2024 Foundation Course Curriculum Booklet

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ST. JOSEPH’S INSTITUTION INTERNATIONAL 2024 FOUNDATION COURSE CURRICULUM BOOKLET

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2 Contents Page Welcome 3 The Mission and Values of SJI International 4 The Grade 10 Foundation Course 5 Teaching and Learning at SJI International 6 Mathematics 7 English Language 9 Science 11 Languages 12 Global Perspectives 17 Design & Technology 19 History 20 Art & Design 21 Theatre 22 Music 23 Physical Education (Core) 25

Welcome from Head of Grade

Welcome to Grades 9 and 10 at SJI International. It is our sincere hope that all members of our community find their time at our school stimulating and rewarding. In Grades 9 and 10 at SJI International, students are offered diverse learning experiences, an engaging and challenging curriculum, an extensive co-curricular program and the opportunity to serve others in the community. Students are also offered a rich variety of opportunities to develop their leadership skills, a positive sense of identity and respect for the environment through involvement in initiatives such as expeditions, peer support, work experience and the National Youth Achievement Award.

Each student in Grades 9 and 10 is a member of a tutor group. A tutor group consists of around 25 students and groups will usually have the same form tutor through Grade 9 and 10. The form tutor meets and registers the students every morning and looks after their welfare. The form tutor is the first point of contact if a student has any concerns.

One of our main aims in Grades 9 and 10 is to develop the “whole person”. In these pivotal years, students are developing their independence, self-awareness and are preparing for the rigours of examinations. Students will participate in at least one co-curricular activity, with many wonderful choices on offer, including Gamelan, Hip Hop dance, Model United Nations and sports such as soccer, netball and rock-climbing. The Activities programme is central to the life of the school, where students make new friends, develop skills, face new challenges and enjoy enriching experiences.

In Grade 9, students are empowered to make a difference in the lives of others through our weekly service programme. They work closely with members of the community in need, such as the aged and disadvantaged. On top of this, there are opportunities for both Grades 9 and 10 students to take part in international service trips to countries such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

In a similar vein, G10’s Foundation Creativity Action and Service programme allows students to begin preparing for the rigours of IB, encouraging them to plan, document and reflect upon their extracurricular activities in a methodical and purposeful fashion. It’s most obvious focus is in Service Week, an opportunity for all G10 students to undertake a service project in and around Singapore during the Easter break.

SJII offers a unique opportunity for students of all backgrounds to develop friendships across cultural boundaries for the mutual enrichment of all. It is our hope that each student experiences great learning and personal growth and we are looking forward to the journey with all members of the Grade 9 and 10 communities.

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Mr Amandio Cipriano - Head of Grade 10

The Mission & Values of SJI International

Established in 2007, St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJI International) is a Catholic school in the Lasallian tradition offering education from Preparatory 1 to Grade 12. It is a privately funded school under the auspices of St. Joseph’s Institution, a Catholic secondary school in the Lasallian tradition founded in Singapore by the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1852.

Although relatively young, we have drawn on the best practices from leading international schools around the world. We also tap freely on the experience of the original St. Joseph’s Institution, with its 160 years of tradition in the field of education in Singapore and its distinguished and thriving alumni. Underpinning everything that we do is the ethos of the 330-year Catholic educational tradition of the De La Salle Brothers – named after St. John Baptist de La Salle, the Patron Saint of Teachers – with its network of over 900 Lasallian educational institutions in more than 80 countries, including almost 70 universities.

Mission & Values of SJI International

Our Vision

To Learn, Inspire and Serve

Our School Mission

Enabling students to learn how to learn and learn how to live as Lasallian people for others

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GRADE 10 FOUNDATION COURSE

Grade 10 Foundation Course (FC)

The Grade 10 Foundation Course is a one-year programme designed to provide students with the necessary fundamentals before they embark on the two-year IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12.

It provides students with an exposure to each of the six IB groups with a broad range of subjects including Mathematics, Science, English, Humanities, Languages, Drama, Music or Art, and Physical Education.

At the end of which, all 10 FC students who hold Singaporean or Permanent Resident status are required to sit an Additional Language examination.

2024 High School Curriculum

Students are also required to participate in

• The Service Programme

• The Activity and Sports Programme (over 150 options available each week)

• A compulsory one-week Expedition

Note: The Foundation Course allocations are currently under review for 2024.

*For those with a MOE-approved Mother Tongue Language-inlieu OR a home language not listed above, our Home Languages Programme allows students to build the learning of that language into their schedule. More details are available on request. Additional fees apply.

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Subjects Lessons over 2-week timetable English (Literature and Language) 8 Mathematics 10 Sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) 9 Additional Language (Chinese, Malay, Tamil, Hindi, Indonesian, Spanish, Home Languages*) 7 Humanities / Individuals and Societies Global Perspectives –4 History – 3 The Arts (Drama, Art, Design & Technology or Music) 4 Wellbeing / Religious Education 2 Physical Education
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Teaching and Learning at SJI International

The attributes of the IB Learner Profile underpin much of the teaching and learning throughout SJI International with a desire to develop curious, independent and confident learners from Grades 7 right through to Grade 12.

The most important principle within the school’s educational philosophy is that of active learning. Students learn and, above all, understand best when information and concepts are processed. This processing takes place through activity. It is even more powerful when students first discover for themselves the information or concept and then process it.

Crucially, active learning is about students doing. This involves a wide range of activities, which will vary according to the subject: research, role plays, simulations, thinking exercises, decision making exercises, debates, presentations and so on. This provides a stimulating educational environment and one that is intellectually challenging for the students.

With a greater emphasis on the students’ learning there also comes greater demand for participation from the students. It is not a matter of putting questions to the teacher, but of the students expressing their own opinions; being able to debate, defend, challenge, deduce, analyse and synthesize.

This type of learning is facilitated by smaller more interactive classes that rely on a blend of teacher led activities, group work, and class activities may well be led by students. This means that lecture or lecture-style lessons are an extremely rare method of delivery at SJII.

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What is the nature of Mathematics at FC?

FC Mathematics at SJII is a curriculum that challenges students at all levels. Our goals include preparing students for whatever mathematics subject they choose in the IB and to give students the opportunity to extend themselves in developing a deeper appreciation of the discipline.

What is the approach to learning?

Learning is student-centered. Students will learn through different teaching methods and styles, including pair and group work, activities which promote thinking skills and creativity and IT-based lessons.

The emphasis is on building skills in mathematics based on a thorough understanding of mathematical principles and their application. Students will also be encouraged to undertake their own mathematical investigations under the guidance of their teacher, devise their own strategies for problem-solving and to raise questions relating to mathematical concepts and methods.

What is the subject content?

The following content will be used as a basis to help students achieve the outcomes described above. In this way, although students will become familiar with traditional topics in mathematics, these are seen as a vehicle for promoting mathematical thinking rather than being labored over for their own sake.

Area Topics

Functions

Algebra

Trigonometry & Vectors

Calculus

Differentiation

Calculus Integration

Applied Mathematics

Statistics & Probability

The language and notation of functions, absolute functions, inverse functions, composite functions; transformation of functions

Simultaneous Equations; Quadratics; Exponents; Logs; Polynomials, Sequence & Series

Solution of Triangles, Circular Measure, Graphs of Trigonometric functions, Trigonometric Identities, Trigonometric equations , Vectors in 2D

Differentiation of various functions including integer, fractional and negative indices; Differentiation of composite functions; products and quotients, trigonometric functions, logarithmic and exponential functions; Investigating gradients; Higher derivatives and their use in determining turning points

Integration of polynomials, trigonometrical functions, selected composite, quotients and exponential functions. Definite Integrals – areas under curves

Application of differentiation and integration to analyze motion and to solve equations of motion

Descriptive Statistics & Data Analysis ; Probability Diagrams & Conditional Probability; Binomial Expansion, Counting Principles & Binomial Distribution

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FC MATHEMATICS

What is the nature of assessment?

Throughout the course, students will sit for topic tests, an end-of-year examination, complete extended tasks for homework, as well as a number of mathematical investigations and modeling projects to develop their mathematical skills as well as their mathematical initiative and problem-solving skills. Students may also be required to make oral presentations.

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What is the nature of English at FC?

The FC English course prepares students for six possible English courses at IB level: English Literature (HL or SL), English Language and Literature (HL and SL) and English B (HL and SL). Students will study both units of Literature and Language. In the Literature components, there will be an emphasis on improving students’ appreciation and understanding of Literature through the study of a variety of genres such as Poetry, Prose and Drama. In the Language units, the focus will be analysing and developing students’ understanding of how language works across a range of texts. Skills of analysis and evaluation are also developed alongside the ability to think independently. In order to prepare students for the rigorous demands of IB English, the Department aims to instill in students the importance of wider reading. Homework is an integral part of the course.

What is the approach to learning?

As students will be aiming to take one of six courses at IB level, differentiation by task and ability is key to this course.

In English Language, all students are taught to communicate accurately and effectively in both speech and writing. A range of skills are developed:

● The ability to understand and respond appropriately to what is heard, read and experienced.

● The ability to enjoy and appreciate a range of text types incorporating a variety of styles.

● The ability to analyse, synthesise and evaluate.

● The ability to effectively identify the audience, purpose and context of a range of texts.

For second language speakers of English, students will develop the skills below in addition to those above:

● The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a range of situations, demonstrating linguistic competence and intercultural understanding

● The ability to understand and use language to express a range of ideas with accuracy and fluency

● The ability to organise ideas on a range of topics in a clear and convincing manner

● The ability to understand, analyse and respond to a range of written and spoken texts.

In English Literature, all students are encouraged to enjoy the experience of reading and to develop the following:

● An understanding of, and the ability to respond to, a range of literary texts from different periods in literary history.

● The ability to produce an informed personal response that is appropriate and effective.

● An appreciation of the ways in which writers use language to achieve specific effects.

● An understanding of the contribution of Literature to areas of human concern.

For second language speakers of English an additional area will be developed:

● Understand and use works of literature written in the target language.

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FC English

What is the subject content?

Students will study three main units during the year:

Area of Exploration

Readers Writers and Texts

January to May

Name of the unit: What will be included:

How Texts Move Us Poetry from Different Cultures

A variety of poetry from the English-speaking world.

Audio Visual Texts (music videos and media campaigns)

Advertisements and persuasive techniquesHow language is used to persuade- stylistic analysis.

FC Exam: essay on an unseen poem, and an essay on an unseen advertisement.

Time and Space

June to September

Borders and Barriers Personal Barriers/ Boundaries

Language and gender

How does language show bias?

Gatekeepers to the Media - barriers and borders

Media Bias

What is news? To what extent are our views of the world our own?

Physical boundaries

Language and power

How is language used to include and exclude?

The Great Gatsby (Novel study)

America in the 1920s- barriers in this context (prohibition, race, gender, social class, poverty, etc..)

Coursework: A 10-minute oral presentation on how an area of human concern is conveyed in two texts of the candidate’s choice.

Intertextuality

October to End of school year

How Texts Entertain

Importance of Being Earnest – 19 Century play by Oscar Wilde

Analysis of different texts which satirise society- textual analysis.

What is the nature of assessment?

Students will be evaluated through a variety of summative and formative assessments which will be modeled on IB internal and external assessments. In addition, there will be a final FC examination towards the end of the year

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Us

The aim of the FC Science course is to provide students with a learning experience that is centered around active learning that teaches Science through inquiry and nurtures curiosity while at the same time producing learners who are ready to take on the challenges of the IB program.

Classes are taught in three separate strands by specialist teachers. This helps expose students to the methods and content expertise of an IB specialist teacher while preparing them for the decision of which Group 4 Science subject to elect for their diploma. The content covered across the three sciences is below:

Biology Chemistry Physics

Characteristics of Living

Organisms

Biomolecules & Enzymes

Gas Exchange & Respiration

Transport

Coordination & Response

Inheritance

Atomic Structure

Bonding & periodicity

Quantitative

Organic Chemistry

Energetics & Kinetics

Acids and Bases

Oxidation/Reduction

Reactions

Waves Mechanics

Thermal Physics

Electricity

Motors and Generators

In addition, a unifying project is also carried out at the conclusion of the year aimed at developing student’s ability to identify questions and concepts that underpin scientific investigations as well as designing and conducting experiments. Students will enhance their investigative skills through the use of technology and mathematics. In addition, students are expected to be able to formulate and revise scientific explanations using logic and evidence. Students will also have the opportunity to create alternative explanations or models based upon their evaluations. Finally, students should be able to communicate and defend a scientific argument. A variety of methods will be used to communicate the material and skills required which may include:

● Flipped classrooms (Independent study which is followed up by consolidative work to reinforce understanding)

● Case studies (Real life practical application of concepts taught in class)

● Practical work

● Group Tasks

● Student led activities (presentations, modelling and discussion)

Assessment of students’ knowledge and progress will be via:

● Past exam papers

● Presentations

● Formative assessment (such as on-line quizzes)

● Self and peer assessment

● Coursework (Practical write-ups)

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FC SCIENCE

Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfillment.

For our Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents, we comply with the Singapore Ministry of Education’s Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Requirements. Please click here to access the school policy on MTL Requirements.

What is the nature of Languages at FC level?

Students will develop the ability to communicate effectively with the use of the language in listening, speaking, reading and writing. They will use the language whenever and wherever possible. Students will also learn the culture of the countries where the language is spoken so that they have a better understanding of the similarities and differences between their own culture and the culture of the language they are learning. In this way, students will develop critical thinking around culture and intercultural connections.

The course aims to form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure:

● Offer insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries where the language is spoken

● Develop a fuller awareness of the nature of language and language learning;

● Encourage positive attitudes toward language learning and towards speakers of other languages and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations;

● Provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation;

● Complement other areas of study by encouraging skills of a more general application (e.g. analysis, memorising, drawing of inferences).

What is the approach to learning?

In Languages, students will improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills using a learnercentered approach that is not restricted to textbooks. Instead, students will be exposed to various types of texts taken from a range of materials. Students will learn the language through diverse activities such as role-plays, oral presentations and language games. Assignments and assessments are varied so that students are aware of their strengths and areas to be improved.

Pre-Ab Initio Pathway (Spanish, and based on demand: French/Indonesian/Japanese)

FC students who have been approved to study an ab initio course (i.e. for beginners) as part of the IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12 will instead follow a self-study course assigned by the school. Whilst all four communicative skills are self-studied, their progress is monitored and regular assessments are set by a teacher.

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LANGUAGES
FC

Students whose language is not taught within the school curriculum are able to learn their first language on the Home Language Programme (additional fees apply). We currently offer French, German, Japanese, and Korean, Vietnamese; however, additional languages can be offered upon request. The student will follow either a first or foreign language programme of study to prepare them for either Language A or Language B at IB. If necessary, students may also do School Supported Self-Taught when they get to Grade 11.

Further information:

Please note:

1. FC students will be placed in different IGCSE Language classes according to their language choices and, in the case of Chinese, their proficiency levels.

2. IGCSE Chinese, Malay and Indonesian examinations take place in the earlier part of Grade 10: the oral examination is in March, and the written examination occurs in May. Express Tamil O Level examinations take place in November in Grade 9 or in June in Grade 10, depending on the student’s Tamil pathway.

3. FC students who are Singaporeans or Permanent Residents whose government-approved Mother Tongue Language is Chinese are required to take the IGCSE examination, except if:

i. they have an exemption from the MoE which means do not have to study Chinese; or

ii. they have already obtained at least a C6 grade in their GCE(O) Chinese examinations.

4. Because of the small class sizes, Indonesian, Malay and Tamil will be taught for two periods per week instead of three. For the remaining one period, students will report to the school library to do self-study. Subject teachers will set meaningful work for the students.

Language pathways:

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Home Language Program First or Foreign Language
English Acquisition IGCSE IB Diploma (Grades 11 and 12) English Language Acquisition IGCSE English - First Language English A: Literature SL/HL or English A: language and literature SL/HL English
Additional Language IGCSE English - First
English A: Literature SL/HL or English A: language and literature SL/HL and, if required, IB study support tutorials
English
English B HL
IB
as an
Language
English as an Additional Language IGCSE English as a Second Language and in-class support for selected lessons or
for Academic Purposes programme
And
study support tutorials

Hindi (students who have learned the language for some years and have attained a satisfactory level of competency)

Second Language

Indonesian G10 examination

First Language IGCSE Bahasa Indonesia

Foreign Language

(There is no IGCSE Indonesian exam)

Little or no exposure to Indonesian

G10 examination

IB Diploma (Grades 11 and 12)

IGCSE Hindi as a Second Language

Hindi B SL / HL (exam in May in G12)

IB Diploma (Grades 11 and 12)

Indonesian A: language and Literature SL/HL (May exam)

Indonesian A: literature SL/HL

Indonesian B SL/HL

Indonesian ab initio

Malay G10 examination

First Language

Second Language

Foreign Language

IGCSE Malay - First Language (exam in May in Grade 10)

GCE O Level Express Malay (exam in May in Grade 10)

IGCSE Malay - Foreign Language (exam in May in Grade 10)

IB Diploma (Grades 11 and 12)

Malay A: Literature SL/HL (exam in May in G12)

Malay B SL

Malay B SL

Spanish G10 examination

Foreign Language

IGCSE Spanish - Foreign Language

(Little or no exposure to Spanish)

IB Diploma (Grades 11 and 12)

Spanish B SL / HL

Spanish ab initio

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15 External Assessments: Examinations Papers Weighti ng IGCSE First Language Chinese Paper 1 Reading, Directed Writing and Classical Chinese Paper 2 Writing 50% 50% IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language Paper 1 Reading & Writing Paper 2 Listening Component 3 Speaking 60% 20% 20% IGCSE Chinese (Mandarin) - Foreign Language IGCSE Spanish - Foreign Language IGCSE French -Foreign Language IGCSE German-Foreign Language IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language Paper 1 Listening Paper 2 Reading Paper 3 Speaking Paper 4 Writing 25% 25% 25% 25% IGCSE English as a Second Language Paper 2 – Reading and Writing Component 5 – Speaking Paper 5 - Listening 70% 30% 30%
16 IGCSE Hindi as a Second Language Paper 1 Reading & Writing Paper 2 Listening Component 3 Speaking 67% 33% IGCSE Bahasa Indonesia (First Language) Paper 1 Reading & Understanding Paper 2 Reading & Writing Component 3 Speaking 45% 40% 15% IGCSE Malay First Language Paper 1 Reading and Directed Writing Paper 2 Composition 50% 50% GCE ‘O’ Level Higher Tamil Paper 1 Essay Paper 2 Language Usage & Comprehension Paper 3 Oral 40% 40% 20% GCE ‘O’ Level Express Tamil Paper 1 Essay Paper 2 Language Usage & Comprehension Paper 3 Oral & Listening 30% 35% 35% GCE ‘O’ Level B Syllabus Tamil Paper 1 Essay Paper 2 Comprehension Paper 3 Oral & Listening 20% 30% 50%

What is the nature of Global Perspectives at FC Level?

Global Perspectives is dynamic and relevant. It is a practical subject that helps students to think and rethink about the world they live in and the issues we face. Students will learn and practice the skills of collaboration, communication, information and media literacy organization, affective skills and reflection, critical thinking and creative thinking. Global Perspectives fosters flexible thinking and is designed to encourage students to rethink their knowledge and provide them with the skills for life-long learning.

What is the approach to learning?

In Global Perspectives students learn how to deconstruct an argument and look at its component parts and then to reconstruct an argument after reflecting on its relative strengths and weaknesses. Global issues are examined through the lenses of the IB humanity subjects of Geography, History, Economics, Psychology and Business and Management. Students need to organise themselves, to analyse material, to think creatively and independently and to make decisions about an issue they may not ordinarily have thought about using this critical path to enquiry.

Global Perspectives gives students the opportunity to direct their own learning and choose a global issue to investigate that resonates with them.

What is the subject content?

In Global Perspectives the subject content will be contemporaneous with the issues of the day and will include the examination of ongoing issues such as poverty and gender equality. The content is intended to be directed by student interest.

What is the nature of assessment?

As well as effective written communication in a range of course work appropriate styles, such as essays, reflections and reports, the syllabus is structured as a direct preparation for Group Three Individuals and Societies IB subjects. It helps to foster the research, enquiry, group and individual presentation skills and study skills that can be applied throughout the IB programme.

The assessment is largely formative. Assessment tasks are varied to help develop the appropriate skills needed to complement the IB learner profile. For each topic students have at least one formative assessment, this varies between presentation tasks, contribution to debates, news-reports, and a reflective journal. Summative Assessments are as follows:

1. Written examination

A written paper consisting of compulsory, structured questions based on sources provided with the examination paper. Candidates analyse and evaluate arguments, interrogate evidence and compare perspectives on global issues.

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FC Global Perspectives

2. Essay

Candidates explore different perspectives on an issue of global significance arising from their studies during the course and write an essay based on their research. Students will carry out practice essays with given titles, but for their assessment the essay title is devised by candidates themselves. The essay must be between 1750 and 2000 words and written in continuous prose.

3. Team Project

Candidates work in teams to identify a local problem which has global relevance. Individual team members research the issue and suggest solutions to the problem based on their research findings. Teams work together to agree a set of proposed team solutions to the problem and then put their plan into action.

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FC DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

What is the nature of Design & Technology at FC level?

Students will receive an introduction to Design & Technology. This will allow students to explore their creativity through analysis of the world around them. Students will gain fundamental knowledge of material properties and applications. They will explore design inspirations through history and be able to identify classic design. Students will gain and utilise various technical skills, and will become better researchers and designers. Students are expected to be reflective and evaluate their process and outcomes.

What will be the approach to learning?

Design & Technology is a subject where students are challenged to apply theoretical knowledge to the production of a physical product. As such it has practical elements as part of its nature. Students will undertake various activities in class including pair and group work, modelling, analysing, designing, technical drawing and written assignments. In the latter part of the year students may undertake a small coursework-based project.

What will be the subject content?

Students may explore the following topic areas:

● Resistant Materials: properties and applications

● Coursework: Research, Design, Manufacture & Evaluate

● Design Inspirations: Exploring classic design

● Smart & Modern Materials- uses and applications

● Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture

● Modelling to aid in defining, analyzing, and communicating a concept

What will be the nature of assessment?

Assessment will be both formative and summative. Students will be assessed on their skills gained in technical drawing, use of tools and equipment, manufacturing skills, and application of knowledge in written assessments.

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What is the nature of History at FC?

History at FC level at SJII involves giving a strong foundation to students, which allows them to discover the historical content, access the wider themes and acquire skills in preparation IB. The course will allow students to engage in a variety of topics and give them a basis to experience, understand and analyse these topics. Above all, it is a process of thinking and developing a range of skills which will set them up for higher-order thinking and independent research which is expected of them at IB level. In Grade 10FC there is a particular focus upon the analytical skills required for the IB Diploma.

What is the approach to learning in History?

The student will engage in a variety of topics from diverse areas of the world which will allow them to challenge their geopolitical understanding and significance of the topics. It will challenge them in their skills of judgment, evaluation and reasoning, and it will strengthen their values as they research and study real world dilemmas. It involves a mixture of research, investigation, presentation, with argument and source analysis. There is a strong emphasis on collaborative and communicative assignments allowing students to develop their skills. There is also inquiry-based learning which focuses on skills to enable students to be risk-takers and to investigate the content.

What is the subject content?

The content of the G10 FC History course is an introduction to the basic skills of the Diploma, directed research project on a topic of the students’ choice which is linked to topics covered in the IB programme such as World War One, World War Two, The Cold War, Dictators of the Twentieth Century, China and Japan. The students will mainly cover 20th Century History in Europe and Asia.

What is the nature of assessment in History?

Students will be assessed throughout with a combination of IGCSE History skills and the IB History skills. The IGCSE assessment prepares the students for the fundamental knowledge, explanation and source analysis skills. For the IB level, students will be exposed to pertinent extended writing skills which will enhance their essay skills, a major component of many subjects at the IB Diploma level. Students will do formative and summative assessments and a final exam.

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What is the nature of Art at FC?

FC Art and Design is a one-year course that encourages students to think creatively through visual investigation and technical practice. In the first semester the students have Art once a week and will explore a range of media, techniques and processes. In the second semester the students will select one of the Arts subjects to take 2 times a week. This will be to help them prepare for IB Visual Arts or one of the other Arts subjects.

What is the approach to learning?

Students learn a wide variety of materials and techniques, through demonstration, workshop, practice, individual and group work. All homework is designed to support and enrich the class work. Students learn about a large number of artists, art movements and art from different cultures, and learn how to apply these techniques and processes to their own work. All this knowledge is applied to all assignments, which the students work on individually. There will be a high level of active learning in the course, and lots of academic research to prepare for IB.

What is the subject content?

The projects during the start of the year encourage personal expression, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, and powers of observation, an analytical ability and practical attitudes. Students will learn how to use and understand a wide variety of materials, techniques and processes, and will create a diverse portfolio of work. During the second half of the year, students will work in a more IB focused way, producing work like the work produced in Grades 11 and 12 but on a smaller scale.

Project Subjects Skills

Observational drawing in a variety of drawing materials

Semester 1

The Natural world

Drawing, painting and mixed media, experimentation.

Painting- watercolor, acrylic, dye and ink

Collage techniques

Semester 2

IB Visual Arts Style work

Various – depending on the individual’s interest

What is the nature of assessment?

Art making, research, analysis, evaluation, presentation.

Students will be assessed periodically throughout the course using the IB Assessment Criteria. This will come in the form of peer assessment, self-assessment, and teacher assessment. All assessment will also provide feedback for the students on how they can improve their work.

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FC ART & DESIGN

1. What is the nature of Theatre at FC level?

The aims of the Theatre course at FC are to enable students to:

● Know and understand theatrical styles, theories and terminology.

● Apply practical skills for rehearsal and performance in order to create and present art both independently and collaboratively.

● Engage in a process of creative exploration and (self-) discovery.

● Communicate feelings and ideas to an audience.

● Use Drama to explore and express self and the world around oneself.

● Enjoy drama.

2. What will be the approach to learning?

Students will be exposed to a range of dramatic materials. Different types of activities will also be used in class, such as: pair work, group discussions, debate, devising, and written assignments. There will be opportunities to develop language, skills and confidence through presentations and performances.

3. What will be the subject content?

Performance Skills

Drama and Theatre skills will be introduced to students. Students will develop their performance skills such as the use of voice and physicality and how these are utilised in performance to create characters as well as tension, emotion, atmosphere and meaning.

Production

Students will watch live performances and discuss the use of production and performance techniques. Students will practically explore how to use production elements such as set, props, costume, sound and lights in a performance context. They will analyse scripts, exploring context as well as the aims and intentions of the authors and how these might be incorporated into their own designs.

4. What will be the nature of assessment?

Assessment will be both formative and summative.

Students will be assessed through performances, written assignments and reflections. Their engagement in lessons will also be taken into account.

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What is the nature of Music at FC level?

A vibrant musical education fosters curiosity and openness to both familiar and unfamiliar musical worlds. Through learning and participating in the study of music we are able to explore the similarities, differences and links in music from within our own culture and that of others across time. At SJI International student’s learning and active musical engagement allows them to become informed, reflective and critical practitioners in music, to explore and value the diversity of the music across time, place and cultures and develop confidence and experience as a performer.

What is the approach to learning?

FC Music lessons occur once a week, the basis of which are formed by investigating foundation areas of inquiry (AOIs), similar to units, which act as a springboard to expanding the student’s awareness of music in a global context. Students are encouraged to use these areas of inquiry as a starting point to further investigate their own interests in music. The course enables students to acquire and consolidate a range of basic musical skills, knowledge and understanding, through the exploration, experimentation and presenting of music they:

● Developing appropriate musical terminology through the lens of the musical elements (dynamics, rhythm, context, structure, melody, instrumentation, texture and harmony)

● Develop knowledge and understanding of music in relation to time, place and cultures

● Comparatively analyse music in relation to time, place and cultures

● Develop creativity through the exploration, control and development of musical elements

● Develop performance skills through presenting music as solos or in ensemble groups

What is the subject content?

Students are introduced to the Areas of Inquiry by investigating:

● Samba drumming

● African Ensembles (marimbas and drumming circles)

● Music production through a variety of technology

● Performing in groups (rock bands and ensembles)

Student-led areas of inquiry are interests that students generate themselves. These interests are encouraged and developed in a more organic way, either as an off-shoot of the foundation AOIs or from their own study into music. From identifying their own interests and exploring, experimenting and presenting music in these personal contexts students generate a life-long love of music learning. There is the potential to create service based opportunities based on the work produced as a result of these areas of inquiry to help students understand the role of music in a local context and to further embed SJI Internationals mission of leaving to serve.

Students will be given the opportunity to use a variety of acoustic instruments as well as ongoing access to music technology resources to assist their investigations into the AOIs.

The above AOIs are studied through the approaches of exploration, experimentation and presentation:

23 FC MUSIC

Exploration

When exploring music in context, students will learn how to engage with a diverse range of music that will broaden their musical horizons and provide stimuli to expand their own music-making. Students will demonstrate diversity and breadth in their exploration by engaging with music from the areas of inquiry in personal, local and global contexts.

Presenting

When presenting music, students learn to practice and prepare pieces that will be performed or presented to an audience (of at least their peers in the classroom). In working towards completed musical works, students expand their musical identity, demonstrate their level of musicianship, and learn to share and communicate their music as researchers, creators and performers.

Experimenting

When experimenting with music, students connect their studies of the AOIs to practical work and gain a deeper understanding of the music they engage with. Through this theoretical and practical work student will learn to experiment with a range of musical material and stimuli from the areas of inquiry across local and global contexts.

What is the nature of assessment?

Students will be assessed periodically throughout the course. This will come in the form of peer assessment, self-assessment, and teacher assessment. All assessments will also provide feedback for the students on how they can improve their work.

Students are given the opportunity to take part in a variety of assessment tasks and develop skills linked to both the student-led and foundation AOIs outlined above. This is in the form of performance based evidence, composition work, written tasks, portfolio style log entries and listening work.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION (CORE)

What is the nature of Physical Education in Grades 9 & 10?

Physical Education in grades 9 & 10 continues to develop the key attributes of cohesion, friendship, social interaction and skill development from grades 7 & 8 with an additional emphasis on independent learning and leadership. Students work towards enhancing their communication skills through leading their peers in small group and whole group activities.

What is the approach to learning?

The whole Physical Education curriculum is designed to allow the students to learn, apply and appreciate a range of sports and games in school and as recreational pursuits for life.

Activities are varied to cater for a wide range of abilities and have an emphasis on healthy living. Students are always encouraged to better themselves and to learn to be part of a team.

What is the subject content?

Students learn to:

● Explain the relationship of PE to health, for example how to avoid injuries, or the benefits of cardiovascular fitness

● Develop social skills and a strong sense of fair play, enthusiasm and commitment, especially in teamwork and encouraging their peers

● Identify and work to their optimal level of physical fitness

● Appreciate the use of creative and expressive aspects of movement

● Refine the motor skills necessary for a variety of activities

● Understand and apply theories, techniques, rules and training principles of different games

● Reflect on and evaluate their own and others performances in order to develop strategies for improvement.

What is the nature of assessment?

Students are assessed formatively each lesson and are also given a summative level at the end of each unit of work against a criteria. The criteria, look at a student’s understanding of principles and strategies as well as their competence demonstrating skills and techniques in a range of activities. Students are exposed to the criteria on a regular basis and can work together to identify areas for improvement based upon these criteria.

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There are two main strands from which the teacher may assess a student. These allow all students (including those medically exempt from lessons) the opportunity to progress and be assessed.

Strand 1 - Use of knowledge

Students are expected to have a knowledge and understanding of the physical activities or topics studied.

They are expected to be able to use this knowledge and understanding critically, and apply it to analyse situations and solve problems.

Strand 2 –Performance

Assessment will focus mainly on the performance strand.

Students are expected to perform in a range of activities, and show skills and techniques ranging from basic to complex. They should be able to apply tactics, strategies and rules in both individual and group situations.

Students are also assessed on their understanding of how to prepare for exercise and how to lead a warm up. All lessons have a focus on a number of character strengths that students could display which link to a number of key concepts covered in lessons.

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