Curriculum Handbook 2012-2013 Grades 11-12 - International ...

MISSION STATEMENT
Our goal is to provide the students of the International School of Düsseldorf with the best
possible programme of academic and personal development in a challenging and
supportive environment.
PHILOSOPHY
We, the International School of Düsseldorf, believe it is important to provide our students,
both local and international, with a challenging academic programme in a caring
environment. We aim to promote the development of the whole child and work closely and
openly with parents to accomplish this. We will encourage students to achieve their
potential in all areas of learning. We willingly accept the demands, high level of dedication,
continuous evaluation and review necessary to achieve excellence. We believe in the
ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship.
EDUCATIONAL PRINCIPLES
• To instil a love of learning
• To provide an appropriate and challenging course of study
• To offer a balanced programme with an interdisciplinary approach where appropriate
• To develop self-discipline and responsible behaviour
• To foster an awareness and concern for the well-being and dignity of every individual
• To foster a sense of community
• To develop learning partnerships involving teachers, students and parents
• To develop a truly international perspective
MUSIC
Philosophy: (taken from the 2009 IB Music Guide)
Music functions as a means of personal and communal identity and expression, and
embodies the social and cultural values of individuals and communities.
A vibrant musical education fosters curiosity and openness to both familiar and
unfamiliar musical worlds.
Through participating in the study of music we are able to explore the similarities,
differences and links in music from within our own culture and that of others across
time. Informed and active musical engagement allows us to explore and discover
relationships between lived human experience and specific sound combinations and
technologies, thus informing us more fully of the world around us, and the nature of
humanity.
IB DP Music HL/SL
This two-year course is recommended as a group 6 IB subject for students with a
high level of interest in music. It provides a solid basis for further musical study in a
variety of musical fields at the university level, but is also appropriate for students
planning on pursuing career paths outside of the field of music. There are no official
prerequisites; however, a student needs to have at least a basic level of prior
knowledge in the area of music theory and also have experience singing or playing
an instrument to succeed in the course. Students in standard and higher level are
combined in one class, as much of the course-work overlaps.
SL students complete the following components:
1. Musical perception and analysis 50%
(30% for listening exam + 20% for musical links investigation)
2. Music creating (composing and/or arranging 2 pieces) (50%)
OR
2. Music performing (15 min. live performance on a solo instrument/voice) (50%)
HL students complete the following components:
1. Musical perception and analysis 50%
(30% for listening exam + 20% for musical links investigation)
2. Music creating (composing and/or arranging 3 pieces) 25%
AND
3. Music performing (20 min. live performance on a solo instrument/voice) 25%
The course-work for both standard and higher levels consists of the study of music
from the six main historical periods of western music, “world” music, score analysis,
listening analysis and compositional techniques. Through their musical links
Investigations, students also have the opportunity to explore in depth two musical
cultures which hold a particular interest for them. Because of the individual nature of
the performance component, students in HL or SLP (P=performing) are expected to
pursue the study of their instruments/voices with a private music teacher outside of
class in order to help them choose repertoire and prepare for their performances.
Participation in musical ensembles, whether in or out of school, and/or in AMIS*
music festivals is also recommended.
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