Course Handbook 2012-13 For Students entering Grades 11 and 12

Welcome to Course Planning for the 2012 – 2013 school year!  This booklet contains information on required and elective courses.

Educational Pathways

At Wuhan Maple Leaf International School, we encourage our students to develop their strengths and interests and to clarify their educational and career goals.  Academic Advisors have organized course options around eight “Educational Pathways”.  Each pathway has a list of recommended courses to help students make elective choices in Grades 11 and 12 so that they meet the entrance requirements for their chosen post-secondary program.

Students are strongly urged to research two or three universities or colleges to determine entrance requirements to programs of interest

The eight pathways, with some examples of areas of study, are listed below:

       1.   Applied Arts - fashion design, interior design, film/media studies

       2.   Fine Arts - drama, visual arts, music

       3.   Arts: Humanities - geography, linguistics, translation, history, psychology

       4.   Business - accounting, finance, management, marketing

       5.   Engineering - aerospace, automotive, biochemical, civil, geological

       6.   Environmental Studies - resource studies, landscape architecture

       7.   Health Sciences - food science, human nutrition, human kinetics

       8.   Sciences - actuarial sciences, biology, chemistry, physics

Students may change their Pathway from year to year, but they may find that they have to make up a required course. The Science pathway offers the most options and is recommended for students who are unsure of which pathway is best for them.

The key to making good decisions is to find out as much information as possible.  Students are encouraged to discuss career and educational options with their parents, teachers, counselors, and academic advisers.

Educational Pathways – Sample Majors

Arts: Applied Arts

Arts: Fine Arts

Arts: Humanities/Social Science

Business/Commerce/Administration

Engineering (Applied Science)

Environmental Studies/Planning

Health Sciences

Sciences

Policy on “Spare Blocks”

All students are expected to take a full course load.  Students may not elect a “spare block”.  Remember: universities want you to take the hardest courses you can while maintaining good marks.

Policy on Changing Courses

A student who wishes to change a course must do so within the first week of the semester.  Classes will be changed only if there is room in another course and if the change in the student schedule does not cause significant difficulty.

Course Descriptions

English

 

Please note that English courses are required for Grades 10, 11, and 12

 

English 11 – Required course

English 11 is a mandatory course that all students must pass in order to proceed to a grade 12 English course needed for graduation. English 11 integrates the skills of reading, writing, and oral communication. It continues to develop and enhance students’ appreciation of literature and language.

 

 

English 12  – Required course, or take Communications 12 *Academic Course

English 12 is a mandatory course which all students, except those in Communications 12, must pass in order to graduate. English 12 draws together the learning experiences of 12 years of schooling. It encourages the development of students’ confidence, independence and appreciation in the areas of reading, writing, oral communication, viewing and representing. It continues to develop and enhance students’ appreciation of literature and language.

There is a Provincial Exam worth 40% of the final mark.

 

 

Communications 12  – Required course, or take English 12 *Academic Course

Communications 12, an alternative to English 12 is designed for students not proceeding directly to university and attending a university transfer program. Like English 12, it integrates the skills of reading, writing, and oral communication. It is also intended to develop and enhance students’ appreciation of literature and language. Communications 12 is accepted by some institutions as an acceptable English qualification.

There is a Provincial Exam worth 40% of the final mark.

 

 

Introduction to Literature 11 / Writing 12  – Required courses

These are preparation courses for English 11 and 12, or Communications 12.  Students will learn the skills required for success in future English courses.

Social Studies

 

Social Studies 11 – Required course

Pre-requisite: Social Studies 10

 

Students will explore Canadian politics and government,Canada in WWI, WWII, the Cold War, and the UN.  We will discuss society and identity of First Nations, immigration, andQuebec, and look at Human Geography such as population, environmental issues, economy, and standards of living

 

There is a Provincial Exam worth 20% of the final mark.

 

Geography 12 *Academic Course

Pre-requisite: Social Studies 11

 

Geography is the study of what happens on the Earth’s surface.  Both physical and human geography are studied in this course. The physical section considers the structure of the earth, the processes which help to shape the earth, climatology and the earth’s waters and lands. The human section considers humans and our environment: resource management, conservation, pollution and other current concerns.

 

 

History 12 *Academic Course

Pre-requisite: Social Studies 11

 

History 12 is a world history course that deals with the major events and trends of the 20th century. It concentrates on the time period between 1919 and 1991, with an emphasis on the West and its relation to world affairs. These years were dominated by the effects of the world wars, including the decline of European power, the polarization of the Cold War, the end of colonial empires, and the emergence of a new era. They were also years of significant economic, social and technological change. History 12 begins with the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 and ends with the collapse of theSoviet Union in 1991.

 

Comparative Civilizations 12 *Academic Course

Pre-requisite: Social Studies 11

 

Comparative Civilizations 12 explores and compares world cultures through political, economic, social, and cultural lenses. There is great room for exploration within this course, but common themes that will be concentrated upon include the art, religions, beliefs, gender roles, social organization, and the daily practices of different cultures. The course’s goals are to help develop a more open, understanding, and critical manner of thinking by examining some of the many differences that exist in the world.

 

Psychology 12 (New Course for 2012/2013!)

Psychology is the study of what defines a human being. Behavior, biology, and social forces act upon the individual and have their part to play in developing the person we think of as "I". This course will explore topics in the study of the human mind and the forces that help shape it into the organ that determines our individual natures. What students will gain from this course is an understanding of the underlying reasons for human behaviour. By doing so, they will also be able to appreciate with enhanced significance the meaning and reason behind their own actions and the actions of others. The course will be highly interactive.  One which will require the students to be prepared to present information to the class, to participate willingly, positively, and enthusiastically in class discussions.

Journalism 12 (New Course for 2012/2013!)

 

Students in Journalism 12 will learn interview skills, finding stories and telling them in a compelling way, writing an effective article, newspaper layout, editing a paper, and finally publishing their work.  Students in this class will be responsible for producing the school’s English newspaper which will be sold to students and the general public.  Journalism 12 will be run outside of the timetable: it will have classes after school a few times a week, and the course will run all year.

 

 

 

 

Mathematics

 

Mathematics 11 – Required Course

Pre-requisite: Math 10

 

The course is designed to give students a very challenging mathematical experience that helps prepare them for university Calculus. The majority of the time students will explore mathematics that requires strong algebra. Measurement will also be studied. A graphing calculator is helpful for this course.

 

 

 

Mathematics 12  – Required Course *Academic Course

Pre-requisite: Math 11

 

The course is designed to give students very challenging mathematical experience that helps prepare them for university Calculus. Topics include: exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, probability, statistics, transformations, and conic sections. The majority of the time students will explore mathematics that requires strong algebra and graphing skills. A graphing calculator is necessary for this course, especially in the statistics unit.

 

 

Calculus 12 *Academic Course

Pre-requisite: Math 11

 

This course serves as an excellent preparatory course for university math. This course is important for students planning to take sciences and engineering at university. Course content is differentiation, antiderivatives, and introduction to integration.

 

 

AP Calculus AB  *Academic Course

Prerequisites: Principles of Mathematics 11 (90% or better), English 11 (65% or better)

 

Course Participants will be able to compute limits of functions analytically or graphically, explore the connection between tangent lines, instantaneous rate of change and the derivative and use differentiation to solve real world problems. Students will learn basic and advanced techniques of integration, use integration to solve real world problems, and much more.

 

 

Students will write the AP Calculus (AB) exam during this course.

Science

 

Biology 11

Pre-requisite: Science 10

 

Biology 11 is a survey course of living things. The following topics will be covered: Adaptation and Evolution – DNA and natural selection; Microbiology – viruses and bacteria; Plant Biology; Animal Biology; Ecology.

 

 

Biology 12 *Academic Course

Pre-requisite: Science 10

 

Biology 12 concentrates on the physiology of the human body. The following topics are the basis for Biology 12: Cell biology; Human Anatomy and Physiology - cells, organs, the major organ systems.

 

 

Chemistry 11

Pre-requisite: Science 10

 

Chemistry 11 is an introductory laboratory course concerned with the description, classification and theory of matter. The following topics are the basis for Chemistry 11: measurement and numeracy, matter and its changes, classification and nomenclature of atoms, molecules and ions, mole concept and calculations, chemical reactions, atomic theory, solution chemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry.

 

 

Chemistry 12 *Academic Course

Pre-requisite: Chemistry 11

 

Chemistry 12 is a problem-centered laboratory course involving more advanced concepts. Experimentation and problem solving are major parts of the course. The following topics are the basis for Chemistry 12: reaction kinetics; equilibrium; solubility of ionic substances; acids, bases and salts; and oxidation - reduction reactions.

 

AP Chemistry  *Academic Course

Prerequisite: Chemistry 11 (90% or better), English 11 (65% or better)

 

Course Participants will investigate and understand: the structure of matter (atomic theory, chemical bonding, nuclear chemistry) states of Matter (gases, liquids and solids, solutions), reactions (reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics), and descriptive chemistry (chemical reactivity, relationships in the periodic table, organic chemistry)

Students will write the AP Chemistry exam during this course.

 

 

Physics 11

Pre-requisite: Science 10

 

Physics 11 is an introductory course concentrating on mathematical skills that focuses on the principles and theories of physics, encourages investigation of physical relationships, and illustrates the relationship between theory and application. The following topics are investigated: Wave Motion and Geometric Optics; Kinematics; Dynamics; Energy; Special Relativity; Nuclear Fission and Fusion.

 

 

Physics 12 *Academic Course

Pre-requisite: Physics 11

 

Co-requisite: Math 12

 

Physics 12 is an advanced course that concentrates heavily on mathematical skills. This course will help students develop analytical, experimental and problem solving skills. The following topics will be studied: Vector Kinematics in Two Dimensions; Dynamics; Vector Dynamics; Work, Energy, and Power; Momentum; Equilibrium; Circular Motion; Gravitation; Electrostatics; Electric Circuits; Electromagnetism.

 

 

AP Physics C *Academic Course

Pre-requisite: Physics 11 ( final grade >90 %), English 11 (65% or better)

 

Co-requisite: Calculus 12

 

This course ordinarily forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. The sequence is more intensive and analytic than that in the B course. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus. The subject matter of the C course is principally mechanics and electricity and magnetism, with approximately equal emphasis on these two areas.

Students will write the AP Physics exam during this course.

 

 

Information Technology

 

ICT Multimedia 11

Students develop basic computer literacy skills . Desktop publishing, multimedia, web development and presentation are the subject matter covered in ICT Multimedia 11.

 

 

ICT Multimedia 12

Subject matter introduced in ICT Multimedia 11 is further developed through presenting advanced skills in media such as video and photography, website design, and 3D design and animation.

 

 

ICT Programming 12 *Academic Course

 

Students will learn about arrays, files, searching and sorting, object-oriented programming and application development.  This is an excellent course for those thinking about entering a computer-related field such as Software Development, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science.  Students require good basic computing skills before entering this course.

 

 

Media Studies 12 (New Course for 2012/2013!)

Media Studies is a exciting look at the world of media. In the course you will explore each medium’s introduction to the world and their social impact today. You will create stimulating projects showcasing skills in media like photography, video, radio and print. Through this engaging course you will learn why they say “the medium is the message”.  By the end of the course, you will be able to:

-      identify the basic characteristics and applications of layout, medium, and printing methods

-      explore the impact that each medium has had on society

-      describe the various roles of media; e.g., advertising, role modelling, stereotyping, cultural representation, propaganda, consumerism

-      Use a peripheral device/digital to acquire a/v material that follow basic criteria of a/v communications

-      Apply preproduction, production and post production to complete media projects.

-      design and produce a simple message, and communicate it through a specified media; e.g., audio, video identify copywrite restrictions and permissions and put them into practice

-      describe and explain the impacts of digital media on global trends.

-      describe the various criticisms, controversies, and ethics regarding media

-      understand the impact that Canadian media has on global trends

 

Business

Accounting 11

This course provides an introduction to basic accounting concepts – a system to record and summarize financial events. Students will learn how to use generally accepted accounting principle; organize data using manual methods to record, post and summarize transactions, and prepare financial statements and reports. Students will also be required to interpret financial statements and predict what changes may occur to affect the financial positions of a company.

 

 

Accounting 12

Pre-requisite: Accounting 11

 

Financial management requires a system of recording and summarizing financial events based on GAAP. In this course students learn and use the basic principles and concepts of accounting to gain familiarity with the concepts of financial reporting.

 

 

Marketing 11

Marketing 11 prepares students at Maple Leaf in understanding the world of business and marketing from a Canadian context. The course focuses on marketing with a global scope through international trade in the provincial economy and whereBritish Columbia has the competitive advantage. Students will learn that acknowledging diversity in marketing is required inCanada and how this diversity relates to the global arena.

Marketing 12

Pre-requisite: Marketing 11

 

Marketing 12 continues on what was learned in Marketing 11 and prepares students at Maple Leaf in understanding the world of business and marketing from a Canadian context. The course focuses on marketing with a global scope through international trade in the provincial economy and where British Columbia has the competitive advantage. Students will learn that acknowledging diversity in marketing is required inCanada and how this diversity relates to the global arena.

 

 

Economics 12  *Academic Course

Pre-requisite: English 11 or permission from the teacher

 

Designed for those students who have a serious interest in postsecondary business studies, this course provides a foundation in economic concepts such as factors of production, the roles of markets, and the impact of government decisions on the economy. Students will use a variety of media and technological resources to research, analyze and interpret economic data at local, national and international levels. They will be encouraged to interpret and evaluate trends and make informed decisions based on their understanding of the economic principles studied.

 

Physical Education

 

 

Physical Education 11 and 12

Physical Education is focused mainly on the physical activity of students.  Students are expected to participate actively and give their best effort toward every activity in this class.  PE 11/12 is intended to build on the concepts taught in PE 10, with a stronger emphasis on participating in leadership roles.  As students engage in their final years ofHigh SchoolPE, this course will hopefully give them the skills and the desire to live a lifetime of physical activity.

 

 

Leadership 12

Pre-requisite: PE 11

 

In this class students will develop leadership skills and assist the Physical Education department in running the intramural, sports clubs and athletics program. It encourages the students to pursue active leadership as well as situational administrative tasks. Activities and skills learned and developed will include leadership training, leadership theory, administration of intramurals program, recruitment of minor officials and game related tasks, tournament directing, facility management and maintenance, administration, character growth, responsibility, and friendship. You will be needed a minimum of one lunch hour/week used to run intramurals programs, administration of tournaments.

 

Survival Cooking 12 (New Course for 2012/2013!)

 

Survival Cooking will teach students how to cook both Western and Chinese comfort food when they leave high school and move to the West.  The course will focus on simple, fast meals that are easy to make and using equipment commonly available to students living in residence at a university or college.  Learn how to find and choose ingredients, cooking vocabulary, no-cook meals, basic oven baking skills, and simple one-pot meals that taste great and are easy to make after a long day at school.

 

 

Fine Arts

 

Art Foundations 11

Art Foundations 11 is designed to allow students with previous art experience to continue their education in the following visual expression areas of: drawing, painting, sculpture, print-making and media arts, but also to meet the needs of students who are taking art for the first time and need a foundation class.

 

 

Art Foundations 12  *Academic Course

Pre-requisite: Art Foundations 11

 

Art Foundations 12 is an extension of Art Foundations 11 and allows student to further develop their skills in areas of visual expression.

 

 

Theatre Performance 11: Acting

Students begin to focus on theatre skills in Acting 11. Concentration is on developing voice control, gesture, stage movement and script work skills. Students will be presented with increasingly challenging projects and performance opportunities.

 

 

Theatre Performance 12: Acting *Academic Course (Sometimes!)

Pre-requisite: Theatre Performance 11: Acting

 

This course continues the work of Acting 11 at a more advanced level and will include research into theatre history and the impact of theatre/drama on society. Students will continue to work on their performance and technique, but also move into script writing, behind the scenes preparation, lighting and sound, costumes, and props design.  Performances in front of outside audiences are required, and there is more work outside the class required than in Acting 11.

Acting 12 can be considered an academic course if you are applying to Fine Arts programs, but it depends on the school – do your research!

 

 

 

Yearbook 12 (New Course for 2012/2013!)

 

Pre-requisite: >60% final in English 10 or English 11 and good work habits

 

Yearbook provides a unique opportunity for students to design, compile, and market a very important publication - the school yearbook. The course is offered outside of the timetable (you will have class after school) and runs all school year. Yearbook staff members must cover all types of student activities for the entire student body. They are required to plan and organize content, draw layouts, prepare and edit copy and creatively present the story of each school year.