"Cambridge International A Levels are the 'gold standard' qualification."
-Mark Vella, Director of Studies, Auckland Grammar School, New Zealand

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. Students considering AICE classes should be academically motivated and hard working students. 

AICE AS Level Psychology 
Pre-requisite: suggested AICE General Paper
Grades Offered: 10-12
AICE Psychology aims to encourage an interest in and appreciation of psychology through an exploration of the ways in which psychology is conducted. This approach includes a detailed review and investigation of research methodology through 12 specific studies. Learners review these studies through four core areas of psychology; biological, cognitive, learning and social. This course is useful in the pursuit of a career in psychology, or as psychology continually proves, a complement to numerous prospective professions. The syllabus reflects four core areas of psychology, namely biological, cognitive, learning and social; it also relates psychology to abnormality, consumer behavior, health and organizations. 

AICE AS Level Physical Education (Both Medical Academy & Non-Academy Offering)
Pre-requisite: Biology H 
Grades Offered: 10-12
The Cambridge International AS & A Level Physical Education syllabus is both practical and theoretical. As well as fostering enjoyment in physical activity, it will encourage students to develop an understanding of the interaction between theory and practice by focusing on the performer and performance. Students learn about anatomy and physiology, movement skills and contemporary studies at Cambridge International AS Level. This provides a firm foundation for the further advanced study of exercise, physiology, psychology of sport performance and the study of the Olympic Games from a global perspective.

Pre-AICE (IGCSE) English Language (Honors) *Does not count towards diploma points*
Grade Level: 9-10 
Pre-req: N/A
Instructor: Ms. Moriah Carlisle
Suggested ninth grade honors English option as an alternative to the AICE English General Paper course. This is a nice course to help prepare for the 10th grade AICE AS English Language option. The course will focus on preparations for the FSA test, cover all ninth grade state standards, and weave in the introductory pieces to the 10th grade AICE English course. 

AS Level AICE English General Paper
Grade Level: 9 (FSA Levels 4-5) or 10, 11, 12
Pre-req: None
Instructor: Various 9-12 teachers
Rigorous ninth grade English 1 option. This course will cover all ninth grade state standards and requirements, while also going in depth into the Cambridge English General Paper syllabus curriculum. 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. 

AS Level Information Technology (Both IT Academy & Non-Academy)
Grade Levels: 9-12
Pre-req: Suggested DIT or pre-info. tech coursework
Ms. Garcia 
This syllabus encourages learners to become effective and discerning users of IT. It helps them to develop a broad range of IT skills, knowledge and understanding. Learners study the structure and use of IT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, learners gain an understanding of IT system life cycles, and how these affect the workplace. They also learn about the wider impact of IT on society in general. ​

AS Level Media Studies 
Grade Levels: 9-12
Pre-req: none 
Instructor: Ms. Muncy
Cambridge International AS  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 - they create their own media products from planning through to execution. Learners also consider and analyse examples from existing media, examining production processes and technologies and the effects they achieve. The syllabus aims to: • develop critical understanding of the media through engagement with media products and concepts and through the creative application of practical skills • explore production processes, technologies and contexts • encourage independence in research skills and their application • enhance learners’ enjoyment and appreciation of the media and its role in their daily lives.

AS Level AICE Literature
Grade Levels: 11
Successful Literature in English learners develop a lifelong understanding and enjoyment of literary texts, and, importantly, gain a range of essential skills, including: • the ability to write clearly and effectively • skills in developing arguments • skills in researching and managing information • the ability to analyse complex texts in different forms and styles. Specifically, candidates will study poems buy authors such as, Wilfred Owen and Ted Hughes. Additionally, prose by Edith Wharton and Jhumpa Lahiri. For the drama study, candidates will study works by William Shakespeare, Robert Bolt, and Alan Ayckbourn. 

AS Level AICE English Language
Grade Levels: 10-12
It’s all about the essay! One of the best college prep courses available, AICE English Language prepares students for the rigor of college writing, reading, and thinking.  Opportunities to read and write commentary, narrative, descriptive, discursive, and argumentative essays with an emphasis on how language shapes meaning, frame the course curriculum.  Students will explore a rich range of  contemporary texts including speeches, reviews, editorials, brochures, blogs, diaries, biographies, essays, advertisements, and even voiceovers and podcasts to fully understand and appreciate the power of language.  Students who successfully complete AICE English Language find themselves ready to meet the demands of college writing tasks while improving their ability to communicate effectively in college and beyond.

AS Level AICE English General Paper
Grade Level: 9-12
Pre-req: None
Instructor: Various 9-12 teachers
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.

AS Level AICE Marine Science 
Levels:  Grades 9-12
Prerequisites:  Biology I is suggested as a pre-requisite
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
Marine ecosystems and biodiversity
Energetics of marine ecosystems
Nutrient cycles in marine ecosystems
Coral reefs and lagoons
The ocean floor and the coast
Physical oceanography
Chemical oceanography

​A Level Marine Science 
​Levels: Grades 10-12
​Pre-requisites: AS Marine Science
This class continues the work covered in the AS Marine Science syllabus, furthering a deeper study in these topics: 

Physiology of marine primary producers
Aspects of marine animal physiology
Marine animal reproductive behavior
Fisheries management
Aquaculture
Human impact on marine ecosystems
Marine conservation and ecotourism
Marine biotechnology

AS Level AICE Sociology *Not currently being offered*
Grades: 9-12
The aims of the Cambridge International AS and A Level Sociology syllabus are for candidates to develop:

Knowledge and understanding of sociological concepts, theories, methods and research findings, as well as sociological principles, perspectives and applications
An awareness of the range and limitations of sociological theory and research and the ability to compare and contrast different theoretical positions
An understanding of the relationship between sociological findings and everyday life, including contemporary social, cultural and political issues
An appreciation and understanding of individual, social and cultural diversity, and of continuity and change in social life
An understanding of sociological research methods, including issues concerned with the planning, implementation and evaluation of research enquiry and the collection, analysis and interpretation of data
Improved skills of communication, interpretation, analysis and evaluation
An excellent foundation for further study.

AS Level AICE Math
Grade Levels:  11-12
Course Prerequisites: Alg 2 Honors (with A grade) **See Mr. Brian Goodman**
AICE Mathematics encompasses topics in both Pure Mathematics and Statistics (Papers P1 and S1).  The following units are covered in Pure Mathematics:  Algebra, Quadratics, Functions, Coordinate Geometry, Circular Measures, Trigonometry, Vectors, Series, Differentiation, and Integration.  These topics are covered in Statistics:  Representation of Data, Permutations, Probability, Discrete Random Variables, and Normal Distribution.  Please note that the order in which units are listed is not intended to imply anything about the order in which they might be taught.

AICE Thinking Skills AS *Not currently being offered*
Grade Levels:  9-12
Course Prerequisites: Previous or concurrent enrollment in General Paper is suggested
Thinking Skills is an intriguing course that allows candidates to develop a specific set of transferable skills in Critical Reasoning and Problem Solving.  The focus of the Critical Reasoning unit is on development of skill sets to:
1. evaluate the credibility of evidence (information) to make decisions based on rational, logical reasoning;
2. to analyze and draw appropriate conclusions from scientific data;
3. to unpack arguments, identify flaws in reasoning and present reasoned arguments.    Students must have a “true desire to think,” be actively involved in group discussions AND motivated to improve their skills at thinking.  We practice making informed decisions based on sound logical reasoning.  The curriculum creates opportunities for and encourages free and open debate, critical and investigative thinking, and informed and disciplined reasoning.

AS Level AICE History (both International/World -10th grade & US History options -11th)
Grade Levels:  10 -11
Course Prerequisites:  previous or concurrent enrollment in General Paper is suggested
The goals of the AICE history courses are for students to recall, select and use historical knowledge appropriately and communicate knowledge and understanding of History in a clear and effective manner. Additionally, demonstrate an understanding of the past through explanation, analysis and arriving at a substantiated judgement of: key concepts such as causation, consequence, continuity, change and significance within an historical context, the relationships between key features and characteristics of the periods studied.

US HISTORY: The Origins of the Civil War, 1846–1861 & The History of the USA, 1840–1941
INTERNATIONAL HISTORY: The Search for International Peace and Security, 1919–1945 & International Relations, 1871–1945

IGCSE Pre-AICE International History - 10th grade - does not count towards diploma points (Honors Level)
This 9th grade course is a honors course option for social studies that will help build the skills and knowledge to be prepared for the AS Level International History AICE course our 10th graders can take. Topics covered for the international option are covered in the syllabus here.

AS Digital Media & Design - Photography 
Grade: 9 
Cambridge International AS & A Level Digital Media & Design is for candidates who want to explore a range of processes and techniques in digital media
Course aims: 
-- Produce a personal digital response that realizes intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between digital and design elements
-- Explore and select appropriate media, materials and technology, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops
-- Research and record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress

The aims are to enable students to:

Develop awareness of the world of digital media and design and understand influencing factors and contexts
Research and evaluate information relevant to their studies
Reflect requirements and feedback from specific audiences and clients in developing their work
Use digital media creatively as a way of expressing meaning
Use knowledge, understanding and creativity to innovate using appropriate software, equipment, technology and practices
Develop the skills needed for the study of digital media and design in higher education
Prepare for working in a collaborative industry

AS & A Level AICE Travel & Tourism
Grade Levels: 9-12
This syllabus encourages candidates to appreciate the scale and importance of the travel and tourism industry in the world and recognize the positive and negative impacts the industry may have on people, environments and economies. Candidates learn that the travel and tourism industry is dynamic in nature and how the industry responds to 
change:, e.g., external factors such as changing consumer needs and expectations and developments in ICT. The syllabus encourages candidates to learn practical and technical skills relevant to the industry, enabling them to deal with a range of complex situations and problems.

AS & A Level AICE Business Studies
Grade Levels: 11-12
The syllabus is intended to encourage candidates to:
1. Understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role of business in society.
2. Develop critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value. This should involve consideration of the internal workings and management of organisations and, in  particular, the process of decision-making in a dynamic external environment.
3. Be aware that business behaviour can be studied from the perspective of a range of stakeholders  including customer, manager, creditor, owner/shareholder and employee.
4. Be aware of the economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues  associated with business activity.
5. Develop skills in: decision-making and problem solving in the light of evaluation; the quantification and management of information, where appropriate; effective communication.

The emphasis should be on the application of concepts and issues to the local context (i.e. the candidate’s 
own country), where appropriate.

AS Level AICE Classical Studies (First Semester Course Only -- currently attached to A Level Global Perspectives as Semester 2 course, but flexible)
Grade Levels: 10-12
Cambridge International AS and A Level Classical Studies aim to provide candidates with an understanding and appreciation of Classical civilisations. The study of Classical civilisations is valuable because:

They form the basis for the Western traditions of art, literature, philosophy, political thought and science which have shaped the modern world.
Greek and Roman works of art, literature, philosophy, etc., have an intrinsic interest and quality and represent some of the highest achievements of humankind. Their study is relevant to many issues of contemporary society.
The multi-disciplinary nature of Classical Studies, which combines different areas of study such as literature, history of art, history, science and others, leads to a greater understanding of the relationship between different intellectual disciplines and encourages students to make connections between them.

AS Level AICE Global Perspectives **Required course for AICE diploma**
Grade Levels: 10-11

This syllabus is firmly based on skills rather than specific content. Through the study of a range of global issues, learners will explore different and sometimes opposing perspectives. Recognising these perspectives will help to nurture a climate of cross-cultural awareness and promote cultural agility. Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives & Research encourages transformative learning, whereby learners become more aware of their own beliefs and assumptions and more able to be self-critical. This leads to an increased willingness to modify their standpoints and be open to different views and ways of thinking. In short, this course will develop learners who are capable of understanding, assessing and taking action on global issues with competence and confidence. 

By studying this course learners will develop research skills that will enable them to obtain information, evaluate its reliability and usefulness and use the evidence gathered to construct their own arguments and lines of reasoning.

Exam Components require: 
- written research paper on student-selected topic
- group project with recorded presentation, script, and PPT produced
- written exam on determining validity and reliability of source documents 
​
AS Level AICE Spanish
Grade Levels: 11-12
Pre-requisite: Spanish III 
Cambridge International AS and A Level syllabuses in languages other than English aim to:

Develop the ability to understand a language from a variety of registers
Enable students to communicate confidently and clearly in the target language
Form a sound base of skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure
Develop insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries where the language is spoken, including the study of literary texts where appropriate (this does not apply to AS Language qualifications)
Encourage positive attitudes to language learning and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations
Support intellectual and personal development by promoting learning and social skills.
The examinations are designed to assess candidates’ linguistic competence and their knowledge of contemporary society. In the exams, candidates will be expected to:
Understand and respond to texts written in the target language, drawn from a variety of sources such as magazines, newspapers, reports, books and other forms of extended writing
Manipulate the target language accurately in spoken and written forms, choosing appropriate examples of lexis and structures
Select information and present it in the target language
Organize arguments and ideas logically.

AS Computer Science 
Grades: 9-12
No pre-req required! Jackson Riche has more info -- jackson.riche@palmbeachschools.org
Learners will study topics including information representation, communication and Internet technologies, hardware, software development, and relational database modelling. As they progress, learners will develop their computational thinking and use problem solving to develop computer-based solutions using algorithms and programming languages. Studying Cambridge International AS and A Level Computer Science will help learners develop a range of skills such as thinking creatively, analytically, logically and critically. 

AS Environmental Management
​Grades 9-12
This AS syllabus covers environmental issues and their management, especially the human aspect. Through their studies, learners gain an understanding of environmental resources and their human exploitation, and the goal of sustainable environmental management. Learners also consider a range of case study material which can feature local, regional or global examples. 

A knowledge of environmental processes and the impacts of societies on the environment
The scientific principles that underpin issues of sustainability and environmental management
The causes of key issues affecting the environment as well as possible ways of managing these 
The pressures which impact on the environment and potential solutions to these.

Pre-AICE (IGCSE) Environmental Management (Honors) *Does not count towards diploma points*
Grade Level: 9
Pre-req: None
Instructor: Dr. Thornton (JERFSA Academy Course)

This course is offered as part of our JERFSA Environmental Research Academy to 9th graders. 
The syllabus is designed to teach learners about sustainable development in a world where the security of resources and life-sustaining systems is endangered by human impact. It draws upon disciplines such as biology, Earth science, geography and economics. Learners gain an understanding of the Earth’s natural systems and how people use natural resources; they then investigate the impact of human development on the environment and learn how the environment can be managed sustainably in the future, from a local as well as a global perspective.