ACS HIGH SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTION 2016-2017

ACS HIGH SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTION

2016-2017

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Dear Students,

The academic program at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) prepares our culturally diverse student body for a lifelong commitment to learning, service and global citizenship. All high school students are enrolled in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that culminates in a United States diploma; many pursue an International Baccalaureate diploma as well. Our dynamic educational approach encourages excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. Indeed, we take a holistic view of the child, and would like you to become well-rounded while also focusing on whatever field that interests you. ACS graduates leave high school with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for success beyond high school.

Our goal is to provide you with a well balanced, challenging and engaging course of study that will prepare you for university study and for success in your life and career. Please take time to review what you have already studied, what the high school offers, and consider your goals at the end of your senior year. As you select your courses, we encourage you to seek help and guidance from your parents, teachers and counselor. In many cases you may need to make some difficult decisions about your objectives, workload, and commitment to extracurricular activities. The more information you have, the better your decisions.

Please understand that the master schedule is based on the choices of courses that you make. Although some flexibility exists toward the beginning of the semester in case you should decide to change your schedule, doing so often has costs, both to the individual student and to the organization as a whole. It is therefore quite important to select courses carefully and with the consultation of teachers, counselors and parents. Once you have met with the counselors and receive your schedule, we will only approve course changes when you have been placed in an inappropriate level of a course or if you're a transfer student and your previous course of study differed from our offerings. It is not appropriate to request a course change based on the instructor. The courses you are committing to now, you are committing to for the upcoming school year. To the extent possible, take the time to make wise decisions.

ACS LEARNERS ARE:

Thinkers ? Independent ? Critical ? Reflective ? Creative

Responsible ? Respectful of Self, Others, and World ? Organized ? Open-minded ? Risk-takers

Well-rounded ? Effective Communicators ? Inquisitive ? Adaptable ? Knowledgeable ? Balanced

Leaders ? Motivated ? Confident ? Diligent ? Principled ? Collaborative

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION - HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Requirement for Citizens of Arab Countries UAE High School Equivalency Requirements - INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM (DP)

ENGLISH English 9 English 10 English 11/English 12 IB English A: Literature SL 1 IB English A: Literature SL 2 IB English A: Literature HL 1 IB English A: Literature HL 2 IB English A: Language and Literature SL Year 1 Year 2 IB English A: Language and Literature HL Year 1 Year 2

ENGLISH COURSE ELECTIVE OPTIONS World Literature: Mythology* Communications (TedTalks)* Literature and the Imagination (Dystopian/ Science Fiction)* Creative Writing (Soaked in Words: Tapping Into Your Inner Creative Writer)*

WORLD LANGUAGES Arabic as a Native Language

Arabic as a Native Language 9 (ANL 9) Arabic as a Native Language 10 (ANL 10) Arabic as a Native Language 11 (ANL 11) / IB Arabic B SL1 / HL1 Arabic as a Native Language 12 (ANL 12) / IB Arabic B SL2 / HL2 Arabic as Second Language Arabic as Second Language 1 (ASL1) Arabic as Second Language 2 (ASL2) Arabic as Second Language 3 (ASL3) Arabic as Second Language 4 (ASL4) Arabic as Second Language 5 (ASL5) French/Spanish French/Spanish Novice French/Spanish Intermediate and Intermediate 2 French/Spanish Intermediate High and Intermediate High 2 IB French/Spanish Ab Initio 1-2 IB French/Spanish B IB French/Spanish B SL 1 and SL 2 IB French/Spanish B HL 1 and HL 2

SOCIAL STUDIES Global Studies U.S. History in a Global Context IB History SL IB History HL IB Geography HL IB Economics SL 1/SL2 IB Economics HL 1/HL2 International Relations Sociology

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SCIENCE Biology Chemistry Physics IB Biology SL 1/SL 2 IB Biology HL 1/HL 2 IB Chemistry SL 1/SL 2 IB Chemistry HL 1/HL 2 IB Physics SL 1/SL 2 IB Physics HL 1/HL 2 Earth and Environmental Science Sports, Exercise and Health Science

MATH Integrated Math 9 Integrated Math 9 Extended Integrated Math 10 Core Integrated Math 10 Integrated Math 10 Extended IB Mathematical Studies SL IB Mathematics SL IB Mathematics HL

THE ARTS PERFORMING ARTS

Concert Choir (Non-Auditioned) Symphonic Band (non-auditioned) Wind Ensemble (Auditioned) Acting Stagecraft Advanced Theatre IB Theatre Arts HL 1/HL 2 IB Theatre Arts SL 1/SL 2 Dance

VISUAL ARTS Artscape Sculpture Drawing and Painting IB Visual Arts SL/HL Year 1 and 2

MEDIA ARTS Yearbook TV and Video Production Introduction to Digital Cinematography Digital Photography Architectural Design and Modeling 3D Graphic Illustration 3D Product Design

COMPUTER SCIENCE Robotics Engineering Mobile Device: App Design & Development Web Design and Development Introduction to Computer Science Number of Semesters: 1 Software Engineering and Technology Principles

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical Education 9 Physical Education 10 Health Recreational Sports Team Sports Dance Fitness/Resistance Training Aquatics Sport, Exercise and Health Science

SERVICE LEARNING Community Activism Independent Service Learning

NON-DEPARTMENTAL ELECTIVES Theory of Knowledge Islamic Studies For Native Arabic (ISL 9-12) Islamic Studies as Second Language (ISLS 9-12) Study Skills Self-Directed Studies Independent Project*

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INTRODUCTION

In presenting the courses offered in the high school at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, it is intended that each student develop and continually evaluate a learning program appropriate to his/her goals and grade level. The selection of courses requires serious and careful consideration. It is important that students make wise course selections in consultation with teachers, parents, and counselors in order to develop a program that will meet the individual student's personal objectives, make maximum use of the educational opportunities available, and earn required credits toward graduation. Course selections should be based on ACS graduation requirements, prior academic performance, personal interests, and the student's future goals and career plans. The great majority of the courses listed in this book will be offered next year. Not all courses will be offered. In some cases the existence of a course depends on such factors as student demand and/or the availability of a teacher. ACS reserves the right to arbitrate requests for alternatives to prescribed course and/or prerequisite requirements.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 25 credits is required for an ACS Abu Dhabi diploma. Students receive one-half credit for semester courses and one credit for year courses. Credit is given for courses taken in grades 912 only. No credit is given for summer school classes. For transcript and graduation purposes, grades and credit are assigned on a course completion basis. The 25 required credits must be distributed among subject areas as follows:

ACS Diploma

University Preparation

Required Recommended

English World Languages Social Studies Science Mathematics The Arts Physical Education Health Technology

4 credits

4 credits

2 credits

4 credits (2 must be in the same language.)

3 credits 4 credits

3 credits

4 credits (incl. 1 Biology and 1 Chem or Physics)

3 credits

4 credits

1 credit

1.5 credits

0.5 credit

0.5 credit

Core Electives* Non-Core Electives

3 credits 3.5 credits

TOTAL:25 credits

* Core Electives are additional credits in the core classes, including English, World Language, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. Students may apply additional core-elective credits to fulfill requirements for noncore electives as well.

REQUIREMENT FOR CITIZENS OF ARAB COUNTRIES

All students holding passports from the following Arabic speaking countries must take native language Arabic in grade 9 and grade 10: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

All Muslim students are required to take Islamic Studies courses every year in high school. These courses are offered both in native Arabic and in English.

UAE HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY REQUIREMENTS

The UAE High School Equivalency is a certification given by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) to students of any nationality, graduating from a school in the UAE, and who wish to have the UAE equivalency authentication granted for their high school diploma. These students must meet the following requirements below that are set by ADEC.

Most western countries do not require equivalency certification, but Arab countries require this to be eligible for certain jobs and most universities. Arab national students are highly advised to seek the UAE high school equivalency.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

- Students must complete both their Islamic and Arabic courses every year in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. - All students holding passports from the above mentioned Arabic speaking countries must take native Arabic courses in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. - Non-Muslim students are not required to take Islamic courses. - Students holding passports from non-Arabic speaking countries may take non-native Arabic courses. - Complete five classes out of the following ADEC approved courses every year in grades 10, 11, and 12: English Language or Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, General Science, Economics, French, Computer Science, Social Studies, Health and Nutrition, History, Geography, Psychology, Information Technology, and Arts and Design.

ARABIC AND ISLAMIC BOARD EXAMS

- Students must pass both the Islamic Studies and Arabic ministry board exams in native or non-native Arabic. These examinations are offered and scheduled by ADEC to students in grade 12 on two separate days during the month of May. - Non-Muslim students are not required to sit for the Islamic ministry exam to earn the equivalency. - All students holding passports from the above-mentioned Arabic speaking countries are expected to take the appropriate Ministry of Education examination(s) in native (first) language Arabic.

- Other requirements: - Original International TOEFL Certificate with a minimum score of 61 for online test and 500 for the written test - Original MATH/SAT 1 Certificate with minimum 400 score

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION PROGRAM

All students are required to pursue the ACS US diploma, which is earned at the end of grade 12. Integrated into our curriculum are courses that prepare students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (DP). Higher Level IB courses cover content frequently taught in first year university courses; they are rigorous for high school students and place heavy demands on their time and energy.

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INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM (DP)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (DP) program is concerned with the education of the whole person. It provides a thorough education in a broad scope of subject areas, and it aims, by balancing and interrelating these areas, to enhance the student's awareness of our common humanity and social responsibility. Additionally, it is intended to prepare the student for higher education or career employment, and to use programs devised by educators from different national systems to encourage an awareness of other cultures. Furthermore, it allows students the freedom to pursue their own needs and interests within the DP framework.

The IB diploma is a two-year program of studies with syllabi and external examinations developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The IBO awards an internationally recognized diploma that facilitates college admission worldwide (based on each country's prerequisites). Students who score well on IB exams may receive college placement or credit in North American colleges. Students will need two years (Grades 11 and 12) to complete the requirements for an IB Diploma. Students may choose to enroll in specific IB courses, but not complete the requirements for the full diploma. Students completing all of the internal and external requirements for the IB courses are eligible to receive IB certificates for each course. Providing minimum scores are achieved, certificates for IB Higher Level courses can result in college credit.

IB Standard Level Courses

IB Standard Level Courses

Arabic B Biology Chemistry Economics English Language & Literature English Lit.

French Ab Initio French B History

Mathematics Mathematical Studies

Music Physics

Spanish Ab Initio Spanish B Theater Arts Visual Arts

Arabic B Biology Chemistry English Language & Literature English Literature Economics

French B Geography

History Mathematics

Music Physics

Spanish B Visual Arts Theater Arts

OUTLINE OF THE ACS IB DIPLOMA PROGRAM

To fulfill the requirements for an IB Diploma the student must:

-- Successfully complete six externally examined courses. Three courses must be at the Higher Level (HL) and three at the Standard Level (SL). All students will be encouraged to take Directed Studies.

-- Study seven subjects during the 11th and 12th grades -- Successfully complete the Theory of Knowledge 1 and 2 courses. -- Write a 4,000 word Extended Essay. -- Complete a minimum 150 hours (3-4 hours per week) of Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS). CAS hours

may only begin at the start of the summer between sophomore and junior year. -- Select one course from each of the 6 subject groups with the exception that group 6 may be replaced with a

course from groups 2-4 (please see below).

IB SUBJECT GROUPS (IN ORDER FROM 1-6)

STUDIES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE These courses include an intensive study of English LIt and World Literature translated into English. They aim to develop powers of expression, critical analysis of literature, an understanding of people through literature, and an appreciation of the modes of thought in the literature of different nations. Students whose best language is not English and are attempting the IB diploma may choose to study an alternative A language outside of school. Following approval from the school, the A language course must be arranged by a private tutorial program outside of the regular school day.

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION These courses aim to develop the student's linguistic competencies in a language other than English. These courses are designed to provide students with knowledge of the culture of another nation, and an appreciation for literature written in a language other than their own. Students with no prior background in French or Spanish may start these languages at the Ab Initio language in Grade 11. B level languages may be taken in Arabic, French, or Spanish, but assume a certain proficiency level prior to taking those courses.

INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES These courses comprise the study of the nature of a human as an individual and as a member of a social group. In a larger sense, the character of human culture itself is investigated to develop the student's understanding of society both from the microcosmic and macrocosmic viewpoints. Objectives of this program include the ability to discuss and write about people from psychological and anthropological perspectives. Content includes the study of psychological, social, economic, political, religious, and artistic characteristics of individuals and their societies.

EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES These courses seek to familiarize the student with scientific principles and methods of scientific investigation, to develop powers of scientific analysis and laboratory skills, to create an awareness of life in a technological society, and to provide strong preparation for the study of sciences in universities.

MATHEMATICS These courses aim to develop both an understanding of mathematics as a discipline and as an attitude that encourages practical use of math in higher education or in a career. Content includes Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics and Probability and Vectors and is designed to prepare students for university studies in mathematics, physics, chemistry, economics, and business.

THE ARTS AND ELECTIVES Additional subjects may be selected from the sciences, world languages, individuals and societies, or the courses in visual arts or theatre arts.

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