High School Curriculum at City American School Ajman

CAS High School Program of Studies

Dear Parents,

Parents play a crucial role in their children’s learning and personal growth. That’s why it’s essential for all parents to understand the foundational principles that underpin CAS. These include our vision, mission, core values and High-Quality Learning Definition.

These guiding statements shape our actions and embody our commitment to nurturing your children’s future. By understanding and supporting these principles, you help create a seamless bridge between home and school, where your children can feel secure, motivated, and empowered to succeed.

We thank you in advance for your trust in CAS and let us continue to build this partnership and create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

English Department

English 9 (1 Credit)

Course Content: Building upon previously developed English Language Arts skills, students engage with complex texts through independent reading and guided close reading. Students participate in Socratic Seminars to enhance critical thinking and communication skills. Writing instruction focuses on multi-paragraph responses supported by textual evidence. The curriculum aligns with the California Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and utilizes resources such as HMH Into Literature and IXL.

  • Skills Overview: Reading: Analyze texts, cite evidence, evaluate point of view, compare and contrast. Language: Vocabulary development, grammar, subject-verb agreement. Writing: Argumentative, informative, narrative, and research writing. Speaking & Listening: Collaborative discussions and formal presentations.
  • Instructional Methods: 5Es Instructional Framework, Gradual Release Model (I do, We do, You do), English Learning Cycle.
  • Assessment: Formative: Quizzes, assignments, projects. Summative: Writing assessments, Mid-Term, End-of-Term.

English 10 (1 Credit)

Students continue developing advanced literacy skills through close reading, Socratic discussions, and structured writing. Instruction remains aligned with CCSS and incorporates HMH Into Literature and IXL.

English 11 (1 Credit)

This course strengthens advanced literacy skills including literary and informational analysis, argumentative writing, and research. Students develop fluency in grammar, vocabulary, and academic discourse aligned with CCSS standards.

Math Department

Math 9 – Algebra 1 (1 Credit)

Aligned with California Common Core State Standards, Algebra 1 focuses on linear, exponential, and quadratic relationships, laws of exponents, and modeling linear data trends.

  • Instructional Methods: 5Es Model, manipulatives and interactive activities, online platforms (IXL, HMH Into Math), math competitions.
  • Assessment: Formative: Classwork, exit tickets. Summative: Mid-Term (20 marks), End-of-Term (40 marks).

Math 10 – Geometry (1 Credit)

This course emphasizes triangle congruence and similarity, geometric proofs, area and volume formulas, coordinate geometry, and probability extensions.

Math 11 – Algebra 2 (1 Credit)

Algebra 2 builds advanced mathematical understanding in functions, polynomials, rational expressions, equations, trigonometry, complex numbers, sequences, and exponential growth and decay.

Science Department

Science 9 – Physics 9 (1 Credit)

Grade 9 Science is a Physical Science course focusing on work and energy, kinetic and potential energy, mechanical energy, electrical force, simple circuits, mirrors, matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, balancing equations, chemical bonds, and classifying chemical reactions.

  • Instructional Methods: 5E Model of Instruction, concept and skill development, hands-on laboratory investigations.
  • Assessment Methods: Formative: Projects, investigations. Summative: Mid-Term and End-of-Term assessments, MAP testing, Laboratory evaluations.

Science 10 – Biology (1 Credit)

Biology is a laboratory and inquiry-based course covering scientific methods, cell structure and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, ecology, and human populations.

Science 11 – Chemistry (1 Credit)

Students develop theoretical and experimental skills including atomic structure, periodic properties, chemical formulas and equations, stoichiometry, and energy transformations.

Science 11 – AP Biology (1.5 Credits)

Advanced Biology includes microbiology, virology, botany, evolution, and human anatomy and physiology.

Science 11 – Physics 1 (1 Credit)

Physics 1 explores classical mechanics including motion, Newton’s Laws, energy, momentum, conservation laws, and mathematical modeling of physical systems.

Social Studies Department

Social Studies A:9 (1 Credit)

المنهج المعتمد لمادة الدراسات الاجتماعية للصف التاسع هو منهاج وزارة التربية والتعليم المجسد لرؤية دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة 2021.

  • طرق التدريس: تعزيز القيم الأخلاقية والهوية الوطنية، تنمية مهارات التفكير الناقد وحل المشكلات، تحليل الخرائط والنصوص والرسوم البيانية.
  • طرق التقييم: اختبارات دورية متنوعة المستويات، مهمة بحثية مرة واحدة كل فصل، تحليل الصور والخرائط والنصوص.

Social Studies B:9 (1 Credit)

The Social and Cultural Studies Program prepares learners for rapid societal changes while strengthening national identity and cultural awareness.

  • Instructional Methods: Critical thinking and problem-solving, map skills and graph analysis, research tasks.

World History 10 (1 Credit)

Students explore ancient civilizations, world religions, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Age of Exploration, understanding global interconnectedness.

Geography 11 (1 Credit)

Students study physical and human geography, spatial analysis, environmental issues, globalization, and urbanization.

Arabic & Islamic Studies Department

Arabic A:9 (1 Credit)

  • المحتوى: النصوص الأدبية والمعلوماتية، النحو والبلاغة، الاستماع والتحدث، الكتابة.
  • طرق التقييم: الاختبارات التشخيصية، التقييم القبلي والبنائي والختامي، التقييم الشفوي والكتابي.

Arabic A:10 / Islamic Education (1 Credit)

  • المحتوى: تحليل الآيات والأحاديث، الأحكام الشرعية، السيرة النبوية، القيم الإسلامية.
  • طرق التقييم: 60% تقييمات مستمرة، 40% اختبارات منتصف ونهاية الفصل.

High School Elective Courses

Grade 9 Electives

  • Public Speaking 9: Focuses on effective verbal communication, speech preparation, audience analysis, informative and persuasive speaking, and ethical considerations in public discourse. Assessment: Term-based projects, speeches, listening evaluation, and a final multimedia presentation.
  • Journalism 9: Introduction to journalism, media literacy, ethical reporting, and the economics of publishing. Assessment: Term-based summative assessments and a final project.
  • Intro to Business 9: Covers business fundamentals, entrepreneurship, leadership, management, marketing, finance, and technology. Assessment: Quizzes, projects, presentations, and a final project.
  • Nutrition 9: Focuses on nutrition, nutrients, meal planning, food safety, chronic diseases, and sustainable practices. Assessment: Lab evaluations, quizzes, and continuous formal and informal assessments.

Grade 10 Electives

  • Anatomy 10: Study of human anatomy and physiology including cells, organ systems, reproduction, and development. Assessment: Formative 60%: labs/quizzes; Summative 40%: mid-term and end-of-term assessments.
  • Accounting 10: Covers accounting principles, the accounting cycle, financial statements, and professional development. Assessment: Quizzes, assignments, projects, and a comprehensive final project.
  • Intro to Business 10: Business concepts, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, finance, and economic decision-making. Assessment: Quizzes, projects, presentations, and a final project.
  • Python 10: Introduction to Python programming, coding exercises, loops, functions, data structures, and OOP. Assessment: Unit projects, coding assignments, and collaborative development exercises.

Grade 11 Electives

  • Marketing 11: Marketing principles, communication, promotion, business ethics, and career readiness. Assessment: Projects, quizzes, oral presentations, and group assignments.
  • Intro to Graphic Designing: Principles of graphic design, software skills, hands-on projects, problem-solving, and computational thinking. Assessment: Design projects, presentations, and practical evaluations.