Pre-DP Program (Grades 9 &10)
Introduction
The
two-year Pre-DP Program is a special academic program designed and
delivered to prepare students for entrance to the IB Diploma Program.
The curriculum is designed to reflect the special nature of AIC, and is
adapted to meet the specific expectations of the IB Diploma Program.
The Pre-DP program has borrowed from the IB MYP course but includes innovations that are specific to our school such as Learning to Learn (L2L) which fosters study skills and problem solving.
All students are required to take part in the co-curricular program (CAS) which includes activities involving creativity, activity and community service.
Aims and Objectives
Having gone through the Pre-DP Program, students will be prepared for the study of the IB Diploma Program. They will have developed:
1. a strong commitment to learningIndividual Subjects
English and Chinese
The aim is to enable students to read, interpret and evaluate texts through the study of a variety of texts. They develop an understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts and the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed. Through their studies, students learn to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use language to achieve a range of effects, and will be able to present an informed, personal response to the material they have studied. Through their reading, students will develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively in both speech and writing. Students learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style.
The
syllabus also encourages the exploration of wider and universal issues,
promoting students’ better understanding of themselves and of the world
around them. This programme equips students with linguistic, analytical
and communicative skills that can also be used in an interdisciplinary
manner across all other subject groups.
Chinese Language and Culture (for students with no prior exposure to Chinese)
The
aim is to achieve a level of practical communication ideal for everyday
use. The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture of the
People’s Republic of China, thus encouraging positive attitudes and
understanding of the host nation.
Humanities
The aim is to encourage students to respect and understand the world around them, and to provide a skills base to facilitate further study. This is achieved through the study of individuals, societies and environments in a wide context: historical, contemporary, geographical, political, social, economic, technological and cultural. Students gain and develop knowledge and conceptual understanding of the world around them as well as the skills of research, analysis, interpretation and communication, thus helping them play an active part in the decision-making process and contributing to their development as a whole.
Science
The aim is to give students the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a cross-referenced, scientifically coherent syllabus. Students learn about the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, whilst also developing an understanding of the scientific skills and methods of investigation essential for further study. Students learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. They learn how to become competent and confident when accessing, using and communicating scientific information. The syllabus encourages an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Students explore the connections between science and everyday life.
Mathematics
The aim is to encourage the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill, and as a basis for more advanced study. The syllabus aims to build students’ confidence by helping them develop a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships. It places a strong emphasis on solving problems as well as presenting and interpreting results. Students also learn how to communicate and reason using mathematical concepts. The syllabus allows them to develop and sharpen their investigation and modelling skills, and introduces them to the use of graphical calculators - a necessary part of the IB Diploma courses.
Visual Arts
The aim is to encourage a personal response by stimulating imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability. Students gain confidence and enthusiasm as they develop technical skills in two and three dimensional form and composition, and are able to identify and solve problems in visual and tactile forms. Students also learn how to develop ideas from initial attempts to final solutions. An ideal foundation for further study, this course also develops a greater awareness of the role played by the Visual Arts in society and in history, broadening cultural horizons and individual experience.
Theatre
This course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use the elements of drama to examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create, perform, discuss, and analyze drama, and then reflect on the experiences to develop an understanding of themselves, the art form, and the world around them. At the Pre-Diploma level, the Theatre Program also promotes the acquisition of English language, students grow confidence in speaking and presenting ideas.
Information Technology
Information
Technology is both a practical and knowledge based course that allows
students to learn to productively use basic software tools needed for
all IB course work as well as learning vocabulary, systems, and
processes related to IT. Course work covers productivity software (word
processing, presentation and spreadsheet), movie making software,
programing and digital citizenship concepts.
Learning to Learn (L2L)
This course will include study and research skills with an emphasis on academic honesty. Students will learn how to manage their time effectively and how to present their work in formal ways appropriate to an academic context. They will develop the ability to think critically and problem solve, using a range of global issues where there is always more than one point of view. The syllabus will draw on a variety of subjects, across the whole of the Pre-DP program. It can be described as trans-disciplinary, with the need for teachers and students to look at global themes and issues from a variety of perspectives. These could include almost any disciplinary perspective, but also perspectives that are not disciplinary; particularly the personal. The syllabus will extend students’ understanding of the world, as well as develop their general potential to understand different perspectives and to make reasoned responses: skills which will be useful in their study of all other disciplines.
Pre-DP Learning to Learn
Co-curricular Programme
The AIC co-curricular programme is designed to merge with the three elements of the IB CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) programme; broadly, aesthetic pursuits such as art, theatre and music; sports such as basketball, badminton, ping pong and swimming; and community service activities. A youth leadership programme, focusing on teamwork and collaboration, will further encourage students to become active global citizens.
The AIC co-curricular programme enables students to:
1. Develop their sporting and artistic talents.
2. Practise their language and communication skills.
3. Take responsibility with others.
4. Give back to society and to people less fortunate than themselves.
5. Be involved in teamwork and collaboration.
6. Learn more about the surrounding community and its culture.
During the course of the year, students will be expected to take part in a range of such activities at least twice a week.
