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Guide to High School Electives - Freshman Year

Graduates of 2027

Table of Contents

4 Overview 6 SZPAG Graduation Requirements 8 MOE Equivalency Pathways 10 Academic Pathways 7 General Track 8 Advanced Track 14 Elite Track 19 Electives 31 What Next?

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 Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls (SZPAG) we wish to offer a broad range of subject areas which will cater for 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 first time that your daughter will have the chance to choose electives as she enters her Freshman Year which can make it an exciting, but equally daunting task. Making elective choices is an important part of High School life. 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. It is also important to remember that your daughter will be able to make more elective choices in Grades 10, 11, and 12, and so should not worry if they cannot choose all they would like to in Grade 9. The different graduation tracks and potential pathways outlined by Ministerial Resolution 883 are also included in this booklet. This curriculum guide is provided for students and parents to give an overview of what each Elective will offer. Additionally, Homeroom Teachers, Wellbeing leads and our Academic Advisor will also meet with your daughter to help them make wise choices.

How many choices do you have? Choose your Science Choose your ESS Choose two electives from the subjects. Select a ‘back up’ choice should your first two preferences not be available. 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 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 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 199 for the academic year 2021-2022 and in Decree 883 for 2022-2023 and beyond.

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

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.

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)

Mathematics (at least 4 credit hours)

English (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 2026-2027 (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

0.25 credit

1 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 Chemistry 1

1 credit Chemistry 1 Physics 1

1 credit Physics 1 Physics Hons

1 credit Choose 1: Biology Hon Chemistry Hon Physics Hon

4 credits

English Social Studies

0.75 credit

3 credits

Electives

1.5 credit

2 credits

7.5 credits

Total Required for Graduation:

Note: 1 credit = 4 periods

Guide to High School Electives

33 credits

(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

Health and Food Science

0.25 credit

1 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 credit Choose 1: Chemistry 1 Physics 1 Biology 1 Physics Hon (Calculus-based

Physics Hons (Calculus-based) Chemistry Hon Biology Hon Earth Science

1.25 credits

AP Calculus

5 credits

1 credit

Science

1 credit Biology 1 or Chemistry 1

1 credit Biology 1 Chemistry 1 Physics 1

English Social Studies

0.75 credit

3 credits

Electives

2 credits Biology Hons AP Biology*

2 credits

1.5 credit

AP Biology or AP Chemistry*

2 credits AP Biology or AP Chemistry

7.5 credits

Total Required for Graduation: Note: 1 credit = 4 periods *Selective entry

4 credits

33 credits

Advanced Track Pathway

MOE Equivalency Requirements for 2026-2027

Equivalency must ensure that by the end of Grade 12, they

have the

completed: AP Chemistry OR AP Biology; Physics Honors; AP Calculus.

light path... f r u yo

Advanced Track Pathway

Students wishing to complete the Advanced Track Pathway for MOE

Grade 11: AP Biology or AP Chemistry

Grade 12: AP Calculus

Grade 11 Physics Honors (Calculus-Based)

Grade 10: Biology Honors or AP Biology

Guide to High School Electives

Grade 12: AP Biology or AP Chemistry

Grade 12: Physics Honors (Calculus-Based)

...F

or t

he M OE

v Ad

e c n

Elite Track Pathway

MOE Equivalency Requirements for 2026-2027 (Gaining the minimum requirements for the Ministry of Education equivalency resolution 883)

Subject

English

Grade 9

1.25 credits

Grade 10

1.25 credits

Grade 11

Grade 12

1.25 credits Choose 1: English CP English Hon

AP Seminar

AP Research

1.25 credits

Total

5 credits

Math

1.25 credits

Health and Food Science

0.25 credit

1 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 Chemistry 1

1 credit Physics 1

1 credit Physics Hon

AP Physics*

English Social Studies

0.75 credit Geography 1 History 1

Electives

1 credit

0.75 credit Choose 1: History 2

AP Geography

1.5 credits Choose 1: AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Computer Principles

Total Required for Graduation: Note: 1 credit = 4 periods *AP Physics: Electricity and Magnetism, Mechanics

0.75 credit

AP History

AP Calculus

1 credit

5 credits

4 credits

0.75 credit

4 credits

1.5 credits AP Physics

5.5 credits

1.5 credits

AP Biology or AP Chemistry AP Computer Principles

33 credits

Equivalency must ensure that by the end of Grade 12, they have completed: AP Chemistry OR AP Biology; AP Physics; AP Calculus; plus at least one other AP of their choosing.

light path... f r u yo

Elite Track Pathway

Students wishing to complete the Elite Track Pathway for MOE

Grade 11: AP Seminar

Grade 10: AP Biology or AP Chemistry or AP Computer Principles

Grade 11: AP World History

Grade 10: AP Geography

Required elective

Optional elective

Guide to High School Electives

Grade 12: AP Physics

Grade 12: AP Research

Grade 12: AP Calculus

Grade 11: AP Biology or AP Chemistry or AP Computer Principles

...F o

r the M OE

e t i El

Following these pages you'll find the elective options for the upcoming academic year.

Guide to High School Electives

Electives

Art Students will develop projects aimed at exploring different types of media. They will experiment with texture, develop painting skills in realistic and expressionistic styles and use elements of digital manipulation to enhance their projects. Students will also have an opportunity to create a highly individualized outcomes responding to the theme “Through the mirrors”. They will look at chosen artists and use them as an inspiration for their own work. Students will engage in art discussions, the process of observing, thinking and talking about their visual environment and artworks. Artistic skills are developed alongside creative thought.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Developing self-awareness and the ability to express yourself through art.

Business This course establishes the importance and relevance of entrepreneurship and enterprising people in today’s society and in the business world. Students explore the characteristics and ventures of entrepreneurs, the role of entrepreneurship in wealth creation and the importance on intrapreneurship. Students will also engage in self-assessment to determine their own entrepreneurial skills and potential. They will explore how forms of business ownership; government regulations and legal regulations affect entrepreneurial ventures. The various types of business ownership and investigate procedures for changing the form of business ownership is also covered. Students will also be introduced to the concept of marketing and how market research can be used to identify the target market and determine the needs and wants of specific customers and develop a marketing strategy of their own.

It will provide students with the tools to bring their ideas to life. Students will learn about marketing and operations, management,

SKILLS DEVELOPED

resources and finance. Students will have their own enterprise day where they will sell a range of products based on the analysis of the market and writing their own business plan/business proposal.

Guide to High School Electives

Practical Science In this course, you will spend much of your time lab-based doing a range of different scientific experiments. You will develop your skills in the scientific method, research, and inquiry. As the course progresses you will research and design your own guided scientific inquiry, within the confines of a school laboratory. You will also experience fieldwork, both in and out of the lab, in both a simulated and real range of environments. This will build on your existing science knowledge and develop your scientific understanding for future science studies. Key skills

SKILLS DEVELOPED

will

include

problem-solving,

research

reasoning, analyzing data, and evaluation.

and

design,

logical

Media Studies Media Studies is an interactive and engaging course that allows students to create and decode contemporary media texts such as digital magazines, print and moving image advertisements, YouTube and much more. Students will be encouraged to tap into their creative side and showcase their talents through project-based assessments. Students will be offered opportunities and challenges to encourage them to further develop their communication, team

SKILLS DEVELOPED

building, and personal organization skills. They will learn how to create content in a variety of media.

Social Psychology The Social Psychology course is an exciting opportunity for students to be introduced to the fascinating world of human behavior and the mind's inner workings. This course will focus on how people interact and influence one another in social settings. This course will offer topics such as group dynamics, communication, social identity, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. This course offers a perfect introduction to psychology and helps you understand the social world around you. Get ready to challenge your social assumptions and gain new insights into the workings of human behavior. This will be the perfect introduction to future psychology study.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

This course will teach valuable skills such as effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. These skills will be invaluable for your academic endeavors.

Guide to High School Electives

Drama You should choose Grade 9 Drama if you have enjoyed devising and performing in Middle School Drama. In this Elective, you will get more time in class each week to 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. Skills that will be developed and extended upon are group work, creativity, expression and collaboration. . Students will have the opportunity to

SKILLS DEVELOPED

develop performance and public speaking skills, which will benefit them in every aspect of their life and careers.

Music Students will be working in groups and as a solo musician, alongside learning basic music theory. Students will learn 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 in their instrument grow over the course. The intention would be to perform as an ensemble at the end of the year in a small showcase event. Through this type of work, skills that will be learned and developed are performance skills, teamwork, communication, understanding elements

SKILLS DEVELOPED

of musical ensembles, improvisation, stage presentation, and musical competency.

Computer Science (Honors) This course is an introduction to Computer Science Principles (pre-AP program) program. Students will be introduced to basic concepts covering the 7 big ideas of Computer science: programming, algorithms, abstraction, global impact, internet, and creativity. Robotics will be built through our lego kits and students will also be exposed to multiple digital tools in order for them to create programs, videos, and infographics. Students who successfully pass the Honors Computer Science Course in Grade 9, will be eligible to study the AP Computer Principles course in Grade 10. You must choose Computer Science Honors for BOTH of your Grade 9 electives.

Students will develop their understanding of how computers work.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

They will develop their logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Textiles and Sculpture Students will develop projects aimed at exploring different types of media within the subject areas of Textiles and Sculpture. There will be opportunities to explore multiple media within this elective, such as embroidery, fabric painting, ceramics, and wire sculpture. Students will have opportunities to create highly individualized finished outcomes based on their own ideas.

Skills developed by studying art subjects are perseverance and self-discipline through creating sustained pieces of work. Students will develop focus and self-discipline in working with these media. Creative skills will be at the forefront of this elective, while students will learn skills that can help them reduce stress, improve mental health and well-being.

Guide to High School Electives

SKILLS DEVELOPED

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

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Organization Conflict Management Problem-Solving Commitment Sportsmanship

Guide to High School Electives

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.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Independence Time-Management Organization Self-Discipline Self-analysis

Robotics & Artificial Intelligence

This is an introductory course in the world of artificial intelligence and robots. Students will learn about the impact and applications of artificial intelligence and robots in real-world simulations. This course will cover the design and development process of robots. Students will build and program their own robots using different types of Lego kits and have the opportunity to participate in Lego competitions in UAE and the world robotics contest. Contents: Impact of artificial intelligence and robotics Build your own Robots (using Lego Spike Kits) Write your own code using Swift Playground to make robots (Sphero and Lego Spike Kits) do incredible things Build 3D models

Solving Complex Problems and thinking creatively Working on a team Improving computer programming skills. Students will be able

SKILLS DEVELOPED

to write their own code. Deep understanding of math and science concepts inside the classroom and connecting these concepts to the real world. Develop numerous STEM skills while having fun.

Guide to High School Electives

Biology In Biology, you will engage in real-world data analysis and problem-solving that sparks critical thinking about our living world. You will use the kind of scientific reasoning skills needed to analyze the natural world—and to succeed in future science and social science courses in high school and college. The course develops ideas from the macro to the micro-scale as you learn about interactions in the natural world and the processes that drive them.

Students will develop modeling and analytical skills, strategic use of mathematics in biology, and will it prepares students for future studies in biology.

Chemistry In Chemistry, you will develop a deep conceptual understanding of matter and energy at the molecular level as you learn to explain their macroscopic observations using particulate-level reasoning. As you engage in grade-level content, you will use scientific reasoning skills needed to analyze the natural world—and to succeed in future science and social science courses in high school and college.

Students will develop skills including the strategic use of mathematics in chemistry, modeling, and analytical skills. The course will prepare you for further studies in chemistry and develops them into chemistryinformed citizens.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

SCIENCE

SKILLS DEVELOPED

History I History I will focus on American History, suitable for students who seek to understand the complex and exciting History of the United States. This course will offer students a comprehensive understanding of American History from the colonial right up to the present day, covering a range of critical topics, including the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Civil rights Movement. Teachers will guide students through these complex events focusing on cause and effect and equipping them with the critical thinking and analytical skills required for success at University and beyond. Enrolling in this course will unlock the fascinating world of American History. Students who are successful in this course will develop their critical thinking skills, where they analyze and evaluate

ENGLISH SOCIAL STUDIES

SKILLS DEVELOPED

complex historical events and ideas. They will interpret different primary and secondary sources and draw evaluative conclusions based on well-reasoned arguments.

Geography I This course will explore the diverse and fascinating world of geography. In this course, you will explore topics that include thinking geographically, rocks and weathering, tectonic processes and hazards, population migration, and urbanization and development. You will gain a deep understanding of the complex relationship between physical and human geography, including the interplay between natural hazards, tectonic processes, and the distribution of population and resources. Throughout the course, you will acquire various valuable skills that will help you analyze and interpret human and physical

SKILLS DEVELOPED

phenomena, and spatial and temporal patterns. You will develop an understanding of real-world problems and how to apply Geographical concepts, theories, and tools to topical issues.

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.

Ne xt st eps. ..

What Next?

On Friday 17th March, we will host an Elective Fair, where you can speak to the teachers for