IB Course Descriptions

This first-year course introduces students to the basics of expository, analytical, and critical writing and to the use of textual support to develop written arguments. Students engage in critical, close readings of relevant texts of world and American literature (plays, novels, short stories, poems, and non-fiction texts) and examine them in light of their historical and cultural contexts. Students learn to recognize the technical and stylistic elements of literature and to appreciate the craft of literature. The course also addresses vocabulary development.

Required course for all Freshmen in the program

This sophomore-level course continues students’ study of literature, argumentative writing, and the development of critical analysis skills in both written and spoken contexts. The course focuses on literature from a variety of literary periods, cultures, and genres. Students will prepare both written assignments and oral presentations that show evidence of evaluating sources, close critical analysis, appropriate source citation, and the oral analysis of literature. 

Prerequisite: EHS Pre-IB English 1

This course begins the two-year sequence of formal Language A1 (English) study recognized by IB and leading toward IB testing. Students engage in complex discussions and analyses of important texts from world literature. In IB World Literature 3, students study literature written in English and in translation. The goals of the IB Literature two-year course of study are to enable students to express both written and spoken ideas with clarity, coherence, precision, and fluency; to demonstrate a sophisticated approach to literary analysis; to demonstrate an appreciation of the similarities and difference between works from different ages and cultures; to demonstrate an understanding of how issues with a global impact emerge in literature; and to demonstrate an ability to structure sustained logical ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing. Students prepare their written HL essay for submission to IB for external assessment. Students will also participate in a college exploration unit.

Prerequisite: EHS Pre-IB English 2

This course is the culmination of IB course work in Language A1 (English) and is designed to give students the opportunity to apply their analytical writing and thinking skills to additional works from the IB Prescribed Reading List. In IB World Literature HL, students study literature written in English and in translation. The goals of the IB Literature two-year course of study are to enable students to express both written and spoken ideas with clarity, coherence, precision, and fluency; to demonstrate a sophisticated approach to literary analysis; to demonstrate an understanding of how issues with a global impact emerge in literature; to demonstrate an understanding of the role of genre in literature; and to demonstrate an ability to structure sustained logical ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing. Students will practice on-demand essay writing in preparation for the culminating written IB exams and explore and reflect upon their own personal responses to literature. They also engage in substantial spoken analysis of literature to prepare for IB’s individual oral assessment.

Prerequisite: IB World Literature 3

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a year-long course required of all IB Diploma Candidates around the world. Theory of Knowledge, along with CAS and the Extended Essay, serves as a component of the core of the IB Diploma Program. At East High, the course is scheduled for all students during the second semester of junior year and the first semester of senior year. The course investigates how we know what we profess to know and how we arrive at knowledge in the various academic disciplines. TOK also encourages the critical consideration of our own perspectives as well as those of other individuals and groups. TOK also serves to tie the various IB curricula together to allow students to reflect upon the knowledge they gain from the natural sciences, the arts, mathematics, and the social studies. Participation in class discussion is strongly considered to be a vital component of the course. IB assessments in the course encourage the consideration of TOK concepts in the experiences of students as well as in the world around them.

Prerequisite: IB Junior standing

Students learn basic communication skills while they learn about French and francophone 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 French and francophone culture.

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.

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 occur as it enhances students’ understanding of French and francophone culture.

Prerequisite: EHS PIB French 1

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 occur as it enhances students’ understanding of Spanish culture. During second semester, students write and illustrate stories in Spanish.

Prerequisite:  EHS PIB Spanish 1

Emphasizing speaking, this course builds on the foundations of French 1 and 2, with speaking and writing activities that provide increasing depth of experience leading into IB testing classes in future years.

Prerequisite:  EHS PIB French 2

Emphasizing speaking, this course builds on the foundations of Spanish 1 and 2, with speaking and writing activities that provide increasing depth of experience leading into IB testing classes in future years.

Prerequisite:  EHS PIB Spanish 2

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

This class prepares students for the SL examination, and it is for seniors who intend to take that test, as well as juniors at Level 5 who want to take the SL test, or who later intend to go on the IB Spanish 6 HL. The choice of IB Spanish 5 HL or IB Spanish 5 SL may be made in consultation with the teachers depending on a student's fluency, knowledge, and confidence.

Prerequisite: IB Spanish 4

This class prepares students for the HL examination, and it is for seniors who intend to take that test, or who have already taken the SL exam as juniors and wish to take an IB Spanish class as an elective. The choice of IB Spanish 5 HL or IB Spanish 5 SL may be made in consultation with the teachers depending on a student's fluency, knowledge, and confidence.

Prerequisite: IB Spanish 4 or instructor's consent

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. Students who have completed Spanish 5 and have tested at the SL level may enroll in this course as non-testing students.

Prerequisite:  IB Spanish 5 or instructor’s consent

All IB freshmen enroll in this combination course, having one semester devoted to each subject, both of which are a USD 259 graduation requirement. The world history course studies the events and forces of history, relating today's events. 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. In addition, U.S. Government will be taught in the same setting to meet the graduation requirement. Basic skills such as critical reading, note taking, listening, and effective essay writing are essential skills that will be developed and relied upon from the onset.

Required course for EHS PIB Freshmen

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. 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.

Required course for EHS PIB Sophomores

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. Four modules comprise the curriculum: Introduction to Organizations, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Accounting and Finance.

Prerequisite: IB Junior or Senior standing

This course is an in-depth study of 20^th Century Europe, concentrating particularly on the World Wars and the Cold War. Topics addressed include the causes and effects of war, the rise and rule of single-party states, East/West relations since 1945, and economic developments of the 1900’s. Students also study in detail one IB Prescribed Subject and will write an Internal Assessment research paper.

Prerequisite: IB Junior or Senior standing

This course again focuses entirely on twentieth century Europe, with extra emphasis on the cause and results of World War I, the diplomatic events between the World Wars, the rise of dictators, and the key events of the Cold War. The class is conducted as a college seminar with emphasis on exploring various interpretations of events. Students do considerable outside reading and write an Internal Assessment research paper.

Prerequisite: IB European History SL

The IB Philosophy course will provide students with a systematic critical inquiry into profound, fascinating, and challenging questions such as: What is it to be human? Do we have free will? What do we mean when we say something is right or wrong?  The course will include a major written component, a variety of assessments using popular media to interpret and understand philosophical thought and concepts along with stimulating and riveting class discussions on the BIG Questions relating to life, being and purpose. 

Prerequisite: IB Junior or Senior standing for SL; IB Philosophy SL for HL

Psychology is the systematic study of behavior and cognitive experience. Students build their understanding through three modern perspectives: biological, cognitive, and social cultural psychology. As a social science it incorporates many forms of research methodology. Students will examine research methods, ethics, and statistical analysis as they carry out a simple experimental study. One optional perspective is also studied which may include abnormal, developmental, health, or relationship psychology.

Prerequisite: IB Junior or Senior standing

Psychology is the systematic study of behavior and cognitive experience. HL psychology guides students to develop a deeper understanding of the core concepts learned in SL psychology (biological, cognitive, and social cultural psychology). Students will examine research methods, ethics, and statistical analysis as they carry out a simple experimental study. There is also an additional emphasis on qualitative research methods. Two optional perspectives are also studied which may include abnormal, developmental, health, or relationship psychology.

Prerequisite: IB Psychology SL

EHS 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 the scientific method and methods for writing lab reports.

Required course for all freshmen in the program.

EHS 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 EHS Pre-IB Chemistry may include atomic theory, bonding, states of matter, stoichiometry, acids and bases, and organic chemistry. The course introduces students to methods of applying and using scientific facts and concepts. This course is designed to prepare students to be successful in IB Chemistry SL.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Physics is the most basic of the sciences. EHS Pre-IB Physics studies the nature of motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, light, and the inside of atoms. The course treats physics conceptually as well as mathematically; however, a strong math background is required, particularly for students going on to SL and HL Physics. The class is primarily hands on with over thirty labs conducted through the year.  One of the most popular lab projects involves the designing of a non-fossil fuel powered electric generator.  This course is comparable to an Honors Physics 1 course.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

The SL curriculum is an intensive examination of the core program required of all IB Biology students around the world. It emphasizes cells, biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Students will spend 25% of class time on labs. Lab grades contribute towards the IB Biology test score.

Prerequisite: Pre-IB Biology
Recommended: Pre-IB Chemistry

Biology HL is a college-level course designed to deepen students' understanding of more complex biological topics. Students will further explore concepts introduced in the Biology SL course such as genetics, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, evolution, and ecology.  Additionally, they will learn new topics such as antibody production and vaccines, the kidney, animal movement and reproduction, and plant biology.

Prerequisite: IB Biology SL
Strongly recommended: Pre-IB Chemistry

IB requirements include a core curriculum in chemistry, two topics that are in related chemistry areas 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 related topics include medicines and drugs, human biochemistry, environmental chemistry, chemistry industries, fuels and energy and further organic chemistry. Each student will keep a portfolio of investigations that will be evaluated as the internal assessment. 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

Chemistry HL is a college-level course. Students cover the SL curriculum in a more sophisticated manner and to a deeper degree. SL core curriculum and additional topics are further examined and extended. Each student will keep a portfolio of investigations that will be evaluated as the internal assessment. 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

This course builds upon Java 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.

Physics Standard Level (SL) is a college level course comparable to AP Physics. A good background in Algebra 2 is a necessity. Topics in the IB required curriculum includes measurement, mechanics, thermal physics, properties of matter, waves, electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, and astrophysics. Additionally, the physics of industrial power production and the connection to climate change is the final topic covered in the spring.  A collaborative project with biology, chemistry and computer science is required of all students. The course includes fourteen experimental labs including one that is designed by the students individually that is focused on a “real world” activity of the students’ choosing. Examinations are tailored after previous IB examinations in order to prepare students for IB formatting and expectations.

Prerequisite: Pre-IB Physics

Students moving into Physics Higher Level (HL) should have had success in Physics SL. The topics of the HL course are similar to those of the SL course, though they will be studied in considerably greater detail with some additional sub-topics.  The individual experimental project described in the SL course description continues into this year with additional opportunities to dive deeper into the subject of the student’s choosing.  Students can expect twenty-five labs over the course of the SL/HL sequence.  Students completing the HL course and entering physical science fields, including engineering, in college can confidently expect to be better prepared than the average first year college student.

Prerequisite: IB Physics SL

The IB DP course in sports, exercise, and health science standard level (SL) involves the study of the science that underpins physical performance. The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition while combining biological science with aspects of chemistry and physics. Students cover a range of topics and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This provides an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyze human performance. Where relevant, the course will address issues of international dimensions and ethics by considering sport, exercise, and health relative to the individual in a global context. Most universities now offer majors in exercise or sports science so this course would be one that would benefit high school students preparing for college. 

Prerequisites:  PIB Biology and either PIB Physics or PIB Chemistry

This course covers the topics of Algebra 1 in depth and provides students with a good foundation in order to move on to Algebra 2. In this course, students will learn to communicate algebraically and to apply algebraic skills. Students will develop skills in manipulating signed numbers, graphing, applications of algebra, working with formulas, and solving linear, radical, and quadratic equations. 

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

This course is a rigorous, honors level course. Geometry topics include definitions and postulates, angles, lines, angle sums of polygons, proofs, similarity, tangents, arcs, segments, chords, areas and perimeters of polygons, areas and volumes of pyramids, cones, spheres, and cylinders.  Geometry is included in all levels of IB tests.

Prerequisite:  Algebra 1

Math Applications may be taken during either the junior or senior year and serves as a survey of all mathematics. Students review and expand knowledge on topics from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability, and statistics.  In addition, students end the year with an introduction into calculus.  During the course, students also develop a project where they use mathematical techniques to explore a real-world interest. Completion of this course not only prepares students to take the IB SL Mathematics Applications exam, but also serves as great preparation for the math sections of both the ACT and SAT.

Prerequisites: EHS PIB Geometry, EHS PIB Algebra 2

This honors-level course covers the first year of the IB Math Analysis content.  The International Baccalaureate Organization notes in their general description of Math Analysis that students who choose this class will “be students who enjoy spending time with problems and get pleasure and satisfaction from solving challenging problems.”  Topics include functions, logarithms, trigonometry, systems of equations, sequences, binomial theorem, basic probability, conic sections, and limits.  The use of technology will be embedded within these topics when appropriate; consequently, students will need to have access to a graphing calculator throughout the year.   Due to the nature of IB testing in mathematics, this course is not open to freshmen.

Prerequisites:  EHS PIB Algebra 2 (with an A or B or instructor’s consent) and EHS PIB Geometry

The name of this course may be confusing at first, but it is so named to indicate the dual nature of the content covered.  The “IB SL” portion of the name points out that students will be prepared to take the IB SL test by completing the remaining topics required for the IB Math Analysis exam.  The remaining part of the name, “AP Calculus AB”, designates that this course is equivalent to a first-semester college calculus course.  Topics covered can be found on the advanced placement syllabus for calculus.  Accordingly, all students will prepare to take the Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam in order to receive college credit in calculus.  Students in their junior year may take the IB SL exam, or they may opt to go on to the IB HL math course.

Prerequisite:  IB Precalculus/Trigonometry with an A or B or with instructor’s consent

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, applications of integration, sequences and series, parametric and polar curves, differential equations, vectors, and an in-depth study of analysis and approximation. Students also complete an independent investigation into a mathematical topic of their choice. Successful completion of this course prepares students to test at the IB Mathematics HL level and prepares students for the Advanced Placement Calculus BC exam.

Prerequisite:  IB SL AP Calculus AB with an A or B or with instructor’s consent

The Wichita East 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 hour 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: IB Junior or Senior standing for SL, IB Senior standing and IB Music SL for HL

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

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

This course is primarily for freshmen in the East High IB Program, though upperclassmen may enroll as well. This course introduces students to historical study and basis for many forms of art. It helps students form an aesthetic framework through which they can see relationships to social, political, and historical events in the world. Students address traditional and contemporary aesthetic issues/developments and how visual images/works express the needs/ideals of individuals and society. Students may work in drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and printmaking and are required to maintain a sketchbook and to purchase art supplies. Students are involved in the creative process through lecture, discussion, observation, media, and research. After completing EHS PIB Art, students may select to study in a specific medium sophomore year and may choose East High courses in ceramics/pottery, photography, drawing/painting, or design.

Students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts. Students will be assessed through the IB Visual Arts exam, which includes - (40%) Process Portfolio, submitting 9-18 pages which evidence their sustained experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of art making activities. (40%) Exhibition, submitting 4-7 resolved artworks from their exhibition demonstrating technical accomplishments and understanding of materials, ideas and practices appropriate to visual communication, along with a curatorial rationale. (20%) Comparison Study, submitting 10-15 pages of independent critical and contextual investigations exploring artworks, objects, and artifacts from differing cultural contexts.

Prerequisite: EHS PIB Art or instructor’s consent.

Students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts. Students will be assessed through the IB Visual Arts exam, which includes - (40%) Process Portfolio, submitting 13-25 pages which evidence their sustained experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of art making activities. (40%) Exhibition, submitting 8-11 resolved artworks from their exhibition demonstrating technical accomplishments and understanding of materials, ideas and practices appropriate to visual communication, along with a curatorial rationale. (20%) Comparison Study, submitting 10-15 pages of independent critical and contextual investigations exploring artworks, objects and artifacts from differing cultural contexts, plus 3-5 pages analyzing the extent to which their work has been influenced by the art and artists examined.

Prerequisite: IB Visual Arts SL