RemoveFifthFormCurriculumGuide

REMOVE & FIFTH FORM CURRICULUM

INTRODUCTION In the Remove and Fifth Form, students, with the support of teachers, Heads of House and House Tutors, will become more independent in their learning, more critical in their thinking, as they begin to exercise leadership skills and consolidate the knowledge and skills base that will prepare them for the IB Diploma in their final two years. At Harrow New York we believe that deep, sustained learning is underpinned by relationships: students with their teachers, Tutors and Counselors who manage each individual’s progress, as well as students with their peers who work collaboratively in classrooms and advisory groups.

In the Remove and Fifth Form at Harrow New York, students complete the final years of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), refining their academic skills and preparing for the IB Diploma Programme. During these two years, students develop greater independence in learning, critical thinking, and leadership. The curriculum maintains a broad-based structure while offering students opportunities to explore areas of interest in greater depth. The MYP’s focus on inquiry, global contexts, and interdisciplinary learning ensures that students are well-equipped for future academic success and lifelong learning.

By the end of Fifth Form, students will have mastered key competencies that will serve them well in their IB Diploma studies and beyond, fostering a spirit of inquiry, resilience, and global citizenship.

Matthew E. Sipple Principal

LANGUAGE & LITERATURE Students engage in advanced study of literary and non-literary texts, honing their ability to analyze and communicate complex ideas. The MYP framework encourages students to explore global issues through literature, develop strong writing skills, and participate in meaningful discussions.

MATHEMATICS Mathematics in the Remove and Fifth Form follows the MYP model, emphasizing problem-solving, abstract reasoning, and real-world applications. Topics covered include algebra, functions, statistics, and geometry, providing a strong foundation for future IB Diploma studies.

SCIENCE Students in Remove and Fifth Form will be exposed to the three different science domains on a rotation basis, thus preparing them fully to make an informed choice when choosing their science options as part of the IB Diploma Programme. Over the two-year program they will study the following:

Biology This course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards in Biology. It requires students to cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions. Laboratory work to illustrate and support these concepts is carried out regularly as part of this course.

Chemsitry This course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards in Chemistry. It explores the composition of matter, the changes it undergoes, and the factors which bring about and control these changes. Laboratory work to illustrate and support these concepts is carried out regularly as part of this course.

Physics This course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards in Physics with major emphasis on the areas of mechanics and wave phenomena. It emphasizes the quantitative study of interrelationships between various aspects of matter and energy. Laboratory work to illustrate and support these concepts is carried out regularly as part of this course.

THE OPTIONS Students have the opportunity to tailor their educational experience based on their interests and future pathways through our bespoke options program*. Students must choose one option from each of the 4 option blocks to study throughout Remove and Fifth Form. While it is expected that this will prepare students for their options choice in the IBDP, they will still have the opportunity to choose a different option in the Sixth Form (at Standard Level only) if desired, and in consultation with faculty. *Assuming they have made arrangements to meet all New York State graduation requirements.

Social Science (Option 1) ECONOMICS This course develops an understanding of economic theory, terminology and principles. Students study the economics of different countries and how these interrelate. They also learn to work with simple economic data and to use the tools of economic analysis.

GEOGRAPHY Through this course, students will develop a 'sense of place' by looking at the world around them on a local, regional and global scale. Students will examine a range of natural and man-made environments, and study some of the processes which affected their development. They will also look at the ways in which people interact with their environment, and the opportunities and challenges an environment can present.

HISTORY This course offers students the opportunity to discover key issues, ideas, people, and events that shaped the emergence and development of the United States, from the mid-eighteenth century to the start of the twenty-first century. In doing so, students develop an understanding of the present as well as the past. The course enables students to study American history through the use of original historical sources, objects, and visits to sites.

Languages (Option 2) Students can choose from French, Spanish or Mandarin based upon their prior experience with the language of instruction. These courses are designed for nonnative speakers and intended to meet students’ learning needs so that they continue to progress in gaining fluency in the target language. Students will have multiple opportunities to develop their skills in the four core competencies of speaking, writing, reading, and listening.

The Arts (Option 3) DRAMA Through practical and theoretical study, students develop an understanding and enjoyment of drama, developing group and individual skills and studying ways to communicate ideas and feelings to an audience. They learn how to discover the performance possibilities of a text and other stimuli and devise dramatic material of their own. Students also develop their performance skills, the demonstration of which will form part of the final assessment.

MUSIC This course allows students to develop their musical skills through listening, performing and composing.

The course allows students to: study music from a diverse range of world cultures and from historical periods to the present day have the flexibility to perform and compose in their chosen style.

VISUAL ARTS This course encourages a personal response by stimulating imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability.

The course allows students to: develop confidence and enthusiasm as they practice technical skills in two- and threedimensional form and composition identify and solve problems in visual and tactile forms develop ideas from initial attempts to final solutions develop an awareness of the role played by the visual arts in society and history broaden cultural horizons and individual experience.

Technology (Option 4) COMPUTING This course helps students develop an interest in computational thinking and an understanding of the principles of problem-solving using computers. They apply this understanding to create computer-based solutions to problems using algorithms and a high-level programming language. Students also develop a range of technical skills, and the ability to effectively test and evaluate computing solutions.

Studying Computing helps students appreciate current and emerging computing technologies, the benefits of their use and recognize their potential risks.

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY This course enables students to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design, and by working with different media, materials and tools. As a result, students gain greater technical and design awareness, while developing skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity. They also develop the communication skills central to design making and evaluation.

Design Technology provides an ideal basis for further study and prepares students for their future within a rapidly changing technological society.

THE CORE FOLK (Foundations of Learning and Knowledge).

This course encourages students to critically examine the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired, validated, and applied across various disciplines. It aims to cultivate critical thinking, interdisciplinary understanding, and intellectual engagement, preparing students to be informed and thoughtful global citizens Community Service This program encourages students to engage in a range of activities that foster personal and social development, with a strong emphasis on community service to create well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Academic Conference A student-led academic conference where students take the lead in organizing, presenting, and sharing their research and ideas with the wider community to enhance their research, public speaking, and organizational skills and strengthens ties between the school and the wider community. Students gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment by leading and participating in the event.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION The Remove and Fifth Form health education curriculum is developed to promote safe and healthy lifestyle choices. The exit outcomes for this course are aligned with the New York State Guidance Document and National Health Education Learning Standards. Upon successful completion of this course students will possess an increase in skills that will help them promote physical, mental and social wellness.

The physical education program offers a variety of activities that meet the NYS Learning standards. Activities may include but are not limited to: Physical Fitness Training Cricket Squash Soccer Softball Track & Field Events Cooperative Games Lacrosse Pickleball Basketball Gymnastics Volleyball

UNIVERSITY PREPARATION REMOVE In Remove, we encourage each student to develop their interests, experience intellectual risks, and develop their thinking. The college counselors will be available to students and families for any questions they may have.

Some university preparation activities start and will include focused writing sessions, whole-person development opportunities, guided co-curricular exploration and interview techniques and strategies. There will also be a running list of summer programs associated with top colleges.

FIFTH FORM Provision for SAT/ACT tests will start in Fifth Form and students are able to choose by the end of the school year the test they will be best suited. In the fall of Grade 10, students and families will be invited to either a face-to-face meeting or webinar that introduces them to the College Counseling program at Harrow New York.

Fifth Form College Counseling Events include: Introduction to College Counseling (fall) Interschool Financial Aid Presentation College Testing Presentation (winter) Financial Aid & College Affordability Webinars (spring) Full Diagnostic ACT and SAT Tests