Learning Through Academics

Pearson College has partnered with the International Baccalaureate (IB) to offer an academic program that allows students an opportunity to earn a diploma that is accepted by universities in many countries. The IB Diploma is a deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some national systems and the breadth provided in others. All students study from five to six different academic areas. All courses, with the exception of self-taught languages, are studied for two years. More information about the IB can be found at www.ibo.org.

Courses

Studying the IB encourages students to ask challenging questions, to develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and to develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other backgrounds. There is scope for variety as well as specializing in the IB program, since as part of the academic program, students

• study three subjects at higher level and three at standard level
• conduct an in-depth study on a subject of the student’s choice (the Extended Essay)
• participate in the distinctive Theory of Knowledge course

The Academic Curriculum consists of six subjects and three core areas:

The following is a brief description for the six areas and the courses that fall under each area. Most courses are offered at Higher and Standard Level, unless otherwise indicated. With the exception of Mathematics, and courses only available at one level, students may select which courses they will study at the Higher and Standard Level at the end of their first year.

Reports

Teachers report on students’ progress, in academics, activities and residential life. These are forwarded to parents, selection committees and students twice each year. 

On leaving the College, each student receives a certificate indicating the courses and activities in which he or she has participated. In early August, the International Baccalaureate Office issues a Diploma to successful students.

Success

The College has maintained a superb academic program during its history. On average, 60% of our students receive higher than 35 points on their diplomas out of a possible 45. This compares to the 20-30% of students worldwide who claim the same achievement.

More than 3,300 students have graduated from Pearson College. Today they are working in a vast array of professions and capacities in every corner of the world and are applying in their lives the ideals which we have encouraged here. They share a determination to make a difference and work in their communities as a positive force for peace and sustainability.

Pearson College IB Courses

Group 1: Language

This is the student's best or first language. At Pearson College, instruction is offered in English, French and Spanish. Students also have the option of studying a "self-taught" language (if your best language is not English, French or Spanish).

All students must take a Language A1. It is through the study of their best language or mother tongue that students are encouraged to develop their interest in the richness of the literature that underlies and gives insight into their culture. Not limited to single literary cultures, however, the Language A1 programme, through its "World Literature" component, creates insights into other cultures. In addition, the course puts considerable emphasis on developing clear, independent thinking and thoughtful, convincing expression in both speaking and writing. Students are encouraged to develop both their literary imagination and rational, analytical skills.

Where a student's mother tongue is not taught, the student may (with a few exceptions) study this language at Standard Level as a "self-taught" Language A1. Students registered in this course will receive teaching in World Literature and general preparation for the examination. Most of this study is completed independently. "Self-taught" languages are offered at the Standard Level.

Group 2: Language

In addition to a first language course, students must also study a second language. The principal aim for the subjects in group 2 is to enable students to use the language in a range of contexts and for many purposes.

At Pearson College students may select from:

AB INITIO

Ab Initio languages courses in French and Spanish are offered to absolute beginners in the language. Students cannot have studied the selected language previously. Emphasis is placed on communication skills. These courses are only available at the Standard Level.

LANGUAGE B

Second language instruction for non-beginners is offered in English, French, and Spanish. Owing to small numbers, usually special arrangements will be necessary for non-beginners in Spanish. Emphasis is placed on oral and written communication in a variety of contexts. Students who have studied the chosen language previously will be placed here.

LANGUAGE A2

This course is offered for students who are nearly fluent in English, but it is not their first language. This course is designed as an alternative to Language B for those with a strong background in the language. Students will develop their capacity in the language through the study of literature and themes. While A2 requires less linguistic fluency than A1, candidates will develop linguistic skills through the study of texts of both a literary and non-literary nature.

In recognising that English and French are the two official languages of Canada, we expect Canadian students to achieve and/or demonstrate a level of proficiency in both languages. Canadians must demonstrate an "A1 level" ability in the placement test on arrival to be exempt from English or French.

Likewise, any other students not wishing to study English as a language must demonstrate "A1 level" proficiency in the placement test and be aware that English is the primary language of instruction at Pearson College.

If they possess the skills to do so, students may select a second A1 language in lieu of a group 2 subject.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

The disciplines in group 3 contain subject matter that is contestable and as a result their study requires students to tolerate some uncertainty. Studies of local and global perspectives foster an appreciation of change and continuity as well as of similarity and difference. Students evaluate the major theories, concepts and research findings of the respective disciplines and learn each discipline's methodology.

At Pearson College students may select from:

ECONOMICS

By focusing on global issues, Economics can play an important role in promoting international cooperation and mutual understanding. Cooperation is required if nations are to achieve a better quality of life for their populations. This does not mean the imposition of western economic systems on developing countries. It does mean sharing economic concepts, which can be of value across all cultures in solving some of the more pressing problems today. Students are asked to approach economic concepts and theories from the points of view of various nations and cultures in the world economy and to apply theory in a variety of situations for both developing and developed countries. This provides students with the opportunity to understand the economic problems faced by all countries, especially those attempting to reduce poverty and unemployment through growth and to develop an awareness of possible solutions to these problems.

HISTORY

In their first year, students are introduced to an interpretative approach to history, where critical thinking and analysis are actively encouraged. Content is based on an in-depth study of the origins, nature and worldwide repercussions of the First World War. In the second year, students may choose to study at Higher Level (East Asia regional emphasis) or Standard Level (origins and outcome of the Cold War). History at Pearson College offers a stimulating learning environment in which perspectives from around the world are discussed, ideas and concepts challenged and a unique international approach is taken to the subject. Study at this level and at this location is demanding and will stretch both native and non-native speakers of English. Assessment is through the Internal Assessment, documentary analysis, and essay writing.

PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is the study of ideas. Although the course introduces students to the ideas of historically prominent philosophers from a variety of traditions, the primary aim is to encourage students to develop their own rationally justifiable position on fundamental questions such as 'What does it mean to be a human being?', 'What is a just society?', 'Does God exist?' and 'What is the human condition?'. For most students, this is their first exposure to the subject and the process of questioning personal assumptions and biases may be unsettling. Because of its emphasis on critical thinking skills and the requirement for persuasive and analytical writing, philosophy is an excellent background for a career in a wide range of professions.

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Social and Cultural Anthropology is the comparative study of culture and human societies. It focuses on small groups and relates their world views to a broader context. The methodology employed is unique in that it bases its inquiry on the tradition of participant observation and involves living with those one is studying for extended periods of time.

During the first year of the course, an emphasis is placed on studying specific social structures and groups of people from a local perspective. The second year relates this information to a broader, more global setting. Topics explored in this course include kinship, poverty, human rights, globalization, nation building, ethnicity, power and politics, the relationship between environment and culture, resistance movements, comparative studies of belief systems, ritual, economic systems and gender. Major theoretical schools are also studied. During the course of the two years, students are able to conduct their own fieldwork project.

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

Experimental science subjects promote an understanding of the concepts, principles and applications of the respective disciplines, together with an appreciation of the methodology of the experimental sciences in general. Students develop practical laboratory skills as well as the ability to work collaboratively through participating in an interdisciplinary group project.

As in the other areas, students may select more than one science. However, students may not study both Biology and Environmental Systems. At Pearson College students may select from:

BIOLOGY

In Biology the emphasis is on a laboratory centered approach, involving the development, testing and evaluation of biological models.

The program involves investigation in seven areas: The ultrastructure of cells and microbiology; The biochemical basis of life, including biological molecules and biochemical genetics; Genetics and evolution; Reproduction and embryology; Ecology and environmental issues; Energy transformations including enzymes, respiration and photosynthesis; Plant and animal diversity, structure and function.

Depending on demand, Biology may only be offered at the Higher Level.

MARINE SCIENCE

The location of the College on the ocean makes it ideally suited to the scientific study of the marine environment. Students will study the physical and chemical make-up of the ocean, plankton as common to all marine ecosystems, and the variety of marine ecosystems in existence. This is a school-based course that will run for the first time in September 2008. It is only offered at the Standard Level.

CHEMISTRY

Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. Chemistry involves extensive laboratory work with a direct bearing upon the student's growing knowledge of descriptive and theoretical chemistry. The course includes stoichiometry, atomic structure, periodicity, structure and bonding, energetics, states of matter, equilibrium, kinetics, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction and organic chemistry, as well as an assessment of the consequences of chemical activities on the environment and on society.

The Higher Level program is designed for students who will pursue more advanced chemistry, sciences, medicine or engineering at the college/university level. A previous chemistry course is not a prerequisite for this program, but it will prove challenging for a beginner student. The Standard Level program deals with topics in less complexity and depth than the Higher Level course and requires no prior knowledge of chemistry.

PHYSICS

The Higher Level course is an intensive course in general physics. The compulsory section includes a non-calculus presentation of the fundamental parts of physics. The optional section provides an introduction to Modern Physics. At the end of the course, a student will be well prepared for a university career in physics or related subjects. Standard Level is less rigorous both in content and hours spent on laboratory work. The Standard Level course requires no prior knowledge of physics. A previous physics course is not a prerequisite for the Higher Level course, however it is advisable that students have a strong background in mathematics and the experimental method.

Group 5: Mathematics

All candidates for an IB diploma are required to complete a mathematics course and four options are available to cater to different abilities and levels of student interest. Each course aims to deepen a student's understanding of mathematics as a discipline and to promote confidence and facility in the use of mathematical language.

At Pearson College, students may select from Mathematical Studies (Standard Level only), Standard Mathematics (Standard Level only), and Higher Mathematics. In their second year, student may also study Further Mathematics as an additional course.

HIGHER MATHEMATICS

The Higher Level course is primarily intended to meet the needs of students interested in pursuing mathematics, physics, computer science or engineering at university. The course includes the topics of matrices, three dimensional vector geometry, trigonometry, probability, algebra and calculus.

STANDARD MATHEMATICS

Standard Mathematics is a mathematical techniques course best suited for students needing mathematics as a tool in their subject of major interest, but not wanting the rigours of the Higher Level course. The topics covered are similar to those of Higher Level.

MATHEMATICAL STUDIES

The other Standard Level course called Mathematical Studies is offered to students who do not need mathematics for their studies after Pearson College. This course is less technique oriented than Standard Mathematics, but the intellectual standard is similar. The topics covered include sets, functions, logic, trigonometry, introductory calculus, probability and statistics. In addition, students are required to complete a mathematical project, which is usually a statistical investigation.

FURTHER MATHEMATICS

Second year Higher Level students with a particular interest and aptitude for mathematics may choose to study Further Mathematics in addition to their Higher Level course. Further Mathematics is a demanding course and is intended for the mathematics enthusiast. Topics covered include differential equations, Taylor series, statistics, graph theory, group theory, logic and methods of proof.

Group 6: Art and Theatre Arts

In Group 6 emphasis is placed on practical production by the student and exploration of a range of creative work in global context. Theoretical aspects of the discipline are also studied. Students do not need previous experience in these disciplines.

At Pearson College, students may select from:

VISUAL ART

Artistic expression is common to all cultures and students should feel comfortable approaching this subject, regardless of previous art training. Emphasis is placed on personal development, discovery, and opportunity for visual self-expression. The course involves regular studio work; this is the practical hands-on use of various techniques and materials. Students also learn the historical, cultural and social aspects of visual art.

THEATRE

This course aims to help students acquire an in depth appreciation of a wide range of theatrical forms and experiences. Students will be expected to study forms of theatre from cultures and eras other than their own and to practice performance and production skills. They will attend local theatre productions and develop an ability to offer informed critiques. At the Higher Level the course also offers each student the opportunity to follow a particular interest in the form of the "Individual Project". Students who have completed this course will be expected to demonstrate a) a knowledge of some of the major developments and techniques in the theatrical history of more than one culture/ era, and b) the acquisition of sufficient technical skills to produce satisfactory work in at least one of the theatrical arts or crafts.

Students taking this subject will be expected to contribute to College dramatic productions and to the international cultural presentations.

Please note: In addition to one subject from each of the groups 1-5, students select one subject from group 6; or a third language from groups 1 or 2; a second subject from group 3; or a second science from group 4.

Core Course Elements

All students are required to undertake the Theory of Knowledge course and The Extended Essay as a part of their diploma. (Information regarding CAS is included in the "Services and Activities".)

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (TOK)

This is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases and to develop the ability to analyse evidence that is expressed in rational argument.

TOK is a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives. Students study this course during their first year.

THE EXTENDED ESSAY (4,000 WORDS)

Each student has the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest. The essay requirement acquaints diploma candidates with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities.

The essay permits students to deepen their programs of study, for example by selecting a topic in one of their Higher Level (HL) courses. Or they might add breadth to their academic experience by electing to write in a subject not included in their program choices (if permitted by the supervising teacher).