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Guide to High School Electives - Senior Year

Graduates of 2024

Table of Contents

4 Overview 6 SZPAG Graduation Requirements 7 Graduation Classifications 8 MOE Equivalency Pathways 10 Academic Pathways 10 General Track 11 Advanced Track 14 Electives 16 Cluster Courses 21 General Elective Courses 34 Elective 3 Courses - 2 lessons 39 Advanced Placement Courses

Guide to High School Electives

Overview

The purpose of elective courses is to provide the opportunity for students to explore an area of learning that is of interest to them. At The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls (SZPAG), we wish to offer a broad range of subject areas that will cater to the needs and talents of all our students. All elective classes have credits assigned to them, dependent upon the length of each course selected. This is the final time that your daughter will be choosing electives as they move into their Senior Year. This can make it an exciting but equally daunting task. Making elective choices is an important part of High School life, and as such, each elective should be carefully thought out. It is beneficial if students have an idea about their future academic aspirations, but it is equally important to remember that your daughter should be choosing subjects that interest her. Additionally, consider what has already been studied in Grades 9 and 10 alongside this year’s electives. This curriculum guide is provided for students and parents to give an overview of what each Elective will offer. We also look forward to welcoming you to our High School Elective Fair, where teachers, Heads of Year, our Senior Leadership Team, and our Academic Advisor will be on hand to discuss option choices, pathways, and Graduation with you.

How many choices do you have? You can choose a Science, and up to four other elective choices. Select a ‘back up’ choice should your first two preferences not be available. AP Courses in Computer Principles, Human Geography, Art, Biology, and Chemistry will take both of your elective choices as six lessons a week are required. AP World History will combine your ESS time plus one elective. AP Calculus will combine your Math time plus one elective. Complete the online form and submit it by the deadline.

Guide to High School Electives

Do: Choose subjects that you enjoy. If you enjoy the subject, you are more likely to put time and effort into it. The more time and effort you put into it, the more successful you will become. Choose subjects that you are good at. You need to gain as many high grades as possible. Choose subjects that will support your career route if you have a definite career in mind. However, remember that you may change your mind before you leave school. Listen to the advice your subject teachers give you. Find out everything that you can about the subject before you choose it.

Don't: Don't choose a program you have already completed earlier in High School. For example, if you studied Business in Grade 9, you cannot choose it again in Grade 10, 11, or 12. Don't try to get into the same classes as your friend; it probably won't happen and it's not in your best academic interests. Don't choose a subject just because you like the teacher. Teachers change. Don't just go by your experiences in other grades or what others have said: look at what each subject has to offer to you. Don't narrow down your options too much; you may change your mind about what you'd like to do in the future.

SZPA Graduation Requirements

Students must complete the following to be eligible to graduate: Completed all College Prep, Honors and AP courses in Grades 9 to 12 Muslim students must sit the Grade 12 MoE exams in Islamic (for Arabs or non-Arabs) Sit the Grade 12 MoE exams in Arabic (for Arabs or non-Arabs) Sit EmSAT Achieve – English Sit EmSAT Achieve – Math Sit EmSAT Achieve – Arabic Sit EmSAT Achieve – Physics Sit SAT in English and Math Complete Community Service Complete an accredited course in Fist Aid and CPR

Guide to High School Electives

requirements which can be found in Decree 883 for 2023-2024 and beyond, at the time of publishing.

High School Certificate

High School Diploma

High School Diploma with Honors

High School Diploma with Honors Distinction

Course Level

College Prep

College Prep 1 x Honors

College Prep 3 x Honors 1 x AP

Minimum Grade in Each Course Taken in Grades 9 and 10

60%

80%

90%

Minimum Grade in Each Course Taken in Grades 11 to 12

60%

90%

95%

Average Overall Grade at the End of Grades 9 & 10

60%

85%

90%

Average Overall Grade at the End of Grades 11 to 12

60%

90%

95%

EmSAT Achieve - English

must sit

1250

1500

EmSAT Achieve - Math

must sit

750

900

EmSAT Achieve - Arabic

must sit

750

900

EmSAT Achieve - Physics

must sit

750

900

SAT English

300

350

450

500

SAT Math

300

350

450

500

Community Service*

5 hours

First and and CPR

Required

Sash Color

Burgundy

Silver

Gold

SZPA Graduation Classifications

Please note that these are SZPA graduation requirements as distinct from MoE equivalency

MOE Equivalency Pathways

From 2024, students will achieve equivalency according to one of 3 pathways set out in Ministerial Resolution 883. There are 3 pathways: General, Advanced or Elite. The table below gives a brief overview of the requirements of each. A flight path for each pathway is also included in this booklet. Please be aware that SZPAG will not be offering the Elite pathway to the graduates of 2024.

General Track

Advanced Track

Elite Track

The student must pass the following subjects in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12: English Language (at least 4 credit hours)

English (at least 4 credit hours)

Mathematics (at least 4 credit hours)

Mathematics (at least 4 credit hours), which must include AP-Calculus AB

English (at least 4 credit hours)

Mathematics (at least 4 credit hours), which must include AP-Calculus AB

Science subjects (at least 4 credit hours), which must include Physics

Science subjects (at least 4 credit hours), which must include Physics (Calculus Based) plus either AP Chemistry or AP Biology

Any other subject in the AP level (excluding Islamic Studies and the Arabic Language)

Social Studies or Humanities (at least 3 credit hours).

Physics, which must include: AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism AND AP Physics C: Mechanics

Either AP Chemistry or AP Biology

Guide to High School Electives

General Track Pathway

MOE Equivalency Requirements for 2023-2024 (Gaining the minimum requirements for the Ministry of Education equivalency resolution 883)

Subject

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Total

English

1.25 credits

5 credits

Math

1.25 credits

5 credits

Health and Food Science

0.5 credit

0.25 credit

1.75 credits

Arabic

1 credit

4 credits

Islamic

0.5 credit

2 credits

UAE Social Studies

0.5 credit

Moral Education

0.25 credit

1 credit

Science

1 credit Biology 1

1 credit Chemistry 1

1 credit Physics 1

1 credit Choose 1 Science

4 credits

English Social Studies

1 credit Geography 1

1 credit History 1

1 credit History 2

0.75 credit Choose one ESS or other elective option

3.75 credits

Electives

1 credit

1.5 credits

2 credits

6 credits

33 credits

Total Required for Graduation:

1 credit = 4 periods

Shaded = grades completed

Guide to High School Electives

(Gaining the minimum requirements for the Ministry of Education equivalency resolution 883)

Subject

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Total

English

1.25 credits

5 credits

Math

1.25 credits

AP Calculus

5 credits

Health and Food Science

0.5 credit

0.25 credit

1.75 credits

Arabic

1 credit

4 credits

Islamic

0.5 credit

2 credits

UAE Social Studies

0.5 credit

Moral Education

0.25 credit

1 credit

1.25 credits

1 credit

Science

1 credit Biology 1

1 credit Chemistry 1

1 credit Physics 1

English Social Studies

1 credit Geography 1

1 credit History 1

1 credit History 2

Electives

1 credit

1.5 credits

Total Required for Graduation:

1 credit = 4 periods

Physics 2 (Calculusbased) 0.75 credit Choose one ESS or other elective option

4 credits

3.75 credits

2 credits

AP Biology or AP Chemistry

6 credits

33 credits

Shaded = grades completed

Advanced Track Pathway

MOE Equivalency Requirements for 2023-2024

Equivalency must ensure that by the end of Grade 12, they have the following subjects on their transcripts:

light path... f r u yo

Advanced Track Pathway

Students wishing to complete the Advanced Track Pathway for MOE

AP Subjects: You must score at least a 3 in the exams to gain equivalency.

High School: 3 credits of Social Studies.

Guide to High School Electives

Grade 12: AP Calculus

Grade 11 or 12: AP Biology or AP Chemistry

Grade 12: Physics Hons (Calculus-Based)

...F

or t

he M OE

v Ad

e c n

Following these pages you'll find the elective options for the upcoming academic year, divided into three sections: Cluster Courses General Elective Courses Elective 3 Courses AP Courses

Guide to High School Electives

Electives

Cluster Courses Guide to High School Electives

Cluster 1: Science and Our World This cluster includes Astronomy, Environmental Science and Marine Science.

This course provides the basic foundation as an introduction to astronomy. Students will gain an understanding of the many different

Astronomy

scales in which we study the universe and a modern understanding of the cosmos, including the formation of our solar system and galaxy and our overall place in the universe. They will learn about the processes by which these different scales of the universe come into existence and evolve and the many paths that have led to our understanding of all of this.

This elective course introduces students to the foundation knowledge about the environment and how human activities impact upon it. It is

Environmental Science

an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical, biological, and information sciences. Students in this class will learn the composition of the global environment and how the interaction between different species and materials can impact our world.

Everyone on earth depends on the sea – whether for food, jobs, energy, leisure, or simply a habitable climate. You will be learning that the sea provides oxygen, nourishment, transport, and habitats for humans and millions of species. Meanwhile, marine habitats provide vital protection against coastal erosion and flooding.

Marine Science

The UAE has a particularly close relationship with the Arabian Sea. Our country grew up on pearl diving and seaborne trade. Today, a huge part of our economy and day-to-day lives still rely on the latter – from trade to fishing, leisure, and tourism. As part of this course, we will focus on the Arabian sea. Skills: Research, inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, problem-

SKILLS DEVELOPED

solving,

presenting

organization.

idea,

communication,

collaboration,

Cluster 2: How the Past shaped our Present This cluster includes units relating to: Migration, Warfare, and Science and Technology This unit will allow students to discover human migration's rich and complex history through the ages. It will explore the motives and the

Migration

experiences of migrants throughout history, from prehistoric times to the present day. It will help students to examine the social, economic, and political factors that have driven migration, such as war, economic opportunity, and persecution. Through this unit, we will explore how the nature of warfare has changed over time. We will examine wars from the medieval period up to the

Warfare

present day. Some of the topics we will explore include: How wars are fought and the impact of war on soldiers and civilians The nature of modern wars Impact of technology on how wars were fought. Students will trace the evolution of scientific and technological advancements throughout history, from ancient to the present. This

Science and Technology

offers the opportunity to delve into the impact of key innovations, such as the printing press and the steam engine, and how these impacted society and the world as we know it today. This allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the role of science and technology in shaping the course of human history. Pupils will be allowed to undertake an independent research project in which they compare and contrast two historical battles.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Through this unit, we will help you build your historical knowledge and develop critical research and presentation skills. These are the type of skills that universities and employers are looking for in potential candidates.

Guide to High School Electives

Cluster 3: Global Impact of Climate Change This cluster includes Climate, Atmosphere, and Oceans; Living with environmental change; and Global Challenges. This unit aims to provide an understanding of how the climate system

Climate, Atmosphere, and Oceans

operates. Understand how the environment has evolved over the planet's history and how the climate system works. In this module, students will explore

the

intricate

relationship

between

the

Earth's

climate,

atmosphere, and oceans. Attention will be paid to the structure and circulation of the atmosphere and ocean and how they interact. This unit is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities of living in a rapidly changing

Living with environmental change

environment. Explorations will include specific case studies on areas such as: environmental change in the Arctic; Nile River: the environmental, social and economic impacts of a fishing industry, wildlife conservation; Amazon Life: trying to protect the Amazon's rainforest and the challenges facing its indigenous people; China Rising: scale and speed of change in China. In this module, students will explore some of the most pressing global

Global Challenges

challenges facing our world today. Through interactive discussions, critical readings, and project-based work, students will examine developmentrelated

inequalities,

including

globalization,

students

sustainability,

and

environmental injustices. This

cluster

will

give

opportunity

develop

their

interdisciplinary thinking skills as they will learn how to integrate

SKILLS DEVELOPED

knowledge from various disciplines, such as biology, physics, and economics, to gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and global challenges. This will also give students an opportunity to develop their skills in research, preparing them for college and beyond.

Cluster 4: Textiles and Sculpture This cluster includes Textiles and Sculpture.

Textiles & Sculpture

Students explore different types of media within the subject areas of Textiles and Sculpture. Students will have opportunities to create highly individualized outcomes based on their own ideas. Studying art subjects cultivates perseverance and self-discipline through creating sustained pieces of work. Term 1 Embroidery and Wet Felting Term 2 Ceramics and Sculpture Term 3: Personal Project chosen by students

Guide to High School Electives

General Elective Courses

Guide to High School Electives

Scientific skills and practical skills needed for labs and experiments. Investigative and analytical skills are also developed along with a deepening knowledge of physics.

Physics (Honors) This Physics course is designed for students planning to major in science and engineering. It is made to be a second physics course for high school students. Physics Honors students will have already taken a first-year physics course in Grade 11 that covered basic aspects of Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and waves. This course will look to build on these concepts at a deeper level and cover new content such as nuclear and electrical physics. The course is for those with a keen interest in physics.

Scientific skills and practical skills needed for labs and experiments.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Investigative and analytical skills are also developed, along with a deepening knowledge of physics.

Guide to High School Electives

Biology (Honors) Students will further investigate biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and macro biological levels. Students will build on their prior knowledge from their Biology I course. The big ideas covered are energetics, information storage and transmission, and system interactions. These will be divided into several units and topics throughout the year. Science practices will be developed and integrated throughout the units, and both projects and analytical reading assignments will be required with each unit of instruction.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

developed. Deeper knowledge of biology is also gained.

Chemistry (Honors) This Chemistry course is designed for students planning to major in science, engineering, or medical professions. It is made to be a second Chemistry course for High School students. Chemistry Honors students will have already taken Chemistry I and should have demonstrated an aptitude for and enjoyment of the subject. Chemistry Honors will serve to extend and deepen your understanding of the basics taught in Chemistry I in preparation for college study.

Scientific skills and practical skills needed for labs and experiments. Investigative and analytical skills are also developed, along with a deepening knowledge of chemistry.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

SCIENCE

Analytical skills, thinking, and problem-solving will all be

ENGLISH SOCIAL STUDIES

Geography II This course aims to advance the skills acquired in Geography I. This advanced course delves further into complex interactions between physical and human geography. Students will gain a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of our global challenges through in-depth study and analysis. Students will explore topics such as climate change, global environmental issues, the movement of humans across the world, and sustainably developed and geographical problems impacting the world today. The course will allow students to explore more specialized topics in geography, such as cultural, urban, and economics. Through these explorations, you will better understand how human societies interact with the environment and shape the world.

As students progress through the course, they will develop skills in geographical analysis, including the ability to collect, analyze and interpret data. You will also develop skills in critical thinking and effective

SKILLS DEVELOPED

communication, enabling you to engage in complex issues and communicate findings to a wide range of audiences.

History III This course will offer a comprehensive exploration of the global forces that have shaped the modern world and grants students the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to excel within this discipline. The course offers a wide range of topics, including the rise and fall of empires, cultural exchange, and social transformation. Choosing this course will allow students to gain a more nuanced perspective of the global forces that have shaped human history. It will enable students to engage in lively discussions and debates and develop their writing skills through assignments and projects. This rigorous and engaging program is aimed at students passionate about exploring the complex and interconnected history of the world.

Students will develop practical communication skills through their participation in classroom debates and discussions, writing skills in

SKILLS DEVELOPED

creating clear and well-supported arguments, and essays that explore critical historical events.

Economics

The purpose of this course is to lay out basic economic principles. Students will deepen their understanding of the economic problems faced by the nation and the world. Students must use and apply tools (such as graphs, tables, statistics, & equations) to understand economic laws and principles. In this module students will explore units such as finance, banking, investment, government’s role in the economic system, labor- management relations, foreign trade, and related fields. The knowledge and skills acquired will help the student make career decisions and wise choices for further study.

Critical thinking and analysis, financial literacy, problem solving, team work and communication.

Guide to High School Electives

SKILLS DEVELOPED

ENGLISH SOCIAL STUDIES

This economics course is designed to provide students with an overview of the subject of economics.

ENGLISH SOCIAL STUDIES

Psychology This course introduces general psychology as the social science of the human mind and behavior. The course will examine the different models upon which modern psychology has been built, along with the history and origins of psychology, approaches in psychology, social influence, life span development, memory, and learning. By the end of the course, students will be able to: Demonstrate understanding of the terminology used in psychology; Identify research models and relate the findings of research to real-life situations; Demonstrate understanding of the different theoretical approaches to psychology and be able to articulate the different assumptions behind them; Apply psychology practically to problems confronting them in society and use psychological techniques to explain various aspects of human cognition and behavior.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Analytical

skills,

research

skills,

building

and

shaping

arguments.

Psychology Honors This course may only be selected by students who studied Psychology I. It is a more in-depth study of Psychology as the social science of the human mind and behavior. The course will examine the biological basis of behavior, sensation and perception, emotion, and personality. An important skill you will learn is how to evaluate conflicting theories about the topics you cover and the studies that support or challenge them. Discussions about research findings will allow you to develop this skill, and engaging in practical psychological research will help you improve your knowledge of the methods psychologists use. By the end of the course, students will be able to: explain theories using psychology specific terminology; apply findings of research to life situations; demonstrate understanding of the different theoretical approaches to psychology and be able to compare and contrast their theories; apply psychology practically to problems confronting them in society; use psychological techniques to explain various aspects of human cognition and behavior and demonstrate understanding of the workings of their own consciousness and behavior.

In order to join this course students will have needed to have completed the Psychology I course

Analytical

skills,

research

skills,

building

and

arguments.

Guide to High School Electives

shaping

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Art

Students will deepen their critical understanding of works of art and explore art techniques that they are the most interested in through their Personal Projects. They will engage with artworks and use them to inspire their own work. Students will work on developing their personal visual language throughout the course. Students will experiment with various drawing techniques in the drawing workshop and explore drawing materials further. The last part of the course will focus on presentation skills in both physical and digital forms.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Artistic skills are developed alongside creative thought. through art.

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship As the UAE diversifies its economy, studying business and enterprise has become more critical than ever as it opens the opportunity to develop entrepreneurship and innovation. Enterprise provides a comprehensive foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to start and run their businesses. The course covers various topics such as market research, business planning, marketing, and branding,

financial

management,

operations

management,

and

leadership

and

team

management. These topics will help provide the skills they require to succeed in business. The course will focus on allowing students to identify opportunities for a new business through conducting market research to validate business ideas and understand customer needs. Students develop a business plan from here, including market analysis, financial projections, and risk assessment. By the end of the course, it is hoped that students possess a strong understanding of the skills needed to start and grow a successful business.

Students are encouraged to think creatively, take risks, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset throughout the course. They learn how

SKILLS DEVELOPED

to identify problems and turn them into opportunities, understand the needs of their customers, and develop innovative solutions that meet those needs. The course also emphasizes the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and leadership skills in building a successful business.

Guide to High School Electives

GENERAL ELECTIVES

Developing self-awareness and the ability to express yourself

Creative Media In the Creative Media Elective, students create different types of media using digital technology. Examples of projects that will be completed are as follows: Record a podcast episode about a subject of your choice Take a movie that you love and switch its genre Design a magazine cover featuring someone you know in real life If you like working independently and would like to try 'working to a design brief', this is the Elective for you.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Creativity, collaboration, working independently. Students will develop their digital skills across a range of apps.

Music Students will be learning an instrument of their choice. They will be given the opportunity to play their instrument as part of an ensemble. The intention is that they will learn various short pieces of music that will develop in complexity as their knowledge and confidence of their instrument grows over the course. Where students have studied music before there will be work that can challenge and extend their knowledge. The intention would be to perform as an ensemble at the end of the year in a small showcase event.

Team Sports The Team Sports class is a sports-based course that emphasizes all areas of participation in a variety of sports and sports activities. Students will learn the necessary skills, terminology, and rules of each sport, and will interact in situations that are relative to the origin of the sport. Students will participate in team sports, such as basketball, rugby, softball, volleyball, handball, hockey, and other fitness-based activities. Research shows that participation in physical activity has a direct positive correlation with academic achievement. Team sports and games promote movement, skill development, and opportunities for successful team interaction. Students will participate in a variety of sports and games, teach classmates rules and skills, and have the opportunity to officiate various sports and games.

Teamwork; Communication; Organization; Conflict Management;

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Problem-Solving; Commitment; Sportsmanship

Sports Leaders This program allows students to realize their potential as leaders using sport. Students will plan, lead and evaluate sports/physical activity sessions over many tutored hours and then demonstrate their leadership skills as part of their assessment. Throughout the course, students will look at the qualities, characteristics, and behaviors of a leader and how to attribute these traits to sport and life as a whole. They will gain an understanding of self and peer feedback, with the hope of becoming an individual with the ability to learn and grow from each new experience. Students will work closely with the Physical Education Department and assist in the planning, teaching, adapting, organizing, and running of various sporting events. The aspiration is to work with outside communities to showcase your learning. Communication Self-belief Teamwork

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Leadership Confidence Problem-solving Time Management Organization Risk Analysis

Guide to High School Electives

Zoology

The Zoology course is divided into six units ranging from an organism’s skeleton to those that have wings and parachutes. The students will learn how shells are formed, how chameleons change color, why there are various types of feathers, illustrate the structure of a wing, how eyes are adapted to their environment, and even how a seahorse can swim. The students will apply the information about the organisms studied to other organisms, both familiar and unfamiliar.

Students will learn how to apply their knowledge to questions,

SKILLS DEVELOPED

utilizing all relevant information to support their answers. Students will gain research and presentation skills.

Journalism I Introduction to Student Journalism is a course that will cover the basics of journalism and provide a context for students to contribute to their own student publication as junior staff writers. We will study the following areas of journalism and news: Research and Sources:Women in Journalism; Student Reporting; Ethics and Bias and we will develop key skills such as research and non-fiction report writing. Written pieces produced during the year may be selected by the editorial team to be published in a bi-annual school paper. To be successful in this course you must have excellent writing skills, be self-motivated and have a keen interest in current affairs. This course will consist of both practical and theoretical elements.

Journalism II Only those that have completed one journalism module are eligible to take Journalism II- The Editors. Students on this course will be selected for leadership roles including copy editor, picture editor, design editor, sports editor, senior staff writer, and editor-in-chief. The teacher plays the role of advisor, so it is important that those choosing this course have excellent timemanagement skills, are self-motivated and have shown an excellent ability to work as part of a team. To be successful in this course you must also have excellent writing skills, be selfmotivated and have a keen interest in current affairs. This course will consist of both practical and theoretical elements.

SZPAG Future Leaders Award

Future Leaders This course that inherently links the Sustainability Goals of the UAE and Leadership skills needed in the future. In this course, students must be self-motivated and driven to come up with their own passion projects or business ideas. We give them a platform to research and develop their projects or business proposals and to bring them to life. Students will make links with SZPA alumni and our local community businesses and organizations to help them grow and develop their own projects and ideas. Their projects will be built around our SZPA pillars of Character, Culture, Future, and Internationalism; as well as being linked to at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Students who take this course will be awarded either a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Level SZPA Future Leaders Award.

Through this elective, we will help you build your confidence, time-management, communication skills, self-organization, and develop critical research and presentation skills. You will also build links in our Abu Dhabi community and complete community service hours. These are the type of skills that top universities

and

employers

are

looking

for

candidates.

Guide to High School Electives

potential

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Guide to High School Electives

Elective 3 Courses - two lessons

Knitting and Crochet Over this mini elective you will work on both areas of knitting and crochet. You will learn the basic techniques in both areas and apply them to make various projects that you will choose yourself. Term 1: Knitting, you will learn knit, purl and the garter stitch, producing sampler of these stitches. You will then be creating a piece of knitting, a blanket or jumper, developed from a pattern of your choice. Term 2: Crochet, learn single, double, treble: the main crochet stitches. You will create samplers of these stitches. You will then create a piece of crochet, a blanket item or an amigurumi item, from a beginner pattern of your choice. Term 3: Personal project, you will be given the opportunity to research artists and designers that inspire you. From this research you will create a knitted or crochet item inspired by your designer, that you have developed yourself.

Embroidery Over this mini elective you will work on both areas of embroidery, stitching and needlepoint. You will learn the basics and some more advanced techniques in both areas and apply them to make various projects responding of various starting points yourself. Term 1: You will develop and learn embroidery techniques to apply them to a canvas or hoop, based on a designer, artist, or genre of your choice. Term 2: You will learn more advanced needlepoint techniques and create a cross stitch, tapestry, or cushion. You will be given a starting point to develop your design from. Term 3: You will complete a personal project based on a starting point of your choice. You will choose between needlepoint and embroidery techniques or combine these to create an embroidered lamp shade.

Design Tech and Animation This course enables learners to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design. They will work with different media (animations, 2D, 3D), materials and tools such as Microbit (a pocket sized-computer) and MakeyMakey (connect your computer to everyday objects) to produce a made product. In this course, you'll learn the principles behind great animation, and how to apply them in After Effects. By the end of this course, you'll have multiple animated videos, created with professional assets and guidance that can be added to your portfolio.

Drama In this Elective, you will produce in depth and creative performances, suitable for an external audience. As well as acting, you will also continue to develop your backstage skills, such as costume making, scenery design, make-up application, etc. to bring your ideas to life on stage. There will also be an opportunity to experience live theatre first-hand in this Elective.

Research and Presentation skills This elective will offer an introduction to key skills needed to excel in the AP Seminar course including: Reading and analyzing articles, studies, and other texts; gathering and combining information from sources; viewing an issue from multiple perspectives and crafting arguments based on evidence. Students will demonstrate critical thinking, collaboration, and academic research skills as well as ability to direct their own exploration of a variety of topics.

Debate SZPAG Debate is a student-led course that will cover the basics of debate and provide a context for students to respond to a number of issues on their debate team. As per the American Lincoln-Douglas system, we will cover different topics and create well researched arguments with a strict time limit. We will study some school-based issues, such as homework and uniform; environmental issues, such as carbon emissions; and cultural issues, such as TV/movies vs. books. Students will gain confidence in public speaking and learn how to express their opinions in a formal arena. Within this elective, we will learn how to prepare for, conduct, and evaluate a professional debate building AP skills, such as following a line of reasoning within arguments, effective researching, and challenging existing opinions.

Creative Writing This creative writing course will be a multi-genre introduction to the world of literature. There will be a specific focus on strategies used to create, evaluate and develop writing with the final aim of creating book extracts by the end of the course. Students will be given the opportunity to explore their creative sides through different forms of writing. They will have the chance to interview young female Emirati published authors: looking at how a text was created, edited and published in the real world.

Financial Management This program supports students with managing their finances, teaching them invaluable life skills that would otherwise be missed. It teaches them the processes which allow them to budget and learn good money skills, how to save effectively, and breakdown of investment options. Financial literacy includes making informed financial decisions, managing risks, and achieving financial goals. The course covers credit cards, debt management, and investing options such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate.

Individual Sports In individual sports, the emphasis is on gaining a basic knowledge of individual sports, fitness, and lifetime activities. Sports and activities include, but are not limited to, badminton, athletics, golf, tennis, table tennis, and fitness. This course aims to instill a passion for physical activity rather than sport. These sports/activities have been chosen to encourage students to participate in physical activity for life and to promote good health and wellness.

Study Hall Students studying two or more APs can choose to have Study Hall time to allow for extra study, revision, and preparation for exams and assessments.

Advanced Placement Courses

Guide to High School Electives

AP Biology

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time be spent in hands-on laboratory work, emphasizing inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices.

Prerequisite: Students should have successfully completed High School courses in biology and chemistry to an exceptional level. MAP scores in Science must be at or above Grade Level expectation. This framework encourages student development of inquiry and

SKILLS DEVELOPED

reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and justifying arguments using evidence.

Guide to High School Electives

AP Chemistry The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore content such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year.

Pre-requisite: Students should have successfully completed Chemistry to an exceptional level . MAP scores in Science must be at or above Grade Level expectation. Laboratory

Requirement:

This

course

requires

that

percent

instructional time engages students in lab investigations. This includes a minimum of 16 hands-on labs (at least six of which are guided inquiry). It is required that students keep a lab notebook throughout.

This framework encourages student development of inquiry and

SKILLS DEVELOPED

reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and justifying arguments using evidence.

AP World History AP World History is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students develop their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions, technology, and innovation. Topics are thematically based and follow a chronological order from c. 1200CE to the present day.

Students will further hone their skills in source analysis, general

SKILLS DEVELOPED

research, and written research using the AP-style questions they will encounter in the exam. The skills of critical thinking, discussion, and the formulation of an argument will also be developed.

The AP World History exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and includes: 55 multiple choice questions 3 short-answer questions 1 document-based question 1 long essay question (you will be able to choose from three essay questions)

MAP scores in Reading and Language must be at or above Grade Level expectation.

Students must have achieved at least 90% in History courses throughout High School.

Guide to High School Electives

AP Human Geography AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine the socio-economic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about geographers' methods and tools in their research and applications. The curriculum reflects the goals of the National Geography Standards (2012). The course is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in human geography.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Students will apply their analytical skills to inform collaborative work and independent research. Communication and written skills are also developed.

MAP scores in Reading and Language must be at or above Grade Level expectation. Students must have achieved at least 90% in Geography courses throughout High School.

Guide to High School Electives

AP Seminar AP Seminar offers students an introduction to conducting independent analysis of complex ideas across various disciplines. It involves reading and understanding advanced source material in the form of texts and other media. Students are expected to synthesize information from different sources and formulate research questions based on these source materials. Students elaborate on these ideas through essays, oral presentations, and team projects. The goal of AP Seminar is to provide students with the tools to evaluate information accurately and make compelling, evidence-based arguments. Students will develop the following skills in the QUEST framework as they explore issues and topics: They will learn how to Question and Explore They will Analyze Arguments

SKILLS DEVELOPED

They will become adept at Evaluating Multiple Perspectives They will work together to Synthesize Ideas They will collaborate to Team, Transform, and Transmit research into Presentations Exam Components Team Project and Presentation in class (20% of AP Score) Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation in class (35% of AP Score) Final Exam (45% of AP Score) MAP scores in Reading and Language must be at or above Grade Level expectation. Students must have achieved at least 90% in English courses throughout High School.

AP Research AP Research is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking and academic research skills on a topic of the student’s choosing. Build on what you learned in AP Seminar to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, you will design, plan, and conduct a year-long research based investigation to address a research question. To accommodate the wide range of student topics, typical college course equivalents include introductory research or general elective courses. Students will develop the following skills as they explore their chosen issues and topics: Conducting independent research Analyzing sources and evidence Applying context and perspective Writing a college-level academic paper

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Presenting research findings to an audience

There is no end-of-course written exam for AP Research. Instead, you’ll be assessed on performance tasks you complete that are based on your yearlong research project: an academic paper (which you’ll submit online for scoring through the AP Digital Portfolio), a presentation, and an oral defense of your research. These components all contribute to your final AP score on a scale of 1–5. Students must have completed and passed AP Seminar with at least a 3 to take this course.

AP Art and Design You must have completed at least one year of High School Art or Textiles and Sculpture with a grade of over 90% to be eligible for this course. In the AP Art and Design course, you will develop the skills that artists and designers use to create a portfolio of work you’ll submit for an AP score. You will develop your 2-D skills through the materials and processes in either traditional art or textiles media. Media such as drawing, collage, drawing, painting, embroidery, fabric painting and felting. You will create artwork that reflect their own ideas through choice of their own theme. You will investigate the materials, processes, and ideas that artists

SKILLS DEVELOPED

and designers use. You will practice, experiment, and revise as you create your artwork. You will communicate your ideas about works of art and design. To be eligible for AP Art and Design you must already have taken either Art or Textiles as an elective in Grade 9, 10 or 11. Candidates will be selected based on their grades and quality of work in those electives.

The work created will be submitted as two components: 1.A Portfolio of work you have made of 15 works, consisting of work that you have made on the course. 2.Five Selected works: a selection of 5 works you have made that do not have to be in the theme. These can be chosen from the Portfolio or can be one off pieces. ***Each component will have a small written section, where you explain your ideas and about the materials you have used.

Guide to High School Electives

AP Computer Principles AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems - including the internet - work, explore their potential impacts and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. It is recommended that students in the AP Computer Science Principles course have successfully completed a first-year high school algebra course or Computer Science Honors. MAP scores in Reading and Math must be at or above Grade Level expectation.

Making connections between concepts in computing Designing a program to solve a problem or complete a task Applying abstractions in computation and modeling Analyzing computational work Communicating ideas about technology and computation Working collaboratively to solve problems

SKILLS DEVELOPED

AP Calculus

Advanced Placement Calculus AB focuses on students’ understanding of calculus concepts and provides experience with methods and applications. The course features a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Exploring connections among these representations build an understanding of how calculus applies limits to develop important ideas, definitions, formulas, and theorems. A sustained emphasis on clear communication of methods, reasoning, justifications, and conclusions is essential. The use of technology regularly reinforces relationships among functions to confirm written work, implement experimentation, and assist in interpreting results.

Students will learn about and enhance their application skills with: Limits and Continuity, Differentiation, Analytical and

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Contextual Applications of Differentiation, Integration and Accumulation of Change, Differential Equations and Applications of Integrations MAP scores in Math must be at or above Grade Level expectation.

Students must have achieved at least 90% in Math courses throughout High School.

What Next?

On Friday 17th March, we will host an Elective Fair, where you can speak to the teachers for each elective, and you'll be able to ask questions about the electives you are interested in. You'll be able to pop in with your parents, so please see the letter for more information. You can then have a few days to consider your options before submitting your Elective Choices by Wednesday 23rd March. Class places will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis, and will depend on meeting the entry criteria, where appropriate. More information will be shared through Homeroom and on Schoology.

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