PRE-AICE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
French – Foreign Language (0520)
This syllabus is designed for learners who are learning French as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture and civilization of countries where French is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of foreign languages.
Spanish – Foreign Language (0530)
This syllabus is designed for learners who are learning Spanish as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture and civilization of countries where the language is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of foreign languages.
GCHS AICE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
The following are course descriptions provided by the AICE instructors to assist you in choosing AICE courses. Please feel free to contact individual instructors with additional questions.
Global Perspectives and Research 9239 AS and A Level
Instructor: Ms. Layne
Grades: 11-12 (2016-2017)
The focus of AICE Global Perspectives is on developing the ability to think, speak, and write critically about a range of global issues where there is always more than one point of view. Students will become aware of global themes and issues, viewed from personal, local, national and international perspectives, and of the connections between them. This cross-curricular program challenges students to work in groups, to present seminars, to create projects, and to publish essays. Students who sign up for AICE Global Perspectives must be self-motivated and have the ability to establish
and meet deadlines. This course is offered to seniors.
Cambridge International Global Perspectives and Independent Research prepares learners for positive engagement with our rapidly changing world.
Learners broaden their outlook through the critical analysis of - and reflection on - issues of global significance. The Cambridge International Global Perspectives and Independent Research syllabus is based on skills rather than on specific content. Learners develop research, thinking, reasoning and communication skills by following an approach to analyzing and evaluating arguments and perspectives called the Critical Path. The skills gained through study of Cambridge International Global Perspectives enable students to meet the demands of twenty first century learning and make a successful transition to study in higher education.
Cambridge Global Perspectives and Independent Research seek to add value in terms of
coherence, depth and breadth, through:
• expanding creative, critical and responsible awareness through the tackling of global issues in
Global Perspectives
• encouraging focused personal exploration and increased depth of study through the Independent
Research Report.
Global Perspectives places academic specialization in a practical, real-world context, being a seminar-based
opportunity to research and explore a range of issues challenging people across the globe. Developing
critical/analytical, research, and problem-solving skills essential to higher education, candidates will learn to
place their personal perspectives in a global context, finding new inspiration and challenges for their studies.
Candidates will submit a presentation and an essay from their portfolio and sit an examination.
The Independent Research Report gives candidates the chance to dig still deeper into a particular subject,
or to cross boundaries by doing interdisciplinary work, or to make a new departure by investigating a subject
not covered by traditional school syllabuses. Candidates submit a single piece of extended work on their
chosen theme.
AS Spanish Language (8685)
Instructor: Ms. Rosa
Grades: 11-12
The aim of the AICE Spanish Literature course is to develop students’ understanding and analysis of a variety of Spanish literary texts. The purpose of the course is to learn techniques and skills needed to understand the texts and the issues raised by the authors. The students will also learn to express their understanding in a logical and focused manner by using literary vocabulary and analytical writing skills.
AS Thinking Skills (9694)
Instructor: Mr. Voorhees
Grades: 10
Thinking Skills is an intriguing course that allows candidates to develop a specific set of transferable intellectual skills, independent of subject content. The focus is on development of skills in Critical Reasoning and Problem Solving.
The Critical Reasoning skills require a candidate to develop the following skills:
- evaluate the credibility of evidence in the process of make decisions based on rational, logical reasoning;
- analyze, interpret and draw appropriate conclusions from scientific and statistical data;
- unpack arguments, identify flaws in reasoning and present/write reasoned arguments
Students must have a “true desire to think,” a willingness to be intellectually involved in group discussions AND motivated to improve their skills at thinking. Candidates practice making informed decisions based on sound logical reasoning. Reflection on the outcome facilitates improvement of future decisions. The curriculum creates opportunities for and encourages free and open debate, critical and investigative thinking, and informed and disciplined reasoning.
AS Modern European History (9389)
Instructor: Mr. Diemert
Grade: 10
The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand the developments that shaped Modern European History. This will be achieved with a holistic understanding of Europe as a geographic region from 1789 to 1939. Europe’s key developments will be studied in relation to the wider European context and with attention focused on the broader issues (revolution, nationalism, imperialism, war and totalitarianism) that helped shape European history.
Generally, assessment will follow the AICE History essay model. Non-essay format assessment will only be used to ensure reading comprehension.
AS Marine Science I (9693)
Instructor: Mr. Emans
Grades 10-11
This class is a college level introductory class into the marine sciences and is designed as a survey class of some of the different marine science disciplines. The class will cover the basics of geological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography and ecology of the marine environment as well covering basic scientific practices and methodologies. The class contents will include but not be limited to the following:
- Scientific Method—including experimental design, interpretation of experimental data, inherent variations and limitations in the measurement of experimental data, and an understanding of the challenges that the marine environment poses to experimental design;
- Marine ecosystems and biodiversity—including discussions of the interrelatedness of populations of predators and prey, various marine feeding strategies, reproductive strategies in the marine environment, predator avoidance, marine succession, relating extreme and unstable environments to the level of biodiversity, specialized and general marine ecological niches, and the correlation between the level of biodiversity and the specificity of ecological niches;
- Energetics of marine ecosystems—including discussion on the movement of energy through the different marine ecosystems, transfer of energy, and loss of energy;
- Nutrient cycles in marine ecosystems—input and output to the reservoir of dissolved nutrients, nutrient availability and productivity, biological uses of nutrients, and a discussion of how productivity may be limited by the availability of dissolved nutrients;
- Coral reefs and lagoons—a discussion of the Darwin-Dana-Daly theory of atoll formation, protective role of reefs, cause and effects of reef erosion, and the use of artificial reefs in the protection of shores and anchorages;
- The ocean floor and the coast—including a discussion of tectonic theory and how it has helped to shape the ocean basin, process of erosion and sedimentation that give rise to the morphology of the littoral zone, and how environmental factors influence the formation of ecological communities in the littoral zone;
- Physical oceanography—including discussion of the factors that affect tides and currents and the climactic impact of ocean events including but not limited to El Niño;
- Chemical oceanography—including discussion of the factors that affect the chemical composition of seawater, layering and mixing of the ocean waters, and the impact of marine chemistry on ocean structures and the marine organisms.
AS English Language (9093)
Instructor: Mr. Furman
Grade: 11
Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language gives learners the opportunity to study English language and its use in contemporary communication. It aims to encourage a critical response to texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts, and to promote skills of communication, reading, research and analysis. Through their study, learners will develop an ability to read and analyze material, gaining further knowledge and understanding of English language features and issues, and writing clearly, accurately, creatively and effectively for different purposes and audiences.
Successful English Language students gain lifelong skills including:
• the ability to write clearly, accurately, creatively and persuasively
• the ability to use appropriate styles and registers for different contexts
• the ability to analyze a variety of complex texts in a variety of forms and styles
• an understanding of language use to inform and persuade.
Have you ever heard a love song that made you cry, listened to a speech that compelled you take action, or read a blog that made you laugh out loud? More importantly, have you ever wished that you could have that same effect on others? If so, then AICE English Language AS Level is right up your alley. In this course, you will learn the distinguishing features of a given text and how to apply that under-standing to your own writing.
AS General Paper (8004)
Instructor: Mr. Furman
Grades: 9 (2016-2017)
This course promotes the skills of rational thought, persuasion, analysis, interpretation and evaluation. It encourages the exploration and appraisal of social, cultural, economic, philosophical, scientific and technological issues. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of individual, social, and cultural diversity as well as maturity of thought and clarity of expression both verbally and in writing. Through the reading of timely literature, outside novels and works, and current media reports, students will develop critical reading and analysis skills.
The Cambridge International AS Level General Paper encourages learners to develop a maturity of critical thought and argument, and a mastery of expression in the English language. These are all skills of great use for university level study. The syllabus draws on topics from across the school curriculum, and learners are able to draw upon knowledge and understanding gained from study of other
subjects.
English Literature (9695) (Possible Addition to GCHS Curriculum) NOT OFFERED CURRENTLY
AICE literature provides students with an opportunity to study one novel, two plays and a series of poems in order to gain a greater understanding of literary techniques, themes, purpose, etc. Students will read assigned literature at home and spend class time dissecting the material through a variety of methodologies. Students will also learn to express their interpretations of the works through written analytical essays that demonstrate a strong grasp of the English language and a thorough knowledge of the material.
Learners following the Cambridge International AS and A Level English syllabus will study a range of texts in the three main forms: prose, poetry and drama. Set texts are offered from a wide range of different periods and cultures. Learners will develop skills of reading and analysis of texts, and are encouraged to undertake wider reading to aid understanding of the texts studied. They will learn skills of effective and appropriate communication including the ability to discuss the critical context of texts.
Successful Literature in English students develop an understanding and enjoyment of literary texts that is a pleasure for life, and in addition gain skills for life, including:
• the ability to write clearly and effectively
• skills in developing arguments
• skills in researching and managing information
• the ability to analyze complex texts in different forms and styles.
AS AND A LEVEL Sociology (9699)
Instructor: Eric Maya
Grades: 11-12
In a rapidly changing world, Cambridge International Sociology offers students the opportunity to not only explore the processes that are shaping current trends, but also to develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies and their continuities with the past. The study of Sociology should stimulate awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues, and focus attention on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way.
In a rapidly changing world, Cambridge International AS and A Level Sociology offers students the opportunity not only to explore the processes that are shaping current trends, but also to develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies and their continuities with the past. The study of Sociology should stimulate awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues, and focus attention on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way. Cambridge students can choose to explore a variety of important areas of sociological inquiry including education, family, religion, and crime and deviance.
AS Media Studies (9607)
Instructor: Mr. Furman
Grades: 11-12
Cambridge International AS and A Level Media Studies offers learners the chance to develop an understanding and appreciation of the place of media in our everyday lives. The syllabus enables learners to take a hands-on approach to the subject. Through the coursework components - the Foundation Portfolio for AS Level and the Advanced Portfolio for A Level - they create their own media products from planning through to execution. Learners also consider and analyze examples from existing media, examining production processes and technologies and the effects they achieve.
AS Psychology I (9698)
Instructor: Mr. Chieco
Grade Levels: 11-12
Course Prerequisites: Co-enrolled in or successful completion of AS English Language
AICE Psychology (AS level) is an internationally accepted college level course that explores behavior and mental processes through twenty “core studies” from Psychology’s past. Students who take this course will gain a working knowledge of what psychologists do, how they gather their data, and how the research is applied to daily life