International Baccalaureate Program Laurel High School
Curriculum
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IB Courses offered at Laurel High School are summarized below. IB courses start in 11th grade. Students identified as part of the IB Program will have PDP (pre-Diploma Program) courses or AP and Honors in 9th and 10th grade whenever possible. This will vary slightly due when courses are scheduled and students' individual schedules.

Language A: World Literature: This two year course completes a study of literature in a student's first language. It includes a selection of world literature. Students develop:
  • a personal appreciation of the literature
  • skills in literary criticism
  • strong written and oral skills
  • respect of the literary heritage of their first language
  • an international perspective (ibo.org)

Language B: IB French, Spanish or Latin: Students study a second language in order to better understand another culture. Students complete five years of study beginning in middle school (ideally).

Individuals and Societies: History of the Americas: This two year program of study promotes the development of a critical appreciation of:

  • human experience and behavior
  • varieties of physical, economic and social environments that people inhabit
  • the history of social and cultural institutions. (ibo.org)

 

In addition to these courses students take the following:

  • IB Research
  • IB Theory of Knowledge (see Core Requirements on the Academics page on this site)

They also complete IB CAS requirements, an Extended Essay (see Core Requirements and any other courses needed to meet the State of Maryland graduation requirements.

 

MARYLAND STATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Experimental Sciences: IB Chemistry: In the application of scientific methods, students develop an ability to:
  • analyze
  • evaluate
  • synthesize scientific information.

Students complete a compulsory project that is collaborative and interdisciplinary: students analyze a problem or topic which can be investigated in each of the science disciplines. (ibo.org)

Mathematics: IB Mathematics and IB Mathematic Studies: Students are required to take one of these two courses depending on their interest and ability. The study of mathematics enable a student to:

  • develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles
  • develop logical, critical, creative thinking
  • employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization

In addition, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the international dimensions and history of mathematics. (ibo.org)

Fine Arts: IB Art and Design: This course is taught over two years. Through research and creating works of art, students develop:

  • an understanding of the history of art based on multicultural perspectives
  • the ability to create art which has a personal connection through a variety of media
  • The ability to critically analyze works of art
  • The ability to understand various cultures through the eyes of its artists
  • the ability to speak knowledgably about art.

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