Middle Years Program (MYP) - 9th and 10th grade 

The IB Middle Years Program, for students aged eleven to sixteen, provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers. The program consists of eight subject groups integrated through six global context that provide lenses for learning within and across the subjects. The emphasis is on the fluidity of the curricular framework and the interrelatedness of the subjects. Aspects of the areas of interaction are addressed naturally through the distinct disciplines.  The overall philosophy of the program is expressed through three fundamental concepts that support and strengthen all areas of the curriculum. These concepts are based on intercultural awareness, holistic learning, and communication.

The IB Middle Years Program curriculum at Smoky Hill High school consists of eight groups:

1. Language and Literature: MYP English
2. Language Acquisition: Spanish, Japanese or Latin
3. Individuals and Societies: MYP World Geography and Government, MYP American History
4. Sciences:  Honors Biology, Chemistry Honors, and AP Biology
5. Mathematics: Algebra 1, Geometry, Geometry Honors, Algebra 2 Honors/Trigonometry, IB Pre-Calculus
6. Visual Arts & Performing Arts: Drawing/Painting, Photography/DigitalMixed Media, Pottery/Sculpture, Band, Choir, Dance, Orchestra, or Theatre
7. Design: Marketing, Computer Design, Yearbook, or Student Leadership
8. PE and Health: Physical Education and Health (is a one year course)

Further Requirement: Personal Project               

Personal Project In the final year of the program (10th grade), each student is required to complete a personal project. This project is a significant piece of work that is the product of the student's own initiative and creativity. Each IB student is responsible for their own choice of topic, development of criteria, planning implementation, and reflection on processes and progress.  All of which is explored through their chosen global context. The entire project is completion under the supervision of a teacher and community mentor. Students present their projects on Super Saturday with an authentic audience and attend a completion ceremony.

Questions- contact Mrs. Kathleen Fitzgerald IB MYP Coordinator at 720-886-5420  
 

Diploma Program (DP) - 11th and 12th grade

The IB Diploma Program is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum, leading to examinations, for students aged between sixteen and nineteen. Based on the pattern of no single country, it is a deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some national systems and the breadth preferred in others. The general objectives of the IB program are to provide students with a balanced education; to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility; and to promote international understanding through a shared academic experience. 

The IB Diploma program curriculum at Smoky Hill High school consists of six groups with studies in:

1. Language and Literature: English –this includes the study of World Literature.
2. Language Acquisition: Spanish, Japanese or Latin
3. Individuals and Societies: European Hisotry or History of the Americas in 11th grade and History of the Contemporary World in 12th grade
4. Experimental Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, and Ecosystems and Societies
5. Mathematics: Math Studies, Calculus (Standard Level and Higher Level)
6. Sixth Subject: Business, Digital Media, Music, Psychology, Theater Arts, or Visual Arts

Further Requirements: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) hours and Testing

The Extended Essay (EE) is an independent, self-directed piece of research finishing with a 4,000 word paper. This is completed their Senior year with supervision of a selected teacher.

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course taken second semester Junior year and first semester Senior year explores the relationships among the various disciplines and ensures that students engage in critical reflection and analysis of the knowledge acquired within and beyond the classroom

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requires students to take part in a range of student service learning experiences, activities, and projects.

Testing: All IB Diploma Candidates are required to test in one subject from each of the groups. At least three and not more than four of the six subjects are taken at the Higher level, the others at Standard level. Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the Extended Essay, TOK, and CAS. Bonus points may be awarded for the exceptional essay or performance in Theory of Knowledge.

Questions - contact Mr. Michael Ady, IB DP Coordinator at 720-886-5420