Vincentian IB Curriculum
Vincentian Academy offers the following subjects at Higher Level:
Biology
Four basic biological concepts run throughout the IB biology program, namely:
structure and function of living organisms, universality versus diversity,
equilibrium within systems, and evolution. These themes permeate the core
topics which include: a study of cells, the chemistry of life, genetics,
ecology and evolution, human health and physiology. Additionally, there
are more thorough treatments of the topics of nucleic acids and proteins,
cell respiration and photosynthesis, plant science, human reproduction,
defense against infectious diseases, nerves, muscles and movement, and excretion.
Further consideration of neurobiology and behavior and human physiology,
which includes an in-depth treatment of the endocrine, digestive, circulatory
and respiratory systems of humans are covered as options. Laboratory experiences
are correlated with class work. Detailed lab reports are an integral part
of the program, along with designing the protocol for certain labs.
Chemistry
This course offers an intensive study of the structure and behavior of matter.
Classical and modern topics include atomic theory, periodic table, chemical
bonding, states of matter, kinetic theory, chemical equilibrium, energetics,
stoichiometry, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, organic chemistry
and analytical chemistry. Laboratory experiments correlate with class work
and are an integral part of the program. The course is designed for the
student who will pursue more advanced chemistry at the college level.
English
In this course students gain a broadened and international perspective of
literature and human thought through a detailed study of various works.
Students analyze the works, both formally and informally, through essays,
response journals, oral commentaries, and independent study. Students are
required to complete two 1000-1500 word essays and two oral assessments
on the works studied.
History
The focus of this course centers upon the study of a selection of twentieth
century world history topics as well as an in depth study of the history
of Europe and Russia from the mid nineteenth century using both a chronological
and thematic approach. The course requires students to evaluate historical
evidence, make comparisons, and draw conclusions relative to the evidence
presented.
The following subjects are offered at Standard Level:
Biology
This course covers the core topics of biology which include: a study of
cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, ecology and evolution, human health
and physiology. It also involves a study of the options relating to diet
and human nutrition, and the physiology of exercise. Laboratory experiences
are correlated with class work. Detailed lab reports are an integral part
of the program, along with designing the protocol for certain labs.
Chemistry
Topics for this standard level chemistry course include: energetics, kinetics,
equilibrium, acids and bases, redox, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.
Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding, apply and use, construct,
analyze, and evaluate scientific facts, concepts, methods, and terminology.
Mathematics
Topics studied in this course in depth, including their applications, are
algebraic functions and their inverses, numerical functions, trigonometric
functions, graphs of functions, variation properties, vectors, matrices,
three dimensional geometry, sequences and finance, developing algorithms,
linear programming, flow charts, operations on sets, logic, probability
and statistics. Students are also required to complete a research project
on a topic of their choice demonstrating a greater facility with mathematics.
Psychology
This course examines behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and psychodynamic
psychological perspectives as well as dysfunctional behavior and specific
psychological disorders. Students will study research design, methods, statistics,
and ethical issues in psychological research and application. Students are
required to undertake one research study involving an experiment with descriptive
statistics.
Spanish
In this study of Spanish the emphasis is on the development of creative
self-expression using authentic language. Students are required to develop
a high level of proficiency and are evaluated in reading, writing, listening
and speaking skills. This course focuses on the acquisition of a wide range
of vocabulary and the study of advanced grammar topics. Students develop
skills of reading, discussing, and text handling in a communicative manner
through authentic readings and thematic units incorporating multi-modal
instruction.
Computer Science
A focus of the computer science course is for students to learn to identify
and state problems. Students will study the design of computer architecture,
data representation and logic, and the connection of peripherals and networks.
Students must develop an appropriate algorithm, which will be refined and
expanded until it can be implemented. Students will use the algorithm to
complete a dossier, containing extensive documentation of the student's
chosen program that must be assessed by IB examiners.
Art
Students examine a variety of visual phenomena, expressed in persistent
research and regular studio work. Students must demonstrate an imaginative,
creative thinking and feeling for the medium in hand and for the fundamentals
of design. Students must synthesize art concepts and skills in works that
are personally, socioculturally and aesthetically meaningful. They are required
to solve formal and technical problems encountered in studio practice and
develop sufficient skill to produce works of quality. Finally, students
are required to select and present their own work appropriately to a visiting
IB examiner.
