The Elsa High School Curriculum
Elsa High School is committed to providing the very best in Jewish and secular education by providing a rich and balanced curriculum which suits both the needs of our students and the demands of the 21st century. Elsa sets high expectations for all students through a broad and challenging curriculum.
The main features of the Elsa High School curriculum include:
- A unique programme integrating the best of international, religious and secular education to develop active learners and well-rounded individuals.
- English, Hebrew, Mandarin, French and Spanish as languages of instruction.
- Embracing an international perspective rooted in Jewish ethos, philosophy and values.
- We are committed to a partnership between staff, students, parents and the community.
- We value all individuals and respect the worth of others.
Elsa High School is an IB World School authorised for and currently offering the IB Diploma Programe (DP) for Grade 11 to 12, and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grade 6 to 10.
The curriculum framework is based upon the fundamental concepts and objectives of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme which is a highly regarded, internationally recognised educational standard, providing access to the best in tertiary opportunities around the world and creating lifelong learners who aim to make a difference.
Grade 6 to 10 Curriculum
The MYP insists a thorough study of various disciples, with an accent on their interrelatedness. We offer the 8 curriculum areas designated by the IB MYP (MYP octagon) to our students. These are:
Arts
Humanities
Language A
Language B
Mathematics
Physical Education
Sciences
Technology
As a private independent school, we enjoy flexibility in curriculum and instructional design as well as a low student-teacher ratio. Courses have been designed to facilitate the key fundamental MYP concept of holistic learning, intercultural awareness and communication. Courses of study are designed by the teacher staff to incorporate these in order to empower our students to develop attributes to allow them to become life long learner. The overall goal is for graduates from Elsa High School to be balance, caring, inquiring, knowledgeable, open-minded, principled, reflective, risk-taking, thinkers and communicators.
Students are assessed using the criteria developed from the learning objectives communicated by the International Baccalaureate organisation for each of these learning areas. To access the Marking Rubics at Elsa High School, click here.
To access the course outlines for each of the curriculum areas, click on relevant link below:
Arts – Visual Art
Humanities
Language A – English
Language B – Modern Hebrew
Language B – Mandarin
Language B – French
Mathematics
Physical Education
Sciences
Technology – Graphic Design
Students at the school follow a programme of study inclusive of Jewish Studies for Jewish students, or International Studies for international students. These courses are assessed in a similar manner to the recognised IBO courses and details can be gained by clicking the links below.
Jewish Studies
International Studies
Enrichment and Co-curricular Activities
In addition, Elsa High School offers an exciting and continuously evolving range of enrichment and co-curricular activities proving our students with the opportunity to explore and develop their many individual skills and aptitudes.
Click here for further information.
Differentiation
At Elsa High School we endeavour to offer each student an indivisualised learning programme, ensuring that the work they cover enables the student to access the curriculum at an appropriate level. We aim to provide work that is differentiated to meet individual needs, allowing the student to progress at a rate in line with their ability, whilst ensuring that there is sufficient challenge to stretch them in their learning.
Providing sufficient challenge to pupils is key in developing not only their learning, but also stimulating their minds and developing aspirations for self-development. We aim to offer students access to a variety of learning environments and avenues of discovery, through which to promote and engage them in the learning process.
Grade 11 & 12 Curriculum (to be implemented 2011/12)
Elsa High School hopes to implement the IB Diploma Programme for the academic year 2011/12.
The IB Diploma Programme has proved itself to be the success story in secondary education over the past 30 years. Fully recognised and increasingly valued as an entrance qualification to universities in over 110 countries worldwide, this academically rigorous two-year course of studies is completed by students between the ages of 16 and 18.
To earn an IB Diploma, students are required to study six subjects (three at Higher Level, and three at Standard Level): a literature course in the student’s native language; one additional language; mathematics; experimental sciences; social sciences; and arts or another subject from the sciences, languages or humanities. In addition, students must complete 150 hours of Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS), write 4,000 extended essay (similar to a university research paper), and take a Theory of Knowledge course.
Top universities recognise the academic integrity of this Diploma Programme, its academic range, and the high level of study skills each student is encouraged to develop.
IB Philosophy
The underlying IB philosophy combines academic rigour with a strong sports programme, and a variety of extracurricular and community service projects. ACS students fulfil this demanding set of criteria through a wide range of activities: playing in soccer and teams; participating in global internship programmes such as ORBIS; assisting at local schools and centres for the disabled; participating in Model United Nations conferences; and helping in shelters for the homeless, to mention but a few.
The IB Diploma Examinations
IB diploma requirements are based on a set of syllabi developed by the IB Organization that set forth clear objectives in courses and examinations. The award of the IB Diploma is contingent upon successful examination results in six subjects—three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).
Additional Diploma Requirements
All diploma candidates must fulfil three requirements in addition to successful completion of their examinations in order to earn the IB Diploma:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
IB candidates are required to take an interdisciplinary critical thinking course, entitled “Theory of Knowledge.” TOK explores the interdisciplinary nature among subject disciplines and encourages critical reflection and analysis. Two assessments must also be submitted.
Extended Essay
Students must select, research, and write an in-depth, independent research work or “Extended Essay” of 4000 words in one of the six subjects areas. Each student works under the guidance of an Extended Essay Supervisor. The Extended Essay requirement offers IB candidates the opportunity to become familiar with the independent research and writing skills expected at university.
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
CAS is a fundamental part of the Diploma experience, helping students to focus on the importance of extracurricular activities as an integral part of life, and as a healthy counterbalance to the world of scholarship and study. Diploma candidates must demonstrate active involvement in community service, artistic, and physical activities over the two-year period.
IB DP Grades & Assessment
Standards of IB assessment are the same worldwide. An international Board of IB Chief Examiners is responsible for the conduct of the examinations, setting the papers, and marking and moderating the grades.
Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the IB diploma requires a minimum total score of 24, based on the principle that a grade 4 represents a passing level in each of the six subjects. Excellent performance in the six subjects results in a grade 7 for each, or a total score of 42 points. It is possible to earn additional points – a maximum of 3 – for superior work on the Extended Essay and Theory Of Knowledge.
University Recognition
The IB was developed to establish an internationally acceptable university entrance qualification for the student populations in international schools. The IB’s reputation for rigorous assessment has given IB Diploma holders access to leading universities in over 110 countries worldwide. The US has the fastest growing IB Diploma Programme in the world.