Grades 9 and 10 - Benjamin Franklin International School

HIGH SCHOOL

Grades 9 and 10

Our Grade 9-10 program offers a well-rounded curriculum, providing a strong academic foundation and encouraging students to explore both the Arts and Sciences, fostering a multidisciplinary understanding of the world.

MYP Grades 9 and 10

At BFIS, the High School curriculum for Grades 9 and 10 blends the American educational framework with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP).

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program is a five-year program (Grades 6-10) that seeks to cultivate well-rounded students with both broad and deep knowledge—individuals who thrive in all aspects of their development: physical, intellectual, emotional, and ethical.

The MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for early adolescents. Students also complete a personal project, which is an independent piece of work that may be an essay, an artistic production or another form of expression.

Subject Details

English Language and Literature

Our program fosters substantial independent thought, encouraging students to lead class discussions, develop their own writing topics, and propose activities. Through engaging with diverse texts, students expand their international and multicultural perspective on the human experience. They'll complete varied assignments, including oral presentations, essays, and creative writing, all aligned with Common Core English learning standards and the MYP Framework.

Language Acquisition

Our language acquisition program aligns with MYP standards and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). Student placement, determined by tests, previous experience, and teacher recommendations, ensures appropriate leveling, sometimes combining two different phases to best suit individual needs. The primary goal of all courses, across the five different levels offered in Grades 9 and 10, is to develop students into competent communicators in their additional languages.

Individuals and Societies

In Grades 9 and 10, our Social Studies curriculum engages students in analyzing primary and secondary sources to build historical arguments and understand connections through comparison, causation, and diverse perspectives. Students examine political power dynamics, the pursuit of human rights through both violent and non-violent movements, and critical global challenges. The program culminates in Grade 10 with an investigation of 20th-century conflicts like World War I, World War II, and the Cold War, enhancing argumentation, communication, and research skills for the IB MYP and IB Diploma Program (DP).

Sciences

Our Grade 9 and 10 Science curriculum, based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), offers a comprehensive exploration of scientific principles. In Grade 9, students delve into ecosystems, cellular biology, and foundational chemistry and physics concepts, with hands-on labs like neutralization reactions and circuit design. Grade 10 builds on this, featuring project-based environmental science, in-depth genetics, the quantities in chemical reactions in chemistry, and the dynamics of motion in physics, all reinforced through practical experiments and advanced skill development, preparing students for future scientific endeavors.

Mathematics

BFIS High School's mathematics instruction follows a problem-centered curriculum where students collaborate to investigate patterns and solve new challenges, fostering quantitative and algebraic reasoning. This approach, aligned with Common Core Standards for Grades 9 and 10, ensures students develop a strong conceptual understanding before reinforcing skills through practice. For those seeking an advanced pace, Honors Math is available, following the standard curriculum more quickly with a higher level of problem sophistication and difficulty.

The Arts

Visual Arts

Our Visual Arts program for Grades 9 and 10 serves as an IB MYP foundational course, preparing students for the IBDP Visual Arts. Students will experiment with diverse 2D and 3D media and techniques, building technical proficiency and artistic confidence through studio exercises and critical investigations. They'll examine artists from various cultural contexts, develop formal analysis skills, and explore curatorial practice, culminating in self-directed work that synthesizes skill, media, and concept.

Theater

Our Theater program for Grades 9 and 10 is an IB MYP course designed to cultivate comprehensive theatrical skills. Students will strengthen acting techniques, collaborate on devised projects, and study diverse works, gaining increased opportunities to write, direct, design, and perform for live audiences. Building towards the pre-IBDP level in Grade 10, the curriculum emphasizes advanced ensemble building, collaborative theater-making, and introduces effective methods in theater research and analysis.

Music

Our Music program is designed to introduce and advance skills in modern band ensembles. Students will gain proficiency in instruments like electric guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocals, exploring composition, live performance, and music production at various levels. The curriculum progresses from foundational skills to advanced techniques, allowing students to delve into diverse contemporary music styles from around the globe.

Design Technology

Our Design Technology courses in Grades 9 and 10 engage students in a series of engineering challenges, enhancing their understanding of 2D and 3D design, basic electronics, and mechanics. Students will explore design thinking, project management, and communication skills through hands-on projects, utilizing basic digital fabrication techniques. This course provides a solid foundation, preparing students for the IB Design Technology program.

Computer Science

In Grades 9 and 10, our Computer Science curriculum builds upon middle school fundamentals, advancing students' coding abilities from Scratch programming to developing complex games and applications using variables, looping, functions, and recursion. Students will then engage in two projects based on the software engineering lifecycle, adopting various roles within a simulated software company to gain real-world experience. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with core coding concepts and possess the adaptable skills needed to learn multiple programming languages.

The ESO Program

Physical Health and Education

Our Physical and Health Education courses foster knowledge, skills, and attitudes crucial for a balanced and healthy lifestyle, actively promoting holistic well-being. Through opportunities for active learning, courses in this subject group embody and promote the holistic nature of well-being. Students in Grades 9 and 10 benefit from on-campus opportunities, access to the Can Caralleu Sports facility, and the chance to exercise in the beautiful Collserola Natural Park, located directly behind the school.

Additional Programs

Global Citizenship and Action

The Citizenship and Action school program empowers students to become active, responsible global citizens. By engaging with real-world issues and promoting social and cultural awareness, the program nurtures international mindedness and a sense of shared responsibility. Through hands-on projects and community involvement, students develop empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to positive change—key qualities for thriving in an interconnected world.