Grade 9 Curriculum Overview
- World Literature I
- World Studies I
- Integrated Math I, II, III
- Biology and Earth & Environment
- Electives and Lynx Enrichment
World Literature I
Grade 9 World Literature is the first year of the World Literature two-year course. This course is guided by the Common Core State Standards and prepares students for the IB. In Grade 9, students will study "Coming of Age" texts, graphic novels, and literary nonfiction through book clubs. In addition, they will take part in a whole class study of the classic Romeo and Juliet. In these units, students will research the contexts of the texts and will analyze literature and informational texts. Finally, students will develop their communication, presentation, and design skills in authentic ways throughout the year.
World Studies I
This course is the first year of a two-year survey of modern (mostly Western) world history. Students cover the period from the Scientific Revolution through Industrialization and its impact. The emphasis will be on major events, concepts, trends and personalities. Students will be asked to discuss, identify and examine conflicts, issues and solutions within their historical studies and make connections within their communities, societies and the global context. Throughout the course, students will be asked to reflect on a variety of essential themes/questions. Skills include the writing of a five-paragraph historical essay and the introduction of the IB-style analysis of historical documents.
Integrated Math I, II, III
Integrated Math I
The Integrated I course aims to deepen and extend student understanding built in previous courses by focusing on developing fluency with solving linear equations, inequalities, and systems. These skills are extended to solving simple exponential equations, exploring linear and exponential functions graphically, numerically, symbolically, and as sequences, and by using regression techniques to analyze the fit of models to distributions of data.
Based on student performance, teacher recommendation, and standardized test scores in math, students may be placed in the higher level Integrated Math II course.
Integrated Math II
The Integrated II course aims to solidify and build upon skills learned in the previous course. We also aim to continue developing the skills that will be necessary for success in IB Mathematics. In this course we will study geometric relationships which will be later extended into trigonometry, where there will be a significant focus on problem solving skills. We will also look at the key concept of factoring quadratic expressions and how we can apply this skill to help us understand more about the nature of quadratic functions. Later in the course we will look at some probability and develop modelling techniques that help us to represent real life situations and make decisions based on our findings. Finally, we will look at exponential and logarithmic functions.
Integrated Math III
In the Integrated Math III course, students will learn to use new models and methods to think about problems as well as solve them. You will develop powerful mathematical tools and learn new ways to investigate situations. You will make connections, discover relationships, explain your thinking, and figure out what strategies can be used to solve problems. Learning to think in these ways and communicate about your thinking is useful in mathematical contexts, other subjects in school, and situations outside the classroom. The mathematics you have learned in the past will be valuable for this course. That previous work, and what you learn in this course, will prepare you for your future IB courses.
Biology and Earth & Environment
The science program for 9th and 10th will be divided into 4 semesters: Biology and Science of the Earth & Environment (9th grade), and Chemistry and Physics (10th grade). Courses are guided by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Biology I
In this semester-long course, students will aim to explore the interactions between & within organisms, often focusing in on the problems that threaten humans’ health. We will investigate how homeostasis is maintained by feedback systems in our body, explore how and why genetic disorders may manifest in one child but not in another, and figure out why our antibiotics don’t work as well as they used to. The final inquiry will be into our diets and tracking the movement of energy in a closed system. We follow the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as a framework for understanding core ideas, developing scientific and engineering skills and practices, and solidifying concepts that are common to all areas of inquiry. This course also serves as a foundation for multiple topics in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program students will encounter in grades 11 and 12.
Science of the Earth and Environment
In this semester course, we will explore the interaction of celestial bodies as well as dynamic parts of our own planet, inquire into the ways trees might hold the answer to climate change, and analyze how small changes can make big impacts in ecosystems. We follow the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as a framework for understanding core ideas, developing scientific and engineering skills and practices, and solidifying concepts that are common to all areas of inquiry. This course also serves as a foundation for multiple topics in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program students will encounter in grades 11 and 12.
Electives and Lynx Enrichment
Various electives are available to both ninth and tenth graders and can be taken as semester or year-long courses. Electives are 70 minutes long and take place twice every 6-day cycle. Students who take Catalan will have one elective; students who do not take Catalan will have two electives.
Lynx Enrichment activities are 45 minutes long and take place twice every 6-day cycle. All students take one Lynx Enrichment per semester.
Electives
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French
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Art
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Music
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Model United Nations (MUN)
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Debating Current Issues
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GOA Online Options
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Science in Service
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Technology (Various options including Maker Project Studio, Computer Science, Game Development, Video Effects, and more)
Lynx Enrichment
Service Programs
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English tutors at local schools ("Sharing to Learn")
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Yearbook
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RefugArt
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Rotary Interact
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Eco Club
Academic Programs
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NESDA Speech and Debate
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Model United Nations (MUN)
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Musical Theater
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MOOC
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Math Team
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Chess
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School Newspaper
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Film Studies
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Choir
Wellness
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Sport and Fitness
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Wellness (quiet space)
Spanish History and Literature
The objective of this course is to learn about the History, Literature and society in Spain during the 16th and 18th centuries. We will also focus on the geographic, social, political and economic characteristics of Spain and Europe. Students will be exposed to different texts from this period and will learn how to approach them analytically keeping in mind the historical and socio-political context. In order to achieve this goal, we will apply different strategies that will lead to a better comprehension of this crucial time of Spanish History, as well as Spanish Literature.
Note: Non-native speakers of Spanish whose level of Spanish is not high enough to take part in this course take leveled Spanish Language Learners (SLL) with the goal of achieving fluency so that they can eventually be integrated into regular Spanish classes.
Catalan Language and Literature
The ASB Catalan program allows Spanish students to meet requirements set out by the Generalitat de Catalunya. It gives all students the opportunity to learn the language and customs of our host society through a combination of communicative and content-based teaching methods and appreciation of the unique culture of Catalunya. Classes are offered 2-3 times per week. International children who have not yet mastered the Spanish language or who need English language support may be exempt from Catalan.
Physical Education
Our physical education curriculum focuses on developing motor skills, promoting physical fitness and wellness, emphasize building a classroom community, sportsmanship, and creating a learning environment that allows every child to improve his/her level of success in sport. Students interact in a variety of interactive and collaborative games focusing on working together as well as developing fine and gross motor skills. Students learn the basic skills of many sports and activities including volleyball, basketball, badminton, soccer, running, circuit training and fun games.
Advisory
This course focuses on the development of life skills that will help you make good decisions regarding health, emotional, social and sexual issues. We focus on matters such as relationships, self-esteem, peer pressure, and strategies for dealing with them. We also partake in several team building activities that allow us to interact better and form special bonds within our group.