Course of Study

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Paxon allows students to participate in an internationally recognized course of study that is recognized by colleges and universities in over 100 countries. This course of study aims to encourage students to be knowledgeable and inquiring, but also caring and compassionate. There is a strong emphasis on encouraging students to develop intercultural understanding, open-mindedness, and the attitudes necessary for them to respect and evaluate a range of points of view.

Paxon's IB Prep Program
(Grades 9 & 10)

The Paxon IB Prep Program is a challenging course of study for 9th and 10th grade students seeking to work towards preparing for the IB Diploma Programme curriculum which begins in the 11th grade. Students take a combination of Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses and are able to begin earning college credit in 9th grade.

The IB Diploma Programme
(Grades 11 & 12)

IB Diploma Programme students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 2, 3, or 4.

At Paxon SAS we currently offer the following subjects in each group:

Studies in language & Literature (Group 1):

English A: Literature

Language Acquisition (Group 2):

French B
Mandarin Chinese B
Spanish B

Individuals & Societies (Group 3):

Business Management
History (Americas)
Digital Society
Psychology

Sciences (Group 4):

Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Systems & Societies
Physics

Mathematics (Group 5):

Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (STEM track)
Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations (non-STEM track)

The Arts (Group 6):

Film
Music
Theatre
Visual Arts, or
students may study a second group 2, 3, or 4 subject

In addition, the programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding:

The extended essay (EE) is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying.

Theory of knowledge (TOK) is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical).

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or participate in experiences related to each one of them separately.

Course Progression

Grade 9

IB Prep English I

AP World History/DE World History

Geometry Hon or Algebra II Hon

IB Prep Biology I

IB Prep World Language I (Chinese, French, or Spanish)

Elective (Inquiry Skills)

Elective

Elective

Grade 10

IB Prep English II

AP European History

Algebra II Hon or *Pre-Calculus

IB Prep Chemistry I or Physics Hon or AP Physics 1

IB Prep World Language II (Chinese, French, or Spanish)

Elective (Pre-requisite for 6th Subject if studying music, theatre, or visual arts)

Elective

Elective

Grade 11

IB English III (AP Lang)

AP U.S. History

IB Math (pt. 1-students choose STEM track or non-STEM track)

IB Science (Biology pt. 1, Chemistry pt. 1 or Physics-take SL exam)

IB World Language
(Chinese, French, or Spanish - pt. 1)

IB 6th Subject (pt. 1 - Will take IB SL exam this year if taking Business Management, ITGS or IBES)

TOK 1

Elective

Grade 12

IB English IV (AP Lit)

IB Contemporary History

IB Math (pt. 2)

IB Science (Biology pt. 2, Chemistry pt. 2 or Physics-option to test HL)

IB World Language
(Chinese, French, or Spanish - pt. 2)

IB 6th Subject (pt. 2 - If the student took Business Management, ITGS or IBES, they select an elective of their choice)

TOK 2

Elective

*After evaluating student progress in each course, other math options may be presented in order to ensure student success. These math options will in no way hinder or impede student progress towards successfully completing the IB Diploma Programme curriculum.