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Academics
Upper School
Academics
Science
Our Vision
At Berwick Academy, scientific pursuits are about understanding the natural world for both its diversity and unity; developing critical inquiry, reasoning, experimentation and communication skills; providing opportunity for problem solving and innovation; and fostering a life-long curiosity about the world.
By engaging with the natural world through hands-on exploration and experimentation, scientific inquiry is valued as a dynamic, creative approach for the development of understanding. In each classroom, particular emphasis is placed on designing learning experiences that encourage the application of mathematics and technology as a means for modeling scientific hypotheses.
Science Scope and Sequence
All Berwick graduates will earn at least three credits in Science. The expected sequence for the class of 2021 and earlier is Conceptual Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. To encourage choice and enhance student investment, the department plans to implement the IPC + IBC + 1 framework starting with the class of 2022. For the class of 2022 and beyond, the expected sequence will be IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry), IBC (Integrated Biology and Chemistry), plus one additional credit earned through completion of a Pinnacle course, year-long elective (i.e. Anatomy and Physiology) or sequence of three trimester electives. With guidance from the science department chair, new upperclassmen will choose from the menu of IPC/IBC trimester topics in order to fill gaps in their previous learning and adequately meet the department expectations for enrollment in elective and Pinnacle courses.
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IPC/IBC Overview
The IPC/IBC framework is designed to provide a smooth transition to upper school science as well as emphasize development of the skills, knowledge, confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm essential to future success in the science program at Berwick Academy and beyond. -
IPC - Integrated Physics and Chemistry
The Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) progression fosters a deeper appreciation for the physical laws of nature with emphasis on forces and motion in trimester 1, gravity and electricity in trimester 2 and atoms and bonding in trimester 3. -
IBC - Integrated Biology and Chemistry
The Investigations Biology and Chemistry (IBC) progression fosters a deeper appreciation for life’s diversity and its chemical origins with emphasis on the molecular basis for life in trimester 1, energetics and adaptation in trimester 2, and ecology and conservation in trimester 3.
Berwick Academy
Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 600 students, Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12, from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves. Founded in 1791 and rooted in a tradition of college preparation, our culture of innovation prepares students for a complex and dynamic world.
