ENGLISH
Pre-AICE English Language
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course is to provide a variety of writing opportunities calling for the use of
different styles and tones. Students will understand the power of language as it impacts readers,
writers, listeners, viewers, speakers and society as a whole. They will learn how to respond
critically and aesthetically to fiction and nonfiction and develop in four skill areas: reading and
directed writing, continuous writing, language usage, and oral communication as well as the
skills of analysis, synthesis, and drawing inference.
Pre-AICE English Literature
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course includes the study in detail of texts from a variety of genre, for e.g.
poetry, prose and drama. Students will complete in-depth studies of literary works and authors
selected from the list of prescribed texts and authors for Literature in English. Students will
acquire first hand knowledge of the content of literary texts: understand the literal meanings of
texts and the contexts of those meanings. Critical interpretation: understand literary text beyond
their literal meanings in terms of the issues and attitudes they raise; recognize and appreciate
ways in which writers use language to create their effects of narration, description,
characterization and literary structure.
AICE English Language
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the semantic,
structural, and rhetorical resources of the English language as they relate to the principles of
effective writing. The course also provides a variety opportunities calling for the use of different
styles and tones.
AICE English Literature
1.0
credit
(Offered 12th. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation/AICE English Language.) College level
course emphasizes interpretation of British and world literature. Writing and in-depth literature
study plus M/C tests in preparation for AICE exams. Documented papers required. Summer
reading, resume and college essay must be completed by beginning of school.
AICE Thinking Skills
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course involves the development of a range of transferable thinking skills
and processes. Students will study the language of reasoning by identifying reasons, evaluating
reasoning of different kinds, recognizing and evaluating assumptions, clarifying expressions and
ideas, and the production of reasoning appropriate to a given task. Students will demonstrate the
ability to apply numerical skills to solve unfamiliar problems, use communication skills to solve
unfamiliar problems in a variety of different types of writing and demonstrate the ability to
understand and evaluate arguments.
The intent is the development of thinking skills and processes rather than the study of subject
content. The course aims to encourage students to apply these skills to realistic scenarios and to
develop students’ abilities to understand and engage confidently in argument and reasoning.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Pre-AICE Spanish Language I
1.0
credit
Pre-AICE Spanish Language covers the first half of the International General Certificate
of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Language (Spanish) syllabus written and administered
by the University of Cambridge’s International Examinations Program. The purpose of
this course is to enable students to begin to acquire proficiency in Spanish through a
linguistic, communicative and cultural approach to language learning. Emphasis is
placed on the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and on the
acquisition of the fundamentals of applied grammar.
Pre-AICE Spanish Language II
1.0
credit
Pre-AICE Spanish Language is the second course in the University of Cambridge’s International
Examinations Program. The purpose of this course is to enable students to being to acquire
proficiency in Spanish through a linguistic, communicative and cultural approach to language
learning. Emphasis is placed on the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing
skills and on the acquisition of the fundamentals of applied grammar.
AICE Spanish Language
1.0 credit
The purpose of this course is to develop students’ ability to understand and communicate
confidently and clearly in speech and written language. Students will be encouraged to read
widely, to use relevant vocabulary, employ correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. The
students will develop the ability to analyze, synthesize, make inferences, organize arguments and
ideas logically.
AICE Spanish Literature
1.0 credit
The purpose of this course is to develop students’ ability to present an informed personal
response to works of Literature read or heard confidently and clearly in written language.
Students will be encouraged to read widely, to use relevant vocabulary, employ correct grammar,
spelling and punctuation. The students will develop the ability to analyze, synthesize, make
inferences, and organize arguments and ideas logically.
MATHEMATICS
Pre-AICE Mathematics I
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course is to enable students to: develop their mathematical knowledge and
oral, written and practical skills. The content themes and topics should include, but not be limited
to: numbers, estimation, ratio, percentages, graphs, algebraic formulae, algebraic manipulation,
functions, indices, matrices, statistics, probability, and coordinate geometry.
Pre-AICE Mathematics II
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course is to enable students to: develop their mathematical knowledge and
oral, written and practical skills. The content themes and topics should include, but not be limited
to: geometrical terms and construction, measurement, symmetry, locus, transformations,
(geometry) and trigonometry.
Pre-AICE Mathematics III
1.0
credit
(Offered 10th or 11th. Prerequisite: Pre-AICE Math II) This may be used as the second
component of a two year math course sequence which will cover advanced Algebra II topics,
introduce trigonometric functions, Pre-calculus and continue preparation for Cambridge
examinations.
AICE Mathematics I
1.0
credit
(Accelerated Pre-Calculus) (Offered 11th. Prerequisite: B in Pre-AICE Math II.)
This course fulfills the requirements of the AICE curriculum (exams will be taken in senior year)
as well as the material discussed in Pre-Calculus. The content themes and topics should include,
but not be limited to: quadratics, functions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, vectors,
differentiation, integration, permutations, sequences, series, binomial expansion, limits, and
probability.
Major concepts/content: the purpose of this course is to emphasize the study of functions and
other skills necessary for the study of calculus. Topics shall include, but not be limited to,
polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and circular functions; and their inversions;
sequences; series; theory of limits; vectors; conic sections; polar coordinates; symbolic logic;
mathematical induction; and matrix algebra.
Students successfully completing this course will be prepared to take AICE/AP Calculus.
AICE Further Mathematics/AP Calculus BC
1.0
credit
(Offered 12th. Prerequisite: A in AICE Math or STRONG Pre-Calculus students with teacher
approval.) This is a college-level course that takes students through Calculus II and meets
rigorous requirements established by the College Board. Students will take the AP Calculus BC
and AICE exams.
AICE Probability & Statistics
1.0
credit
The purpose of this advanced course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts
and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to
four broad conceptual themes: exploring data: observing patterns and departures from patterns;
planning a study: deciding what and how to measure; anticipating patterns in advance: producing
models using probability and simulation; and statistical inference.
Note: students who successfully complete the course and examination may receive credit and/or
advanced placement for a one-semester introductory college statistics course.
SCIENCE
Pre-AICE Biology
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course is to provide exploratory experiences, laboratory, and real life
applications in the biological sciences. The content should include: the nature of science,
chemical life processes, cells, taxonomy, evolution, structure, function and reproduction of
plants, and ecology.
Pre-AICE Chemistry
1.0
credit
The intent of this course is that students will obtain a thorough understanding of the finite life of
the world’s resources and hence the need for recycling and conservation, economic consideration
in the chemical industry. The content should include: the particulate nature of matter,
experimental techniques, atoms, compounds, electricity, chemical reactions, the periodic table,
metals, air and water, carbonates and organic chemistry.
Pre-AICE Physics
1.0
credit
Offered 10th. Prerequisite: Acceptance into Cambridge Program. Co-requisite: Pre-AICE Honors
Geometry) This exciting course will offer the student a “hands on” experience in a host of
physics topics including: lenses and mirrors, heat and energy, forces and motion, electrical
circuits, magnets, and atomic matter. This course is a conceptual course but students should be
comfortable with basic Algebra skills. Labs such as egg drops, Slinky waves, laser beam races,
lens explorations and many more will be run regularly in order to continue to develop laboratory
skills.
.
AICE Biology
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course is to provide exploratory experiences, laboratory, and real life
applications in the biological sciences in an accelerated fashion. The content should include: the
nature of science, chemical life processes, cells, taxonomy, ontogeny, phylogeny, structure,
function and reproduction of plants, ecology, the impact of agricultural, food, and medical
technologies on the quality of life and turbimetry.
AICE Chemistry/Advanced Placement Chemistry
1.0
credit
(Offered 11th/12th. Prerequisites: Chemistry I Honors and approval of instructor.) College level
course in chemistry. Prepares student seeking credit and/or appropriate placement in college
chemistry courses. Includes structure of matter, chemical reactions and descriptive chemistry.
Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course.
AICE Physics
1.0
credit
(Offered 11th/12th. Prerequisite: Physics Honors. Co-requisite: Pre-Calculus.) This course offers
a combination of theoretical and practical studies leading to an understanding of the more
advanced principles of Physics.
AICE Environmental Management
1.0
credit
(Offered 11th/12th. Prerequisites: Pre-AICE Biology and Pre-AICE Chemistry) The purpose of
this course is to develop and apply concepts basic to Earth, its materials, processes, history, and
environment in space. The content shall include: evidence of plate tectonics; formation of rocks;
weathering and erosion; soil structure; distribution of global water supplies; properties of water
and their environmental consequences; ocean currents and climate; rainfall and climate; structure
and composition of the atmosphere; formation and function of stratospheric ozone; wind
movement; earth in the solar system; solar radiation; interaction of electromagnetic radiation
with the earth’s surface; greenhouse effect; ecosystems and biomes; population dynamics.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Pre-AICE World History
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course is to promote the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of
human activity in the past, promote and understanding of the nature of cause and consequence,
continuity and change, similarity and difference, and to encourage international understanding.
The content should include: the Revolutions of 1848, unification of Germany and Italy, civil war
in the United States, First World War, causes of World War II and the Cold War and US/USSR
relations.
Advanced Placement World History
1.0
credit
(Offered 9th. Prerequisite: 8th grade teacher recommendation and acceptance in the Cambridge
program. Note: This course is the Pre-AICE World History course in the 9th grade year.) The
purpose of this course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes
and contacts in different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a
combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills including the
processes and causes involved in continuities and changes. The course highlights the nature of
changes in global frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among
major societies. It emphasizes relevant factual knowledge, leading interpretive issues, and skills
in analyzing types of historical evidence.
Pre-AICE Geography
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course is to enable students to acquire and organize information about places,
people, and culture throughout the world to develop a sense of where they are in time, space and
culture, and to reinforce their own personal and social identity.
AICE US History
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand the development of the United
States within the context of history with a major focus on the transformation of the USA from an
isolated agrarian society in the 1840’s to the world’s leading superpower. The course explicitly
encourages the development of two fundamental historical skills, the construction of clear,
concise, logical and relevant arguments and the evaluation and interpretation of source materials
as historical evidence within the context of United States history.
AICE Economics
1.0
credit
(Prerequisite: AICE U. S. History.) Course provides students with the knowledge and decisionmaking tools necessary for understanding how society organizes its limited resources to satisfy
its wants. Students will gain understanding of choices they must make as producers, consumers,
investors and taxpayers. They will learn how to interpret economic information presented in
verbal, numerical or graphical form. They will become proficient at explaining and analyzing
economic issues and arguments, using relevant economic concepts, theories and information.
AICE Psychology
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to psychological concepts, theories,
research findings, and applications; to create an understanding of the range and limitations of
psychological theory and practice. Content will include usefulness of psychological research,
approaches in psychology, psychometrics and ethics.
Advanced Placement American Government (Cambridge)
0.5
credit
This course is for students in the Cambridge Program and will run year-long. Students must also
enroll in the Critical Thinking Skills class for the 2nd semester.
Anthropology Honors
0.5
credit
Students acquire an understanding of the differences and similarities, both biological and
cultural, in human populations. The content should include: human and biological origins,
adaptation, diversity of human behavior, evolution of social and cultural institutions, and the
effects of change on cultural institutions.
AP Art – the History of Art
1.0
credit
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the appreciation of works of art, the
intelligent examination of works of art, and to the major forms of artistic expression in Western
art from 1400 to the present.
AP European History
1.0
credit
This course enables students to understand the development of Europe within the context of
history by examining connections to the past in order to prepare for the future. Students use
knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, and ethics.
AP Psychology
1.0
credit
Through the study of psychology, students acquire an understanding of human behavior,
behavioral interaction, and the progressive development of individuals.
Global Perspectives Honors (Global Studies)
1.0
credit
This course will help students develop an awareness of human similarities, engage in local,
national and international dialogue, explain historical development, present status and possible
future options available, develop summative judgments regarding the preferred courses of action
to deal with specific global issues, understand and explain the global interrelationship among
science, technology and society.
Humanities I Honors
0.5
credit
The purpose of this course is to enable students to examine, understand and respond to creative
efforts of individuals and societies through interdisciplinary study of the arts from early
civilization to the 1500s. The content should include: characteristics of the visual and performing
arts, influence of history, literature, philosophy, and religion on the arts, analysis of ideas and
artistic expression across varied cultures.
Humanities II Honors
0.5
credit
The study of the arts and their connections to areas such as history, literature, philosophy, and
religion since the 1500s. Content should include contributions of major visual and performing
artists, the impact of history and culture on today’s societies and culture and critical exemplars in
the visual and performing arts.
Philosophy Honors
0.5
credit
The learner will explore the foundations of philosophy through a historical exploration of the
great thinkers. The content should include: definition and application of philosophy, master
philosophies, development of a personal philosophy, and how to relate specific texts and authors
to the examination of concepts and problems.
Women’s Studies
0.5
credit
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop a basic understanding of women
throughout history, of individual women who have shaped history and the world today, and of
contemporary issues that impact the lives of women today.
World Religions
0.5
credit
Through the study of this course students will acquire an understanding of the way people in
different cultures satisfy their spiritual needs. Students will understand the place of religion in
culture, the importance that has been attached to religion in people’s lives and the relationship
between religion and social institutions.