Students of all three strands will take the following common subjects.

English: This is a course designed to provide students with extensive experience and training in the study, interpretation, and analysis of literary works.  Students will read a variety of translated world literature texts across many genres and from several countries in each continent. They will develop skills in the areas of oral presentation, formal academic writing, and critical analysis as they read and study literary texts. They will learn to see relationships across and between texts and other media, and they will come to understand, appreciate, and construct their own meaning from a diverse selection of texts. The course aims to make students become careful readers, convincing discussers, sophisticated analysts, creative and divergent thinkers, and effective communicators (with a robust vocabulary) in both speaking and writing. The students will be required to take oral and written exams as part of the course.

Mathematics Math subject provides students with a sound mathematical background to prepare for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics, and business administration. Students are introduced to important mathematical concepts through the development of mathematical techniques in a way that emphasizes subject comprehension as well as mathematical rigor. Students should, where possible, apply the acquired mathematical knowledge to solve realistic problems. In addition, the course enables students to: appreciate the elegance, power and usefulness of math subjects, develop logical, critical and creative thinking, develop an understanding of the principles and nature of the subject, employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization, develop patience and persistence in problem solving, appreciate the consequences arising from technological developments, transfer skills to alternative situations and to future developments, communicate clearly and confidently in a variety of contexts, appreciate the multiplicity of cultural and historical perspectives of mathematics, including the international dimension of mathematics.

Science: In science, all students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In Biology, they study life at the level of molecules, genes, cells, organs, organisms, populations and complex ecosystems. In Chemistry, students learn the chemical principles that underpin both the physical environment and biological systems through the study of quantitative chemistry, periodicity, kinetics and other subjects. In Physics, students apply theory to develop traditional practical skills and increase their abilities in the use of mathematics, which is the language of physics. They also develop digital communication skills, which are essential in modern scientific endeavor. The course combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills through the experimental approach. The course aims to provide students with a broad yet academically demanding program of study that develops the following skills: critical-thinking, reflection, research, independent learning and intercultural understanding. Students are assessed on their ability to: 1) adhere to moral, ethical, social, and environmental codes of conduct, 2) apply scientific terminology, methods and manipulative skills with precision and safety, 3) construct and evaluate scientific hypotheses, methods and explanations, 4) demonstrate creativity, cooperation, communication, perseverance and responsibility in the context of scientific inquiry, and 5) analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information.

Social Studies: In Social Studies, the students’ develop international awareness through the examination of key global issues including poverty, sustainability and climate change. Students consider examples and detailed case studies at a variety of scales, from local to regional, national and international. History topics are structured to help students learn that history is more than the study of the past. It is the process of recording, reconstructing and interpreting the past through the investigation of a variety of sources. It is a discipline that gives people an understanding of themselves and others in relation to the world, both past and present. The course aims to: 1) enhance the students’ global perspective of diversity and change; 2) develop their understanding of the interrelationships between people, places, spaces and the environment; 3) strengthen their concern for human welfare and the quality of the environment; 4) deepen their understanding of the need for planning and sustainable management; and 5) cultivate their fascination with the social studies, developing a lasting interest in it whether or not they continue to study it formally.

International Studies:  Students in International Studies gain an understanding that the world is composed of interrelated economic, political, religious, cultural, geographical and ecological systems. The course engages students in critical evaluation of world conflicts and complex global problems. Students explore how people’s beliefs, actions, and worldviews are shaped by those perspectives and recognize how an appreciation for the diversity of cultures and opinions is needed to foster a harmonious global society. Instruction includes class discussion, lecture, group learning, and participation in meaningful community projects that genuinely impact partners both inside and outside of school. The Internet is utilized throughout this course to involve students in current issues locally, nationally, and internationally. Students follow two news sources (BBC World and Al Jazeera) and two current affairs websites (PBS News Hour Extra and The Day). They must make it a habit to read the news daily and search archives for stories related to class topics.

Graphic Design & Blog Design:  This course equips students to produce their own high quality computer graphics and images and to create their own blogs of professional quality. Each student’s blog content is aligned with his/her chosen strand (science, business or general) to ensure authentic learning. Each student is expected to self-learn under the supervision of a teacher. This means that the teacher assists the student in the meta-cognitive process (i.e., enquiring, planning, attempting, reflecting, re-fining and re-attempting). The teacher does not provide the content but rather assists the student in finding relevant content on his/her own. Students are assessed on their ability to find resources, to know their strengths and weaknesses, and on their progress/improvement with respect to metacognition and the attainment of 21^st century skills.

Physical Education: Physical Education is an integral part of our curriculum that concentrates on the development of students’ physical potential and their related physical, social, emotional health and growth. In this subject the students learn basic concepts, gain practical knowledge, and experience opportunities to learn new sports and develop physical skills. Each student strives for personal bests in running, swimming, strength, endurance, flexibility and health (as measured by resting heart rate, recovery rate, body weight, blood pressure and other variables). We believe that health and fitness significantly affect learning and development. Therefore, we emphasize that health and fitness are life skills that should be individual and community goals.

Filipino Studies: In this course, students hone their skills in reading, listening, speaking and writing in Filipino language through linguistic and literary studies. The course has a strong emphasis on the meaning of moral character and spirituality in the Filipino context. The course aims to: 1) enhance the students’ perspectives of diversity and change in the Philippines; 2) develop their understanding of the interrelationships between Filipino people, places, spaces and the environment; 3) strengthen their concern for indigenous Filipinos and other marginalized groups; 4) develop their fascination of, and appreciation for, Filipino art, language and culture; and 5) cultivate a lasting appreciation for past Filipinos who’s customs and contributions continue to impart a lasting influence in modern Filipino culture.

Business & Management: This strand gives students an understanding of business principles, practices and skills. Emphasis is placed on technical innovation and understanding the day-to-day business functions of marketing, human resource management, accounts and finance, operations management and business strategy. A fundamental feature of the course is the concept of synergy; the concept that organizations should seek an overall return greater than the sum of its parts. Students should imbibe the ethical concerns and issues of social responsibility in the business environment, and they should be able to make sense of the forces and circumstances that drive change in an interdependent and multicultural world. This would enable students to assimilate the principles of business and management, and to become critical and effective participants in local and world affairs. The course aims to develop students that can: perceive business issues holistically and from different cultural perspectives; think critically about individual and organizational behavior; make informed business decisions; appreciate the nature and significance of change in a local, regional and global context; understand the social, cultural and ethical factors in the actions of organizations and individuals in those organizations; appreciate the social and ethical responsibilities associated with businesses operating in international markets; demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business terminology, concepts, principles and theories; select and interpret data; apply business techniques; analyze and evaluate business decisions using valid sources; evaluate business strategies and/or practices showing evidence of critical thinking; apply skills and knowledge learned in the subject to real business situations; communicate business ideas and information effectively and accurately using appropriate formats and tools; and synthesize knowledge in order to develop a framework for business decision-making.

Business Research: All business students conduct independent research and produce a final written thesis. The course develops the students’ research language, ethics, and approaches (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods). Students learn the steps involved in crafting (and executing) independent research within their interest areas, and they develop the ability to critically assess published research. Students are introduced to several research methods useful for academic and professional investigations including statistical techniques, interviews, ethnographies, surveys and experiments. Students must be able to discuss mixed method approaches, case studies, participatory and user-centered research, as well as research involving minors.

SCIENCE STRAND

Advanced Science: In this strand, students delve deeply into a range of topics including atomic, nuclear and particle physics, discrete energy and radioactivity, nuclear reactions, the structure of matter, energy production, energy sources, thermal energy transfer, energy flow through ecosystems, carbon cycling, climate change, speciation, biodiversity, natural selection, cladistics, classification & evolution, gene expression, chromosomes, meiosis, inheritance, gene pools, genetic modification and biotechnology, botany, human organ systems, defense against infectious disease, antibody production and vaccination, neuroscience and behavior. Ultimately, we hope this course will help students to: 1) appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context through stimulating and challenging opportunities; 2) acquire a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology; 3) apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology; 4) develop an ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information; 5) develop a critical awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and communication during scientific activities; 6) develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the use of current technologies; 7) develop and apply 21st century communication skills in the study of science; 8) become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of using science and technology; 9) develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science and technology; and 10) develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other areas of knowledge.

Independent Research: All science students conduct independent research and produce a final written thesis. The course develops the students’ research language, ethics, and approaches (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods). Students learn the steps involved in crafting (and executing) independent research within their interest areas, and they develop the ability to critically assess published research. Students are introduced to several research methods useful for academic and professional investigations including statistical techniques, interviews, ethnographies, surveys and experiments. Students must be able to discuss mixed method approaches, case studies, participatory and user-centered research, as well as research involving minors.

Advanced Science: In this strand, students delve deeply into a range of topics including atomic, nuclear and particle physics, discrete energy and radioactivity, nuclear reactions, the structure of matter, energy production, energy sources, thermal energy transfer, energy flow through ecosystems, carbon cycling, climate change, speciation, biodiversity, natural selection, cladistics, classification & evolution, gene expression, chromosomes, meiosis, inheritance, gene pools, genetic modification and biotechnology, botany, human organ systems, defense against infectious disease, antibody production and vaccination, neuroscience and behavior. Ultimately, we hope this course will help students to: 1) appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context through stimulating and challenging opportunities; 2) acquire a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology; 3) apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology; 4) develop an ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information; 5) develop a critical awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and communication during scientific activities; 6) develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the use of current technologies; 7) develop and apply 21st century communication skills in the study of science; 8) become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of using science and technology; 9) develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science and technology; and 10) develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other areas of knowledge.

Independent Research: All science students conduct independent research and produce a final written thesis. The course develops the students’ research language, ethics, and approaches (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods). Students learn the steps involved in crafting (and executing) independent research within their interest areas, and they develop the ability to critically assess published research. Students are introduced to several research methods useful for academic and professional investigations including statistical techniques, interviews, ethnographies, surveys and experiments. Students must be able to discuss mixed method approaches, case studies, participatory and user-centered research, as well as research involving minors.

In the General Strand, all students choose four electives and they conduct a culminating project in either community service or the arts.

Electives for the General Strand (students choose four)

• Business & Management
• Marketing & Sales
• Advanced Physics
• Advanced Biology
• Economics
• Art History

Culminating Project:

Students have the option of engaging in a community project or producing an art exhibit. Students that choose to do an art exhibit will concentrate their work in one medium and focus on developing a strong, cohesive portfolio of art that explores a “big idea”, focus area or thesis in a way that shows breadth and depth of work and also meaningful investigation into world cultures. Students are expected to be independently motivated as they research the history and practice of their chosen art form and “big idea”/thesis across cultures, time periods and disciplines. They will need to use multiple sources with proper citations. They will learn to connect their research to their own work, creating art that expresses personal meaning within a cultural, historical and discipline-based context. Students that choose to do a community project may choose from the following options: street-theatre, urban gardening, shadow teaching, environmental protection, conservation program, or a school-approved student initiative.