
IBDP Subjects
Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature
English A Language and Literature
In English A students explore a wide range of texts. The Literature part of the subject focuses on detailed study of a range of literary texts including drama, novels, and poetry. The inquiry focuses on the techniques used by writers to create texts, the connections that writers forge with readers through texts, and the varied interpretations a text may have depending on time and place. In the language part of a text develop critical thinking skills through the exploration of a wide variety of text types that confront us in our daily lives- blogs, advertisements, newspaper and magazine articles and so on. Through this exploration students explore the different ways texts create and communicate meaning, the ways in which different texts approach the same subjects, and how our own experiences can shape our interpretation of texts.
Japanese A Literature
In Japanese A students, across the 2 years, explore a variety of literary texts including genres such as poetry, prose, and drama. The students will examine texts from a range of time periods, and these texts will also include texts originally written in languages other than Japanese and translated into Japanese. Focus of study is on how writers create meaning within a text, and how we as readers interpret meaning from a text.
Group 2 Language Acquisition
Language B (HL/SL)
(English / Japanese)
Language B is a language acquisition course designed for students who previously have been learning the language. It may be studied at either Higher Level (requiring 240 hours of instruction), or Standard Level (requiring 150 hours). HL students are required to study two literary works originally written in the target language. The syllabus is organised into five prescribed themes (identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organisation, and sharing the planet), which must all be addressed equally in the course. In classes, we focus not only on basic content, “Speaking and listening”, “Writing”, and “Reading”, but also on critical thinking. In addition, we often include activities to improve students’ presentation skills enabling them to express their own opinions to others.

Group 3 Individuals and Societies
History (HL/SL)
In History, a wide range of case studies will be investigated over the course of the program. There are many opportunities for student inquiry, along with various interpretations of differing historical perspectives. Students will evaluate sources, which will help them with selecting reliable sources for assignments in other classes, their IAs, EEs and beyond the IBDP. The case studies being investigated in this course will explore multiple regions around the world, helping foster international mindedness in the students as well. Case studies across different regions will be compared and contrasted, improving their critical thinking skills. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the past, which will in-turn lead to a deeper understanding of the world today.
Group 4 Sciences
Chemistry (HL)
In chemistry, the course heavily features naming, categorising, and 2D (or 3D) modelling of microscopic particles and macroscopic materials. This is in tandem with the study of chemical reactions that transform these materials, which include: reactions of ionic compounds, covalent compounds, coordinate compounds, acids and bases, organic chains and polymers, and many other species. The physical restraints of these reactions are also explored, and these may include: experimental yield, limiting reagents, reaction rates, and enthalpy/free energy. Practical applications of these reactions and measurements will be performed in the laboratory, usually once per topic. Depending on the topic, hands-on analog equipment and more modern digital data collection and logging may be available. These aim to prepare the students for an individual research project (the IB internal assessment).
Physics (HL/SL)
The physics course focuses mainly on relationships between movement, energy, forces, and the microscopic versus cosmic scales of our universe. A foundation of Newtonian physics and kinematics are followed by thermodynamics, wave phenomena, electricity and magnetism, and atomic composition. Students will also attempt to verify the physical equations and constants that they are taught to use in the physics laboratory, usually once per topic. Depending on the topic, hands-on analog equipment and more modern digital data collection and logging may be available. These experiments aim to prepare the students for an individual research project (the IB internal assessment).
Biology (SL)
The study of IB Biology involves the exploration of living organisms and their interactions with each other and with the environment. The curriculum is divided into eight core topics: Cells, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution, Human Physiology, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. Students will learn the relationship between organelle structures and functions at all levels of complexity, as well as the molecular mechanisms of biological processes relevant to specific organelles.
Assessment in IB Biology requires students to demonstrate their knowledge of key terms, facts, concepts, and biological methods, analyze data, and understand through detailed explanations of major biological concepts. At the end of the course, two examination papers will be externally assessed. These exams consist of multiple-choice, short-answer questions and extended-response questions. The internal assessment (IA) consists of one task: an individual scientific investigation planned and executed by the student. This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB. Additionally, students will participate in experimental activities, including Group 4 projects and mandatory laboratory practicals.

2nd Grade students built terrariums in small glass jars as a part of their laboratory experiments.

1st Grade students are using light microscopes to observe living cells in the laboratory.
Group 5 Mathematics
Mathematics Analysis and Approaches
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches is intended to assist students build a thorough understanding of mathematical skills and concepts. It focuses on more abstract and theoretical mathematical concepts, giving students a grasp of the structure and form of mathematics.
In Math AA, students are encouraged to apply their mathematical knowledge and skills to solve both abstract and real-world problems. The exploration or internal assessment (IA), is an essential component of Math AA that allows students to research a topic of their choice. IA helps students improve their research abilities while also instilling a sense of responsibility and love for mathematics.
Group 6 The Arts
Music (SL)
The DP Music course is designed to prepare students to take the rapid changes in the music cultures and industries. Students will explore, experiment, and present music in three different roles (researcher, creator, performer), and expand their music knowledge in different levels of their abilities. Students are required to complete three portfolios: Exploring Music (30%), Experimenting Music (30%), Presenting Music (40%).
Visual Arts (SL)
Students who join Visual Arts engage in a wide variety of art-making forms and styles. They experience art in real life through field trips, art analysis, and class discussions about eras and prominent artists. Throughout the 2 year period students explore, experiment and express their personal artistic expressions. Developing themselves as creative problem solvers and young artists in today’s society. They work in groups and individually to develop a body of work that expresses their personal interests visually to be displayed in the final Exhibition.
Students are required to complete a Comparative Study 20%, Process Portfolio 40% and an Exhibition 40% to acquire their final grade.

From left to right)
3rd Grade student working on a drawing; 2nd Grade student experimenting with printing; Student working on 3D artmaking using Polymer clay; Student working in oil on canvas leading up to the final exhibition; Student working on acrylic painting.

Art Class in the Studio
Pictures of various art field trips and shows for students to experience art in real time and its practical applications in life

1st image Live Action “The Little Mermaid”
2nd and 3rd images at Miyagi Prefecture Museum, Special works by Johannes Vermeer
4th image visit to Ishinomaki Manga Museum