Students who have been accepted into the IB program at R.E. Mountain will have the choice of the following courses. Please note that some of these courses are mandatory for the Diploma Program. Please also note, Higher Level courses require 40 additional hours of instruction.
IB ENGLISH LITERATURE A 11/12 (SL and HL)
The Language A: Literature course is a two-year theme-based course that introduces students to the investigation of literary texts. This course involves a comprehensive exploration of literature from a variety of cultures, genres, and periods. The study of literary works in context is emphasized and through the study of literature in translation, the student is challenged to reflect on the role of cultural assumptions in interpretation. Students engage with and learn to appreciate the artistry of literature and develop the ability to reflect critically on their reading, presenting literary analysis powerfully through both oral and written communication.
IB ECONOMICS 11/12 SL and HL
At both standard level and higher level, candidates are required to study four topics: microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and development economics with some sub-topics within these reserved solely for higher level. These sections are assessed by two examinations at standard level and three examinations at higher level.
The course emphasizes the economic theories of microeconomics, which deals with economic variables affecting individuals, firms and markets, and the economic theories of macroeconomics, which deal with economic variables affecting countries, governments, and societies. These economic theories are not to be studied in a vacuum – rather, they are to be applied to real-world issues. Prominent among these issues are fluctuations in economic activity, international trade, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The ethical dimensions involved in the application of economic theories and policies permeate throughout the economics course as students are required to consider and reflect on human end-goals and values.
The economics course encourages students to develop international perspectives, fosters a concern for global issues, and raises students’ awareness of their own responsibilities at a local, national, and international level. The course also seeks to develop values and attitudes that will enable students to achieve a degree of personal commitment in trying to resolve these issues, appreciating our shared responsibility as citizens of an increasingly interdependent world.
IB GEOGRAPHY 11/12 SL and HL
This is the first year of the 2-year IB Geography course. IB Geography 11 is a course that revolves around the themes of population change ,climate change, resource management and environmental sustainability. The theme of population involves an examination of past, current, and future trends in areas such as distribution, fertility, mortality, disease, migration, and age structure. The theme of climate change entails the study of the causes of, impacts of and responses to global temperature shifts. The themes of environmental sustainability and resource management examine patterns of resource production, consumption, availability, distribution, and trade, as well as the impacts of these activities on the environment.
IB MATH: ANALYSIS AND APPROACHES 11/12 SL
Analysis and Approaches is appropriate for students who enjoy developing their mathematics to become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. This course caters to students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply mathematical techniques correctly. In this course students will explore real and abstract applications of these ideas with and without the use of technology. This course will cover topics in number, algebra ,functions, statistics, probability, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus. A graphing calculator is required for this course: TI-83 or TI-84.
IB MATH: ANALYSIS AND APPROACHES 11/12 HL
Analysis and Approaches is appropriate for students who enjoy developing their mathematics to become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. This course caters to students with a strong background in mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills. In this course students will explore real and abstract applications of these ideas and without the use of technology. This course will spend the most time covering topics in trigonometry, vectors, complex numbers, statistics, and calculus. It will also cover topics in algebra, functions, and probability. A graphing calculator is required for this course: TI-83 or TI-84.
IB BIOLOGY 11/12 SL and HL
This course is an intensive course of study that is intended, by the end of the two-year program, to prepare students to write the International Baccalaureate exam. The topics include classification and diversity, genetics, evolution, plant science, ecology, and related laboratory work. Students must maintain a portfolio of their practical work for submission to external evaluators.
IB CHEMISTRY 11/12 SL and HL
IB Chemistry 11/12 is a comprehensive laboratory-based chemistry program. Students will be challenged by the breadth and depth of this course of study. The course covers topics in: Stoichiometry, Atomic Theory, Bonding, Kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Oxidation and Reduction, Environmental Chemistry, and Chemical Analysis. Students will complete a portfolio of investigations that includes an extended experiment. Final standing in this course is based upon a final exam in the grade twelve year, and an externally standardized evaluation of laboratory work. This course can provide credit for first year university Chemistry.
IB PHYSICS 11/12 SL and HL
IB Physics 11/12 is a comprehensive laboratory-based physics program. The course covers topics in: Kinematics, Dynamics, Momentum, Energy, Circular Motion, Thermal Energy, Atomic theory, Waves, Optics. Students will complete a portfolio of investigations that includes an extended experiment. Final Standing in this course is based upon a final exam in the grade twelve year, and an externally standardized evaluation of laboratory work. This course is an equivalent to Physics 11 and 12 for university consideration.
IB FRENCH 11 SL and HL
(Prerequisites: French 10 or Pre-IB French 10 and admission into the IB Program)
This is the first year of the two-year IB French B Program in which students develop their language skills with a long-term view to functional bilingualism. The course is built around aspects of three Core Themes: Communication & Media, Global Issues and Social Relationships. There is also a choice of two Optional themes to be explored: Customs & Traditions, Cultural Diversity, Leisure, Health, and Science & Technology. Students will seek understanding of other languages and cultures, as they explore these themes particularly as they relate to French-speaking countries. Course-related projects, interactive activities and readings will provide opportunities to develop cultural awareness as well as provide significant language development.
IB MANDARIN 11/12 SL and HL
This is the first year of the two-year IB Mandarin B program in which students develop all aspects of their language skills with a long-term view to be a functional Mandarin speaker. The course is built around three Core Themes and two Optional themes. During IB 11, the following themes will be included, but not be limited to: social relationships, leisure, health, and customs and traditions. Students will seek understanding of Mandarin language and culture as they explore these themes. Projects and interactive activities will develop students’ cultural awareness and language development.
IB SPANISH 11/12 ABINITIO SL
This is the first year of the two-year IB Spanish ab initio program in which students develop their language skills. Spanish ab initio is a language acquisition course for students with no prior experience with the language or for those students with very limited previous experience. Students will develop the ability to communicate in Spanish through the study of language, themes, and texts. The course is organized into five prescribed themes. Of these, the two focused on in this year are identities and experiences. Course-related projects, interactive activities and readings will provide opportunities to develop cultural awareness as well as provide language development.
IB VISUAL ARTS 11/12
This course is open to everyone, and students do not need to be in the IB Diploma Programme to take this course. IB Visual Arts is a two-year course that allows students to explore a wide variety of art making methods and media. This course is meant for students who are interested in pursuing a post-secondary program that requires a portfolio of work, or for students who want to be challenged within their artmaking practices. IB Visual Arts will enable students to make artwork that is influenced by personal and cultural context, and students will have the freedom to create what they are passionate about; the course will help students become informed and critical observers and makers of visual culture across a wide variety of mediums. At the end of the second year, students will submit 3 major projects: a documentation of their art-making processes, an art analysis project, and finally an exhibition of their work over the two years. If you are someone who wants to challenge yourself in regards to art-making, who works well independently, and who wants to grow as an artist, this course is for you.
IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
TOK plays an important role in developing an understanding of the nature of knowledge and how we come to understand it. For more information, please look at the following information on TOK from the IB website:
The Language A: Literature course is a two-year theme-based course that introduces students to the investigation of literary texts. This course involves a comprehensive exploration of literature from a variety of cultures, genres, and periods. The study of literary works in context is emphasized and through the study of literature in translation, the student is challenged to reflect on the role of cultural assumptions in interpretation. Students engage with and learn to appreciate the artistry of literature and develop the ability to reflect critically on their reading, presenting literary analysis powerfully through both oral and written communication.
IB ECONOMICS 11/12 SL and HL
At both standard level and higher level, candidates are required to study four topics: microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and development economics with some sub-topics within these reserved solely for higher level. These sections are assessed by two examinations at standard level and three examinations at higher level.
The course emphasizes the economic theories of microeconomics, which deals with economic variables affecting individuals, firms and markets, and the economic theories of macroeconomics, which deal with economic variables affecting countries, governments, and societies. These economic theories are not to be studied in a vacuum – rather, they are to be applied to real-world issues. Prominent among these issues are fluctuations in economic activity, international trade, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The ethical dimensions involved in the application of economic theories and policies permeate throughout the economics course as students are required to consider and reflect on human end-goals and values.
The economics course encourages students to develop international perspectives, fosters a concern for global issues, and raises students’ awareness of their own responsibilities at a local, national, and international level. The course also seeks to develop values and attitudes that will enable students to achieve a degree of personal commitment in trying to resolve these issues, appreciating our shared responsibility as citizens of an increasingly interdependent world.
IB GEOGRAPHY 11/12 SL and HL
This is the first year of the 2-year IB Geography course. IB Geography 11 is a course that revolves around the themes of population change ,climate change, resource management and environmental sustainability. The theme of population involves an examination of past, current, and future trends in areas such as distribution, fertility, mortality, disease, migration, and age structure. The theme of climate change entails the study of the causes of, impacts of and responses to global temperature shifts. The themes of environmental sustainability and resource management examine patterns of resource production, consumption, availability, distribution, and trade, as well as the impacts of these activities on the environment.
IB MATH: ANALYSIS AND APPROACHES 11/12 SL
Analysis and Approaches is appropriate for students who enjoy developing their mathematics to become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. This course caters to students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply mathematical techniques correctly. In this course students will explore real and abstract applications of these ideas with and without the use of technology. This course will cover topics in number, algebra ,functions, statistics, probability, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus. A graphing calculator is required for this course: TI-83 or TI-84.
IB MATH: ANALYSIS AND APPROACHES 11/12 HL
Analysis and Approaches is appropriate for students who enjoy developing their mathematics to become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. This course caters to students with a strong background in mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills. In this course students will explore real and abstract applications of these ideas and without the use of technology. This course will spend the most time covering topics in trigonometry, vectors, complex numbers, statistics, and calculus. It will also cover topics in algebra, functions, and probability. A graphing calculator is required for this course: TI-83 or TI-84.
IB BIOLOGY 11/12 SL and HL
This course is an intensive course of study that is intended, by the end of the two-year program, to prepare students to write the International Baccalaureate exam. The topics include classification and diversity, genetics, evolution, plant science, ecology, and related laboratory work. Students must maintain a portfolio of their practical work for submission to external evaluators.
IB CHEMISTRY 11/12 SL and HL
IB Chemistry 11/12 is a comprehensive laboratory-based chemistry program. Students will be challenged by the breadth and depth of this course of study. The course covers topics in: Stoichiometry, Atomic Theory, Bonding, Kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Oxidation and Reduction, Environmental Chemistry, and Chemical Analysis. Students will complete a portfolio of investigations that includes an extended experiment. Final standing in this course is based upon a final exam in the grade twelve year, and an externally standardized evaluation of laboratory work. This course can provide credit for first year university Chemistry.
IB PHYSICS 11/12 SL and HL
IB Physics 11/12 is a comprehensive laboratory-based physics program. The course covers topics in: Kinematics, Dynamics, Momentum, Energy, Circular Motion, Thermal Energy, Atomic theory, Waves, Optics. Students will complete a portfolio of investigations that includes an extended experiment. Final Standing in this course is based upon a final exam in the grade twelve year, and an externally standardized evaluation of laboratory work. This course is an equivalent to Physics 11 and 12 for university consideration.
IB FRENCH 11 SL and HL
(Prerequisites: French 10 or Pre-IB French 10 and admission into the IB Program)
This is the first year of the two-year IB French B Program in which students develop their language skills with a long-term view to functional bilingualism. The course is built around aspects of three Core Themes: Communication & Media, Global Issues and Social Relationships. There is also a choice of two Optional themes to be explored: Customs & Traditions, Cultural Diversity, Leisure, Health, and Science & Technology. Students will seek understanding of other languages and cultures, as they explore these themes particularly as they relate to French-speaking countries. Course-related projects, interactive activities and readings will provide opportunities to develop cultural awareness as well as provide significant language development.
IB MANDARIN 11/12 SL and HL
This is the first year of the two-year IB Mandarin B program in which students develop all aspects of their language skills with a long-term view to be a functional Mandarin speaker. The course is built around three Core Themes and two Optional themes. During IB 11, the following themes will be included, but not be limited to: social relationships, leisure, health, and customs and traditions. Students will seek understanding of Mandarin language and culture as they explore these themes. Projects and interactive activities will develop students’ cultural awareness and language development.
IB SPANISH 11/12 ABINITIO SL
This is the first year of the two-year IB Spanish ab initio program in which students develop their language skills. Spanish ab initio is a language acquisition course for students with no prior experience with the language or for those students with very limited previous experience. Students will develop the ability to communicate in Spanish through the study of language, themes, and texts. The course is organized into five prescribed themes. Of these, the two focused on in this year are identities and experiences. Course-related projects, interactive activities and readings will provide opportunities to develop cultural awareness as well as provide language development.
IB VISUAL ARTS 11/12
This course is open to everyone, and students do not need to be in the IB Diploma Programme to take this course. IB Visual Arts is a two-year course that allows students to explore a wide variety of art making methods and media. This course is meant for students who are interested in pursuing a post-secondary program that requires a portfolio of work, or for students who want to be challenged within their artmaking practices. IB Visual Arts will enable students to make artwork that is influenced by personal and cultural context, and students will have the freedom to create what they are passionate about; the course will help students become informed and critical observers and makers of visual culture across a wide variety of mediums. At the end of the second year, students will submit 3 major projects: a documentation of their art-making processes, an art analysis project, and finally an exhibition of their work over the two years. If you are someone who wants to challenge yourself in regards to art-making, who works well independently, and who wants to grow as an artist, this course is for you.
IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
TOK plays an important role in developing an understanding of the nature of knowledge and how we come to understand it. For more information, please look at the following information on TOK from the IB website: