Department Philosophy

Our philosophy is to provide an open, interesting and challenging set of curricula that provide opportunities for developing student understanding of the world around them and their place within it. The courses are all guided by International Baccalaureate(Diploma and MYP) curriculae and have been developed with their assessment in mind. At the same time the courses are tailored to develop international understanding within the multi cultural school framework.

Our Faculty

Charles Tetreault, Department Head, IB History, MYP Humanities
Angel Alvarez, IB Economics, Statistics, Theory of Knowledge
Philip McCormick, MYP Humanities

Course Descriptions

IB Economics 1, Angel Alvarez
During the 1st year module of the two-year long IB Econ program, students will learn the essential concepts, subject-specific skills, methodologies and “Big Ideas” of leading thinkers in the field of economics. The course proceeds to an in-depth study of Microeconomics, focusing on individual, industry and market aspects of micro. Specific high-level topics studied are Markets, Elasticities, and Theory of the Firm. The Micro section, concluding on the themes of economic efficiency and market failure, then segues into the study of Macroeconomics, or the study of whole economic systems, their structure and processes, on the national, regional and international/global level.

IB Economics 2, Angel Alvarez
During this course’s second year, students will revisit and review the theory, essential concepts, analytical tools and key topics of Macro such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth and related government policy approaches. We will then explore key aspects of International Economics, covering topics such as trade, theory of comparative advantage, protectionism, trade agreements and regional trade/economic integration schemes, foreign investment and the rising role and importance of transnational corporations in global investment and trade flows. Other key topics covered are balance of payments, exchange rates, and terms of trade. The final section of this course focuses on Development, its measurement, characteristics,challenges and obstacles, and alternative strategies to achieve long-term sustainable development.

IB History 1, Charles Tetreault
IB History is designed as a two-year course for students pursuing an IB Certificate or IB Diploma. During the first year, the course focuses on 20th century World History structured according to selected Prescribed Subjects and 20th Century World History topics, i.e. Arab-Israeli Conflict 1945-1979, Causes, Practices and Effects of Wars, and Nationalist and Independence Movements in Africa and Asia and post-1945 Central and Eastern European States. The central theme of the first year is the impact of Imperialism on 20th Century History, both in terms of the two World Wars and the dynamic development of independent states in the post-Imperial world.

IB History 2, Charles Tetreault
For year 2, the focus is on the history of the Americas region (Western Hemisphere). The syllabus is structured around 3 major topical areas encompassing but not limited to Independence Movements, Emergence of the Americas in Foreign Affairs, The Mexican Revolution, Political developments in the Americas after the Second World War 1945-79, and the Cold War in the Americas 1945-1991. The central theme of the course in its second year will be the parallel development of the societies of North America and Latin America and the effects of the interactions between them.

Humanities 6, Philip McCormick
The course strives to introduce the students to the components of the MYP Humanities program while covering the standards set forth in the CIC Humanities curriculum document. The Five Themes of Geography, Ancient Civilizations of South America, the Dark Ages, Junior Model United Nations, and the Globalization of Sport direct our units of study. Each student leaves this class having proven understanding in these areas through a variety of performance assessments.

Humanities 7, Philip McCormick
The course strives to reinforce to the students to the components of the MYP Humanities program while covering the standards set forth in the CIC Humanities curriculum document. Climate and Weather patterns, the Renaissance Era, Junior Model United Nations, and the Age of Exploration direct the four units of study in this course. The text book, The World- Past, Present, East and West (McGraw-Hill), is used as reference throughout this course. Students are engaged in a variety of performance assessments to ensure the learning of all students. Students also read the novel, Catherine Called Birdy, as a supplement to our unit on the Renaissance.

Humanities 8, Philip McCormick
This third (full) year MYP humanities course continues the combination of geography and history and prepares students for their transition to our high school Middle Years Program. We emphasize more research and writing and examine, in-depth, these topics: Exploration, Colonialism, The race for Empire, The black civil rights movement, Junior Model United Nations and River, Coastal and Glacial Geography.

Humanities 9, Charles Tetreault
This one-year course is designed to give all students an experience of the three major social studies courses through the medium of a combined and thematic humanities course. The key themes of this year are: Populations and their Resource Bases, Past, Present, and Future Environmental Issues, Political Systems: A Comparative Analysis, and Beliefs, Norms, and Values

Humanities 10, Charles Tetreault
This one-year course is designed to help all students transition into the subject-based IB Diploma Program medium of a combined and thematic humanities course, with increased focus upon the humanities skills necessary at higher levels. The key themes of this year are: The Internet: Power to the People!, Sustainable Enterprise, Conflict and Societal Change, and Prejudice and Persecution.