2021 -2022 GRADE 9 COURSE INFORMATION
Students in Grades 9-12 follow a program of studies in English, Modern and Classical Languages,
Mathematics, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Philosophy, Art History and Religious
Studies. Students may register for course offerings to meet the grade level requirements and to make
appropriate progress towards graduation with the understanding that courses which are under-subscribed may
not be offered in a given year.
Secondary School students are guided by their Academic Plan, the IB Coordinator, and teachers to select
courses that are appropriate to their own academic needs in agreement with their parents. Difficult scheduling
issues may be referred to the Principal for a final decision. Every student is expected to register for a complete
schedule of classes.
Grade 9 Typical Schedule Graduation Requirements
English Required Core Course Marymount’s course of studies offers students a wide
Biology I Required Core Course range of subjects. A minimum of 20 credits in Grades 9-12
Physical Science Required Core Course is required for graduation. Over the four years of a typical
World History I Required Core Course High School program, a student will complete well over
Mathematics Required Core Course the minimum total credits required. Care must be taken to
Modern Language Required Core Course complete subject credit requirements within the total
Philosophy Required Core Course credits earned.
History of Art Required Course
Religious Studies Required Course To earn a Marymount High School Diploma a student
Physical Education/Health Required Course must fulfill (Grades 9-12) the following requirements:
Italian Literature 9 Recommended for IB Italian A (1 credit represents a full year in a normally scheduled
Electives Students’ Choice course)
Electives Choices: English 4 credits
Artificial Intelligence and Society Social Studies 3 credits
Graphic Design Programming Languages Mathematics 3 credits
Animation HS Drama Science 3 credits including
2D Design Latin 1 year of a Lab Science
HS Band 3rd Modern Language Fine Arts 1 credit
HS Choir MUN Physical Education 1 credit required in
Music Production Public Speaking Grades 9-10 (0.5 each year)
Modern Language 4 credits or 1 credit each year
at Marymount
Electives vary from 1 to 2 depending on the schedule Religious Education 2 credits required each year
module adopted. When choosing your courses please in attendance at Marymount (0.5
make sure to select 3 possible electives in order of per year)
preference. Please see Course Selection on the last page of
this booklet.
ENGLISH
ENGLISH 9 STANDARD (Credit: 1)
Students in this course continue their study of literary and non-literary texts and strengthen their ability to
express themselves both orally and in written composition. Skills in literary analysis are reinforced and students
are encouraged to read and think critically. Grammatical concepts are applied to a variety of writing exercises.
Vocabulary study is embedded within the teaching of literary texts, in terms of both the vocabulary from within
the text and for use in approaching it critically. Expository essay writing, oral presentation skills and
earlier-stage commentary writing are the overarching communication focuses for the year, addressed through
the study of literary texts from each of the genres: short story, the novel, poetry and drama.
ENGLISH 9 ADVANCED (Credit: 1)
In this course students deepen their understanding of literary and non-literary texts. As they study these forms,
students will develop skills in critical reading and in writing analytical and descriptive essays. Students study a
19th and 21st novel and contemporary short stories. Study of poetry introduces students to written literary
commentaries and oral presentation. The year concludes with a study of Greek and Shakespearean drama.
Vocabulary study is also an integral part of the curriculum. Class discussions and student essays focus on
content and style; students learn to appreciate diction, imagery, tone and structure and deepen their
understanding of literary techniques.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS - ELL (Credit: 1)
The High School ELL program is designed to improve students' use of English, and help implement the use of
the English language to then access the regular school curriculum in all subjects areas. English language
proficiency is to ensure students are placed at an appropriate level.
The aims of the ELL program are that students should be able to:
● Demonstrate English proficiency through basic interpersonal communication.
● Demonstrate English proficiency through cognitive academic language development in all school
subjects including Language Arts, Mathematics, the Sciences, and Social Studies.
● Demonstrate English proficiency in socially and culturally appropriate ways.
SCIENCE
BIOLOGY I - Grade 9 (Credit: 1)
The course includes an introduction to the material necessary for the study of IB Biology: cells, diffusion,
osmosis, enzymes, human physiology and environmental sciences. A practical approach allows students to
develop scientific thinking, scientific communication and practical skills.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - Grade 9 (Credit: 1)
This course introduces the general principles of physics and chemistry. Topics include measurement, motion
and forces, energy, thermodynamics, waves, electricity & magnetism, and chemical principles. Upon
completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the physical world and be able to apply
scientific principles to interpret observations.
SOCIAL STUDIES
WORLD HISTORY I: 19th and 20th century - Grade 9 (Credit: 1)
The first year of this two year course aims to deepen students’ historical knowledge of four world regions:
Europe, Asia and Oceania, the Americas and Africa and the Middle East. World History I students will study
political, economic, cultural and territorial aspects of the history of regions of the Americas and Africa and the
Middle East during the 19th and 20th centuries. This course emphasizes group and individual project work,
essay writing, critical thinking and research techniques.
PHILOSOPHY - Grade 9 (Credit:1/2)
This course introduces students to Philosophy. The students will learn how to think philosophically about ideas
and concepts that deeply impact our lives, with a focus on political philosophy. Students will learn about a
variety of arguments concerning the justification of the state, the value of different forms of governments, and
key concepts such as liberty and equality. They will study key texts from Plato and Aristotle to Hobbes and
Rousseau, improving their skills in critical analysis and developing arguments of their own.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS & DEBATE Grade 9 - 12 (Credit: 1)
This course prepares students to participate actively as delegates in the Model United Nations conferences held
in The Hague and in Haarlem. Students learn about the history, structure and function of the UN, how to
research and write resolutions on urgent world issues, how to debate, how to question Socratically, and how to
deliver speeches of different kinds. There is an emphasis on collaboration. This class is the best preparation for
students interested in attending a MUN conference.
MATHEMATICS
ALGEBRA I - Grade 9 (Credit: 1) Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra
This course develops basic algebraic concepts of equation solving, manipulation of monomials and polynomials
and graphing of functions. Skills will be acquired in solving equations in two variables and in handling
exponent factors, fractions, square roots, quadratic equations, real numbers and inequalities.
GEOMETRY AND FURTHER ALGEBRA - Grade 9-12, (Credit: 1) Prerequisite: Algebra I
Geometry and Further Algebra builds on learning from Math 8 and continues to make connections among
concepts from algebra, geometry, functions, and statistics. Geometry is represented as a mathematical system
through the study of plane and non-planar figures. Students will study the basic geometric language, parallel
and perpendicular lines and planes, congruent triangles and their application, similar polygons, right and
non-right triangle relationships, circles and their areas, relationships among angles, arcs, and line segments in a
circle, the geometric relationships created when tangents and secants intersect a circle and geometric
constructions. Algebra topics that will be expanded upon are as follows: representations of a quadratic function,
solving quadratic equations, solving systems of linear equations, and simplifying radicals. The section on
statistics will study descriptive and inferential statistics using univariate and bivariate data.
MODERN LANGUAGES
Students in Grade 9 have the choice of French, or Spanish offered from Level I-V. Italian is offered from
Level I-V. Mandarin is offered at level I & II. German is offered at level I - IV. Arabic is offered at level I -
III.
Grades 9 - 12 (Credit: 1)
Level I: This course acquaints the student with basic vocabulary, grammar and some aspects of civilization
through the use of a text, audio material and, in the second semester, of a reader. Upon completion the student
will be able to use the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in real life situations with
emphasis on functional expressions.
Level II: This course develops the fundamental skills of learning a second language with an emphasis on oral
communication, both listening comprehension and speaking. Students also acquire reading and writing skills,
and grammatical patterns are presented formally but are practiced in functional situations relating to the ability
to communicate with an understanding of the culture.
Level III: This course reviews, reinforces, and extends grammar through intensive oral and written activities.
The emphasis here is placed on reading, analyzing and developing spontaneity in the use of language skills.
Students read at least a short story per semester or a collection of short stories to increase their vocabulary and
analytical skills. Essay writing is introduced.
Level IV: This course sharpens previously acquired language oral and written skills through presentations,
essay writing and grammatical review, the literary tense is introduced. Students learn to appreciate the culture of
the second language by becoming familiar with writers of that language and are provided with the tools for
textual interpretation. A collection of short stories and several excerpts from an anthology are read and
analyzed. Vocabulary is studied in context according to themes.
Level V: This course sharpens previously gained language skills through oral presentations, essay writing and
grammar review. Students deepen their appreciation of culture and literature analyzing the work of writers,
poets, playwrights and directors being provided with tools for textual and cultural analysis. Magazines, films
and newspapers are used for class discussion and vocabulary building.
ITALIAN LITERATURE 9 - Grade 9 (Credit: 1)
The course is designed for students whose native language is Italian and it is recommended to students who
have achieved the Italian “Terza Media”diploma. It is not a mandatory requisite for IB Group A courses, but it
is highly recommended. It is designed to give students an overview of the Italian literary movements from the
birth of the Italian language up to the XVI° century. The students will be exposed to different genres of
literature and different texts, both literary and non literary. Emphasis will be placed on improving analytical
reading and writing abilities.
LATIN I - Grade 9 (Credit: 1)
This introductory course offers a thorough and fascinating grounding in Latin that combines the traditional
grammatical method with the reading and translating approach. In addition to grammar, paradigms and readings
the course reinforces the grammar and morphology while encouraging the joy of linguistic and cultural
discovery.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
WORLD RELIGIONS (Credit: 1/2)
The World Religion course guides students in approaching with reverence the teachings, rules of life, and sacred
rites of world religions. Students examine the Church’s relationship to non-Catholic Christians and
non-Christian religions, including primal religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism. Along with studying
basic beliefs, code of conduct and styles of worship, students examine the local and global issues that influence
the practice of religion today. Through readings, activities, art, and lectures, students will examine the nature of
religion and the influence of various cultural and social forces that both shape and affect it.
CONFIRMATION (CREDIT: 1/2)
The Confirmation course is offered for students who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, or those
who have recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation and wish to take an in-depth look at the Catholic
faith. The goal of the course is to prepare students both intellectually and spiritually to receive the Sacrament of
Confirmation and to become lifelong disciples of Christ. Students examine the role of the Holy Spirit, the
Church, and the Sacraments in salvation history and in their own lives. They learn and practice different styles
of prayer and understand how to develop a deep and lasting personal relationship with God.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH 9
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH 9 (Credit: 1⁄2)
This course builds on the foundations set in the Middle School Sports Program. The focus is towards a tactical
and functional appreciation of each sport and activity, including the rules of the game and how to officiate.
Values of sportsmanship and fair play are integral to the course content and participation in the athletic program
and sports outside the PE program are actively encouraged. Students will also have monthly health education
lessons (focusing on mental, social, physical and emotional health), in conjunction with the essential principles
of healthy living and individual fitness.
PERFORMING ARTS
HS BAND Grade 9 - 12 (Credit: 1)
This is an advanced level ensemble open for students from Grades 9 – 12 who already play a band instrument or
have prior musical knowledge and/or experience.
The course focuses on improving musicianship through the students’ sense of tonality, rhythm and technique,
and through performing in several styles. Individual growth will be emphasized. Students will have
opportunities to conduct and arrange music. Diligent practice is expected and private lessons are encouraged.
The ensemble performs several times throughout the school year including the Christmas and Spring Concerts
and Graduation.
Advanced Band students may be chosen as members of the orchestra for the HS play and form the core group
of the Royal Winds, the School’s Honor Band. Students may be asked to audition to ensure an adequate level.
HS CHORUS - Grade 9-12 (Credit: 1)
In this year-long course students discover the fun and excitement of singing in a group. Students learn about
proper vocal production, singing in harmony in two or three parts, and studying music from many different
genres and backgrounds. Performance is a key component so students will perform in the classroom, in school
concerts during the year, in school masses and on retreats. The group will explore possibilities to sing off
campus and perhaps a field trip to France to perform.
MUSIC PRODUCTION Grade 9-12 (Credit :1)
This yearlong course is designed to enhance music theory fundamentals and composition skills. The essential
aspects of melody, harmony, rhythm and form are studied in relation to the creative process of composing
through a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Students will gain experience with hardware and software for
music sequencing, synthesis, composition and music performance practices. Students will also analyze the
impact of technology on music and the development of the music industry.
There are no prerequisites for this course, although prior musical experience is suggested.
This course is recommended for students considering IB Music as their Group 6 option in the IB Diploma.
HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA I - Grade 9-12 (Credit: 1)
This course is a practical and academic study in the subject of drama. Class time is broken down into a series of
practical workshops aimed at building confidence, taking risks and learning to create theatre as an ensemble.
Techniques on acting, movement, design, and directing are all incorporated into the subject so there is
something for everyone. Students are assessed on their ensemble work, practical projects, homework and a final
performance at the end of the year. It is suitable for students that have little or no experience in drama, as well
as those that have perhaps already shown enthusiasm and skill in the subject in their middle school years.
PUBLIC SPEAKING Grade 9-12 (Credit :1)
This yearlong course is designed to develop the skills necessary for effective oral communication and public
presentation. Throughout the course students will learn to select, structure and shape subject matter into a
coherent and concise speech as well as to adapt language and form to audience, purpose and situation where
appropriate. Students will also build skills in vocal projection and clarity of speech, match tonal register to
audience, purpose and situation, integrate body language, use notes and visual aids where appropriate, to
support the subject matter and engage the listener.
VISUAL ARTS
ANIMATION - Grade 9 - 12 (Credit: 1)
Prerequisite Graphic Design
Animation is an elective one-year course for Grades 9-12. This production course in which students learn the basic
principles of animation, develop visual language, storytelling, observation, and communication skills. Prior drawing
experience is not necessary. The first half of the semester consists of weekly exercises in which students explore various
styles and methods of animation including optical toys, stop motion, traditional drawn, and 2D digital animation. Students
will be introduced to programs including Dragon Stop Motion, After Effects, Avid, Flash, and Photoshop. Various
technical topics covered include aspect ratio, frame rates, storyboarding, editing animatics, scanning, working with image
sequences, alpha channels, vector vs. raster art, compositing, rendering, using a Cintiq, and shooting stills with DSLR
camera. During the second half of the semester students will complete a 15-30 second animated film with sound.
DRAWING and PAINTING - Grade 9-12 (Credit: 1)
Drawing and Painting is an elective course for Grades 9 -12. This course offers continued instruction in drawing
and painting. Students will be encouraged to explore and arrive at an understanding of the ideas and techniques
that underpin artistic expression. Emphasis will be placed on the production of personally relevant artworks that
show exploration of ideas reflecting cultural and historical awareness and artistic qualities. Experimental
techniques are the focus of the class where students are encouraged to experiment and to discover their own
talents and interests.
GRAPHIC DESIGN - Grade 9 (Credit: 1)
Graphic Design is an elective one-year course for Grades 9-12. The course offers fundamental instruction in
creating and designing images with digital technology. This course is designed to provide an opportunity for
students to explore the possibilities of using technology in a contemporary art and design field and learn to
enhance and manipulate photographs. Students will receive basic training in software with which professional
digital artists and designers must be familiar: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
Students will learn the design process, which can be applied in any field of post-secondary study. Any student
considering an art and design career will find this course extremely valuable.
HISTORY OF ART - Grade 9 (Credit: ½ )
The central theme of this core course is to acquaint the students with the basic History of Art from the
Paleolithic to the 20th Century. The students are provided with a vocabulary with which to speak about works
of art and architecture. On the basis of style and content they will learn to explain why a work belongs to a
particular period and culture. They will describe the meaning of artworks by analyzing how specific works are
created and how they relate to historical and cultural contexts. They will compare the characteristics of the
visual arts within a particular historical period with ideas, issues, or themes in the humanities or sciences. They
will analyze and interpret artworks for relationships among form, context, purposes, and critical models,
showing an understanding of the work of critics, historians, aestheticians, and artists. This course is highly
recommended, in particular, for those students who intend to follow the IB Visual Arts course of study in their
junior and senior years.
2D DESIGN - Grade 9-12 (Credit: 1)
2-D Design is an elective course for Grades 9-12. Students who wish to continue in the arts are highly advised
to take this foundation course, where they will have the opportunity to hone and sharpen skills previously
studied. Projects will include fashion design, graphic novels, printmaking, batik, collage, pencil drawing and
more. This course will teach students to develop their observational and creative abilities while putting into
practice lessons learned from historic and contemporary art.
COMPUTER STUDIES
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SOCIETY Grades 9- 12 (Credit: 1)
The course provides a basic grounding in the principles and practices around Artificial Intelligence, automation
and cognitive systems with particular emphasis on the mathematical and coding aspects. Along with the
technologies involved, the course also focuses on the societal and ethical implications of AI’s use and
improvements.
PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES- Grade 9-12 (Credit: 1)
This course is designed to consolidate and further computer skills, which were introduced in Middle School,
with an in-depth approach to some applications, e.g. Web page creation and multimedia authoring. The students
will experience coding using Java and Python, interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming languages.
The students will gain an extensive background in computing, including basic knowledge of computer hardware
components, and programming.This provides vital knowledge and puts computers in their place in our society
today - ‘the social implications of the computerization of today's world.
Grade 9 Course Selection
Name of Student:___________________________________________________________________________________
Are you interested in eventually following the IB diploma program in Grades 11&12? _____Yes _____No
List your current course level in:
Mathematics __________________________________Foreign Language ______________________________________
(e.g. French 3rd year, Spanish 2nd year)
Required courses for Grade 9:
X English 9 X Religious Education
(Placement in Advanced English 9 will be determined by Please select one: ___ World Religions 9 (or)
Teacher recommendation and/or internal assessment) ___ Confirmation Class
X Biology I X Physical Education 9/Health 9
X Physical Science X History of Art
X Social Studies: World History I X Mathematics:
Please select one: ___ Geometry ___ HS Algebra 1
X Philosophy (HS Algebra 1 option for students who have not taken Algebra 1
in Grade 8)
Students in Grade 9 have the choice of Italian, French, or Spanish offered from Level I-V. Italian is offered from Level I-V.
Mandarin is offered at level I & II. German is offered at level I - IV. Arabic is offered at level I - III. (Please note New Students
will be given a placement test by the instructor to place your child in the appropriate level.)
Identified ELL (English Language Learners) and Learning Support students will have course choices further
reviewed/adjusted to meet their individual needs. Parents will be consulted directly.
Modern Languages (Choose 1 or 2):
___Arabic I ___ French I ___ German I ___ Italian I ___ Mandarin I ___ Spanish I
___Arabic II ___ French II ___ German II ___ Italian II ___ Mandarin II ___ Spanish II
___Arabic III ___ French III ___German III ___ Italian III ___ Mandarin III ___ Spanish III
___ French IV ___German IV ___ Italian IV ___ Spanish IV
___ French V ___ Italian V ___ Spanish V
___Italian Literature 9
(Recommended for IB
Italian A)
Elective courses: Please select 4 courses in order of preference (1–4)
____ Artificial Intelligence and Society ____HS Band ____ MUN ____3rd Modern
____ Animation ____HS Choir ____ Music Production Language
____2D Design ____ Latin I ____Programming Languages (Please state what language
____Graphic Design ____ Latin II ____ Public Speaking and level)
____HS Drama I ______________________
Student Signature________________________________________ Parent Signature____________________________
For any further information or clarification please contact:
● Ms. Viviane Mingazzini, Secondary School Principal at vmingazzini@marymountrome.com
● Ms. Orla Ni Riordain, HS AcademicAssistant Principal at oniriordain@marymountrome.com
