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The following courses are available to students in the Wichita International Baccalaureate program. This list includes only those courses labeled IB or Pre-IB and does not list courses available to IB students through the regular East High program. Students should consult the Wichita Public Schools High School Program of Studies for course descriptions of non-IB courses. When planning courses, students should be aware of the following:
The IB counselor will work carefully with students to develop a Four-Year Plan outlining their courses throughout their IB program. One of the characteristics of IB graduates that makes them so attractive to colleges and universities is the fact that they have followed a prescriptive program. Each tested IB discipline requires a clear-cut sequence of courses. This prescriptiveness requires students to be very careful when they enroll so that they ensure that 1) they will be able to meet the requirements of the IB program in each discipline, and 2) they will be able to enroll in the elective courses that are most important to them. The Four-Year Plan helps students and staff to meet both goals. The sample Four-Year Plan on the following page outlines what courses are available in each discipline at each grade level.
All IB students enroll in each of the following courses, each course being the prerequisite for the next. Though students may choose to test at the SL level in Language A, they may do so only after completing the HL curriculum during the senior year.
Pre-IB English 1 (1203-1204)
This freshman-level course introduces students to the basics of expository, analytical, and critical writing. Students engage in critical readings of major texts of world and American literature (plays, novels, short stories, poems) and examine them in light of their historical contexts. Students learn to recognize the elements of fiction and to appreciate the craft of literature. The course devotes considerable time to vocabulary development.
Pre-IB English 2 (1227-1228)
This sophomore-level course continues students' studies of expository writing. The course focuses on American literature from the Colonial, Neoclassic, Romantic, Realistic, and Modern Periods. Students research and write a major research paper examining a figure or theme from American literature, and they continue to develop their vocabularies. Also, students learn to write abstracts of non-fiction articles and critical essays.
Prerequisite: Pre-IB English 1
IB English 3 (1523-1524)
This course begins the sequence of formal Language A study recognized by IB and leading toward IB testing. Students and teachers engage in more complex discussions and analyses of major texts from world literature. The goals of IB English 3 and the following IB World Lit HL course are to enable students to express ideas with clarity, coherence, precision, and fluency in both written and oral communication; to demonstrate a sophisticated approach to literary analysis; to demonstrate an appreciation of the similarities and differences between works from different ages and cultures; and to demonstrate an ability to structure ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing, in a sustained and logical fashion, using precise and relevant examples.
Prerequisite: Pre-IB English 2
IB World Literature (1525-1526)
This course is the culmination of IB course work in Language A and is designed to give students the opportunity to apply their analytical writing and thinking skills to additional works from the IB Prescribed Books List. Students prepare papers to be submitted to IB and prepare oral presentations and formal oral commentaries on selected works as part of their requirements for Language A. They also practice in-class essay writing in preparation for IB testing and college essay exam writing.
Prerequisite: IB English 3
Freshmen must enroll in either Pre-IB Biology, Pre-IB Chemistry, or Pre-IB Physics. (See course descriptions for prerequisites.) Students planning to major in science or math-related fields should plan to enroll in more than one science discipline. For example, students planning on biological or pre-med studies should plan to enroll in chemistry as well as biology courses; students planning on engineering majors should consider chemistry as well as physics. Students wishing to take an additional science class may take the Pre-IB course in any science during the sophomore, junior, or senior year. However, students who opt to test in a second science discipline in lieu of an IB Elective must keep in mind that the Pre-IB level course in each science discipline is a prerequisite to the SL course in that discipline. Students who choose to test at the SL level in a science during the junior year may enroll in the HL course their senior year and will not be required to test at the HL level in that science. Students may enroll in non-IB science courses in addition to, though not in place of, IB science courses.
Pre-IB Biology (4909-4910)
Pre-IB Biology is comparable to an Honors Biology 1 course. Students receive an introduction to cells and cell chemistry, energy relationships, genetics, taxonomy, plant structure, comparative zoology, ecology, disease, and human reproduction. Students learn anatomy and biological processes through lecture, readings, and laboratory work. Students learn the scientific method and learn methods for writing lab reports.
IB Biology SL (4911-4912)
The SL curriculum is an intensive examination of the core program required of all IB Biology students around the world. Its emphases are on cells, biochemistry, genetics, ecology, human health and physiology, evolution and ethology. Students can expect that 25% of class time will be devoted to labs. Students will keep notebooks outlining their laboratory investigations and will participate in a major project that contributes toward each student's IB Biology test score.
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Biology, Recommended: Pre-IB Chemistry
IB Biology HL (4913-4914)
Biology HL is a college-level course designed to deepen students' understanding of more complex biological topics. Students continue to examine the core topics begun in Biology SL and study additional topics in nucleic acids and proteins, respiration and photosynthesis, genetics, disease, excretion, plant science, and neurobiology. Approximately 25% of class time will be devoted to labs, and students will continue to maintain notebooks of their investigations.
Prerequisite: IB Biology SL
Pre-IB Chemistry (4893-4894)
Pre-IB Chemistry is comparable to an Honors Chemistry 1 course. Students learn the basics of scientific investigation as it pertains to chemistry and will be in the laboratory once every week. Topics introduced in Pre-IB Chemistry may include atomic theory, bonding, states of matter, kinetics, acids and bases, and oxidation and reduction. The course introduces students to methods of applying and using scientific facts and concepts and develops students' abilities to analyze and evaluate hypotheses, research questions, and predictions. This course is designed to prepare students to be successful in IB Biology SL.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
IB Chemistry SL (4903-4904)
IB requirements include a core curriculum in chemistry, three optional topics, and forty hours of laboratory work including a group project. The core curriculum includes stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and organic chemistry. The options may include human biochemistry, environmental chemistry, industrial chemistry, or nuclear chemistry. The class will continue to develop investigative skills as students prepare for the SL exam or continue working toward the HL exam. Students enrolling in Chemistry SL should have strong Algebra 2 skills.
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Chemistry
IB Chemistry HL (4905-4906)
Chemistry HL is a college-level course. Students cover SL material in a more sophisticated manner and to a deeper degree. SL core topics and options will be further examined, and students will have the opportunity to investigate additional optional topics decided upon by the class. Each student will keep a portfolio of investigations that may be evaluated by IB staff. To succeed in the course, students should have received an A or B in Chemistry SL and should have strong Algebra 2 skills.
Prerequisite: IB Chemistry SL
Pre-IB Physics (4791-4792)
Physics is the most basic of the sciences. Pre-IB Physics studies the nature of motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, light, and the inside of atoms. The course treats physics conceptually rather than mathematically; however, a strong math background is required, particularly for students going on to SL and HL Physics. This course is comparable to an Honors Physics 1 course. Students can expect fifteen labs to be conducted throughout the course.
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 and Geometry, or Algebra 2 (with an A or B) and concurrent enrollment in Geometry, or Geometry (with an A or B) and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2.
IB Physics SL (4917-4918)
Physics SL is a college level course comparable to AP Physics. A good background in Algebra 2 is a necessity. Topics in the IB required core include measurement, mechanics, thermal physics, properties of matter, waves, electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, astrophysics, and special and general relativity. A group project is required of all students. The course includes twenty-five labs. Examinations are tailored after previous IB examinations in order to prepare students for IB standards and expectations.
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Physics
IB Physics HL (4919-4920)
Students moving into Physics HL should have earned at least a B in Physics SL. The topics of the HL course are similar to those of the SL course, though they will be studied in considerably deeper detail. Students can expect thirty-five labs over the course of the SL/HL sequence.
Prerequisite: IB Physics HL
All IB freshmen take Pre-IB World History, and all IB sophomores take Pre-IB Advanced Placement United States History. Students who leave the IB program prior to graduation are required to take an additional year of U.S. History 2 in order to meet USD 259 graduation requirements. SL and HL course curricula follow prescriptive guidelines set forth by the International Baccalaureate, and SL courses are prerequisites for HL courses. SL courses may be taken during either the junior or senior year. All students must take U.S. Government or Advanced Placement U.S. Government in order to meet USD 259 graduation requirements. Students may also enroll in any social studies courses offered by East High School in addition to, though not in lieu of, IB and Pre-IB courses.
Pre-IB World History (3471-3472)
All IB freshmen enroll in this course. The course studies the events and forces of history, relating today's events to the past. Basic skills such as critical reading, note taking, listening, and effective essay writing are emphasized. The course investigates what civilizations are and how they might be evaluated. Topics include how geography shapes culture, how technology affects societies, how groups have faced and resolved challenges to their societies, and how power shifts when cultures collide or societies evolve.
Required course for IB freshmen
Pre-IB Advanced Placement United States History (3473-3474)
This course surveys the people and events of American history from colonial times to the present and prepares students to take the Advanced Placement United States History examination in May. Though the A.P. test is not a requirement for the course, a good score on it can result in college credit. IB students have historically performed well on the A.P. U.S. History exam. Students will study the events and ethnic, political, economic, cultural, technological, religious, and external forces that have shaped the course of U.S. history. They will continue to improve their reading, note taking, oral, writing, and test-taking skills as they pertain not only to the study of history but to the students' success throughout the IB program. The course uses a college-level text, and the students should consider this to be a college-level course.
Required course for IB sophomores
IB Business & Management SL
(6671-6672)
Designed to give students an understanding of business
principles, practices and skills. Emphasis is also placed on
understanding technical innovation and day-to-day business
functions of marketing, human resource management and finance.
Learning strategies include the application of tools and
techniques of analysis to enhance the understanding of complex
business activities. Students will appreciate the ethical
concerns and issues of social responsibility in the business
environment. Case studies will demonstrate the context of the
forces and circumstances that drive change in an interdependent
and multicultural world. Real-world applications will enable
students to become critical and effective participants in local
and world affairs. Five modules comprise the curriculum:
Business Organization and Environment, Human Resources, Accounts
and Finance, Marketing, and Operations Management.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing
IB European History SL (3477-3478)
This course is an in-depth study of modern Europe from 1880 to 1980, concentrating particularly on political European history of the twentieth century, including the World Wars and the Cold War. Topics addressed include the causes and effect of war, nationalist and independence movements, the rise and role of single party states, East/West relations since 1945, and economic developments in the twentieth century. Students also study in detail two topics announced by IB as Prescribed Subjects.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing
IB European History HL (3479-3480)
History HL focuses entirely on twentieth century European history in the following areas: origins of World War I, World War II and the Cold War, British Appeasement in the 1930s, the Stalin Revolution, and the Rise of the Nazis. The class is conducted like a college seminar with emphasis on exploring various interpretations of events. Students do considerable outside reading and write a research paper.
Prerequisite: IB European History SL
IB Psychology SL (3703-3704)
Psychology is the systematic study of behavior and experience. Students build their understanding through three modern perspectives: biological psychology, cognition, and learning. As an empirical science, psychology incorporates many forms of research methodology. Students will examine quantitative research methods, ethics, and descriptive statistics as they carry out a simple experimental study of their own design. One optional area must be studied which may include abnormal, social, psychodynamic, comparative, health, cultural, or lifespan psychology.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing
IB Psychology HL (3707-3708)
Psychology HL builds on the core concepts underlying biological psychology, cognition, and learning with additions from the humanistic perspective. The emphasis on research extends to incorporate inferential statistics and qualitative methods. Students are responsible for carrying out a complex experimental study of their own design. Two optional areas must be studied which may include abnormal, social, psychodynamic, comparative, health, cultural, or lifespan psychology.
Prerequisite: IB Psychology SL
IB students can test at three levels for the purposes of the IB Diploma. The lowest level is Math Studies, which is designed for students who do not plan to major in science or math-related fields in college. Math Studies is considered an SL test. The second level is Math Methods, a test level that can be prepared for by completing the IB SL Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB course. This level is for students who intend to major in fields requiring mathematics: e.g. economics, geography, chemistry, business administration or engineering. IB HL AP Calculus BC, the highest level, is designed for students who intend to major in mathematics or in other scientific fields requiring advanced mathematics.
The normal sequence of math courses for Pre-IB students is Algebra 1, Pre-IB Algebra 2, then Pre-IB Geometry. After Pre-IB Geometry, students determine their IB math sequences based upon their interests and abilities. Virtually all Pre-IB students enter their freshman year having completed Algebra 1 in middle school. These students move automatically into Pre-IB Algebra 2. Students who have completed Geometry in middle school may be subject to testing to determine their proficiency in geometry. If students do not exhibit appropriate proficiency, they will be enrolled in Pre-IB Geometry.
Pre-IB Algebra 2 (2103-2104)
This fast-paced course continues the topics of Algebra 1 and moves into additional topics including relations and functions, matrices and determinants, irrational and complex numbers, quadratic functions, polynomial equations, graphs of rational functions, conic sections, rational exponents, logarithms, logarithmic equations and exponential equations. Algebraic concepts covered in this class are tested in all levels of IB testing.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Pre-IB Geometry (2429-2430)
This course is a rigorous, honors level course. Geometry topics include definitions and postulates, angles, lines, angle sums of polygons, proofs, indirect proofs, similarity, tangents, arcs, segments, chords, areas and perimeters of polygons, areas and volumes of pyramids, cones, spheres, and cylinders. An understanding of the nature of proofs and the concept of an axiomatic system is essential to further mathematics courses. Geometry is included in all levels of IB tests.
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Algebra 2
IB Math Studies SL (2007-2008)
Math Studies SL may be taken during either the junior or senior year. Students cover functions, computation (approximation, algorithms), data analysis (statistics, probability), structure (sets logic), business techniques (simple sequences and finance, linear programming), geometry and trigonometry (vectors, matrices, three dimensions). Students also develop a project involving the collection, analysis and evaluation of data.
Prerequisites: Pre-IB Geometry, Pre-IB Algebra 2
IB PreCalculus/Trigonometry (2013-2014)
This course is a prerequisite to IB SL AP Calculus AB. It provides an introduction to calculus topics and a semester of trigonometry. Students who complete Math Studies during their junior year may wish to take IB PreCalculus/Trigonometry during their senior year in order to be ready for college math.
Prerequisites: Pre-IB Algebra 2 (with an A or B or with instructor’s consent) and Pre-IB Geometry
IB SL AP Calculus AB (2009-2010)
This course is similar to an Advanced Placement or college-level Calculus course. Topics include logarithms, sequences, binomial theorem, arcs and sectors, trigonometry, functions, differentiation, integration, applications of integration, vectors, matrices, square matrices, probability, statistics, conic sections, further calculus, discrete random variables, continuous random variables. Completion of this course prepares students to test at the IB Math Methods SL level.
Prerequisite: IB PreCalculus/Trig with an A or B or with instructor’s consent
IB HL AP Math BC (2003-2004)
This course assumes extremely sophisticated knowledge of fundamental mathematics and calculus as well as an enthusiasm for advanced mathematics. Topics include discrete and continuous probability distributions, functions, differentiation, differential equations, matrices, vectors, lines and planes, as well as optional topics which may include abstract algebra, graphs and trees, statistics or analysis and approximation.
Prerequisite: IB SL AP Calculus AB with an A or B or with instructor’s consent
Pre-IB French 1 (5151-5152)
Pre-IB French 1 introduces students to the basics of French grammar and vocabulary. The course also begins an examination of French culture. The class emphasizes the basic skills of writing, speaking, listening and reading. Students are urged to prepare for and take the National French Examination.
Pre-IB French 2 (5153-5154)
This course expands upon the grammatical studies begun in Pre-IB French 1 with particular emphasis on tenses and vocabulary. Students engage in a semester-long research project on a French province and continue to develop their reading, writing and oral proficiencies. Students are urged to prepare for and take the National French Examination.
Prerequisite: Pre-IB French 1 or French 1A, 1B
IB French 3 (5155-5156)
Students learn more advanced grammatical concepts, including conditional tenses, in order to read more sophisticated literature. They learn about French history and work toward developing skills necessary to deal effectively with IB testing themes. Students read CaVa magazine to introduce them to contemporary issues in French culture and to hone their reading skills. Students are urged to prepare for and take the National French Examination.
Prerequisite: Pre-IB French 2
IB French 4 (5157-5158)
Students must complete this level of French to test at the SL level. This class is not a grammar class, but rather a class devoted to refining speaking, reading and writing skills. Students testing at the SL level also prepare for an oral examination that contributes to their IB test scores. Students are urged to prepare for and take the National French Examination.
Prerequisite: IB French 3
IB French 5 (5159-5160)
This course prepares students to test at the HL level, although students may opt to take this course and test at the SL level after consultation with the teacher. It is a class for students with considerably advanced speaking, writing and reading skills. Students prepare for oral examinations and for the written IB examination taken in May through regular reading about contemporary issues and doing practice in-class essay examinations. Students are urged to prepare for and take the National French Examination.
Prerequisite: IB French 4 students who have completed IB French 4 and tested at the SL level may enroll in this course as non-testing students.
IB French 6 (5163-5164)
This advanced course refines students’ speaking, writing, reading and listening skills as it prepares advanced students for the HL French exam.
Prerequisite: IB French 5
Pre-IB Spanish 1 (5471-5472)
Students learn basic communication skills while they learn about Spanish cultural aspects and geography. Students develop reading, writing, speaking and listening proficiencies through the development of vocabulary and the study of grammatical forms. Movies, music, and guest speakers will enhance students’ appreciation of Spanish culture.
Pre-IB Spanish 2 (5473-5474)
Students will continue to develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through the acquisition of additional vocabulary and grammatical forms. Discussion of current events will be part of the daily routine as it enhances students’ understanding of Spanish culture. During second semester, students write and illustrate stories in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Spanish 1 or Spanish 1A, 1B
IB Spanish 3 (5475-5476)
Emphasizing speaking, this course builds on the foundations of Spanish 1 and 2
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Spanish 2
IB Spanish 4 (5477-5478)
This class prepares students for the SL examination and includes the necessary oral projects and practice activities for the exam while emphasizing writing skills and the reading of more sophisticated material. Seniors in the class will take the SL test; juniors have the option of taking the SL test or continuing into IB Spanish 5.
Prerequisite: IB Spanish 3
IB Spanish 5 (SL 5479-5480) (HL 5483-5484)
This class prepares students for the SL or HL examination. Students should consult with the teacher to determine which course they should take depending on their fluency, knowledge, and confidence. Students who have completed Spanish 4 and have tested at the SL level may enroll in this course as non-testing students.
Prerequisite: IB Spanish 4 or instructor’s consent
IB Spanish 6 (5481-5482)
This class prepares students with considerably advanced language skills for the HL examination. Literature, written work and oral projects of a more demanding nature are included.
Prerequisite: IB Spanish 5 or instructor’s consent
The sixth discipline in which students test is typically referred to as a “required elective.” The Wichita IB program offers four options for the “required elective”: Computer Studies, Music, Theater Arts, and Visual Arts. Students may test at the SL or HL levels in any of these disciplines, although some students forego the elective options and choose instead to test in a second experimental science, a second social studies field, or a second language B for their sixth discipline. Each of the elective fields may require specific prerequisite courses.
IB Computer Studies SL (5811-5812)
This course builds upon the Pascal language and C++, and prepares students for the SL exam. Emphasis is on variables, write line statements, three different loops, procedures, functions, arrays, records, sets, algorithms, and the logic needed to write programs. Students prepare a dossier as part of their IB examination requirement.
Prerequisites: Students need skills in word-processing, database management, spreadsheets and Algebra 2. Students must also have completed Programming 1 and Programming 2.
IB Computer Studies HL (5813-5814)
This course follows the SL course with a more extensive treatment of programming technology including variant records, sets, linked lists, recursion, stacks, queue, sorts and trees with dynamic data types. High level documentation will be taught with the student designing and implementing ten or more programs and producing a special project dossier required to meet International Baccalaureate guidelines.
Prerequisite: IB Computer Studies SL
IB Design Technology
SL (7064-7065)
This course consists of gathering information about the present
state of the world around us, processing that information and
planning for some kind of intervention either by modifying what
is already there or introducing something new. It requires
students to experience practical, experimental, investigative
and project work in the laboratory and classroom. All students
must complete a design technology project as part of their
internal assessment. Topics include the design cycle; the
responsibility of the designer; materials; manufacturing
processes and techniques; production systems; clean technology
and green design; and computer-aided design, manufacture and
production. A lab fee is required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Technology/CAD (7047-7048),
Engineering Design and CAD (7045-7046)
IB Music SL/HL (SL 8631-8632) (HL 8633-8634)
The Wichita IB program is designed to prepare students for success on the SL and HL tests while acknowledging the tremendous musical background students already possess. Because almost all students preparing for the exams are enrolled in a performing ensemble at East, we are able to offer SL/HL Music as a combined one-year course. This fact enables most students to remain in performance classes (band, orchestra, choir, etc.) for all four years of high school. Students may elect to take IB Music both junior and senior years if their schedules allow, but only those students who are planning to test at the HL level and are not enrolled in a performance class are required to enroll in both SL and then HL Music in order to meet IB class hours requirements.
There are three testing options at the SL level: solo performance, group performance, or composition. This option comprises 50% of the assessment. At the HL level, students are required to do both solo performance and composition. As in the SL level, this comprises 50% of the assessment. The other 50% of the assessment, at both the SL and HL levels, is a required Musical Perception and Analysis component. This three-part component includes a study of prescribed work, a study of musical genres and styles, and musical investigation.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing for SL, senior standing for HL
IB Theater Arts SL (1163-1164)
Students in this course engage in four areas of theatrical studies: 1) development of performance skills, 2) the study of theater history focusing on at least two contrasting cultures and practices, 3) play analysis and interpretation, and 4) play production. Students prepare research projects and submit a portfolio of their work, including a journal of their development in performance skills and a journal outlining their contribution to theater production.
Prerequisite: Drama 1 or teacher’s consent
IB Theater Arts HL (1165-1166)
Students in this course are required to meet all of the objectives and performance standards of the SL class along with a study of an additional contrasting historical and cultural theater practices. HL students also develop an individual study, an individually tailored project designed to investigate some aspect of theater arts of particular interest to the student.
Prerequisite: IB Theater Arts SL
Pre-IB Art (8457-8458)
This course is primarily for freshmen, though sophomores enroll in it as well. It explores a variety of media and artistic ideas, both traditional and contemporary. Students examine aesthetics and the role of art in society. Students may work in drawing, painting, ceramics, photography and printmaking, and they are required to keep a sketchbook and to purchase their art supplies. After completing Pre-IB Art, students may select to study in a more specific medium their sophomore year and may choose East High courses in ceramics, photography, painting, or commercial design.
IB Visual Arts SL and HL
Each Visual Arts course consists of two linked compulsory parts, with many activities integrating work in the studio with workbook research. In common to each course are core elements, which include:
At both levels, students prepare a portfolio of finished art works that demonstrate creative thinking, technical skill and understanding of media, persistence in research, excellent use of elements and principles of design, and the ability to evaluate one’s own work. This portfolio is formally exhibited. Students also prepare workbooks reflecting the students’ processes and growth as they design, create and finish their works. Additionally, students meet with a visiting examiner appointed by IB to evaluate their accomplishments, intentions and understanding of art history and aesthetic topics.
IB Visual Arts SL (8451-8452)
At the SL level, students are allowed to choose between two options, SLA and SLB. The SLA option is designed for the visual arts student with creative and imaginative abilities and emphasizes time spent on studio work (70%) over the research workbooks (30%). The SLB option is designed for the student whose interest in art is mainly critical, cultural, and historical, and emphasizes the research workbooks (70%) over studio work (30%).
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Art or instructor’s consent.
IB Visual Arts HL (8453-8454)
This course is designed for the specialist visual arts student, with creative and imaginative abilities, who may pursue the visual arts at the university or college level. The content of the course is similar to the SL level course, but due to the additional amount of time spent in this course, the work produced may be superior in quantity, maturity and/or quality. This course, like the SLA option, emphasizes studio work (70%) over workbook research (30%).
Prerequisite: IB Visual Arts SL