Grade 11 Student Electives Guidelines for 2015/16

Transcription

1 Grade 11 Student Guidelines for 2015/16 Overview As part of Abu Dhabi Education Council s continuous improvements efforts towards raising the standard of education in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Cycle Curriculum Restructuring will start in Academic Year 2015/16. The Cycle Curriculum Restructuring aims to equip students with new skills and provide new learning opportunities and outcomes that align to the 21 st century skills profile. This will mainly include a stronger focus on STEM and will provide students with more opportunities for combining both academic and application of studies. For Academic Year 2015/16, Grade 11 () students will experience changes to the subjects taught and the way they are assessed, in addition to changes in the number of periods and their duration. In addition, 2 new courses will be introduced. 1

2 The Mandatory and elective subjects for grade 11 After students pass grade and move to grade 11, they will no longer have to choose between two tracks: or Literary. ALL students will be taking one track and they will be given the opportunity to select 2 out of science elective courses instead (explained below). Student will be asked to select two out of three possible electives. The electives include: 1) Biology II 2) Chemistry II ) Geo- Subject Islamic Education Integrated Social Studies Arabic English Mathematics II Physics II Elective Design, Technology and Innovation (DTI) Health & PE Academic and Career Guidance and student support Periods Weight % % Periods Weight % Biology II Chemistry II Geo- Students will select 2 out of science electives 2

3 Description of Elective Subjects 1) Biology The Cycle Biology curriculum will cover all the key biological principles, concepts and skills that students will require for further study at tertiary level. The following topics will be covered: Cellular transport Transport in flowering plants Circulatory system in humans Immune system Photosynthesis Cellular respiration Respiratory system in humans Gas exchange in flowering plants Excretory system in humans Plant Study-classification; cells and tissues; plant organs and modifications; reproduction in flowering plants; tropisms Population dynamics Pre-requisites for entry into Grade 11 Biology II: A pass in Grade Biology and Chemistry Available career opportunities should you choose Biology : Biologists study the natural world and there are many career opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in the biological sciences. Biologists are often involved in research, whether it is in the lab or in the field, as well as areas such as health care, environmental conservation, teaching, and emerging fields for biologists, such as biotechnology and economics. There are many areas in the Government and Private Sector for Biologists including the Environmental Agency, Office of Municipality, and Forensic Laboratories. Careers in Environmental conservation include park rangers in national or state parks and Zoo biologists Education is another field a Biologist may consider. As educators, careers can be either in higher education as lecturers, researchers or professors, or as instructors in public venues such as museums, science or nature centers, community parks or schools.

4 Completing a Bachelor of degree (BSc) in Biology at university helps prepare you for a wide variety of biology-related careers, such as those found in the environmental and biological sciences, the biotechnology sector, or in a medical profession. Career Fields for Biology Graduates Medicine Pharmacology Agricultural science Biotechnology Chiropractic Medicine Dentistry Environmental Consulting Forensic Marine Biologist Forestry Optometry Physiotherapy Research Teaching 2) Chemistry The Cycle Chemistry curriculum will cover all the key chemistry related principles, concepts and skills that students will require for further study at tertiary level. The following topics will be covered: Matter (liquid, solid and gasses) Chemical reactions Stoichiometry Acids and bases Chemical equilibrium Organic chemistry The Quantum Model of the Atom Electron configurations Saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons Hybridization - carbon 4

5 Pre-requisites for entry into Grade 11 Chemistry II: A pass in Grade Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. Available career opportunities should you choose Chemistry: Chemists study the composition and properties of chemicals and matter and the way chemicals interact with each other. There are many different types of Chemists such as Organic, Inorganic, Analytical and Physical chemists. There are a multitude of career opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in the chemical sciences. Chemists may work in a research environment in laboratories or in the field. A Chemist may also work on a computer developing theories, models or predicting reactions. The Government and Private Sector offer career possibilities for Chemists including the Environmental Agency, Office of Municipality, the Petroleum Institute, and Forensic Laboratories. Completing a Bachelor of degree (BSc) in Chemistry at university helps prepare you for a wide variety of chemistry-related careers, such as those found in the medical profession, engineering, research, management, and software design. Career Fields for Chemistry Graduates Medical Physician Dentistry Pharmacology Chemical Engineering Environmental Law Veterinarian Computer or Software Designer Research and Development Teaching ) Geo- The Cycle Geoscience is an integrated curriculum will cover key principles in earth sciences, geology and technology. The course will introduce concepts and skills that students will require for further study at tertiary level. This is an inquiry based course is designed to incorporate 21st Century Skills through investigative, analytical and project-based instruction. Lessons will incorporate the use of the 5

6 Geographic Information System (GIS) and technologies of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Essential skills will be developed to create an understanding of how to analyze vast quantities of raw data and information. The following topics may be covered: Geology Geography Oceanography Sedimentology Molecules in ground water Plate-tectonics Structural geology Geologic hazards Natural resources (geologic materials used by people) Earth history Global patterns of humans Pre-requisites for entry into grade 11 Geoscience: A pass in Grade Geography, Geology and Information Technology. Available career opportunities should you choose Geoscience: Geoscientists study the planet earth. There are many career opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in the geoscience. Geoscientists may work in a research lab or in the field. They may also work with computers analyzing data, developing theories and making predictions. Geoscience professionals search for energy resources, minerals and water, predict natural hazards, and contribute to land use and management. Completing a Bachelor of degree (BSc) in Geoscience at university helps prepare you for a wide variety of careers such as the petroleum or mining industry, environmental agencies, Government entities, or in Education. 6

7 Careers Fields for Geoscience Graduates Oil and Gas Astropheric sciences Weather reporter Aeronautics and space Environmental engineer Conservation scientist Geophysicist Hydrologist Water conservation specialist Oceanography Land surveyor Cartographer Photogrammetrist Paleontology Research and development Teaching University Majors/Topics Urban Planning Geography, Geology, Geographical Information Systems Geopolitics Environmental studies 7

8 Grade 12 during Academic Year 2016/17 After students complete Grade 11 and move to Grade 12 in Academic Year 2016/17, they will be selecting out of 5 science electives (shown below): Subject Islamic Education Integrated Social Studies Arabic English Mathematics III Advanced Elective Advanced Design, Technology and Innovation (DTI) Health & PE Academic and Career Guidance and student support Test Preparation Periods Weight % * 0% *Extra points to encourage students to pass International Assessments Periods Weight % Advanced Physics Advanced Biology Advanced Chemistry Geo- Advanced Geo- Students will select out of 5 science electives 8

9 Possible elective choices in grade 11 and 12 Please note that the selection of electives in grade 11 affect the selection in grade 12. Please find below the list of all possible combinations of student s electives for the science subjects in grade 11 and grade 12. Option 1 1 Biology II Adv. Biology 2 Chemistry II Adv. Chemistry Adv. Physics Option 2 1 Biology II Adv. Biology 2 Chemistry II Adv. Chemistry Geo- Option 1 Biology II Geo 2 Chemistry II Adv. Chemistry Adv. Physics Option 4 1 Biology II Adv. Biology 2 Chemistry II Geo Adv. Physics Option 5 1 Biology II Adv. Biology 2 Geo Adv. Geo Adv. Physics 9

10 Option 6 1 Geo Adv. Geo 2 Chemistry II Adv. Chemistry Adv. Physics New Courses ADEC is introducing two additional new courses: Design, Technology & Innovation (DIT) Geo- All current Grade students should go through the Grade 11 electives course description for 2015/2016 and register their preference before Sunday, the 1 st of May, You can register on the ADEC website by clicking Grade 11 Student 2015/2016 at the bottom of the main webpage. Or you can register directly at: ( It is important to note that students will be allowed to register only once and in case of any changes to their preferences, they need to inform the school. If you have any other questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact the schools staff..