UWCAd - IB Group Description

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Group 1: First Language	Language A1 (Literature) Language A1 is defined as the student’s best language, usually his or her mother tongue. Students are normally expected to study their “national “ language at A1 level. The range of literary texts studied in language A1 courses is broad: students grow to appreciate the wealth and subtleties of the first language in a variety of contexts and the nature of its linguistic structures. In addition, an international perspective is provided through World Literature. Confidence and competence in oral and written communication skills are fostered. One of the implicit goals of the language A1 group is to engender a lifelong interest in literature and an appreciation of the richness of human expression. Only the following mother tongue languages are taught in the normal school timetable and can be taken at the HL and SL: English, Italian, Russian, Slovene and Spanish. All others can be taken at SL only. If there is no tutor, students may enter the examinations as “self-taught” candidates. Languages studied in the Tutorial Programme include: Arabic, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian.

Group 2: Second Modern Language (A2, B and ab initio)	English A2, offered at both HL and SL, is intended for near-bilingual and other highly competent speakers of English who are interested in the study of literature. The course focuses primarily on the reading and critical analysis of literary texts in a variety of genres and periods. While a significant proportion of class time is devoted to the discussion of these and other texts, students will also develop skills in both oral and written formal commentary, as well as the production of critical essays. Another approach to the examination of language is the Language and Culture unit, which culminates in the students’ written study of some aspects of the English language. Language B is offered at both HL and SL in English and Italian. These courses provide for foreign language learning through a communicative approach for students with some previous experience of learning the language. They aim to develop the skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing through the study of a wide range of literary and non-literary texts in different styles. Ab Initio courses, available at SL in Italian, are foreign language courses, designed for complete beginners.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies	History The courses provide an opportunity for students to acquire an historical understanding of the modern world and focus on a selection of themes and countries in order to offer an international perspective. Students are introduced to a variety of source materials and are taught how to undertake individual research and to present historical issues in discussion and writing. Higher Level involves: a) A specialised study of Europe from the late nineteenth century to the present; b) A study of selected themes in world history in the twentieth century: These include the causes, practices and effects of war; the rise and rule of single party states and the Cold War. Standard Level involves: c) The study of three themes including the causes, practices and effects of wars and the rise and rule of single party states and the Cold War. The focus of this course is global history in the twentieth century with case studies being selected from many different regions of the world. Both Higher and Standard Level students are introduced to the evaluation of historical documents and become familiar with a variety of source materials. Also, all students have the opportunity to research an historical issue of particular interest to them and often linked with their own country. Economics The IB Economics course is designed as a general introduction to the subject. The main areas are micro and macro economics, international economics and development. Special emphasis is given to internationalism and development and an attempt is made to relate what is covered in class to students’ experiences and the real world. Specific examples of topics could include anything from unemployment and inflation, to problems of less developed countries. There are no specific skills required to be successful in Economics although students should be able to think logically and not be afraid of data and graphs. Economics is not the study of business and how to make money. Students who have a genuine interest in current affairs and the welfare of society, and are willing to keep up to date with world events should enjoy Economics. Philosophy The Philosophy course confronts issues that have been and continue to be important for humankind. Those who choose this course will find the perfect opportunity to enter into dialogue with students throughout the world who represent a variety of points of view on these issues. More than exploring the history of philosophy, students come to terms with new problems and challenges arising within contemporary society. Studying philosophy requires intellectual curiosity, an open mind, a willingness to explore multicultural perspectives, and a desire to appreciate one’s own perspectives on selected themes. This course aims to: Encourage the study of human experience and behaviour in its personal, social, ethical and spiritual aspects. Develop the ability to analyse and evaluate points of view, concepts and arguments about individuals and society Enable one to interpret data, documents and ideas Promote cultural pluralism in one’s understanding of the human experience Develop an appreciation of attitudes and opinions different from one’s own Develop an independent, informed and creative way of thinking Relate a philosophical understanding of issues to other subjects Help formulate clear arguments in a rational, logical fashion Acquaint one with the history of main philosophical movements, issues and ideas World Cultures (both Group 3 and Group 6) World Cultures, a unique course pioneered in this College, explores in a critical and informed way aspects of the world’s cultural diversity. Drawing on materials from many cultures, from all the continents and across historical time – for example: Benin, Ottoman Turkey, Tokugawa Japan, Renaissance Venice – students study works of art and other cultural phenomena in order both to appreciate them in their own right and understand them as manifestations of wider cultural and social life. Students are encouraged to observe, analyse and ponder cultural differences and similarities. Their approach to these cross-cultural comparisons will be interdisciplinary, drawing on insights gained from cultural studies, intellectual and art history. In the first year, students undertake a comparative analysis of a selected list of world cultures. In the second year attention is focussed on the cultural heritage of Italy and the region adjacent to her northeastern frontiers. World Cultures is offered at Standard Level only. World Cultures has now been accepted as an I.B. “transdisciplinary subject”. This means that the one programme fulfils the requirements for both groups 3 and 6.

Group 4: Experimental Sciences	The Experimental Sciences share a common syllabus structure: a required subject core and a range of options, two of which must be selected. The core material is further divided into topics required at both HL and SL, and those for HL only. The SL courses reach a level of sophistication comparable with HL, but in limited areas only. 25% of the course is devoted to practical work, part of which is an inter-disciplinary project in which students from two or more science courses work together on different aspects of the same problem. The practical work forms the basis of the Internal Assessment, counting towards the final IB result. Previous background in these subjects is of course helpful, and many students have some years of experience, depending on the national education system that they come from, but in no case is previous experience a requirement. There are some students every year who start a HL science course ab initio, and there is a good record of success achieved by such students. The SL classes may have a high proportion of beginners in each subject. All IB science courses are designed both to meet the requirements of those going on to further study in that field and as courses for those who will not continue with further studies. In some countries, however, the HL course may be required for entrance to university courses in that subject. Biology Four basic concepts underlie the course, serving as themes and unifying the topics: Structure and Function Universality vs Diversity Equilibrium within Systems Evolution These themes are taught through the following topics: Cell Structure and Physiology Basic Biochemistry Control and Coordination in Living Organisms The Perpetuation of Life (Genetics and Reproduction) Ecology and Evolution The options are: a. Diet and Nutrition b. The Physiology of Exercise c. Cells and Energy d. Evolution e. Neurobiology and Behaviour f. Applied Plant and Animal Science g. Ecology and Conservation h. Further Human Physiology At HL two options are chosen from: d, e, f, g and h. At SL two are chosen from the range a to g. The choice of options is made by the teacher in consultation with the class. Chemistry The course covers the topics listed, with extensions of most of them at HL: Stoichiometry Atomic Theory Periodicity Bonding States of Matter Energetics Kinetics Equilibrium Acids and Bases Oxidation and Reduction Organic Chemistry The options available are: At HL only (These have been the ones studied in the HL course recently) Further Organic Chemistry Modern Analytical Chemistry At both HL and SL Fuels and Energy Chemical Industries Environmental Chemistry Human Biochemistry Medicines and Drugs At SL only Higher Physical Organic Chemistry Physics The IB Physics course is structured according to the traditional topics in the subject: The core syllabus covers Mechanics (a substantial section) Thermal and Statistical Physics Wave Properties Electromagnetism Atomic and Nuclear Physics The Options include: Astrophysics Relativity Biomedical Physics Optics Historical Physics At SL extensions of Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Atomic and Nuclear physics, covering material done in the HL core syllabus, are also available as options. Those usually done are Astrophysics and/or Relativity at HL, and Astrophysics with the Mechanics Extension or the Atomic and Nuclear Extension at SL. The treatment of the subject is less mathematically rigorous than in some national systems, the emphasis being rather on the acquisition of the physical concepts and their relationship to each other. Basic algebra and trigonometry are used routinely, but calculus is not required although it may be used in class in the second year. It is desirable that those taking physics at HL should be doing Mathematical Methods or HL mathematics rather than Mathematical Studies. Environmental Systems This course is available at SL only. The course explores the common principles underlying different aspects of the environment. By using scientific principles, specific environmental issues may be investigated and the effect of human interference on these systems is examined. The core syllabus topics are: Systems and Models Ecosystems Global Cycles Physical Systems Issue of Human Populations The two options studied are: Exploitation of Resources Conservation and Biochemistry A two-day field trip at the end of the first year measures changes in the ecosystem.


Group 5: Mathematics	Mathematics HL Higher Level: Higher Level Mathematics is a demanding subject, which should prove a very useful preparation for the many university courses in which mathematics can be applied. The content of the course is predominantly pure mathematics. A good background knowledge is desirable but not essential for a student with aptitude who enjoys the subject. Mathematics SL Standard Level: This course is intended to provide a background of mathematical thought and competence for those not intending to undertake the Higher Level. It should normally provide a sufficient mathematical basis for students planning to pursue a University course in Science or Economics and would also appeal to Arts-oriented students. Mathematical Studies Standard level: This course is intended for those students whose interests do not lie in the field where mathematical skills and techniques are needed. A variety of elementary topics are covered. Students with even basic mathematical skills would be better suited in Mathematics Standard Level. Computers and Calculators: A number of computers are available for students. All students are offered personal email addresses and have access to Internet. Students may also bring their own computers preferably notebooks or laptops. The access to email is digital, not analogue. Calculators - GRAPHIC DISPLAY CALCULATORS are compulsory for all students. The most appropriate models are the Texas Instruments TI-83+ or TI-84+. We strongly recommend that you obtain one. Other acceptable Graphic Calculators are the TI-86, and some Sharp or Casio models. But calculators that handle symbolic algebra, such as the TI-89, TI-92, TI-Voyage 200, or Casio fx-9970, fx2.0 Algebra, Classpad, or HP-38-95 series, are not allowed in IB examinations. Calculators with any form of the following facilities or features are not allowed in Diploma Programme examinations: Symbolic manipulations (algebra or calculus) External communications facility (such as infrared links to other machines) Data bank Dictionary QWERTY keyboard External storage media (card, tape, plug in module etc.) A dictionary or language translator Students are strongly advised to buy their own calculators before arriving at the college. The college will loan calculators to students who cannot afford them for the two year period. A caution deposit of 125€ is required. (refundable upon return of the calculator)

Group 6: Arts and Electives	Music The IB Music Courses Both HL & SL courses are available. They emphasize critical listening and developing such skills alongside performing and composing. Both courses aim to develop an appreciation of the language of music in all its varied forms and to comparatively see the similarities and differences of styles. Both courses will examine music from Western and Non-Western cultures, as well as contemporary “popular” styles, in classes and practical lessons. In addition: Higher Level Students will learn to play an instrument through practical instrumental lessons. Students will learn to compose in any style they wish. Students pursue a syllabus examining music from all over the world, learning specific aspects of style and technique which make this music individual and unique. The syllabus covers music of the past and present and is discussed in class and in workshop situations. HL is a thorough course and is available to those students who feel that they would like to study the subject in depth. It consists of: Music Perception / Study of styles and genres from the Renaissance to the XX Century Solo performance / voice or instrument Composition – 3 contrasting pieces (5 to 15 min. Total time) Standard Level The SL course is available (subject to demand) within the Higher Level class since SL examines the same syllabus as HL, although to a lesser degree. The course will endeavour to cater for those whose experience of music may be limited to a particular style or medium. The SL course is also suitable to those who feel that they have a general interest in music, or with little background in it. For this purpose the IB offers three options at SL: a) Solo Performance – “Designed for the student who has a background in musical performance” – voice or instrument b) Group Performance – “Designed for the student with a general interest in music of those without prior experience” – 2 or more public performances c) Composition Option – “Designed for the student who has a background in musical composition” two contrasting pieces of 5 to 10 min. Visual Arts The aims of the courses are to: Provide students with 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 Encourage the pursuit of quality through experimentation and purposeful creative work in various expressive media Enable students to learn about themselves and others through individual and, where appropriate, collaborative engagement with the visual arts. At both HL and SL the Visual Arts course consists of two linked compulsory parts: Studio Work (practical exploration and artistic production) Research Workbooks (Independent critical research and analysis, visual and written, in more than one culture).

Other Diploma Requirements	Theory of Knowledge In addition to six subjects, the full I.B. Diploma course requires that all students follow a course in the Theory of Knowledge, write an Extended Essay in one of the I.B. subjects and participate in a creative aesthetic activity, a physical activity and a social service. At the Adriatic College the course is covered in the following sections: Sources and variety of knowledge Types of proposition Perception: the methods of the natural sciences: the problem of induction The methods of social sciences Deductive reasoning: valid and invalid arguments; some common fallacies The nature of mathematics, mathematics and the physical world Historical knowledge Value judgements: the grounds for moral, aesthetic and political judgements Religious belief Free will and determinism Theories of truth and knowledge Extended Essay Each diploma candidate is required to undertake original research and write an extended essay of some 4000 words. This aspect of the programme offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and to become acquainted with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university level. The research area must fall within a recognised I.B. subject. Examples of past research topics are: Evaluation of the effects of atmosphere pollution on the Istrian stone surfaces of “Palazzo Corner de la Ca’ Grande” in Venice (Chemistry) The Sinking of the General Belgrano – a Military or Political action? (History) The symbolic use of Canadian landscape in the work of Margaret Atwood and Susanna Moodie (English – Group 1) Paradoxes in Probability (Mathematics) Is there a harmonical pattern in Belarussian folk songs? (Music) Desert architecture in Iran (Visual Arts) The use of the PCR to determine predisposition to cancer in the human genome (Biology) World Literature World Literature is an additional class for all first year students whose A1 languages are tutored or self-taught. Conducted in English, the class treats the fine World Literature works within the A1 syllabus, culminating in the composition of the World Literature comparative essay in the A1 languages themselves.