El Programa del Diploma

El Diploma del Bachillerato Internacional es un curso preuniversitario exigente, conducente a exámenes, que responde a las necesidades de estudiantes altamente motivados de secundaria entre las edades de 16 a 19 años. Diseñado como un programa exhaustivo de dos años de duración que le permite a sus graduados cumplir con los requisitos de varios sistemas nacionales de educación, el modelo de su programa de estudios no se basa en el de ningún país, aunque integra los mejores elementos de muchos de ellos. El programa puede cursarse en inglés, francés y español.

CARACTERÍSTICAS DISTINTIVAS

El BI ofrece unos rasgos especiales aparte de los componentes tradicionales de un programa de artes liberales.

• Teoría del Conocimiento (TDC) es un curso interdisciplinario obligatorio destinado a estimular la reflexión crítica sobre el saber y la experiencia adquiridos tanto adentro como afuera de la sala de clases. La TDC invita a los estudiantes a cuestionar las bases del conocimiento, a adquirir conciencia de sus limitaciones objetivas y subjetivas y a desarrollar un modo personal de pensar basado en la ponderación de la información y la expresión racional. La teoría del conocimiento, elemento clave en la filosofía educativa de la OBI, se propone desarrollar una aproximación coherente al aprendizaje que trascienda e integre los contenidos de las asignaturas individuales y que fomente el interés por otras perspectivas culturales.
• Creatividad, Acción y Servicio conocido bajo la sigla CAS, es parte fundamental del Programa del Diploma. El requisito de CAS le da importancia a la vida que se desarrolla paralelamente con el estudio, aportándole así un refrescante contrapeso a la concentración académica que algunos podrían sentir durante un programa escolar exigente. La participación en producciones teatrales, deportes y actividades de servicio comunitario promueve el desarrollo de las energías y capacidades de los jóvenes para compartir y contribuye a la formación de la conciencia, el interés y la habilidad para trabajar cooperativamente con los demás. Los objetivos de educar a la persona integralmente y de formar un ciudadano más humanitario se hacen realidad de manera inmediata cuando los estudiantes se proyectan más allá de ellos mismos y de sus libros.

Los candidatos al diploma deben efectuar una investigación original y escribir una monografía de unas 4000 palabras. Este proyecto brinda la oportunidad de investigar una cuestión que despierte un interés especial y familiariza a los estudiantes con el tipo de investigación independiente y los requisitos de redacción que se esperan de ellos a nivel universitario. Actualmente existen 60 materias en las que se puede escribir la monografía, incluyendo más de 35 en el área de lenguas.

EL SISTEMA DE CALIFICACIONES

El sistema de calificaciones utilizado por el Bachillerato Internacional es referido a criterios. Esto quiere decir que cada uno de los resultados de un estudiante se mide con relación a niveles bien definidos de logro que presentan una consistencia de una sesión de exámenes a otra. Las mejores calificaciones no se otorgan simplemente “por una curva” a cierto porcentaje de candidatos, sino que más bien reflejan la adquisición de conocimientos y habilidades con relación a unos niveles definidos que se le aplican uniformemente a todos los colegios. Validez, confiabilidad y justicia son las consignas del cuerpo internacional de examinadores del BI.

EL CURRÍCULO

Expertos internacionales en cuestiones curriculares se encargan de garantizar que los objetivos educativos de la organización se plasmen en la estructura y en el contenido del programa. El diploma se representa en forma de hexágono con seis áreas académicas rodeando el centro. Las asignaturas se estudian simultáneamente y los estudiantes abordan las dos grandes áreas tradicionales del saber - las humanidades y las ciencias.

Los candidatos al diploma deben seleccionar una asignatura de cada uno de los seis grupos de asignaturas. Por lo menos tres y no más de cuatro deben cursarse en el nivel superior (NS), las demás en el nivel medio (NM). Los cursos del nivel superior representan 240 horas lectivas, los cursos del nivel medio, 150 horas. Al estructurar su trabajo de esta manera, los estudiantes tienen la posibilidad de explorar algunas asignaturas en profundidad y otras de modo más general a lo largo de los dos años del programa; así se obtiene de forma deliberada un equilibrio entre la especialización precoz preconizada en ciertos sistemas nacionales y la universalidad de otros.

Las exigencias del sistema de selección de asignaturas aseguran que el estudiante con inclinaciones científicas aprenda una lengua extranjera y que el lingüista nato se familiarice con el trabajo de laboratorio. A la vez que se mantiene un equilibrio general, la flexibilidad de elegir una determinada concentración de asignaturas en el nivel superior le permite al estudiante desarrollar sus áreas de interés personal y reunir ciertos requisitos para el ingreso a la universidad.

1. Lengua A1
   Español, Inglés
2. Lengua A2, B
   Inglés (A2, B), Español (B)
   
3. Individuos y Sociedades
   Historia, Geografía, Economía, Tecnología de la Información en una Sociedad Global.
   
4. Ciencias Experimentales
   Biología, Química, Física
   
5. Matemáticas
   Matemáticas (nivel superior), Métodos Matemáticos , Estudios Matemáticos.
   
6. Artes y Electivas
   Arte/Diseño, Música, Arte Dramático, Francés (B), Francés ab inicio o una segunda asignatura del grupo 3 o del grupo 4.

The International Baccalaureate Organisation dates from the year 1962 when it was founded under the patronage of UNESCO and with the funds of the Ford, Mountbatten and Gulberkin foundations. At the time it was supported by the British, Dutch and German governments who together, after a long and careful period of preparation and evaluation, made the permanent establishment of the organisation a reality as from the middle of the 1970s. The organisation has its headquarters in Geneva with regional offices in:

• Geneva covering Africa, Europe and the Middle East
• Singapore covering Asia and the South Pacific (New Zealand and India)
• Argentina covering South America, Central America and Mexico
• New York covering the U.S.A., Canada and the Caribbean

The Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a rigorous pre-university course of studies, leading to examinations, that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfil requirements of various national education systems, the diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country but incorporates the best elements of several. The programme is available in English, French and Spanish.

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS

The programme offers special features in addition to the traditional strengths of a liberal arts curriculum.

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a required interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. TOK challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and to develop a personal mode of thought based on analysis of evidence expressed in rational argument. The key element in the IBO's educational philosophy, Theory of Knowledge, seeks to develop a coherent approach to learning which transcends and unifies the academic subjects and encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives.
• Creativity, Action, Service is known by its acronym CAS and is a fundamental part of the diploma curriculum. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the academic self-absorption some may feel within a demanding school programme. Participation in theatre productions, sports and community service activities encourages young people to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness, concern and the ability to work co-operatively with others. The goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate citizenry comes alive in an immediate way when students reach beyond themselves and their books.
• Diploma candidates are required to undertake original research and write an extended essay of some 4000 words. This project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university. There are currently 60 subjects, including more than 35 languages, in which the essay may be written.

THE GRADING SYSTEM

The grading system used by the International Baccalaureate Organisation is criterion-referenced. This means that each student’s performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement consistent from one examination session to the next. Top grades are not simply awarded “on a curve” to a certain percentage of candidates but rather reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards equally applied to all schools. Validity, reliability and fairness are the watchwords of the IBO’s international assessment strategy.

THE CURRICULUM

International curriculum planners seek to ensure that the organisation’s educational aims are embodied in the structure and content of the programme itself. The diploma is displayed in the shape of a hexagon with six academic areas surrounding the core. Subjects are studied concurrently and students are exposed to the two great traditions of learning: the humanities and the sciences.

Diploma candidates are required to select one subject from each of the six subject groups. At least three and not more than four are taken at higher level (HL), the others at standard level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours, SL courses cover 150 hours. By arranging work in this fashion, students are able to explore some subjects in depth and some more broadly over the two-year period; this is a deliberate compromise between the early specialisation preferred in some national systems and the breadth found in others.

Distribution requirements ensure that the science-oriented student is challenged to learn a foreign language and that the natural linguist becomes familiar with laboratory procedures. While overall balance is maintained, flexibility in choosing higher level concentrations allows the student to pursue areas of personal interest and to meet special requirements for university entrance.

1. Language A1
   Spanish, English (only to students whose first language is not Spanish)
   
2. Language A2, B
   English / Spanish (B),
   
3. Individuals and Societies
   History, Geography, Economics, Information Technology in a Global Society
4. Experimental Sciences
   Biology, Chemistry, Physics
5. Mathematics
   Mathematics (Higher Level), Mathematical Methods , Mathematical Studies.
   
6. Arts and Electives

Art/Design, Music, Theatre Arts, French (B), French ab initio, a second subject from group 3 or group 4.

ASSESSING STUDENT WORK

Responsibility for all academic judgements about the quality of candidates’ work rests with more than 2100 examiners world-wide, led by chief examiners with international authority. A variety of assessment methods are used to value both the content and the process of academic achievement and to take into account different learning styles and cultural patterns.
Conventional external examination techniques are chosen from a range of options: oral and written, long and short responses, data-based questions, essays, multiple-choice questions. These are complemented by internal assessment of coursework by the teachers responsible for evaluating students over the two-year period. With classroom teachers and international examiners working in partnership, the emphasis is on ensuring that students have ample opportunity to demonstrate what they know and are able to communicate.

AWARD OF THE DIPLOMA

Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the diploma requires students to meet defined standards and conditions including a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the extended essay, Theory of Knowledge course (TOK) and CAS (creativity, action, service) activities. The maximum score of 45 includes three points for the combination of the extended essay and work in TOK.

All students are encouraged to engage in the full programme. Those who fail to satisfy all requirements or who elect to take fewer than six subjects are awarded a certificate for examinations completed. The May examination session serves the majority of candidates with a smaller November session available primarily for schools in the southern hemisphere. Nearly 30,000 students annually are assessed by the IBO. Each year approximately 80% of candidates attempting the diploma succeed in earning it.

AUTHORISATION AND ELIGIBILITY

Only schools authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation are eligible to teach the curriculum and to register candidates for examination. IB diploma candidates must be students in good standing at an authorised member school. The Diploma Programme is offered by some 1180 schools in nearly 101 countries world-wide. Schools interested in joining the programme conduct a self-study and receive counselling through the appropriate regional office. The formal application includes an on-site inspection visit and the submission of written documentation to IBO headquarters in Switzerland. Only schools authorised by the IBO are entitled to use the organisation’s name, logo and Diploma Programme designations.

UNIVERSITY RECOGNITION

1. Universidad del Pacífico

2. Universidad de Lima

3. Universidad Católica

4. Universidad Cayetano Heredia

5. Universidad Ricardo Palma

6. Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC)

7. Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola

8. Universidad de Piura

9. Universidad del Norte

10. Universidad Femenina Sagrado Corazón (UNIFE)

11. Universidad Científica del Sur

12. Universidad San Martín de Porres

13. Instituto Superior Latinoamericano de Arte

14. Instituto Peruano de Publicidad (IPP)

For further information about these universities refer to the college homepage:
www.newton.edu.pe
- universities

1. Read the subject details that follow very carefully. If necessary, ask the subject teacher for more details about the programme.
2. Choose one subject from each of the subject groups (i.e. Group1 Language A1, Group 2 Language A2, B, Group 3 Individuals and Societies, Group 4 Experimental Sciences, Group 5 Mathematics, Group 6 Arts and Electives or another subject from Group 3 or 4.)
3. Choose three subjects at Higher Level and three at Standard Level.

• Desarrollar la capacidad de expresión del estudiante en la comunicación oral y escrita, y proporcionar la oportunidad de practicar y desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para hablar y escribir en situaciones diversas con estilos apropiados.

• Estimular la valoración personal de la literatura y desarrollar la comprensión de las técnicas necesarias para los estudios de las obras propuestas.

• Introducir a los estudiantes en el conocimiento de los autores clásicos de la literatura, así como en el conocimiento de una gama de obras modernas en diferentes géneros, estilos y contextos diversos.

Ambos niveles de postulantes (superior y medio) siguen el mismo plan de estudios aunque los requisitos que deben cumplir no son los mismos en cantidad. Sobre estas diferencias se dan indicaciones en los puntos respectivos

Literatura Mundial: 3 Libros
Lectura obligatoria para los alumnos de ambos niveles.

Los alumnos de nivel superior leerán los 4; los del nivel medio sólo 2.

Grupo de Obras: 4 Libros.
Los alumnos de nivel superior leerán los 4 libros; los del nivel medio sólo 3

Selección libre del Colegio: 4 libros
Los alumnos de nivel superior leerán las 4 obras; los de nivel medio sólo leerán 3.

1. Evaluación Escrita (Externa) - (50 % del total de la nota final)

Una prueba escrita con 2 preguntas (sobre la parte III del programa):

• Un comentario de texto (verso o prosa)
• Un ensayo

Duración : nivel superior = 4 horas, nivel medio = 3 horas

Obligatorio en ambos niveles y basado en la literatura comparada, parte I del programa.

• Segundo trabajo: 1000 a 1500 palabras (sólo para nivel superior)

Puede basarse en la valoración de un aspecto de una de las 5 obras de la Literatura Mundial que se estudian en diferentes partes del programa.

1. Evaluación Oral Interna - (20% del total de la nota final)

• Evaluación oral durante el curso de 4to. de Secundaria:

Basada en las obras de las partes II y IV del programa, internamente evaluados por el profesor y moderados externamente.

OTRA INFORMACION RELEVANTE

1. Cronograma

I Lecturas.

II. Exámenes.

1. La evaluación oral formal de la parte II del programa se realizará entre la 5ta. y 8va. semana del 3er. bimestre del segundo año del programa.
2. La evaluación oral interna se seguirá durante los dos años que abarca el programa.
3. La evaluación escrita externa (examen final largo) se hará en los primeros días de noviembre del segundo año del programa.

III Ensayos

1. Ensayo de Literatura Mundial, Grupo 1 de obras: 1,500 palabras - antes de las vacaciones del 1er. bimestre del segundo año.
2. Segundo ensayo: 1,500 palabras antes de las vacaciones del 2do. bimestre del segundo año.

1. Prerequisitos para el Curso

El alumno que ingresa a 4to. de Secundaria deberá haber logrado:

1. Un buen nivel de comprensión y apreciación de lectura.
2. Destreza en la redacción de ensayos.
3. Nociones de análisis y comentario de textos literarios y no literarios.
4. Los fundamentos que rigen el método de investigación monográfica.

AIMS

• To develop the students’ powers of expression, both in oral and written communication, and to provide the opportunity of practising and developing the skills involved in writing and speaking in a variety of styles and situations.
• To encourage a personal appreciation of literature and to develop an understanding of the techniques involved in literary study and criticism.
• To introduce students not only to major classic works, but also to a range of contemporary writing and different literary genres, styles and contexts, through the study of works from both their own culture and other cultures in a comparative framework.
• To develop the ability to engage in a detailed and critical examination of written works.

In addition, all students are required to do 2-3 written tasks totalling 1,000-1,500 words, for external moderation.

About two themes are covered each term. The course includes intensive reading of authentic source material, plus other source material such as films and songs. There is also a lot of oral work, in the form of discussions, role-play, debates etc. Vocabulary is expanded in each theme and language work is assigned where necessary.

The criteria in general assess three different areas:
• content
• presentation
• language

In addition, there is an internal assessment mark which is based on at least four oral tasks, one of which is taped and sent to the I.B. for moderation.

IB DIPLOMA - Grupo 3

GEOGRAPHY

(Higher and Standard Level in English)

AIMS

• To encourage an appreciation of the role that geography can play in the analysis of contemporary issues at a variety of levels.
• To develop an appreciation and concern for the diversity of the natural environment, and an understanding of human and physical processes.
• To promote a respect for different cultures through an understanding of their development and their inter-relationships.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

The programme has 13 themes. Some are compulsory but some themes can be chosen. The choice will depend on the teacher, available resources and the geographical background of the students.

The Themes:
1. Geographical skills.
2. Population, resources and development.
3. Rivers and their management.
4. Coasts and their management.
5. Deserts.
6. Plate tectonics (earthquakes and volcanoes).
7. Ecosystems and human activity.
8. Climatic hazards (hurricanes, etc).
9. Contemporary issues in geographical regions.
10. Settlements and urbanisation.
11. Agriculture and industry: decline and change.
12. Globalisation.
13. Map work.

Higher Level students must study Themes 1 & 2, two fromThemes 3 to 8 and one from Themes 9 to 13.

Standard Level students will take Themes 1 & 2 and any two Themes chosen from 3 to 13.

Additionally, all students MUST do fieldwork. This accounts for 25% of the total IB Geography mark.
At the moment we take students to Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata. This is compulsory.

RESOURCES

We use one text book “Geography” by David Waugh, additionally we use reference materials from other sources for particular topics.
Over the last year or so we have insisted that students use web sites on the internet to supplement text book information. In the future this will increase and students will be expected to access current materials from the web in class as well as at home.


ASSESSMENT:

The IB exam has three papers for HL and two for SL. Fieldwork is sent to the IB for marking.

 

IB DIPLOMA - Grupo 3

HISTORY OF EUROPE

(Higher and Standard Level in English)

AIMS

• To demonstrate historical understanding by the acquisition, selection and effective use of knowledge.
• To present clear, precise and relevant historical arguments.
• To evaluate, interpret and be critical of original material as historical evidence.
• To recognise cause, effect and continuity in history.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

• 20th century European history from 1900 - 1991
Topics
- Origins of World War I
- Russian Revolution 1917
- Germany’s defeat in World War I and the Treaty of Versailles
- Mussolini’s Italy
- Stalin and the Soviet Union 1928 - 1941
- The Weimar Republic and the Rise of Adolf Hitler Germany 1919 - 1933
- The League of Nations
- The Spanish Civil War.
- Origins of World War II
- The “Cold War”

• Regional study: an investigation into any non-European dictator.
- e.g. Castro in Cuba, Mao Tse Tung in China, Peron in Argentina, etc.

ASSESSMENT

External
• Higher Level pupils take THREE examinations.
• Standard Level pupils take TWO examinations.

Internal
• Essays
• Source exercises
• Oral evaluation/contribution to class discussions

In addition, all pupils must do an essay of up to 3,000 words which is evaluated internally and moderated by the I.B. It can be on any topic/subject of interest to the pupil.

Main textbooks used:
“Mastering Modern World History” Norman Lowe.
“Making History” Christopher Culpin.

      

 

IB DIPLOMA - Grupo 3

ECONOMICS

(Higher and Standard Level in English or Spanish)

AIMS

• To develop disciplined skills of economic reasoning
• To apply the tools of economic analysis to past and contemporary situations and data, and to explain the findings clearly.
• To show an understanding of how individuals, organisations, societies and regions organise themselves in the pursuit of economic goals.
• To evaluate economic theories, concepts, situations and data in a rational and unbiased manner.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

The course covers five topics:
a) Resources and markets
b) Business economics
c) Macroeconomic arguments
d) International issues
e) Development economics.

ASSESSMENT

The final exam is based on three papers for higher level and two for standard level. These involve multiple choice questions, writing essays and data-response questions. The higher level has an extra section on short answer questions.

Both higher and standard level need to produce coursework during the duration of the course, five pieces for standard and eight for higher.

OTHER RELEVENT INFORMATION

All students will initially follow the higher level syllabus, with evaluation of students taking place during Form IV to see which can be entered for higher and which will do the standard level exam. This is the responsibility of the teacher and emphasis will be placed not only on knowledge and understanding but also on effort and attitude during the course.

Higher level requires more mathematics than standard level and a greater understanding of aspects of competition and market situations.

 

IB DIPLOMA - Grupo 3

TECNOLOGIA DE LA INFORMACION EN UNA SOCIEDAD GLOBAL

(Nivel Medio en Español)

OBJETIVOS GENERALES:

• Promover la comprensión y apreciación de la significación social que la tecnología de la información y las redes tienen para los individuos, las comunidades y las instituciones/organizaciones.
• Analizar y evaluar en forma crítica las consideraciones éticas que surgen del uso difundido de la tecnología de la información y las redes.
• Apreciar los elementos claves de continuidad y cambio en el desarrollo de la tecnología de la información y las redes.
• Desarrollar la habilidad para explotar y evaluar los nuevos avances de la tecnología de la información
• Demostrar como se utilizan los sistemas de información y las redes para procesar e intercambiar información para control, análisis y comunicación.

PERFIL DEL PROGRAMA

Tema 1: Introducción a la Tecnología de la Información
Sistemas de Información, Individuos y Maquinas, Una Economía de la Información, El Mundo Digital, Efectuando las Conexiones

Tema 2: Tecnologías de la Información: Instrumentos e Impactos
Hardware, Input y Output, Almacenamiento, Software, Sistemas Operativos y Utilidades, Procesamiento de Textos y Publicaciones Electrónicas, Gráficos, Planillas de Cálculo, Modelos y Simulaciones, Bases de Datos, Procesamientos de Sonido, Multimedia y Presentaciones, Software Tutorial y Entrenamiento, Robótica, Inteligencia Artificial y Sistemas Expertos, Realidad Virtual y Juegos

Tema 3: Tecnologías de la Información Convergentes
Medios de Difusión, Otros Medios, Artes Visuales y de Representación, Comunicaciones Personales.

Tema 4: Las Redes y la Internet
Redes, La Internet.

 

TECNOLOGIA DE LA INFORMACION EN UNA SOCIEDAD GLOBAL

CRITERIOS DE EVALUACION Y DESCRIPTORES

Portafolio
(Cuatro ensayos de 700 a 1000 palabras cada uno)

El alumno debe de:
• Describir correctamente la cuestión fundamental con una extensa referencia al contexto social.
• Explicar alguna base de TI (terminología de TI, conceptos, desarrollo y tendencias relevantes a la cuestión.)
• Analizar y evaluar el impacto en la sociedad.
• Explicar dos soluciones, evaluar su posible eficacia y compararlas.

Proyecto
El alumno debe:

• Explicar la necesidad y enmarcarla en un contexto social.
• Explicar dos enfoques alternativos para el tratamiento de la necesidad y comparar la factibilidad de estos dos enfoques.
• Discutir el uso de las herramientas particulares de TI y evaluar un plan.
• Comparar por lo menos dos aspectos del proyecto que tienen una significación social.

Porcentaje general de evaluación de los principales aspectos de TISG

		ASPECTOS PRINCIPALES (% APROXIMADO)
Componentes de la Evaluación	Porcentaje	Herramientas y Aplicaciones	Significación Social y Consideraciones Eticas
Prueba 1	20%	12	8
Prueba 2	30%	6	24
Portafolio	20%	4	16
Proyecto	30%	18	12
PORCENTAJE FINAL		40%	60%

Para mayores consideraciones revise el siguiente enlace
http://correo.newton.edu.pe/ITComp/default.htm

 

IB DIPLOMA - Grupo 4

BIOLOGY

(Higher and Standard Level in English)

AIMS

• To develop an understanding of the fundamental characteristics of living matter from the molecular level to the level of the organism including cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, human health and physiology, ecology and conservation.
• To develop experimental, investigative and practical skills in biology.
• To develop the ability to analyse and evaluate scientific information critically and to recognise the limitations of scientific knowledge, especially in the field of biology.
• To prepare students for the IB examinations and successful academic careers in science at the university level.

FIELD WORK

Newton College owns a conservation centre in an area of virgin rainforest in the Tambopata region of Madre de
Dios. This provides a fabulous opportunity to experience and study an area with the richest biodiversity ever seen
on earth and which may not last much longer. Therefore; every I.B. biology student must do field work at this
centre as part of their coursework.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Standard Level

Core (80 hours):
Cells; Chemistry of Life; Genetics; Ecology and Evolution; Human Health and Physiology.
Options (15 hours each): 3 from
Diet and Human Nutrition
Cells and Energy
Evolution
Applied Plant and Animal Science
Ecology and Conservation

Higher Level

Core (80 hours):
Cells; Chemistry of Life; Genetics; Ecology and Evolution; Human Health and Physiology.
Additional (55 hours):
Nucleic Acids and Proteins; Cell Respiration and Photosynthesis; Genetics; Human
Reproduction; Defense against Infectious Disease; Nerves, Muscles and Movement; Excretion;
Plant Science.
Options (22 hours each): 2 from
Evolution
Applied Plant and Animal Science
Ecology and Conservation

ASSESSMENT

Assessment for the IB Diploma is based on a combination of external examinations, taken at the end of the course, and internal assessment carried out by teachers at Newton. These two means of assessment are weighted 76% and 24% respectively. The external exams consist of three papers, occupying a total of 3 hours at standard level and 4.5 hours at higher level. Internal assessment is based on practical work carried out by the students, including the Group 4 Project.

 

 

IB DIPLOMA - Grupo 4

CHEMISTRY

(Higher and Standard Level in English)

AIMS

• To enable students to develop and expand their knowledge of chemistry.
• To provide opportunity for students to creatively investigate chemical concepts through practical work.
• To encourage students to use and apply their knowledge in the modern world.
• To raise awareness of environmental, radical and ethical issues in Chemistry.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Chemistry is the central science. Chemical principles underpin the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems. Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigative skills.

At standard level the programme consists of a common core of 11 topics. These include areas such as The Periodic Table, Rates of Reaction, Atomic Structure, Energetics, Acids and Bases, Equilibrium Reactions, Reduction and Oxidation and Organic Chemistry. This core is followed by three options, which may be selected from topics such as Human Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, and Higher Organic Chemistry).

At higher level, each topic in the core is extended by exploring the themes in greater depth and detail. Students following higher level will study two options, again, in greater depth than at standard level.

All students will complete the Group 4 project, an extended practical investigation, which is designed and carried out by small groups of students in all science courses.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is carried out by a combination of external examinations taken at the end of the course, and internal assessment carried out by teachers at Newton.

Students will sit 3 external exams:
Paper 1 - a multiple choise exam on all core topics.
Paper 2 - a short answer exam on all core topics.
Paper 3 - a short answer exam on option topics.

The internal assesment is based on practical work carried out in class. Students are given marks based on their performance in areas such as planning skills, data collection and analysis, evaluation and teamwork.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

Chemistry is a subject worthy of study in its own right as a preparation for employment or for further study. Chemistry is also a pre-requisite for many other courses in higher education such as medicine, and biological and environmental sciences. The Chemistry Department reserves the right to decide which students may follow this course at Higher Level. 

 

 

IB DIPLOMA - Grupo 4

PHYSICS

(Higher and Standard Level in English)

AIMS

• To give students a firm grounding in the concepts of classical physics.
• To introduce students to some of the concepts of 20th century physics.
• To help students see the importance of physics in the modern world.
• To prepare students for the IB examinations.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

All physics students study the same core material. This includes the study of mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism and nuclear physics. This requires 80 hours of classroom instruction. They also study two options chosen from further mechanics, atomic physics, energy, biomedical physics, historical physics, astrophysics, relativity and optics. These require an additional 15 hours of instruction per option. Higher level students, in addition, study extension material relating to further mechanics (such as simple harmonic motion and Newton’s law of gravitation), particle physics, the concept of energy and a third option chosen from the list above.

Higher level students require about 50% more instruction than standard level students. Additional time is needed for the practical work and the project.

ASSESSMENT

The final grade awarded to a student depends on his/her performance in:
• a set of multiple-choice questions which examine the whole syllabus;
• a set of structured questions which examine the whole syllabus;
• a set of structured questions which examine the options;
• a set of practical experiments which are assessed by the teacher;
• a project which requires the student to design and carry out his (or her) own experiment(s).

During the course internal assessments are made, the results of which appear on the reports which are sent to parents. These do not directly contribute to the

grade awarded by the IB examiners.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

Our technological world needs good scientists and engineers and the IB physics course is relevant to the future needs of both our students and our society. Physics at standard level is a popular option but at higher level the course is very demanding and, in reality, only a few students will have the ability and determination to obtain a good final grade. The Physics Department reserves the right to decide which students may follow this course at Higher Level.

 

IB DIPLOMA - Grupo 5

MATHEMATICS

(Higher Level in English)

AIMS

• To develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles and to be able to communicate
mathematically both clearly and confidently.
• To employ and refine the powers of abstraction and generalisation.
• To develop patience and persistence in problem solving.
• To have an enhanced awareness of and utilise the potential of technological developments in a variety of mathematical contexts.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Core topics: Matrices and Transformations Number and Algebra
Functions and Equations Statistics
Circular Functions and Trigonometry Probability
Vector Geometry Calculus
Optional topic: Sets, Relations and Groups or Statistics

ASSESSMENT

Written Papers 80%
Paper 1 (2 hours) 30% (Twenty short-response questions based on the core topics.)
Paper 2 (3 hours) 50% (Five extended-response questions based on core topics and one extended-response question based on optional topic.)

Portfolio 20%
Three assignments based on different areas of the programme given during the two years of the course, representing the following four activities:
i) mathematical investigation ii) mathematical modelling iii) extended closed-problem solving

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

As the course is very demanding the students must have the approval of the Head of Mathematics to be able to study the Mathematics Higher-Level programme. They should also bear in mind their:
• abilities in mathematics and the type of mathematics in which they can be successful
• interest in mathematics with respect to areas which hold an appeal
• other choices of subjects within the framework of the IB diploma
• future academic plans in terms of the subjects they wish to study
• choice of career
• readiness to do a lot of homework in order to practise and revise class-work

Teachers in the mathematics department are available to assess students in choosing the most appropriate course and level in IB mathematics.
All candidates for the mathematics higher level programme should have access to a graphics display calculator at all times during the course, both inside and outside of the classroom. Currently, at Newton we recommend the Casio CFX-9950G Plus 64KB. For further details please check Casio’s web site www.casio.com

Further details on the Mathematics Department Web Site

IB DIPLOMA - Grupo 5

MATHEMATICAL METHODS

(Standard Level in English or Spanish)

AIMS

• To develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles and to be able to communicate
mathematically both clearly and confidently.
• To employ and refine the powers of abstraction and generalisation.
• To develop patience and persistence in problem solving.
• To have an enhanced awareness of and utilise the potential of technological developments in a variety of mathematical contexts.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Core topics: Number and Algebra Vector Geometry
Functions and Equations Statistics and Probability
Circular Functions and Trigonometry Calculus
Optional topic: Further Calculus

ASSESSMENT

Written Papers 80%
Paper 1 (1 hour) 30% (Fifteen short-response questions based on the core topics.) Paper 2 (2 hours) 50% (Five extended-response questions based on the core topics and one extended-response question based on the optional topic.)
Portfolio 20%
Three assignments based on different areas of the programme given during the two years of the course, representing the following three activities:
i) mathematical investigation
ii) extended closed-problem solving
iii) mathematical modelling

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

In choosing which mathematics course to study at IB students should bear in mind their:
• abilities in mathematics and the type of mathematics in which they can be successful
• interest in mathematics with respect to areas which hold an appeal
• choices of subjects within the framework of the IB diploma
• future academic plans in terms of the subjects they wish to study
• choice of career

Teachers in the mathematics department are available to assess any student in choosing the most appropriate course and level in IB mathematics.

All candidates for Mathematical Methods should have access to a graphics display calculator at all times during the course, both inside and outside of the classroom. Currently, at Newton we recommend the Casio CFX-9950G Plus 64KB. For further details please check Casio’s web site www.casio.com

Further details on the Mathematics Department Web Site

IB DIPLOMA - Grupo 5

MATHEMATICAL STUDIES

(Standard Level in English or Spanish)

AIMS

• To develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles and to be able to communicate mathematically both clearly and confidently.
• To employ and refine the powers of abstraction and generalization.
• To develop patience and persistence in problem solving.
• To have an enhanced awareness of and utilize the potential of technological developments in a variety of mathematical contexts.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Core topics: Number and Algebra Statistics and Probability
Sets and Logic Functions
Geometry and Trigonometry Financial Mathematics
Optional topic: Introductory Differential Calculus (and integral calculus)

ASSESSMENT

Written Papers 80%
Paper 1 1 hours 30% (Fifteen compulsory short-response questions based on the core topics.)
Paper 2 2 hours 50% (Five compulsory extended-response questions based on the core topics and one extended-response question based on the optional topic.
Project 20%
An individual piece of work completed during the course involving the collection and/or generation of data, and the analysis and evaluation of that data. Projects may take the form of mathematical modelling, investigations, applications, statistical surveys etc.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

In choosing which mathematics course to study at IB students should bear in mind the following
• their own abilities in mathematics and the type of mathematics in which they can be successful
• their own interest in mathematics with respect to areas, which hold an appeal
• their other choices of subjects within the framework of the IB diploma
• their future academic plans in terms of the subjects they wish to study
• their choice of career
• that the mathematical studies course is designed for those who do not anticipate a need for mathematics in their future career
Teachers in the mathematics department are available to assist any student in choosing the most appropriate course and level in IB mathematics.
Candidates for mathematical studies are expected to have access to a calculator, which may or not may have a graphics display, at all times during the course, both inside and outside of the classroom. If a student requires a graphics calculator, currently, at Newton we recommend the Casio CFX-9950G Plus 64KB. For further details please check Casio’s web site www.casio.com.

Further details on the Mathematics Department Web Site

IB DIPLOMA - Grupo 6

ARTES VISUALES

(Nivel Superior y Medio)

OBJETIVOS GENERALES:

• Promocionar la oportunidad para desarrollar las facultades estéticas, creativas e imaginativas.
• Estimular la búsqueda de calidad mediante el entrenamiento, la experimentación y la investigación.
• Desarrollar el sentido crítico.
• Estimular una actitud vivaz e inquisidora para poder crear una obra.

ESTRUCTURA DEL PROGRAMA

Los alumnos aprenden el uso de técnicas y materiales por medio de ejercicios.
•Dibujos del natural con carboncillo
•Mezclas de color
•Ejercicios de composición
•Ejercicios para desarrollar la creatividad
•Uso de diferentes pinturas, grabados, esculturas, etc.
•Investigación personal sobre historia del arte
•Realizar doce trabajos bien terminados

EVALUACIÓN

Evaluaciones constantes, teniendo en cuenta la nota de esfuerzo.
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