Junior High / High School

Grades 7-8 Compulsory Curriculum Overview

LANGUAGE ARTS

We (The American Schools Division of the International Schools Group) believe that language is central to knowing, learning and communicating. Language is a way of understanding ourselves, expressing our humanity, appreciating diversity, and developing compassion as members of a global community.

Language Arts / English is the continuous development and integration of reading, writing, speaking, listening, presenting, viewing, and thinking.

Our Junior High Language Arts program fosters a love and appreciation of the language arts as enjoyable and fulfilling life-long opportunities. Through the acquisition and application of skills, students will become reflective, creative and critical thinkers, as well as discerning users of information and technology. Our approach is developmental in nature, providing choices, encouraging self-assessment, and honoring learners.

MATHEMATICS

Pre-Algebra 7 Pre-Algebra is the stepping stone to algebra and geometry. Pre-Algebra places strong emphasis on making a smooth transition from working with numerical expressions to manipulating variables in algebraic expressions. Solving multiple-step equations with real numbers is also a major focus that lends itself to the rigorous study of linear equations and graphing.

Algebra 8 In this course students are taught that algebraic symbols allow one to represent mathematical ideas clearly and to show that certain ideas and relationships are true for all or a certain set of numbers. Algebra is concerned not only with the symbols for the elements of a system and their manipulation, but also with the structure of a system defined by the basic properties of its operations. Algebra links other math strands and is a prerequisite for the study of higher mathematics.

SCIENCE

Integrated Science 7 The integrated science program for the 7th grade will involve both the life sciences and the earth sciences. The course of study involves botany, microbiology, and ecology of living things, geology, topography, meteorology, hydrology, and oceanography. Experimentation is an integral part of the science curriculum. Students are expected to observe, question, hypothesize, and test as they seek to understand the world in which they live.

Integrated Science 8 The integrated science program for the 8th grade will involve both the life sciences and the earth sciences. The initial focus is on characteristics of living organisms, cell theory and processes. A unit follows this on heredity and Mendelian genetics, which prepares students for ninth grade biology. Astronomy, geology, and earth history complete the curriculum. Experimentation is an integral part of the science curriculum. Students are expected to observe, question, hypothesize, and test as they seek to understand the world in which they live.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Geography 7 Seventh grade students will study physical and human geography utilizing the five themes: 1) movement, 2) interaction, 3) place, 4) locations, and 5) regions. Students will use geographic tools and techniques to describe and solve geographic problems. They will learn to apply map and globe skills. Study skills and critical thinking will be incorporated throughout the program.

United States History 8

Students will explore a variety of ways people strive to deal with the forces that shape their lives. In doing so, students will study significant events, critical movements, political, social, economic, and aesthetic dimensions of history in the U.S. with an emphasis on the 19th century. Study skills and critical thinking will be incorporated throughout the program.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education classes strive to maximize every student’s capabilities in the physical fitness areas of flexibility, strength, agility, aerobic capacity, balance, and hand-eye coordination through a program that is customized for individual students. Physical Education classes provide the opportunity for any student, regardless of ability, to set appropriate and achievable goals, reach those goals, and then go on to set higher goals.

ARABIC LANGUAGE & CULTURE

The acquisition of additional global languages and knowledge of global cultures enables learners to appreciate and fully participate in our multi-cultural world. Through the Arabic program, students will learn to communicate in the Arabic language. They will gain knowledge and understanding of Arabic speaking cultures, communities and heritage and will be able to compare them to their own.

ART & DESIGN

The Art program provides students with the opportunity to develop aesthetic perception and creativity which enables individuals to recognize beauty, its character and conditions by understanding and using elements and principles of design. Heightened perception sensitizes students to the world about them, enabling them to see, feel and interact with their world with greater responsiveness.

Students will create projects using specific art elements, design principles, symbols and themes to express an idea, ideal mood or feeling. They will learn to enjoy the physical world in terms of visual and tactile images and symbols unique to non-verbal communication in the visual arts.

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Information & Communication Technology is both a set of knowledge, skills and understanding in its own right and also a set of tools and techniques that support learning in other disciplines. The discrete ICT program is developed to support the needs of other subjects where possible, and reinforcement takes place as skills are used and applied outside the ICT classes. Students learn the skills of word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, database, multimedia software. Use of the Internet and CD –ROMs for research is also taught.

LIBRARY

In a weekly library class, the students are taught to access information accurately and critically evaluate a wide variety of primary sources.

BEGINNING BAND (GRADE 7)

Beginning Band is an exciting culmination of all Elementary Music experiences as this course requires the demonstration of previous music reading skills and techniques accomplished on the recorder. This yearlong opportunity provides a positive, structured environment in which the development of fundamental skills on wind, brass or percussion instruments is established. The self-directed learner is therefore enabled not only to continue in the band program, but to excel as a vibrant member of a musical performance group. Active listening skills and goal setting strategies are an important focal point in rehearsals through which growth in technique, sight reading, and stylistic interpretation occur. Home practice is crucial to success.

GRADES 7-8 Elective Curriculum Overview

YEARBOOK

Students use several different multimedia elements and programs to create the “product” called the electronic yearbook. The course involves taking, sorting and manipulating digital photo images and video in an effort to produce lifelong memories of our school year. Programs used include, but are not limited to, Photoshop, Flip Album, Windows Movie Maker, Video Wave, and Publisher. The aim is to always improve on last year’s yearbook.

PROBLEM SOLVING

The Problem Solving class has mathematics as a central focus; however it is not a distinct topic, but is used instead as a process of how one approaches the solving of problems. Work one already understands and knows is often little more than a repetitious exercise involving no learning, while real problems always require reflection and strategies in order to solve them.

The content for the course comes from the Math Counts Handbook, an annual publication that contains 300 problems in 30 groups that stress six different problem strategies that connect students with real life problems. Knot tying and juggling are also part of problem solving. The first combines pattern recognition, spatial reasoning with manual dexterity and the latter involves learning an enjoyable physical skill that requires several days of intense commitment in order to rewire synapses in one’s brain to the point of automating the skill. Learning and playing the game of chess are also required.

Another significant component of problem solving is learning how to program using Microsoft Quick Basic. The main objective here is to have students learn how to organize their thinking and programming into distinct subroutines.

All work in the class involves the six steps inherent in all good problem solving and learning specific strategies for attacking different types of problems.

LITERATURE I (GRADE 8)

This elective offers students a program designed to extend and enrich the literary topics and genres studied in the mainstream Language Arts classes. Works and topics to be covered during the year will include: prose works of fiction and non fiction, poetry, drama, and static and moving images. The objective of the elective is to prepare students adequately for High School when Literature is offered as a full credit course.

BEGINNING BAND (GRADE 8)

Beginning Band is an exciting culmination of all Elementary Music experiences as this course requires the demonstration of previous music reading skills and techniques accomplished on the recorder. This year long opportunity provides a positive, structured environment in which the development of fundamental skills on wind, brass or percussion instruments is established. The self-directed learner is therefore enabled not only to continue in the band program, but to excel as a vibrant member of a musical performance group. Active listening skills and goal setting strategies are an important focal point in rehearsals through which growth in technique, sight reading, and stylistic interpretation occur. Home practice is crucial to success.

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES (GRADE 8)

What’s happening? Where? To whom? And Why? Contemporary Issues examines people, places, and events currently in the news. With a reporter’s eye and ear to politics, economics, science, health, technology, arts, entertainment, athletics and more, students will be “in the know” with regard to current events.

FRENCH (GRADE 8)

This course builds upon Grade 6 and 7 French but is also suitable for beginners. All four skill areas—listening, speaking, reading and writing— are covered in this class. Grammar is also taught. Students learn to talk about themselves, their family and pastimes. An introduction to French culture and the French way of life is included.

Grades 9-10 Compulsory Curriculum Overview

LANGUAGE ARTS

We (The American Schools Division of the International Schools Group) believe that language is central to knowing, learning and communicating. Language is a way of understanding ourselves, expressing our humanity, appreciating diversity, and developing compassion as members of a global community.

Language Arts / English is the continuous development and integration of reading, writing, speaking, listening, presenting, viewing, and thinking.

Our High Language Arts program fosters a love and appreciation of the language arts as enjoyable and fulfilling life-long opportunities. Through the acquisition and application of skills, students will become reflective, creative and critical thinkers, as well as discerning users of information and technology. Our approach is developmental in nature, providing choices, encouraging self-assessment, and honoring learners.

MATHEMATICS

Geometry 9 This course deals with the measurement, properties and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids. Geometry links students’ perceptions of the real world with the mathematics that is used to solve many of the problems that arise in the students’ lives. In geometry, students use visual and concrete experience to gain insight into various branches of mathematics to solve realistic problems. This course provides an opportunity to use experimentation and hands-on activities as a foundation for learning traditional geometry themes.

Algebra 2 (Grade 10) *

This course follows Geometry and precedes Precalculus. It integrates geometry, discrete mathematics, statistics, and algebra. Topics such as functions, matrices, quadratics, systems of equations, sequences, radicals, trigonometry, and logarithms are included. This course may serve as a student’s final mathematics course or lead to the more advanced levels necessary for those who are interested in scientific fields of study.

*Text: Algebra 2 (McDougall Littell) Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry

SCIENCE

Physical Science 9 Defined as the study of matter and energy, physical science encompasses atomic theory, bonding, and properties of matter, chemical reactions, and chemistry. Mechanics, electricity, magnetism, light, optics, and energy are emphasized in our study of physics. Scientific methodology is of primary importance in this class. Students are expected to design and conduct valid scientific investigations and communicate the results via formal lab reports.

Biology 10 Students will learn about human systems and the factors affecting learning. The interdependence of living organisms, their structures and functions are also covered. Students will be able to question, explore, conduct and report scientific activities.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Ancient History 9 (Pre-history - Renaissance) Ancient World History provides an analysis of the social, political, economic, and cultural history of the world from pre-history through the Renaissance with an emphasis on the First Global Era. Students learn how history is sculpted over time by people, resources, conflicts, wars, governments, religion, migration, immigration, science and technology. Topics include River Valley Civilizations, Greece and Rome, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Medieval Europe, the Renaissance, and the Age of Enlightenment. Study skills and critical thinking will be incorporated throughout the program.

History 10 Modern World History is an overview of social, political and cultural histories of the world from the Enlightenment to the modern era (21st century) with emphasis on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Study skills, methods of research and reporting, and critical thinking will be major components of this course.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education classes strive to maximize every student’s capabilities in the physical fitness areas of flexibility, strength, agility, aerobic capacity, balance, and hand-eye coordination through a program that is customized for individual students. Physical Education classes provide the opportunity for any student, regardless of ability, to set appropriate and achievable goals, reach those goals, and then go on to set higher goals.

ARABIC LANGUAGE & CULTURE

The acquisition of additional global languages and knowledge of global cultures enables learners to appreciate and fully participate in our multi-cultural world. Through the Arabic program, students will learn to communicate in the Arabic language. They will gain knowledge and understanding of Arabic speaking cultures, communities and heritage and will be able to compare them to their own.

HEALTH

Health education is an integral component of the school curriculum. It provides knowledge and skills towards development of the social, physical, mental and emotional wellness of each student. Health education empowers students to make informed responsible decisions about their personal health lifestyle. Program outcomes build upon the following:

Application of accurate health information and decision making skills that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Understanding of how the human body grows, develops and functions.

Effective interaction and the development of positive, healthy relationships.

Knowledge of protective behavior for the factors that endanger health.

Grades 9-10 Elective Curriculum Overview

BEGINNING BAND

Beginning Band is an exciting culmination of all Elementary Music experiences as this course requires the demonstration of previous music reading skills and techniques accomplished on the recorder. This yearlong opportunity provides a positive, structured environment in which the development of fundamental skills on wind, brass or percussion instruments is established. The self-directed learner is therefore enabled not only to continue in the band program, but to excel as a vibrant member of a musical performance group. Active listening skills and goal setting strategies are an important focal point in rehearsals through which growth in technique, sight reading, and stylistic interpretation occur. Home practice is crucial to success.

SYMPHONIC BAND

Symphonic Band is a continuation of the spiral of learning from Beginning Band. This yearlong course provides a positive learning environment in which self-directed learners of wind, brass, and percussion instruments can enhance musicianship skills through a variety of challenging band literature. Students build valuable listening skills in key areas of blend, balance, intonation, and stylistic interpretation through both band rehearsals and home practice. Overall technique and sight-reading skills are diligently developed through this process. Regular goal setting ensures that students should experience success. As band members they contribute to the group effort of making and sharing music in performance.

TECHNOLOGY

The course involves significant application development through the Microsoft Office suite, plus web designing, simple programming techniques and photo editing.

Students are expected to become competent internet researchers, enabling themselves to apply the range of software at their disposal to create professional standard applications with the end user in mind.

PHYSIOLOGY

The workings of the human body and the factors that affect the way it functions form the basis of the course. Students learn how to relate the external factors to the human system, to explain and explore their effects upon it.

ART & DESIGN

The Art program provides students with the opportunity to develop aesthetic perception and creativity which enables individuals to recognize beauty, its character and conditions by understanding and using elements and principles of design. Heightened perception sensitizes students to the world about them, enabling them to see, feel and interact with their world with greater responsiveness.

Students will create projects using specific art elements, design principles, symbols and themes to express an idea, ideal mood or feeling. They will learn to enjoy the physical world in terms of visual and tactile images and symbols unique to non-verbal communication in the visual arts.

FRENCH 1

This is a high school credit course. Grade 8 French is a prerequisite. Students consolidate all previously covered material and continue to expand their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. Topics covered include making future plans and talking about past activities. Oral work continues to be important, but the emphasis on reading and writing increases.

DRAMA

In class students read and act out plays. Improvisation develops mental processes as the student creates dialogue and resolutions on the spot. Planning a performance, complete with props, stage direction, costuming, make-up, appropriate scenery is student directed. Performance for school and parents will be planned.