Older Level Elements of Study: Internationale Baccalaureate

Older level students at MHS will engage in an integrated exploration of the global environment, focusing particularly on how place governs so much of culture and identity and how peace is so important to our survival, through 11 areas: environmental systems, mathematics, 20th-century history, world literature, second language, the arts, involvement in the school business, sports, an extended research piece, a protracted experience within the community, and a metacognitive look at knowledge. Different kinds of writing provide an element of self-expression across the disciplines.

Environmental Systems

A study of the environment and its ecological underpinnings may be the most important program a student participates in at school. The curriculum has two components: a core study of ecological principles with an introduction to a systems approach (the formation of quantitative empirical models) to studying holistic science; and the study of methodologies appropriate for the practical investigations and modeling of ecosystems, along with an in-depth look at biodiversity, the effects of pollution, and the exploitation of food and energy resources.

Mathematics

This curriculum focuses on different branches of mathematics, encouraging the student to appreciate the diversity of the subject, including applications to problem solving in relation to environmental systems analysis. The student will develop a portfolio of mathematical investigation, extended closed-problem solving, and mathematical modeling. The portfolio allows for extensive time and the fostering of a sense of independence in mathematics. The topics studied are statistics; sets, relations and groups; discrete mathematics; analysis and approximation; and Euclidean geometry and conic sections.

History and the Humanities

History helps explain trends and developments, continuity and change through time and through individual events with a focus on the evolving human impact on the planet. It is concerned with individuals and societies in the widest context: political, social, economic, environmental, religious, technological, and cultural. This element focuses on the history of the United States in the 20 th century through the study of primary source material, which is also partially literary in its selection. There also will be focus on the history of the Americas as a group through the last 100 years of their history.

Literature

Literature is concerned with our conceptions, interpretations, and experiences of the world. It is a study of the complex pursuits, anxieties, joys, and fears that human beings are exposed to in the daily business of living. World literature is the main focus of this curriculum-not an indepth look at any particular region's literature or any historical period's literature, but a broadening awareness of global events and experiences that promote empathy and genuine respect, leading to a deeper understanding of the human condition. The curriculum will include literary criticism as well as a personal response to literature.

Second Language-Spanish

This course will be offered at three levels: ab initio , or the introductory course; some degree of proficiency with the language; and for those students who are already fluent. A Spanish cultural immersion program will be an option in the student's senior year to take place in a Spanish speaking culture. Native speakers may continue their alternative language study.

The Arts

Visual Arts
Through a study of the visual arts, the student acquires understandings that are unique in human development and unique culturally. Study of the visual arts-both through production and a historical perspective-allows the student to discover ways in which to interpret and comment critically on the human condition.

Music
The student develops perceptual skills in response to music, knows and understands music historically, and is comfortable with musical language and terminology. He or she will perform either a solo piece or a group work or will compose an original piece of music.

Theater
The theater course will interpret and illuminate play scripts from several world cultures and other theatrical texts analytically and imaginatively. The student will be involved in at least one production.

Business and Management

The school will operate a business. Through this operation, the student learns business principles, practices, and skills. Emphasis is placed on understanding technical innovation and the day-to-day business functions of marketing, human resource management, and finance. Because the students will be running the business, these various business school topics will be seen in a holistic way. Students will have opportunity to see firsthand the synergy that can come from a well-run business.

Sports

Students will continue to spend considerable time each school day after classes at the fields and in the gymnasium in physical education. There are various opportunities for skill development-a school rowing club, squash, yoga, strength training, running, and biking-and team sports in soccer and basketball.

The Three Centering Areas

EE: The Extended Essay

The extended essay is a synthesizing part of the Montessori High School community experience, in fact, the capstone of a student's learning history. At graduation, the student will have researched and written an interdisciplinary extended essay of approximately 4000 words, which contextualizes studies in the classroom with ongoing real-life problem solving and real-world focus. The work is done independently of a class. Emphasis is placed on the process of personal research, the communication of ideas in a logical and coherent manner, and the overall presentation of a deeply felt perspective across the Montessori High School experience. Students have wide latitude in choice of subject, but the subject chosen must be approved by the school.

CAS: Creativity, Action, Service

The CAS component of Montessori High School looks seriously at the life outside of school, providing a counterbalance to the academic self-absorption teenagers may feel within a rigorous program. Participation in CAS encourages students to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness, concern, and the ability to work cooperatively with University Circle institutions providing outreach to the community. Each student will develop an individual project, under the guidance of the facilitator. The stress for each project will be on service to the community, with the other two elements conjoined to the service piece. The student will devote 3-4 hours each week to his or her project.The multi-year experience should move toward the development of a student's "informed heart," for it is not what you know but what you do with what you know.

Theory of Knowledge (a formal study in metacognition)

The Theory of Knowledge program challenges students to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge, and to consider the role knowledge plays in a global society. It encourages students to become aware of themselves as thinkers, to become aware of the complexity of knowledge, and to recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world.

Younger Level Elements of Study