What is taught in Danish A Literature?

IB Danish A Literature allows you to become acquainted with a variety of literature from Denmark and world literature translated to Danish.

You will be reading literature from different periods, genres and styles, and analyzing the works in order to appreciate the writer’s techniques and in order to form your own literary judgement.

Standard Level (SL)
SL is a good choice if you are interested in:
– reading literary works in Danish
– understanding different aspects of literary use of language
– learning to read between the lines
– meeting different perspectives on life represented in literature.
– working with writers’ techniques.

Higher Level (HL)
HL is a good choice if you:
– are a trained reader who is interested in reading literature of different genres and also whole works, not only parts of works.
– have deep interest in looking into the works and dig deeper in writers’ techniques.
– are interested in working with the mindsets represented in the works, also works from cultures far from your own.

IB Diploma subject brief Language A Literature SL/HL

How does the course prepare you for the exams?
We prepare for the exams through class discussion and written hand-ins.

What is required to successfully complete the course?
Danish A is the IB Danish course for students with Danish as their mother tongue. You must have passed exam in Danish at 9th grade lower-secondary level.

How will Danish A benefit you?
IB Danish A is required for most further educations in Denmark.

What is Self-taught Language A about?

IB Self-taught language is a school supported self-taught course for students who would like to work with literature in their own native language other than Danish or English.

You can complete IB Self-taught language at Grenaa Gymnasium in a great number of different languages from around the world.

IB Self-taught language focuses on analyzing literature, both fiction and non-fiction, in relation to culture, historical context, audience, techniques and style and literary theory.

You will have to work independently with ten different works of literature, including both literature translated into your native language, and literature written by writers of your native language.

Works must be chosen by you in accordance with the prescribed list of authors for their language and in accordance with the prescribed list of translated literature.

Grenaa Gymnasium offers Self-taught Language A at Standard Level

IB Diploma subject brief Language A Literature SL

How does the course prepare you for the exams?
You prepare for the exams through written assignments, reading, analyzing and interpreting literature on your own and, participating in mock exams in your language and in general, following the guidance of your self-taught teacher.

Occasionally and prior to beginning new parts of the self-taught course you will meet with a teacher and other self-taught students, but most of the time you will work on your own.

What is required to successfully complete the course?
You must:

• be a proficient user of your native language
• have a solid knowledge of tools for analyzing literary texts.
• be motivated to read large amounts of text on your own.
• purchase the literature you choose.

If you have the possibility of finding a tutor who masters your chosen language and is knowledgeable about literature in your language, you should consider this possibility, as feedback and guidance from a teacher who masters your own language is a good addition to the guidance, you can get from the self-taught guidance classes.

How will the course benefit you? IB Self-taught Language A may be a requirement for further studies in your home country that you have passed an exam in you own language at native language level.

What is taught in English Language and Literature?

IB English Language and Literature has a twofold focus in that both fiction and non-fiction is analysed in relation to culture, historical context, mass communication, audience and literary theory.

IB English Language and Literature will let you ask questions like:
How is a piece of writing a product of its time?
What techniques are used to make advertising persuasive?
How do authors hypnotize readers with the use of metaphors and vivid language?

Standard Level (SL)
Texts studied are extremely varied as we work with literature in a very broad spectrum.
For example:
Novels
Speeches
Poetry
Short stories
Graphic novels
Comic strips
Blogs
Advertisments

Higher Level (HL)
More topics and works than at SL are to be read.

IB Diploma subject brief English A Language and Literature SL/HL

How will the course prepare you for the exams?
You prepare for the exams through assignments and reading, analyzing and interpreting literature.

What is required to successfully complete the course?

IB English Language and Literature might be a good choice if you enjoy reading novels and wonder how language is used with specific aims in mind.

IB English Language and Literature requires that you are a proficient user of English (C1).
You must have:
– a solid knowledge of English grammar as it is not taught in the course
– motivation to read large amounts of text
– abilities within writing academic English

How will IB English Language and Literature benefit you?
IB English Language and Literature provides you with English skills necessary for university courses in English.

Grenaa Gymnasium offers Language B ab initio courses in Spanish and in Danish

What is taught in Language B ab initio? Language B ab initio are language courses for beginners.

We teach languages through conversation, writing, and studying fiction and non-fiction texts and media.

We organise our studies in topics, e.g. cultural diversity and traditions, and subjects like communication and media, social relationships, and global issues.

IB Diploma subject description Language B ab initio SL

How does the course prepare you for the exams?
You will be prepared for the exams through regular hand-ins, e.g. producing different text types, such as articles, speeches, brochures, blog entries, letters and instructions.

What is required to successfully complete  Language Ab Initio? Lanugate Ab Initio is a good choice if you have little or no prior knowledge of the language.

How will Language Ab Initio benefit you?
Language Initio does not prepare you for studying the language at university level, but serves as the basis for further studies or living in a country where the language is spoken.

Language Ab initio allows you to:

• aquire communicative skills, corresponding to A1-A2 (CEFR)
• aquire useful cultural knowledge
• learn to understand sentences and frequently used expressions
• learn to make yourself understood in simple and routine situations.

Grenaa Gymnasium offers: Danish B SL/HL English B SL/HL French B SL German B SL Spanish B SL

What is taught in Language B?
IB Language B is language learning for non-native speakers.

We teach languages through conversation, writing, and studying fiction and non-fiction texts and media.

We organise our studies in topics, e.g. cultural diversity and traditions, and subjects like communication and media, social relationships, and global issues.

How does the course prepare you for the exams?
You will be prepared for the exams through regular hand-ins, e.g. producing different text types, such as articles, speeches, brochures, blog entries, letters and instructions.

What is required to successfully complete Language B?
IB Language B Standard Level courses generally require that you:

• are keen to learn about languages and cultural relations
• wish to improve your oral and written skills.
• are motivated for working in-depth with oral proficiency, grammar and different textual genres.
• have the courage to engage in spontaneous oral discussions in class or in groups.

Higher Level (HL) In addition to the requirements for SL, on HL you will read two additional literary works.

IB Diploma subject brief Language B SL/HL

Further requirements: Danish/French/German/Spanish B: At the start of the course, you are required to have basic language skills and knowledge of the language in question, corresponding to A2 (CEFR):

• you can already understand sentences and frequently used expressions,
• you can make yourself understood in simple and routine situations.

English B: At the start of the course you are competent in communicative skills, corresponding to B1 (SL) – B2 (HL) (CEFR):

• you can understand the main ideas of complex texts,
• interact with native speakers with fluency and spontaneity,
• produce clear, connected text.

How will IB Language B benefit you?

• If you wish to study at a Danish university, in a Danish-taught programme, you need Danish B HL to be admitted.
• To achieve admission at university courses in a different language than Danish, a Language B HL is enough in many cases. To be certain, consult the counsellor at Grenaa Gymnasium.

What is taught in IB Economics?

IB Economics is theoretical economics applied to real world issues.

Cases analyzed are wide-ranging, e.g. economic consequences of Brexit or how robots could create structural unemployment.

With Economics you’ll be able to understand the links between social structures, politics and the economy of today’s world.

tandard Level (SL) SL has four sections: micro- and macro-economics, international and development economics.

SL requires that you learn some parts of the syllabus by heart, especially diagrams. In return the number of pages that have to be read is relatively limited.

IB subject brief Economics SL

Higher Level (HL)

HL consists of the SL topics, with extensions in some of them.

IB subject brief Economics HL

How does the course prepare you for the exams?
All exams are written and you prepare for them through regular written assignments.

What is required to successfully complete the course?
HL requires that you possess strong quantitative skills with regard to calculating percentages, reading diagrams and solving simple equations.

How will IB Economics benefit you?
Economics is a good choice if you wish to pursue further education within e.g. social science, economics, political science or financial subjects. However, Economics does not formally qualify for admission to any further education.

What is taught in IB History?

In IB History at Grenaa Gymnasium we focus on 20th century world history topics allowing you to acquire a deeper understanding of the nature of humans and the world today.

IB History is a rigorous academic discipline that requires you to develop strong skills of source evaluation, critical analysis of e.g. causes and effects, evaluation of different perspectives and to make use of these skills in a coherent line of argument.

The Internal Assessment-project in History offers a good opportunity to learn basic skills necessary for the Extended Essay in any subject.

Standard Level
Prescribed subject:
The Move to Global war The global developments that led to the outbreak of World War II. It prepares you for the Paper 1 exam that focuses on understanding, evaluation, analysis and interpretation of historical sources.

World history topics:

• Authoritarian States in the 20th century. Germany: Hitler, The Soviet Union: Stalin, China: Mao.
• The Cold War Superpower rivalry in the 20th century

This prepares you for the Paper 2 exam that focuses on your ability to present an evidence-based, critical and evaluative analysis of a specific historical issue.

IB subject description for History SL

Higher Level

Higher Level consists of the Standard Level topics and three in-depth studies.

History of Europe:

• European states in the Interwar Years 1918-1939.
• Versailles to Berlin: Diplomacy in Europe 1918-1945
• The Soviet Union and post-Soviet Russia 1924-2000

The SL and HL courses prepare you for the Paper 2 and 3 exams that focus on your ability to present an evidence-based, critical and evaluative analysis of a specific historical issue.

IB subject description for History HL

The SL and HL topics outlined below have overlaps and supplement each other.

How does the course prepare you for the exams?
All history exams are written and there are frequent written assignments to prepare you for them.

What is required to successfully complete the course?
IB History is a good choice if you

• Have a keen interest in history
• Possess a good vocabulary in English
• Are motivated for reading and memorising
• Can write academic English

How will IB History benefit you? Many further educations in Denmark require that you have completed a history course at this level in order to be admitted.

What is taught in IB Psychology?

Psychology is a good choice if you are interested in investigating:

• How humans think, behave and feel
• How the brain works and influences behaviour and emotions.
• How physiology (hormones and neurotransmitters) affect mood and behaviour.
• How we perceive and interpret our surroundings
• Why we act differently when we are in groups compared to when we are alone
• How cultures influence who we are and what we think

You will be working in groups and individually.

Standard Level (SL):
Psychology requires you to have a very scientific approach when developing knowledge and understanding of psychological theories and empirical studies within areas of for example:
– biological psychology,
– cognitive psychology
– socio-cultural psychology.

You will be expected to apply critical thinking skills and develop these throughout the course. You will do an experimental study, processing the data statistically.

Higher Level (HL):
In addition to the SL-syllabus, HL expects you to reach a higher understanding of methodology, i.e. the methods used in psychological research.

IB Diploma subject brief Psychology SL/HL

How will the course prepare you for the exams?
Tests and frequent assignments will prepare you for the exams.

What is necessary to successfully complete the course?
HL requires that you possess stronger statistical mathematical skills than needed for SL.

How will IB Psychology benefit you? I
B Psychology is very beneficial if you want to become a nurse, a teacher or any profession with human interaction, such as a doctor, lawyer, etc. It does not, however,  formally qualify for any specific university study.

What is taught in IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL?
This exciting new interdisciplinary course looks at issues of concern to everybody.

ESS is firmly grounded in both a scientific exploration of environmental systems in their structure and function, and in the exploration of cultural, economic, ethical, political and social interactions of societies with the environment.

ESS is designed to combine the methodology, techniques and knowledge associated with group 4 (Sciences) with those associated with group 3 (Individuals and societies).

ESS can therefore fulfill either the group 3 or , or alternatively this course enables you to satisfy the requirements of both subjects groups simultaneously while studying this course.

Standard Level include

• Ecosystems and Ecology
• Biodiversity and Conservation
• Climate Change and Energy production

Fieldwork studies are an important part of the course.

IB Diploma subject brief ESS SL

How does the course prepare you for the exams?

There will be written assignments based upon case studies, field work and/or experimental work, as well as tests.

What is required to successfully complete the course?

ESS is interdisciplinary by nature and therefore requires a broad skill set from students, including the ability to perform research and investigations, as well as participation in discussions and problem-solving.

How will IB ESS benefit you?

ESS is a good choice if you are keen to learn more about our planet, how we use our planet today, and how we can ensure a sustainable development in the future.
ESS will enable you to recognize and evaluate the impact of our complex system of societies on the natural world.

IB ESS formally qualifies for further education in Denmark and abroad, where a non-specified science subject is required.
You need to inquire specifically at any university you wish to apply for admittance at.

What is taught in IB Biology? Biology is the study of life from the level of the cell its molecular construction and complex metabolic reactions to the interactions that make whole ecosystems function.

Biologists use many different investigation approaches and techniques.

We teach biology with a variety of approaches. Students will experience a mix between standard class room teaching, team and group work, experimental work and field work on excursions.

Standard Level (SL)
Cell Biology Molecular Biology Genetics Ecology Evolution and biodiversity Human physiology.

IB Diploma subject brief Biology SL

Higher Level (HL)
In addition to the SL topics, HL covers: Nucleic acids Metabolism Cell respiration Photosynthesis Plant biology Genetics and evolution Animal physiology

IB subject brief Biology HL

How will the course prepare you for the exams?
You prepare for the exams through tests and frequent written assignments.

What is required to successfully complete the course?
Biology HL is a good choice if you have a keen interest in a wide range of biological topics and have previously experienced formal science education at upper-secondary level.

How will IB Biology benefit you? IB Biology formally qualifies most further science and health educations in Denmark and abroad. You need to inquire specifically at any university you wish to apply for admittance at.

What is taught in IB Chemistry?

Chemistry is sometimes referred to as the central science, because it is an integrated part of our physical environment and all biological systems.

This is why scientists from other fields including biology, engineering, geology, physics, and medicine work with chemists in interdisciplinary teams.

IB Chemistry provides you with higher-order investigative experiences and activities to promote a deeper understanding of critical concepts of chemistry.

IB Chemistry helps you to develop manipulative and experimental skills necessary to perform university level scientific investigations.

We teach IB Chemistry with a variety of approaches. By its very nature, chemistry lends itself to an experimental approach, and that is reflected throughout the course.

Standard Level (SL)
Stoichiometry
Atomic Theory
Chemical Bonding
Physical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry.
One Option in applied chemistry

IB subject brief Chemistry SL

Higher Level (HL)
In the HL course you will work deeper into each of the topics above and solving more advanced problems.

IB subject brief Chemistry HL

How does the course prepare you for the exams?
You prepare for the exams trough assignments throughout the course involving previous exam questions and reports on experimental work.

What is required to successfully complete the course?
Higher Level is a good choice if you have previously received formal instruction in chemistry. Basic mathematic skills are necessary.

How will IB Chemistry benefit you?
IB Chemistry allows you to acquire formal qualifications to a wide range of science programmes at colleges and universities throughout the world.

What is taught in IB Physics?
Physics is one of the fundamental experimental sciences. Its scope is literally infinite: it seeks to explain everything from the very smallest to the very largest things in the universe, from subatomic particles over climate to cosmos.

IB Physics combines theoretical studies (75%) with experiments performed by the students (25%).

Standard Level (SL):
• Mechanics
• Thermal physics
• Waves
• Electricity and magnetism
• Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
• Energy production.

IB subject description Physics SL

Higher Level (HL)
In addition to the SL topics:
• Wave phenomena
• Fields
• Electromagnetic induction
• Quantum and nuclear physics

IB subject description Physics HL

At both levels one additional topic is chosen among four options:
Theory of relativity, Engineering physics, Imaging, and Astrophysics.

How will the course prepare you for the exams?
Frequent written assignments, tests and experimental reports prepare you for the exams.

What is necessary to successfully complete the course?
For the successful study of IB Physics a strong foundation in mathematics is very important. It is therefore recommended that Physics is combined with Mathematics SL or HL.

How will IB Physics benefit you? IB Physics gives access to science, engineering and medical studies at colleges and universities around the world.

What is taught in IB Mathematics?
Mathematics is a search for patterns in the real and in the abstract world. We aim at making general statements about the observed patterns. For example: Pythagoras’ theorem for right-angled triangles applies to all right-angled triangles. We apply mathematical knowledge to solve problems set in meaningful contexts.

You must choose between

• Mathematics: applications and interpretation, Standard Level or Higher Level

and

• Mathematics: analysis and approaches, Standard Level or Higher Level

IB Diploma subject brief Math applications and interpretation SL/HL

IB Diploma subject brief Math analysis and approaches

How does the course prepare you for the exams?

There will be regular hand-ins to support what has been taught in class, thus preparing you for the exams.

What is necessary to successfully complete the course and how will IB Mathematics benefit you?

Standard and Higher Level requires that you  possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, and you are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple mathematical techniques correctly e.g. trigonometry, functions, equation solving etc.

Math applications and interpretation is a good choice if you expect to pursue a career in e.g. social sciences, business, humanities, languages or arts.

Math analysis and approaches

Standard Level  requires that you are from the outset competent in a range of analytical and technical skills e.g. trigonometry, functions, equation solving etc.

Standard Level  is a good choice if you expect to need a sound mathematical background for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics, psychology and business administration.

Higher Level requires that you are from the outset very competent in a range of analytical and technical skills e.g. trigonometry, functions, equation solving etc.

Higher Level is a good choice if you expect to include mathematics as a major component of your university studies (mathematics, physics, engineering and technology).

What is taught in IB Music?
Music functions as a means of personal and communal identity and expression, and embodies the social and cultural values of individuals and communities.

Music is an art and entertainment form, as well as a communication medium that has existed since pre-historic times.

The IB Diploma study of music aims at developing perception and practical skills through analysing, composing and performing music. ‘

We seek to make the study of music holistic through integration of theoretical and practical approaches.

Standard Level (SL)

• Musical perception
• One of three options: Creating Solo performing Group performing

Higher Level (HL)

• Musical perception
• Creating
• Solo performing

IB Diploma subject brief Music SL and HL

How does the course prepare you for the exams?
To prepare the students for exams, there will be regular hand ins to support the line of study for the individual student.

What is required to successfully complete the course?
For SL no prior music experience is mandatory, although it is recommended. The course is designed to offer students the opportunity to build on prior experience in music while encouraging a broad approach to the subject and developing new skills, techniques and ideas.

For HL, prior music experience is very strongly recommended.

How will IB Music benefit you? Both courses provide a foundation for further study in music at university level or in music career pathways. It also provides an enriching and valuable course of study for students who may pursue other careers.

What is taught in IB Visual Arts?
IB Visual Arts provides knowledge and skills enabling you to appreciate art and perform art.

The course allows you to acquaint yourself with a variety of themes related to art, architecture, design and photography.

You will work with overall themes, learn about art history, art theory and practice, as well as being introduced to curatorial practice and visiting art museums.

You will acquire knowledge of a variety of techniques and art forms, for example:

• Drawings, water colors and oil painting
• Photography
• 3D art
• Computer based art
• Design in general and fashion design
• Architecture
• Land art

IB Visual Arts allows you to have a very individually designed course as you are required to develop and create your own individual art work, analyzing your works in order to develop techniques and ideas for your works.

Standard Level (SL) SL requires you to produce 4-7 art works for the exam and a comparative study.

IB subject brief Visual Arts SL

Higher Level (HL) requires you to produce 8-11 art works for the exam and a comparative study.

IB subnject brief Visual Arts HL

How will the course prepare you for the exam?
You prepare the exam through your art journal, where you develop your ideas in sketches, photos, paintings and written investigations. Finally you set up an exhibition with your works, for the IB Visual Arts exam.

What is required to successfully complete the course?
Visual Arts is a good choice if you have a keen interest in arts and design, and are willing to practise different skills.

How will IB Visual Arts benefit you? IB Visual Arts is a good choice if you wish to pursue further education in Visual Arts, architecture, design or curatorial work at museums or galleries.

The Best Experience Ever – a former IB-student about Visual Arts

At Grenaa Gymnasium we believe that art matters – read about our collection of art