Explore Our Curriculum

IB

  • IB Environmental Systems SL I

    Through studying Environmental Systems and Societies (ES&S) students will be provided with a coherent perspective of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies; one that enables them to adopt an informed personal response to the wide range of pressing environmental issues that they will inevitably come to face. The teaching approach is such that students are allowed to evaluate the scientific, ethical, and socio-political aspects of issues. The course aims to foster an international perspective, awareness of local and global environmental concerns, and an understanding of the scientific methods. Year one of this course includes the topics of ecosystems, biodiversity, global warming, population growth, environmental ethics, and natural resources. This course includes hands-on work in the laboratory and/or out in the field.

  • IB Environmental Systems SL II

    Year two of this course covers topics of energy, water resources, soil, food, succession, and pollution. This year wraps up an international as well as a local view of the Earth and its peoples, the problems we face and some possible solutions. It includes both work from textbook and hands-on activities and work in the laboratory and in the field. Students will submit practical work they have been working on since year one. This work, an IB “internal assessment,” will be evaluated on planning, data collection and processing, discussion, evaluation and conclusion, and personal skills. The students will also sit for a two-part exam in May, which is comprised of short answer data-based questions, a case study, and two essay responses.

  • IB Film HL I

    Advanced filmmakers will go deeper into the study and technical practice of documentary and narrative storytelling. Students will learn new ways to write and produce quality films, cast and direct actors, explore media from around the globe, and make professional short films that screen far beyond the scope of the classroom. Our goals: Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, the Austin Film Festival, the Austin Youth Film Festival, and South by Southwest (again!). Students must have approval of the teacher to enroll. 

  • IB Film HL II

    In their second year of the course, advanced filmmakers focus on creating, evaluating, and reflecting upon a creative portfolio of film production. Our goals remain the same: Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, the Austin Film Festival, the Austin Youth Film Festival, and SXSW (again!). Students must have passed the IB Film HL/SL I course to enroll. 

  • IB Film SL I

    Advanced filmmakers will go deeper into the study and technical practice of documentary and narrative storytelling. Students will learn new ways to write and produce quality films, cast and direct actors, explore media from around the globe, and make professional short films that screen far beyond the scope of the classroom. Our goals: Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, the Austin Film Festival, the Austin Youth Film Festival, and South by Southwest (again!). Students must have approval of the teacher to enroll.

  • IB Film SL II

    In their second year of the course, advanced filmmakers focus on creating, evaluating, and reflecting upon a creative portfolio of film production. Our goals remain the same: Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, the Austin Film Festival, the Austin Youth Film Festival, and SXSW (again!). Students must have passed the IB Film HL/SL I course to enroll.

  • IB History HL I

    This history course aims to promote an understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods, and interpretations. It also helps students to gain a better understanding of the present through critical reflection upon the past. In Year One, the course is devoted to the History of the Americas and emphasizes the roles of Latin America, Canada, and, in particular, the U.S. in 20th century global affairs. This course is available at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), which will be taught together with instruction geared towards HL but students will choose their level of challenge on the IB assessments.

  • IB History HL II

    Year Two of the IB History program emphasizes a variety of prescribed subjects and topics in 20th Century World History. These include conflict and intervention; the origins, development and impact of industrialization, and the Cold War. Much like its Year One counterpart, this course requires students to make comparisons between similar and dissimilar solutions to common human situations, whether they are political, economic, or social. It invites comparisons between, but not judgments of, different cultures, political systems, and national traditions. This course is available at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). The levels will be taught together, with instruction geared towards HL, but students will choose their level of challenge for the IB exam.

  • IB History SL I

    This history course aims to promote an understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods, and interpretations. It also helps students to gain a better understanding of the present through critical reflection upon the past. In Year One, the course is devoted to the History of the Americas and emphasizes the roles of Latin America, Canada, and, in particular, the U.S. in 20th century global affairs. This course is available at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), which will be taught together with instruction geared towards HL but students will choose their level of challenge on the IB assessments.

  • IB History SL II

    Year Two of the IB History program emphasizes a variety of prescribed subjects and topics in 20th Century World History. These include conflict and intervention; the origins, development and impact of industrialization, and the Cold War. Much like its Year One counterpart, this course requires students to make comparisons between similar and dissimilar solutions to common human situations, whether they are political, economic, or social. It invites comparisons between, but not judgments of, different cultures, political systems, and national traditions. This course is available at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). The levels will be taught together, with instruction geared towards HL, but students will choose their level of challenge for the IB exam.

  • IB Language & Literature HL I

    A key aim of the Language and Literature course is to encourage students to question the meaning generated by language and texts. Like a traditional literature course, we analyze the content and structure of novels, plays, and poetry, but we also expand our analysis to include texts found across cultures and media. Students will study advertising, film, images, blogs, and newspapers, among others. Throughout the course, students identify a text’s autonomy, while simultaneously relating it to cultural ideals and reading practices. Students look at circumstance, influence, and delivery in addition to formal literary elements and style. In year one, students complete several written tasks and a series of learning activities that can take a variety of forms, ranging from class presentation to a formal debate.

  • IB Language & Literature SL I

    A key aim of the Language and Literature course is to encourage students to question the meaning generated by language and texts. Like a traditional literature course, we analyze the content and structure of novels, plays, and poetry, but we also expand our analysis to include texts found across cultures and media. Students will study advertising, film, images, blogs, and newspapers, among others. Throughout the course, students identify a text’s autonomy, while simultaneously relating it to cultural ideals and reading practices. Students look at circumstance, influence, and delivery in addition to formal literary elements and style. In year one, students complete several creative written tasks and an oral activity that can take a variety of forms, ranging from class presentation to a formal debate.

  • IB Language & Literature SL II

    Building upon the analysis and skills of year one, students continue their exploration of various texts, language, and culture. Students will prepare for two assessments in the spring—an essay in response to a chosen question about a novel we’ve studied and an essay analyzing an unseen text. Students will also complete an individual oral commentary that focuses on an excerpt from one of our works of literature. Students will submit formal written and oral assessments to the IB, and sit for IB exams in May.
     

  • IB Literature HL I

    This literature course introduces students to the analysis of literary texts. The course is organized into four parts, each focused on a group of literary works. Together, the four parts of the course add up to a comprehensive exploration of literature from a variety of cultures, genres, and periods. Students learn to appreciate the artistry of literature, and develop the ability to reflect critically on their reading, presenting literary analysis powerfully through both oral and written communication. Year one focuses on works in translation, as well as teacher-chosen texts that best fit the student’s’ needs and interests.
     

  • IB Literature HL II

    During Year Two, students return to previously taught concepts and amplify their application across a new set of works and assessments. In one part of the year, students study multiple texts from one literary genre, such as poetry, fiction, drama, or narrative nonfiction. In the remaining part, students turn their attention to multiple genres, comparing and contrasting varying elements of style, content, and form. Students will submit formal written and oral assessments to the IB, and sit for IB exams in May.
     

  • IB Mandarin SL I

    The Mandarin ab initio course is a language acquisition course for students with little or no experience of the language. The course is organized into three themes: individual and society, leisure and work, and urban and rural environment. Each theme comprises a list of topics that provide students with opportunities to practice and explore the language and to develop intercultural understanding. Through the development of receptive, productive, and interactive skills, students develop the ability to respond and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situations.

  • IB Mandarin SL II

    The second-year language Mandarin ab initio course is a language course for students with experience learning Mandarin. The course is organized into three themes: individual and society, leisure and work, and urban and rural environment. Each theme comprises a list of topics that provide students with opportunities to practice and explore the language and to develop intercultural understanding. Through the development of receptive, productive, and interactive skills, students develop the ability to respond and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situations. 
     

  • IB Math HL I

    Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus or IB Mathematics SL I
    This course caters to students with an advanced background in mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills. The majority of these students will be expecting to include mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own right or within courses such as physics, engineering, and technology. Others may take this subject because they have a strong interest in mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges and engaging with its problems. The course focuses on developing important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent, and rigorous way. This is achieved by means of a carefully balanced approach. Students embarking on this course should expect to develop insight into mathematical form and structure, and should be intellectually equipped to appreciate the links between concepts in different topic areas. This course is a demanding one, requiring students to study a broad range of mathematical topics through a number of different approaches and to varying degrees of depth. In addition to the topics covered in Math SL, this course also expands topics to cover more advanced calculus and discrete mathematics.

  • IB Math HL II

    Prerequisites: IB Mathematics HL I
    This course is the continuation of IB Mathematics HL I, and includes the Internal and External Assessments. The internally assessed component, the written exploration, offers students the opportunity for developing independence in their mathematical learning. Students are encouraged to take a considered approach to various mathematical activities and to explore different mathematical ideas. The exploration also allows students to work without the time constraints of a written examination and to develop the skills they need for communicating mathematical ideas. The External Assessment is a three-part exam administered locally near the end of year two and graded by the IBO.
     

  • IB Math SL I

    Prerequisite: Strong performance in Algebra II
    This course focuses on introducing important mathematical concepts through the development of mathematical techniques in the following areas: algebra, circular functions, trigonometry, vectors, statistics, probability, and calculus. Students will have opportunities to apply the mathematical knowledge they have acquired to solve realistic problems set in appropriate contexts. The majority of these students will expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics, psychology, and business administration.     Students may take two years of this course at part of their IB program, or the first year of the course as a stand-alone credit preparing for Mathematics HL.

  • IB Math SL II

    Prerequisite: IB Mathematics SL I or Pre-Calculus
    This course is a continuation of IB Mathematics SL I, and includes the Internal and External Assessments. The internally assessed component, the written exploration, offers students the opportunity for developing independence in their mathematical learning. Students are encouraged to take a considered approach to various mathematical activities and to explore different mathematical ideas. The exploration also allows students to work without the time constraints of a written examination and to develop the skills they need for communicating mathematical ideas. The External Assessment is a two-part exam administered locally near the end of year two and graded by the IBO.

  • IB Math Studies SL I

    Prerequisite: Geometry
    This course focuses on applications of mathematics. It is designed for students with varied mathematical backgrounds and abilities. It offers students opportunities to learn important concepts and techniques and to gain an understanding of a wide variety of mathematical topics, including logic, probability, set theory, and statistics. This approach is broad-based and prepares students to be able to solve problems in a variety of settings, to develop more sophisticated mathematical reasoning, and to enhance their critical thinking. Owing to the nature of this course,    traditional methods of teaching are not wholly appropriate. Less formal, shared learning techniques can be more stimulating and rewarding for students in this course. Lessons that use an inquiry-based approach, starting with practical investigations where possible, followed by analysis of results, leading to the understanding of a mathematical principle and its formulation into mathematical language, are often most successful in engaging the interest of students. Students taking this course are well prepared for a career in social sciences, humanities, languages, or arts.

  • IB Math Studies SL II

    Prerequisite: IB Math Studies SL I
    A continuation of Year One, Math Studies offers students opportunities to learn important concepts and techniques and to gain an understanding of a wide variety of mathematical topics, including: statistics, algebra, functions, trigonometry, financial mathematics and introductory differential calculus. This approach is broad-based and prepares students to be able to solve problems in a variety of settings, to develop more sophisticated mathematical reasoning, and to enhance their critical thinking. Students complete an individual project based on personal research involving the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data. This process allows students to take sole responsibility for a part of their studies in mathematics. During Year Two, the students will do the Internal and External Assessments. Students taking this course are well prepared for a career in social sciences, humanities, languages, or arts.

  • IB Music HL I

    Through this music course, students develop their knowledge and potential as musicians, both personally and collaboratively. Involving aspects of the composition, performance, and critical analysis of music, the course exposes students to forms, styles, and functions of music from a wide range of historical and socio-cultural contexts. In the first year of the course, students will work on developing their understanding of musical fundamentals, including basic theory, composition, and listening appreciation. Open to 10th graders by permission.

  • IB Music HL II

    In the second of year of IB Music, students will continue to develop their performance, appreciation, and composition skills, as well as an exploration of the prescribed IB pieces. During the second year, students will also spend a lot of time preparing for the listening papers and completing their composition and performance portfolios. 

  • IB Music SL I

    Through this music course, students develop their knowledge and potential as musicians, both personally and collaboratively. Involving aspects of the composition, performance, and critical analysis of music, the course exposes students to forms, styles, and functions of music from a wide range of historical and socio-cultural contexts. In the first year of the course, students will work on developing their understanding of musical fundamentals, including basic theory, composition, and listening appreciation. Open to 10th graders by permission.

  • IB Music SL II

    In the second of year of IB Music, students will continue to develop their performance, appreciation, and composition skills, as well as an exploration of the prescribed IB pieces. During the second year, students will also spend a lot of time preparing for the listening papers and completing their composition and performance portfolios.

  • IB Photography HL I

    Two-Year Course
    IB Visual Art (Photography) year one focuses on art-making exploration: students are expected to question what they do as artists by showing evidence of systematic research and investigation as an aid that drives the personal creative process. The camera is used as a tool to further explore photography as well as other forms of art-making: alternative process, digital art, site specific installation art (street art), and printmaking. Art appreciation and art history are essential components of this course. Students visit art galleries and museums with the intention of analyzing art, examining exhibition design, and learning how to critique artwork. The second year of this course will focus on the development and completion of a single body of work, from concept to finished portfolio.
    Pre-requisites:
    * Digital SLR or Mirrorless Digital camera
    * SL needs a year of High School Digital Photography
    * HL needs a year of High School Digital Photography with instructor approval
    * Transfer students will need to take a technical test administered by the instructor and show a portfolio of 15 photographs.

  • IB Photography HL II

    Two-Year Course
    IB Visual Art (Photography) year two will focus on the development and completion of a single body of work - from concept to finished portfolio - while working through creative installation strategy. The coursework will require students to address their own process and personal vision as an artist and cultural producer. Students are required to spend three additional hours a week outside of class working toward this practice.
    Pre-requisites:
    *Digital SLR or Mirrorless Digital camera
    *Transfer students will need to take a technical test administered by the instructor and show a portfolio of
    15 photographs.
     

  • IB Photography SL I

    IB Visual Art (Photography) year one focuses on art-making exploration: students are expected to question what they do as artists by showing evidence of systematic research and investigation as an aid that drives the personal creative process. The camera is used as a tool to further explore photography as well as other forms of art-making: alternative process, digital art, site specific installation art (street art), and printmaking. Art appreciation and art history are essential components of this course. Students visit art galleries and museums with the intention of analyzing art, examining exhibition design, and learning how to critique artwork. The second year of this course will focus on the development and completion of a single body of work, from concept to finished portfolio.
     
    Pre-requisites:
    * Digital SLR or Mirrorless Digital camera
    * SL needs a year of High School Digital Photography
    * HL needs a year of High School Digital Photography with instructor approval
    * Transfer students will need to take a technical test administered by the instructor and show a portfolio of 15 photographs.

  • IB Photography SL II

    Two-Year Course
    IB Visual Art (Photography) year two will focus on the development and completion of a single body of work - from concept to finished portfolio - while working through creative installation strategy. The coursework will require students to address their own process and personal vision as an artist and cultural producer. Students are required to spend three additional hours a week outside of class working toward this practice.
    Pre-requisites:
    *Digital SLR or Mirrorless Digital camera
    *Transfer students will need to take a technical test administered by the instructor and show a portfolio of
    15 photographs.
     

  • IB Physics HL I

    Students who choose to take Physics in their IB years will study at the higher level. The Physics HL course exposes students to this most fundamental experimental science, which seeks to explain the universe itself—from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies. Students develop traditional practical skills and techniques and increase facility in the use of mathematics, the language of physics. This course will include a special topic exploration of astrophysics in the second year. Through the study of physics, students will also develop interpersonal skills as well as information and communication technology skills, which are essential in modern scientific endeavors—and are important life-enhancing, transferable skills in their own right. Students, moreover, study the impact of physics on society, the moral and ethical dilemmas, and the social, economic and environmental implications of the work of physicists. Throughout this challenging course, students become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. Further, students enjoy multiple opportunities for scientific study and creative inquiry within a global context. The first year topics include kinematics, thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, and circular motion and gravitation. Prerequisite: None.

  • IB Physics HL II

    Prerequisite: IB Physics HL I
    The first year of IB Physics HL is followed by further exploration in topics including: atomic, nuclear, and particle physics; electromagnetic induction; fields; energy production and a special unit on astrophysics. The second year is marked by the students’ individual project of their choice    —it is an in-depth study that involves thoughtful work on theoretical and experimental levels. Headwaters students who complete the challenging IB Physics HL course will leave as capable young scientists ready for college work in any of the natural science fields, medicine, mathematics, engineering, and more.

  • IB Physics SL I

    The Physics SL course exposes students to this most fundamental experimental science, which seeks to explain the universe itself—from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies. Students develop traditional practical skills and techniques and increase facility in the use of mathematics, the language of physics. This course will include a special topic exploration of astrophysics in the second year. Through the study of physics, students will also develop interpersonal skills as well as information and communication technology skills, which are essential in modern scientific endeavors—and are important life-enhancing, transferable skills in their own right. Students, moreover, study the impact of physics on society, the moral and ethical dilemmas, and the social, economic and environmental implications of the work of physicists. Throughout this challenging course, students become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. Further, students enjoy multiple opportunities for scientific study and creative inquiry within a global context. The first year topics include kinematics, thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, and circular motion and gravitation.

  • IB Spanish HL I

    IB Spanish SL is designed for students who have fulfilled Spanish IV. The main focus of the course is language acquisition and development of language skills in preparation for successful performance on the IB assessments. These skills will be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken materials from Spanish-speaking cultures including but not limited to film, radio, television, literature, magazines, and newspapers. The selected texts and resources will enable students to develop intercultural understanding.In this first year of IB, the goal is learning to express and support detailed opinions on a variety of topics. Students will work almost exclusively in Spanish with both written and oral communication. IB Spanish SL reviews and requires mastery of all indicative tenses and exposes students to both present and imperfect subjunctive as well as extended idiomatic expressions. The course will encompass three core topics: global issues, communication and media, and social relations, as well as two option themes from the following five: cultural diversity, customs and traditions, health, leisure and science and technology.

  • IB Spanish HL II

    IB Spanish SL Year Two is designed for students who have fulfilled IB Spanish SLYear One. While the second year of IB Spanish is demanding and rigorous, it is also rewarding. Students will continue to build language and analytical proficiency with the three core topics and two familiar option themes. The first semester is dedicated to enhancing linguistic and cultural experiences across new works and resources, meanwhile the second semester focuses on preparation for formal oral and written assessments to be submitted in the Spring of 2015.

  • IB Spanish Literature HL I

    Spanish Literature I is an introduction to the study of literary and cultural works produced in the complex social contexts of the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America and, in some cases, works from other languages that have been translated for Spanish-speaking readers. Throughout the four parts comprising this two-year course, students will acquire and practice the skills necessary to analyze and interpret written texts of various genres ––poetry, narrative, drama, essay–– and various time periods –– from Baroque to the present. They will learn to read the literary word as an artistic object or, like Picasso’s definition of art, as a lie that draws us closer to the truth. Year One of this course will focus on works originally written or translated into Spanish, to be selected collaboratively by the students and teacher and will culminate in each student developing and presenting their original evaluations of discovered truths through written and oral assessments.

  • IB Spanish Literature HL II

    IB Spanish SL Year Two is designed for students who have fulfilled IB Spanish SLYear One. While the second year of IB Spanish is demanding and rigorous, it is also rewarding. Students will continue to build language and analytical proficiency with the three core topics and two familiar option themes. The first semester is dedicated to enhancing linguistic and cultural experiences across new works and resources, meanwhile the second semester focuses on preparation for formal oral and written assessments to be submitted in the Spring of 2015.

  • IB Spanish SL I

    IB Spanish SL is designed for students who have fulfilled Spanish IV. The main focus of the course is language acquisition and development of language skills in preparation for successful performance on the IB assessments. These skills will be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken materials from Spanish-speaking cultures including but not limited to film, radio, television, literature, magazines, and newspapers. The selected texts and resources will enable students to develop intercultural understanding.In this first year of IB, the goal is learning to express and support detailed opinions on a variety of topics. Students will work almost exclusively in Spanish with both written and oral communication. IB Spanish SL reviews and requires mastery of all indicative tenses and exposes students to both present and imperfect subjunctive as well as extended idiomatic expressions. The course will encompass three core topics: global issues, communication and media, and social relations, as well as two option themes from the following five: cultural diversity, customs and traditions, health, leisure and science and technology. An option to take this at the higher level (HL) is available for more advanced students.

  • IB Spanish SL II

    IB Spanish SL Year Two is designed for students who have fulfilled IB Spanish SLYear One. While the second year of IB Spanish is demanding and rigorous, it is also rewarding. Students will continue to build language and analytical proficiency with the three core topics and two familiar option themes. The first semester is dedicated to enhancing linguistic and cultural experiences across new works and resources, meanwhile the second semester focuses on preparation for formal oral and written assessments to be submitted in the Spring of 2015.

  • IB Spanish SL II - 11th

    IB Spanish SL Year Two is designed for students who have fulfilled IB Spanish SLYear One. While the second year of IB Spanish is demanding and rigorous, it is also rewarding. Students will continue to build language and analytical proficiency with the three core topics and two familiar option themes. The first semester is dedicated to enhancing linguistic and cultural experiences across new works and resources, meanwhile the second semester focuses on preparation for formal oral and written assessments to be submitted in the Spring of 2015

  • IB Studio Art HL I

    The IB Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts. The Course is in three parts:
    Part 1: Comparative Study
    An independent critical and contextual investigation that explores artworks, objects and artifacts from differing cultural contexts.
    Part 2: The Process Portfolio
    A documentation of the students’ artistic experience during the course, both visual and written.
    Part 3: The Exhibition
    Students present a body of work accompanied by reflection showing critical understanding and awareness of context.
    Year One:Students will learn about the structure of the course with focus on the Process Portfolio, developing skills indrawing, painting, design, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. Students also will learn about art history and aesthetics to inform their work on the Comparative Study which they will complete during the first year.

    Year Two:Students will continue to develop and refine skills in a variety of 2D, 3D and digital media. This is also when students will develop a body of personal work for the Exhibition which happens in April of the second year.

  • IB Studio Art HL II

    The IB Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts. The Course is in three parts:
    Part 1: Comparative Study
    An independent critical and contextual investigation that explores artworks, objects and artifacts from differing cultural contexts.
    Part 2: The Process Portfolio
    A documentation of the students’ artistic experience during the course, both visual and written.
    Part 3: The Exhibition
    Students present a body of work accompanied by reflection showing critical understanding and awareness of context.
    Year One:Students will learn about the structure of the course with focus on the Process Portfolio, developing skills indrawing, painting, design, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. Students also will learn about art history and aesthetics to inform their work on the Comparative Study which they will complete during the first year.

    Year Two:Students will continue to develop and refine skills in a variety of 2D, 3D and digital media. This is also when students will develop a body of personal work for the Exhibition which happens in April of the second year

  • IB Studio Art SL I

    IB Visual Art (Studio Art HL/SL I & II)
    The IB Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts. The Course is in three parts:
    Part 1: Comparative Study
    An independent critical and contextual investigation that explores artworks, objects and artifacts from differing cultural contexts.
    Part 2: The Process Portfolio
    A documentation of the students’ artistic experience during the course, both visual and written.
    Part 3: The Exhibition
    Students present a body of work accompanied by reflection showing critical understanding and awareness of context.
    Year One:Students will learn about the structure of the course with focus on the Process Portfolio, developing skills indrawing, painting, design, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. Students also will learn about art history and aesthetics to inform their work on the Comparative Study which they will complete during the first year.
    Year Two:Students will continue to develop and refine skills in a variety of 2D, 3D and digital media. This is also when students will develop a body of personal work for the Exhibition which happens in April of the second year.
     

  • IB Studio Art SL II

    The IB Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts. The Course is in three parts:
    Part 1: Comparative Study
    An independent critical and contextual investigation that explores artworks, objects and artifacts from differing cultural contexts.
    Part 2: The Process Portfolio
    A documentation of the students’ artistic experience during the course, both visual and written.
    Part 3: The Exhibition
    Students present a body of work accompanied by reflection showing critical understanding and awareness of context.
    Year One:Students will learn about the structure of the course with focus on the Process Portfolio, developing skills indrawing, painting, design, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. Students also will learn about art history and aesthetics to inform their work on the Comparative Study which they will complete during the first year.
    Year Two:Students will continue to develop and refine skills in a variety of 2D, 3D and digital media. This is also when students will develop a body of personal work for the Exhibition which happens in April of the second year.
     

  • IB Theory of Knowledge I

    Taken the 11th Grade year, this class focuses on supporting the holistic goals of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This course encompasses the three main components of the IB Diploma Programme: the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) curriculum, the Extended Essay process, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service hours). The main focus of the year will be developing the fundamentals of the TOK curriculum. TOK challenges basic assumptions of how we know what we think we know. The course integrates with all the other IB courses to create an exciting overlap of inquiry. In the second semester, each student will also choose an area of study on which to focus their Extended Essay and develop a research topic specific to their interests. This course also supports students to achieve their goals in CAS by fostering meaningful work on Project Week, Activity Hours, and Service Hours. In the spring semester, students will have a focus on College Planning to prepare them for the college application process. This course is a required component of the Headwaters capstone experience and goes through the 11th and 12th grade years.

  • IB Theory of Knowledge II

    In the 12th Grade year, Theory of Knowledge curriculum continues. Two required IB assessments are completed: the Oral Presentation (an internal assessment) and the TOK Essay (an external assessment). The students also complete their Extended Essays in the first semester. This course continues to supports students to achieve their goals in CAS (Creativity, Action, Service), by fostering meaningful work on Project Week, Activity Hours, and Community Service Hours.
     
  • Photo of Stephen Beatty
    Stephen Beatty
    MS & HS Film Guide
    Bio
  • Photo of Tia Butler
    Tia Butler
    HS English Guide
    Whitman College, BA
    University of Texas at Austin, PhD
    Bio
  • Photo of Kelly Dickens
    Kelly Dickens
    HS Math Guide
    University of Texas at Austin
    Bio
  • Photo of Grady Eglin
    Grady Eglin
    HS Physics & Math
  • Photo of Lidia Galarza
    Lidia Galarza
    MS/HS Spanish Guide
    The George Washington University
    Ohio University
    Universidad San Martin de Porres - Lima/ Perú
    Bio
  • Photo of David Heroy
    David Heroy
    MS/HS Science Guide & Outdoor Leadership
    Bio
  • Photo of Jen Masterson
    Jen Masterson
    HS English Guide
    BA University of Texas at Austin
    MFA New England College
    MSW University of Texas at Arlington
    Bio
  • Photo of Alison McMillin
    Alison McMillin
    Bio
  • Photo of John Mulvany
    John Mulvany
    MS/HS Art Guide
    College of Art, Design and Print, Dublin, Ireland
    Sherman College of Art and Design, Cork, Ireland
    Bio
  • Photo of Hilda Reilly
    Hilda Reilly
    HS Spanish Guide
  • Photo of Stephanie Roach
    Stephanie Roach
    Director of Student Affairs
    Bio

Springs Campus

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Creek Campus

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River Campus

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As a 501(c)3 non-profit school, Headwaters School does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local law in its admissions, financial aid, hiring, or board membership processes.