Marist Brothers International School
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Upper School
Grade 10
This course uses the theme of “Culture” to explore language and literature. Course texts encompass a wide range of time periods and diverse cultures. Students will appreciate individual cultures, while gaining holistic insights into humanity. Students will read and respond to complex and historically/culturally significant texts, developing their comprehension and critical understanding skills. While the course focuses on literature, each week class time is dedicated to increasing language skills. The course works towards developing students’ mastery in the core reading, writing, and speaking skills required for senior levels of work.
The first half of this course focuses on culture and identity readings in order to analyze the complex relationship that exists between two abstract ideas. Course texts encompass a wide range of time periods, multiple genres, and diverse cultures. Students will appreciate individual cultures, while gaining holistic insights into humanity. We will read and respond to complex and historically/culturally significant works of literature, developing their comprehension and critical understanding skills. Additionally, students are expected to move beyond simplistic and formulaic styles of writing, and incorporate increasingly rich techniques, abstract thinking and diction. The Honors course serves as a foundation for the rigorous (college-level) Language and Literature HL course. Students will be introduced to increasingly sophisticated texts, concepts, and terms, including an introduction to classical and contemporary rhetoric.
Algebra II expands on the mathematical content of Algebra 1 and Geometry and serves as preparation for the IBDP Math SL and Math HL courses. The first semester includes topics covering equations, inequalities, absolute values and absolute value functions, linear equations and linear functions, scatter plots and lines of best fit, linear systems, vectors, quadratic functions and factoring, discriminant, polynomials and polynomial functions. In the second semester, the course extends into radical functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, rational functions, quadratic relations, conic sections, permutations and combinations, the Binomial Theorem, probability, statistics, sequences and series, trigonometry of right and non-right triangles, and concludes with trigonometric functions.
Integrated Science 10 is a course based on California’s Next Generation Science Standards. The course will be a combination of life, physical and earth scientific concepts. The course starts with students learning scientific inquiry skills. In the first semester students will learn about DNA and genetics, geologic time, natural selection and evolution, and the periodic table The second semester will continue to focus on scientific inquiry skills, chemical reactions, global systems, the universe, and motion and energy. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of mathematical, analytical, data acquisition, scientific writing, and communication skills as well as interdisciplinary approaches to discovery. Concepts and skills are reinforced by a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory experiences and projects.
World History II is the second and final year of World History. During this class students examine major turning points in the shaping of the world since since the start of the modern era. A major focus of the class is the growing interdependence of cultures and societies. Specific areas of study include, but are not limited the nationalism, imperialism and the Industrial Revoluiton; causes and effects of the two World Wars as well as several units of study during the interwar years. The course continues to encourage student’s critical thinking via the use of historical documents with an increased focus on analytical thought that is “recognizably adult.” Additionally, students work explicitly to advance skills needed for success in IB History.
It is the goal of the Physical Education program for students to learn the skills and rules necessary for the enjoyment of sports and develop a positive attitude towards physical fitness, and to encourage a personal awareness of the choices that will lead to a healthy lifestyle. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and competency in motor skills, movement patterns, and strategies needed to perform a variety of physical activities. They will achieve a level of physical fitness for health and performance while demonstrating knowledge of fitness concepts, principles, and strategies. Some of the activities taught in Grade 10 Physical Education include Team Building, Volleyball, Fitness, Fitness Testing, Dodgeball, Badminton, Soccer, Table Tennis and Softball.
Religious Education students study the main world religions ( Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Judaism ) from different perspectives from grades 3 to 9. The grade 10 course explores Religions that the students would not have had much exposure to and which should be more engaging to them. These Religions include Jainism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zen Buddhism and Sinto. The students will also study the life of Marcellin Champagnat in this course as he is the founder of our school, so students should be familiar with him and his life.
Students will build upon prior art knowledge and experience developed through study at the elementary and middle school levels. Students will continue the study of materials, skills, and techniques of drawing and painting, printmaking and 3D design. Emphasis is on the exploration and development of individual expression, form, and content. Students will grow in their ability to describe, interpret, evaluate, analyze, and produce. They will continue to use a wide range of subject matter, symbols, art history content, and creative license in order to create unique works of art.
Symphonic Band: This is a performance-based course intended to further students’ music literacy skills through playing wind band instruments. Previous music experience is recommended but not required. During the course, students will continue to develop their instrumental skills, play band repertoire, and learn historical and theoretical musical concepts. This class performs four major concerts during the year: at Food Fair, the Christmas Concert, the Spring Concert, and on Founder’s Day. Students also have the opportunity to learn and perform a solo at a festival.
This course helps produce The Maroon and Gold, the MBIS yearbook, as well as a student newsletter, the Marist Gazette. In this course, students will gain skills in the following areas: page design, publishing techniques, copywriting, editing, photography, record keeping, time management, teamwork, and leadership skills. Students are tasked with producing a timeless, creative, and innovative publications which will record our school’s community, memories, and events.
The Advanced Japanese course will improve the student as a bilingual speaker, reader, and writer. Students will focus on writing essays both in English and Japanese which will increase their ability to express complex thoughts and subjects in Japanese. Students will also learn the systematic view of Japanese society and its culture and will gain knowledge and understanding of technical terms through textbooks, stories, and newspaper articles from medicine, geography, history, politics, finance, and science. By the end of this course, students will have a better view of how to explain/express their opinion using appropriate words, styles, and translation in Japanese. Students will work extensively in improving their Kanji ability. Students will learn approximately 150-200 Kanji depending on their level.
The Intermediate course is designed for students with some previous learning of Japanese. Speaking, listening, reading and writing skills will be developed around the main themes of everyday activities and personal and social life. Students will learn to write informative passages about a familiar theme and read and write in Kanji. Students will participate in simple group discussions related to social and global issues, and share their thoughts in writing and in presentations. Students will also learn and experience Japanese culture. The four language skills will be assessed through a variety of tasks using specific rubrics. Students will work extensively in improving their Kanji ability. Students will learn approximately 150-200 Kanji depending on their level.
This course is designed to develop Japanese communication skills in all four language skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course will integrate previously acquired language and cultural knowledge to effectively communicate personal perspectives on various topics. Students will be able to recognize an increased number of kanji and to use them in writing. Students will also be able to read text containing Kanji.
In addition to acquiring Japanese language skills, students will have the opportunity to write Japanese Haiku, participate in local or national essay writing competitions and speech contests.