High School Program Overview
High School Overview
High School (Grades 9-12) requires that students take increasing responsibility for their learning. Time management skills and personal reflection on assignment feedback are important factors leading to academic success. Many assignments will require that students develop timelines and completion strategies that will provide balance to their daily workload. In Grades 11 and12, increasing emphasis is placed upon end-of-year examinations and external moderation of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme/Courses. The independent learning strategies emphasized in the WAB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10) prepare students for these increasing demands.
The WAB High School Program is Designed to:
- Support all students in attaining their educational goals. Enrichment, EAL and Learning Support departments support WAB’s inclusive admissions policy. A wide range of course offerings and programs, and emphasis on differentiated teaching strategies, ensure that all students are supported in achieving their potential.
- Provide high-quality, inquiry-based learning opportunities that support the development of independent learners.
- Assist students in developing effective social and emotional skills.
- Meet entry requirements to a broad range of universities and educational institutions around the world. WAB students will be well prepared for the demands of post-secondary educatio
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) (Grades 9 and 10)
During both of the final two years of the IB MYP, students study eight subject groups through an inquiry-based model of learning. In addition, all students are expected to participate in the Global Citizenship Program which includes creative pursuits, service activities, and other opportunities, and, in Grade 10, complete a Personal Project in accordance with IB MYP criteria and expectations. The Personal Project results are moderated by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Students are also expected to participate in and be assessed upon at least one Interdisciplinary Unit (IDU) each year. Students receive a certificate of completion from the IBO following Grade 10.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) (Grades 11 and 12)
IB Diploma Programme Courses
The IB Diploma Programme, a comprehensive two-year international curriculum, is well-known and widely respected throughout the world. Applications by successful Diploma candidates are considered most favorably by universities around the globe. Students must complete a total of 6 courses in each year of the two-year programme: 3 Higher Level courses, each requiring a minimum of 240 hours of study, and 3 Standard Level courses, each requiring a minimum of 150 hours of study. IB Diploma students must also complete a mandatory course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK)*, an Extended Essay* of 4,000 words (maximum) and meet the requirements of Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). Students successfully completing the IB Diploma Programme will receive both a WAB High School Diploma and a Diploma from the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Students should note that these are two-year courses, assessments are spread across the two years, and, as such, usually require attendance and participation for the duration. For this reason, students will not be permitted to change IB subjects any later than September 25 of Grade 11. Any change of IB courses will require the authorization of the High School Curriculum Coordinator.
* Theory of knowledge and extended essay are open to all students in grades 11 and 12 and strongly recommended for everyone.
WAB High School Diploma Program
In Grades 11 and 12, students will choose from a range of IB DP courses, WAB High School courses, or co-constructed courses designed to meet the varying interests and needs of our student body. Students can also supplement their courses with a self-designed Capstone program in passion areas. The program offers a comprehensive two-year international curriculum that enables students to fulfill the requirements of their national or state educational systems.
Individualized Curricular Program Courses
Combining IB DP courses, WAB courses or co-constructed courses allows students to pursue interests and build on skills established in the IB MYP or previous school experiences. Increased flexibility in course selection enables students to choose to increase the depth of study in a particular field or to broaden their horizons by choosing from a wide scope of subject areas. Students who do not wish to study IB Diploma courses can also select WAB HS courses. This selection of courses will be aimed at providing a more practical and diverse educational program to meet the range of learning needs in an international environment. WAB courses offer a range of academic and practical activities that respond to community and worldwide educational needs. WAB is responsive to new international trends and developments so that students can prepare effectively for changing workplace, university and research developments. . Internship opportunities are also available to students pursuing this pathway. All students must meet the requirements of Global Citizenship to earn either a WAB HS College Prep Diploma (24 credits) or a WAB HS General Studies Diploma (14 credits).
WAB Capstone Program
Students may also elect to self-design courses in areas of passion and interest. The Capstone Program includes three elements: Core Learning, Extended Project and Internship. Students in the past have created Capstone courses including computer science, computer game animation, dance, photojournalism and many others, alongside their WAB HS Program, comprising IB DP courses and/or WAB HS courses. Capstone courses receive WAB credit following a defense to an academic panel. Students must submit a proposal and learning plan to be accepted into the Capstone Program. All students must meet the requirements of Global Citizenship to earn either a WAB HS College Prep Diploma or a WAB HS General Studies Diploma.
WAB High School Diploma
Students may also elect to self-design courses in areas of passion and interest. The Capstone Program includes three elements: Core Learning, Extended Project and Internship. Students in the past have created Capstone courses including computer science, computer game animation, dance, photojournalism and many others, alongside their WAB HS Program, comprising IB DP courses and/or WAB HS courses. Capstone courses receive WAB credit following a defense to an academic panel. Students must submit a proposal and learning plan to be accepted into the Capstone Program. All students must meet the requirements of Global Citizenship to earn either a WAB HS College Prep Diploma or a WAB HS General Studies Diploma.All students graduate with either a WAB HS College Prep or a WAB HS General Studies Diploma, after successful completion of at least the minimum number of courses listed below in each category. The requirements to receive an IB Diploma are clearly established by the IB, and further details regarding the IB DP can be found in the Course Guide or obtained from the High School Curriculum Coordinator.
All High School courses meet for 70 minutes on an alternate day rotating schedule throughout the school year, which runs from August to June. Courses are typically assessed on a 1-7 IB Standard Scale (7 being the highest). Course credit is awarded for successful completion of courses with a grade of 3 or higher, or a grade of D or higher for TOK. Transcripts will reflect only grades and credits for courses taken at WAB. Transfer credits may be awarded for courses taken at other schools or accredited summer schools. New students joining the High School will, in discussion with a counselor, have their previous transcripts/school reports verified and appropriate credit awarded.
As a guiding principle, students are encouraged to take the most demanding courses in which they can be academically successful. High School is time to extend learning, challenge understandings and develop an individual philosophy of learning.
Given the diverse nature of the student body and the transience of the international community it serves, it is WAB policy not to rank its students or calculate grade point average (GPA
WAB HS College Prep Diploma Graduation Requirements:
24 Full-Year Courses
WAB awards a High School Diploma to students who successfully complete the High School Program, including Global Citizenship requirements.
Credits awarded in Grades 9-12 needed to satisfy the graduation requirements are:
English*
4 Credits
Science
3 Credits
Mathematics
3 Credits
Humanities
3 Credits
Foreign Languages
3 Credits
Physical Education**
2 Credits
The Arts**
2 Credits
Technology**
2 Credits
Electives
3 Credits
*One English Course must be taken in the Grade 12 year
** Students who enter WAB in Grade 11 and have not had technology, arts or PE in Grades 9 and 10 at a previous school may be granted a course waiver for some graduation requirements at the discretion of the Principal.
WAB HS General Studies Diploma Graduation Requirements:
14 Full-Year Courses
WAB awards a High School General Studies Diploma to students who successfully complete the High School Program, including Global Citizenship requirements.
Credits awarded in Grades 9-12 needed to satisfy the graduation requirements are
English
3 Credits
Science
2 Credits
Mathematics
2 Credits
Humanities
2 Credits
Physical Education**
2 Credits
The Arts**
2 Credits
Electives
3 Credits
** Students who enter WAB in Grade 11 and have not had technology, arts or PE in Grades 9 and 10 at a previous school may be granted a course waiver for some graduation requirements at the discretion of the Principal.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
The culture of WAB fosters self-awareness and respect, nurturing healthy relationships and life-long responsibilities to self, family, friends, the global community and the environment.
Students in all grades are placed in mentor groups of approximately 8 to 10, which meet during Flex Blocks throughout the week. Mentors get to know each student in their group, help to monitor their welfare and progress, and are the constant in their school day. Mentor teachers also work with Grade Level Leaders to deliver the Social Emotional Learning curriculum to their student groups.
Flex Block is 50 minutes per week when students meet in grade-level cohorts to engage in a wide variety of purposeful activities. Student assemblies, information about specific initiatives such as Personal Project, World of Work, Extended Essay, guest speakers, and class year group activities are all part of Flex Block . Also, a key component of Flex Block is Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Research shows a high correlation between pastoral care, academic progress and personal development. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs are linked to positive learning approaches and developmental outcomes such as knowledge of self, self-efficacy, healthy decision making and risk taking, goal setting, negotiation, reflection and empowerment.
SEL is designed as a matrix with a focus on specific topics in each year, generally continuing the topic in subsequent years in an increasingly sophisticated and mature understanding of issues. Some of the topics included in SELare: Identity, Leadership, Healthy Relationships and Consent, Drug and Alcohol Education, Harm Minimization and Healthy Decision Making. Counselors, Grade Level Leaders, and mentor teachers work with their students in exploring, discussing and understanding these issues as they grow and mature as young adults.
Day 9
Every ninth day, all High School students have self-directed learning time, in which they can choose their own activities under the guidance of their mentor. Students may elect to meet with a teachers or a counsellor, study a topic of interest in further depth, complete assigned work, engage in physical activity, read, or relax with friends, according to their needs on the day. Teachers from all subject areas are available to support students with their learning and each student has a designated mentor teacher whose role it is to monitor the student’s use of time during self-directed learning blocks.
The Sabina Brady Library, one of three libraries school-wide, offers an extensive collection of more than 80,000 resources: digital equipment, books, posters, DVDs, audio books, e-books, magazines, and online databases. In keeping with WAB’s belief that the library is central to the development of information literacy, our library boasts a team of dedicated staff committed to helping enrich the teaching and learning opportunities.
China Studies
WAB High School students have a unique opportunity to participate in a one-week China Studies field trip, to deepen their understanding of our host country, to make experiential links between the curriculum and the reality of people and places studied. Trips include curriculum-focused and Chinese cultural activities, and a key community service piece. Links are often made with local people and local schools.
In the September, the whole Grade 9 class goes on the same trip with the class divided into smaller units for optimum travel and experience. In Grade 10 and Grade 11 students choose one of 8 to 10 trips focused on specific areas of study and interest. The class divides into smaller units of 8-20 in order for students to have a China Studies experience focused on their particular interests.
China Studies for students in Grade 12 is in May, after exams. While it is voluntary, approximately 80% of the graduating students go on this memorable trip.
China Studies field trips, paid for by the school, are required for all students in Grades 9 through11.
Aims of the China Studies Field Trips
China Studies Field Trips aim to:
- Enhance the school curriculum by providing opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of curriculum by exploring issues in the reality of modern China;
- Broaden students’ experiences of China and improve their understanding and awareness of Chinese culture, geography, history and environment;
- Provide opportunities for authentic, meaningful community service;
- Deepen the understanding of WAB community and “gong he” (¹¤ºÏ) spirit;
- Foster both teacher-student and student-student relationships outside of the school environment.
Insurance During Field Trips
WAB provides only limited emergency evacuation insurance in the event of injury during China Studies Field Trips.
All students are required have their own individual medical insurance coverage.