments, geophysical hazards, and the geography of extreme environments. Throughout the course, students will examine the theme of globalization and global interactions.
The course is externally assessed by a final exam and one internally assessed fieldwork paper. Higher level students write three papers (including a Higher level extension) which comprise the final exam (worth 80% of the final IB grade); students must also complete a fieldwork investigation leading to a 2500 word paper (worth 20% of the final IB grade). Standard level students write two papers which comprise the final exam (worth 75% of the final IB grade) and write a 2500 word paper based on a fieldwork investigation (worth 25% of the final IB grade).
History
Canadian History Since World War I Grade 10, Academic (CHC2D) (taken in Grade 9)
This course explores social, economic, and political developments and events and their impact on the lives of different individuals, groups, and communities, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities, in Canada since 1914. Students will examine the role of conflict and cooperation in Canadian society, Canada’s evolving role within the global community, and the impact of various individuals, organizations, and events on identities, citizenship, and heritage in Canada. Students will develop an understanding of some of the political developments and government policies that have had a lasting impact on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities. They will develop their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating key issues and events in Canadian history since 1914.
Prerequisite: None
Additional Note: This course, taught as part of the interdisciplinary Integrated Canadian Experience (ICE) program, will have an emphasis on experiential learning.
Grades 11 and 12
IB Diploma Program: Standard or Higher Level Ministry Credits: CHT3O, CHY4U
World History Since 1900: Global and Regional Interactions Grade 11, Open (CHT3O)
This course focuses on major developments in world history from 1900 to the present. Students will explore the causes and consequences of global and regional conflicts, the impact of significant individuals and social movements, and the effects of social, economic, and political developments around the world. Students will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating interactions within and between nations and other historical developments and events, including those that continue to affect people in various parts of the world.
Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I Grade 10, Academic or Applied
World History since the Fifteenth Century Grade 12, University Preparation (CHY4U)
This course traces major developments and events in world history since approximately 1450. Students will explore social, economic, and political changes, the historical roots of contemporary issues, and the role of conflict and cooperation in global interrelationships. They will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, as they investigate key issues and ideas and assess societal progress or decline in world history.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities.
IB Description
This is a two-year university preparatory course. This course allows students to explore an age of revolutions, competing political ideologies, two world wars and the division of the world into East and West. In addition to analysing the chain of cause and effect that brought us from the Philosophes to the fall of the Berlin Wall, students will be able to make significant links across time and geographical boundaries with respect to the causes, practices and effects of war, the rise of authoritarianism, and the experience of the Cold War.
Students will develop skills in critical analysis, research, the writing of the academic essay, primary document analysis, persuasive speaking and the comparative analysis of competing historical perspectives.
Internal assessment (20% Higher, 25% Standard) is by means of a historical investigation. External assessment (80% Higher, 75% Standard) consists of two or three examinations; the first is based on primary source document analysis, the second is a pair of essay questions on the major themes covered during the course, and the third (for Higher students only) is made up of essay questions on specific topics covered over the two years.
Economics
Grades 11 and 12
IB Diploma Program: Higher or Standard Level Ministry Credits: CIE3M, CIA4U
The Individual and the Economy Grade 11, University/College Preparation (CIE3M)
This course explores issues and challenges facing the Canadian economy as well as the implications of various responses to them. Students will explore the economic role of firms, workers, and government, as well as their own role as individual consumers and contributors, and how all of these roles contribute to stability and change in the Canadian economy. Students will apply the concepts of economic thinking and the economic inquiry process, including economic models, to investigate the impact of economic issues and decisions at the individual, regional, and national level.
Prerequisite: Canadian History Since World War I Grade 10, Academic or Applied
Analysing Current Economic Issues Grade 12, University Preparation (CIA4U)
This course examines current Canadian and international economic issues, developments, policies, and practices from diverse perspectives. Students will explore the decisions that individuals and institutions, including governments, make in response to economic issues such as globalization, trade agreements, economic inequalities, regulation, and public spending. Students will apply the concepts of economic thinking and the economic inquiry process, as well as economic models and theories, to investigate, and develop informed opinions about economic trade-offs, growth, sustainability and related economic issues. Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
IB Description
This is a two-year, university-preparatory course. There are four sections to the course: introduction to economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and global economics. The Standard Level and Higher Level courses cover all four sections over the two years, with the Higher Level course going into more detail for certain topics. Assessment for International Baccalaureate purposes is by way of external exams (70% of the final mark for Standard Level and 80% for Higher Level) and a portfolio of three commentaries on current economic issues, which is internally assessed (30% of the final mark for Standard and 20% for Higher). The exams will consist of extended-response questions; case studies; and a policy paper (Higher Level only).
Students will develop an understanding and knowledge of economic concepts and theories, apply economic theory to a range of circumstances and a variety of situations, analyse information through the use of economic concepts and theories, and evaluate concepts and theories from different economic perspectives.
Business Management
Grade 11
IB Diploma Program: Higher or Standard Level Ministry Credits: BOH4M
Business Leadership and Management Fundamentals, Grade 12 University/College Preparation BOH4M
This course focuses on the development of leadership skills used in managing a successful business. Students will analyse the role of a leader in business, with a focus on decision making, management of group dynamics,workplace stress and conflict, motivation of employees, and planning. Effective business communication skills, ethics, and social responsibility are also emphasized.
IB Description
This is a two-year, university-preparatory course. The business management course is designed to meet the current and future needs of students who want to develop their knowledge of business content, concepts and tools to assist with business decision making. Future employees, business leaders, entrepreneurs or social entrepreneurs need to be confident, creative and compassionate as change agents for business in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace. The business management course is designed to encourage the development of these attributes.
Students examine how business decisions are influenced by factors that are internal and external to an organization and how these decisions impact upon a range of internal and external stakeholders.Emphasis is placed on strategic decision-making and the operational business functions of human resource management, finance and accounts, marketing, and operations management.
Assessment for International Baccalaureate purposes is by way of external exams (70% of the final mark for Standard Level and 80% for Higher Level) and a business research project, which is internally assessed (30% of the final mark for Standard and 20% for Higher). The exams will consist of extended-response questions; case studies; and quantitative questions.
Prerequisite: None
Civics
Civics and Citizenship Grade 10, Open (CHV2O) (1/2 credit) (taken in Grade 9)
This course explores rights and responsibilities associated with being an active citizen in a democratic society. Students will explore issues of civic importance and the influence of social media, while developing their understanding of the role of civic engagement and of political processes in the local, national, and/or global community. Students will apply the concepts of political thinking and the political inquiry process to investigate, and express informed opinions about, a range of political issues and developments that are both of significance in today’s world and of personal interest to them. This course also includes learning on digital literacy and critical-thinking skills, the mechanisms of government, Indigenous governance systems and structures, the historical foundations of the rights and freedoms we enjoy in Canada, ways in which government policy affects individuals’ lives and the economy, and ways for students to serve their communities.
Prerequisite: None
Additional Note: This course, taught as part of the interdisciplinary Integrated Canadian Experience (ICE) program, will have an emphasis on experiential learning.
Interdisciplinary Studies: Global Challenges and Innovative Solutions
Emerging Global Issues Grade 11, Open (IDC3O) (taken in Grade 10)
This course will help students combine the skills required for and knowledge of different subjects and disciplines to solve problems, make decisions, create personal meaning, and present findings beyond the scope of a single subject or discipline. Some of the disciplines that students will be exposed to include: history, geography, international development, epidemiology, sociology, and biology. Through individual and collaborative inquiry and research, students will analyse the connections among diverse subjects and disciplines, develop information literacy skills in analysing, selecting, evaluating, and communicating information, and become aware of a variety of resources and viewpoints on global issues. Teaching strategies and learning methods will be differentiated throughout the course to promote risk taking, personal engagement and problem solving. This course aims to prepare students to become engaged and informed citizens of the world. Topics that will be studied include power, privilege and identity, anti-oppression, disease, climate change and human rights. Students will also examine their own learning styles, relate their inquiries and research to real-life situations, and investigate career opportunities in new disciplines.
Prerequisite: None