Advanced Placement Program (AP)
Advanced Placement Program, administered by College Board (The U.S.) gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while they're still in high school—whether they're learning online or in the classroom. And through taking AP Exams, students can earn college credit and placement.
AP International Diploma Introduction
The AP International Diploma (APID) is a globally recognized certificate awarded to students who display exceptional achievement across a variety of disciplines. Available to international students attending secondary schools outside the U.S. and to U.S. high school students applying to universities outside the country, the APID certifies outstanding academic excellence with a global perspective.
APID Eligibility Requirements
Students must score a 3 or higher on 5 or more AP Exams.
Exams taken multiple times only count once—the highest score will be used for award calculation.
Exams must fulfill the content areas regulated by College Board.
Course Sequence Chart:
MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE SEQUENCE CHART
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
SOCIAL STUDIES
THE ARTS
SCIENCES
MATHEMATICS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
PHILOSOPHY
Our goal is to prepare students to participate in society as literate citizens equipped with the ability to communicate effectively in their communities, in the work place, and in their continuing education. In studying English, our students will develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, thus enabling them to express themselves creatively and imaginatively.
Proficient use of the English language will enable our students to explore and articulate the complex issues and ideas encountered in public and personal life. Students will acquire the ability to make full and effective use of written and spoken language in their educational, occupational, and personal endeavors.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
English Language Arts – Starter Level
This course provides grade 6 students with integrated English language arts study in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and language for college, career preparation and readiness in alignment with AERO Common Core Plus: English Languages Arts Standards for Grades 6-12. The course engages students in interactive text-based discussions, question generation, and research on familiar topics. It offers students opportunities to build vocabulary, listening and speaking skills in context over time and to respond more thoughtfully as they gain new perspectives, information, and data. Reading instruction engages students with content-rich, complex texts along with purposeful, close reading activities, and teaches them how to comprehend texts. Students are also introduced to the conventions of Standard English, knowledge of language, and vocabulary acquisition aligned with the College and Career Readiness (CCR) anchor standards at grade level.
English Language Arts – Elementary Level
This course provides grade 7 students with integrated English language arts study in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and language for college, career preparation and readiness in alignment with AERO Common Core Plus: English Languages Arts Standards for Grades 6-12. The course engages students in interactive text-based discussions, question generation, and research on familiar topics, building upon the skills they learned in grade 6. Students build vocabulary, listening and speaking skills in context over time and are expected to respond more thoughtfully as they gain new perspectives, information, and data. Reading instruction engages students with content-rich, complex texts along with purposeful, close reading activities, and teaches them how to comprehend texts. Students also continue to be involved in the conventions of Standard English, knowledge of language, and vocabulary acquisition aligned with the College and Career Readiness (CCR) anchor standards at grade level.
English Language Arts – Pre-Intermediate Level
This course provides grade 8 students with integrated English language arts study in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and language for college, career preparation and readiness in alignment with AERO Common Core Plus: English Languages Arts Standards for Grades 6-12. Students are engaged in interactive text-based discussions, question generation, and research on various topics. Students will be exposed to diverse readings from a wide variety of genres; informational texts provided by selected publishers with literature from an array of different authors. Students will participate in a series of short-projects and discussions that will seek to challenge personal perspectives in order to think critically about society and the world beyond. Students develop listening and speaking skills through collaborative activities: they develop their speaking skills to express their ideas clearly, and their listening skills to better participate in lectures, classroom discussions, and cooperative group activities. Students also improve the conventions of Standard English, knowledge of language, and vocabulary acquisition aligned with the College and Career Readiness (CCR) anchor standards at grade level.
English Language Arts – Intermediate Level
This course provides grade 9 students with integrated English language arts study in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and language for college, career preparation and readiness in alignment with AERO Common Core Plus: English Languages Arts Standards for Grades 6-12. This course will strive to expose students to diverse readings from a wide variety of genres; meshing informational texts provided by selected publishers with literature from an array of different authors. Students will participate in a series of projects and discussions that will seek to challenge personal perspectives in order to think critically about society and the world beyond. Students develop listening and speaking skills through collaborative activities: they further develop their speaking skills to express their ideas clearly, and their listening skills to better participate in lectures, classroom discussions, and cooperative group activities. Students also improve the conventions of Standard English, knowledge of language, and vocabulary acquisition aligned with the College and Career Readiness (CCR) anchor standards at grade level.
GEOGRAPHY
PHILOSOPHY
Our goal is to develop socially aware global citizens. We prepare our students to be actively involved in their world through critical understanding and evaluation of relevant world issues and patterns, and develop an understanding of the natural and human process that shape our world and change our environment, and then they will be able to share their understanding in an organized and logical framework.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Geography - Intermediate Level
Geography for Intermediate level is all about planet Earth and introduces students to the key concepts of the subject, beginning with the formation of the planet and how we humans got here. It explores the human and natural processes that are changing the planet as well as how physical geography influences human activity and the movements of people. Furthermore, students will develop practical mapping skills essential to be a good geographer. Activities emphasize exploration and investigation and provide practice in different types of skill: geographical, literacy, numeracy, thinking, listening, speaking, teamwork and ICT skills.
MATHEMATICS
PHILOSOPHY
Our goal is to equip students with the reasoning skill, critical and analytical thinking skills, and problem solving skill which are necessary not only for understanding science and technology, engineering, business, finance and economics, but also for its use in personal decision-making, in the workplace and in everyday living. Mathematics is a powerful learning tool. It is an excellent vehicle for the development and enhancement of the intellectual competence of an individual. Students develop numeracy, spatial visualization, analysis, estimation and abstract thinking in learning and application of mathematics.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Math - Starter Level
Mathematics for Starter level introduces students to the fundamentals of Mathematical skills. This course focuses on the mastery of skills in basic operations on natural numbers, rational numbers (fractions), integers, with the integration of mental computation and shorthand technique. At this level, students will start to develop the geometry concepts of lines and angle recognition through identifying and constructing angles while further developing computational skills and applying these in solving problems in real life situations.
Math - Elementary Level
Mathematics for Elementary level provides the language and structure of reasoning used as foundation in other branches of Mathematics. It is conceptualized and designed to make Mathematics fully integrated with one’s daily life and the improvement of student’s logical and critical thinking skills as they challenge themselves in solving different real-life problems. The concept of proportional relationships at the start of the chapter gives an overview of how mathematical concepts are needed in real situations. This is followed by creating logical algebraic expressions that represents certain scenarios and solving this using the concept of equations. The contents also cover measurements as well as geometry skills.
Math - Pre-intermediate Level
Mathematics for Pre-intermediate level aims to help students develop the critical thinking as they are expected to solve complex algebraic equations and visualize solutions to real-life problems. This course will extend their prior understanding of proportional relations and begin working with functions through patterns using special products of polynomials. Mastery in these topics will help students prepare for computational skills that involves solving linear and rational equations. Such knowledge will be use in solving real-life scenarios like number problems, distance problems and geometric concepts.
Math - Intermediate Level
Mathematics for Intermediate level introduces students to advanced mathematical skills. The course deals with the preparation of Mathematics for high school level. The topics included will allow students to explore deeper concepts in geometry, patterns, functions and algebra. Mathematical relations, linear functions and quadratic functions are also offered in the course. Students are required to perform more intricate calculations as they apply these in solving problems in real life situations.
SCIENCE
PHILOSOPHY
The Science subjectguides and empowers students to develop the ability to access information which will contribute to an overall functioning of how and why things work like they do. In doing so, the curriculums being used are aligned with the Vietnamese curriculums and AERO Standards. Moreover, students are given the opportunities to enhance their science skills through various techniques that include research, investigating skills, and application of Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math (S.T.E.A.M.) concept through various assessment tools, experiments and student-centered activities. To develop a strong understanding of science, students are encouraged to master a moderate number of crucial concepts and principles, and gradually expand their knowledge on those topics. Aside from the mastered skills from various topics, students will have the confidence to implement and share their ideas, experiment, innovate, and ultimately develop practical solutions as well. Our Science Department seeks to inspire students to focus on four strands of science proficiency: developing the ability to know, using and interpreting scientific explanations of the natural world; generating and evaluating scientific evidence; understanding the development of scientific knowledge; learning to participate productively in scientific practices and discussions. In addition, the Science Department creates differentiated learning approaches and activities for students in need. Lastly, every student who has completed each course will understand the importance of practical approaches to problem-solving and experience success.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Science - Starter Level
General Science at Starter Level is designed for students to learn about Living Things, Plants and Animal Kingdom, Importance of Plants, The Simplest Living Things, The Universe, Planets, Earth, Matter and Its Properties, and Everything is Matter. The main target of this course is to develop students’ understanding of new science vocabulary, study skills and increase science literacy. In this stage, students are introduced to basic lab equipment & techniques. Students will develop an understanding of cell structure and cell function. They are able to classify living things into five kingdoms and identify the main characteristics of plant and animal kingdom, enhance the knowledge on the simplest living things, observe microorganisms under the microscope, learn about the characteristics of the universe and earth, identify phases of the moon and reproduce conditions of solar and lunar eclipse. Students will develop the knowledge of physical properties common to all objects and substances and understand the nature of matter. Students will create an understanding of the characteristics of energy and the interactions between matter and energy. Science at Starter Level is more than just learning from the textbooks; there is a lot of practical work and laboratory experiments pertaining to the topics, which are also included to develop important experimental skills as well as to make students thorough in the topics. The experiments are developed in such a way to develop scientific inquiries and critical thinking skills. Projects and group work are also included as part of the course to develop research and collaborative skills among students. Overall, the course is also differentiated and structured in such a way to engage various and diverse students into the world of Science.
Science - Elementary Level
General Science at Elementary Level is designed for students to learn about Minerals, Rocks, Invertebrates, Vertebrates, Earth's Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Forces, and Friction. The main target of this course is to develop students’ understanding of new science vocabulary, study skills and increase science literacy. In this stage, students are introduced to basic lab equipment & techniques. Students will construct an understanding of the composition of the atmosphere, study the atmospheric variables that affect weather conditions, enhance the knowledge of hydrosphere, the properties and distribution of water on Earth, learn about mineral composition, their uses and properties, identify various types of rocks and their process of formation. Students will formulate the knowledge of physical properties common to all objects and substances and understand the nature of matter. Students will interpret how properties of elements and the location of elements on the periodic table are related, and differentiate atoms, elements, molecules and crystals. Students will apply an understanding of the characteristics of energy and the interactions between matter and energy. Since Science at Elementary Level is more than just learning from books; they have a lot of practical work and laboratory experiments pertaining to the topics which are also included to develop important experimental skills as well as to make students thorough in the topics. The experiments are developed in such a way to develop scientific inquiries and critical thinking skills. Projects and group work are also included as part of the course to develop research and collaborative skills among students. Overall, the course is also differentiated and structured in such a way to engage various and diverse students into the world of Science.
General Science – Pre-Intermediate Level
The Science (Biology), Pre-Intermediate Course is designed to give students a clear picture about Stay healthy, Basis of Life, Interaction and Coordination, Nervous System, Circulatory and Respiratory System, Digestive System, Excretory System, Reproductive System, The Structure of Ecosystem and Ecosystem. In short, this General Science provides students with the necessary skills for a smooth transition from Elementary level to Pre-intermediate level. Last but not least, students will do practical experiments to enhance understanding as well as basic lab techniques. In this course, students are expected to acquire certain higher-level General Science Education competencies. In particular, they should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the methods and limits of scientific investigation and apply scientific approaches to answer questions about the earth and environment. Students have chances to do laboratory experiments that develop important experimental skills as well as to make them thorough with the topics. The experiments are developed in such a way to develop students’ scientifically critical thinking skills. Projects and group work are also part of the course to develop research and collaborative skills among students.
Physics - Pre-Intermediate Level
Pre-Intermediate Physics course is designed to assist students on having a proper and accurate understanding of the concepts, models, theories, universal principles, and facts that explain and correlate with the physical world. This will lead to a better understanding of the universe and the objects in it, specifically the Earth where we live. This course will also develop skills in both practical and conceptual understanding on forces, motion, thermal energy transfer, states and other properties of matter. Students will be guided on performing different laboratory experiments, classroom tasks, and online activities to support scientific concepts and applying to everyday life.
Physics - Intermediate Level
Intermediate Level Science is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the physical world around us which affects our daily life. Students will be able to understand basic concepts of electricity, magnetism, energy, waves and their relevance to the planet Earth. This course deals with the interaction of electrical charges in various materials; how electric currents result from separation of charge and the movement of electrons; comparison between series and parallel circuits involving varying resistances, voltages, and currents; relating electrical energy to power consumption; understanding the concept and theories of magnetism and its implementation in the practical world; advantages and disadvantages of using conventional and alternative energy sources; creating awareness of one of the major problems in the world - climate change; applications of oscillations and waves. Students will also gain an understanding about the structure, dynamics, and geophysical systems of the planet Earth. In this course, students will be able to prove science concepts through different laboratory activities and experiments.
HISTORY
PHILOSOPHY
Our goal is to develop global citizens who possess historical awareness. We desire that our students will be actively involved in their world through critical understanding of world history and its present-day implications. Working from a solid foundation of knowledge about a wide range of historical societies, students will be able to communicate about historical issues and articulate views about history in an organized and logical framework.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
History - Starter Level
Students begin to learn about human prehistory and several major ancient civilizations. In each of the civilization studies, students explore geography, social structure, law, government, belief systems, economics and trade, and culture and technology. Using a range of written texts and visual images, including primary and secondary sources, students participate in engaging learning activities that promote cooperation and communication, whilst simultaneously developing analytical and critical thinking skills.
History - Elementary Level
Students will take intensive historical lessons about The Middle Ages, Renaissance Italy, The Vikings and the Spanish Conquest of South America. Students will also do research projects relating to various medieval societies including the Vikings, the Polynesians and more. Following medieval time, students will explore geography, social structure, law, government, belief systems, economics and trade, culture and technology. Using a range of written texts and visual images, including primary sources, students participate in engaging learning activities that promote cooperation and communication, whilst simultaneously developing analytical and critical thinking skills.
History - Pre-Intermediate Level
Students will begin with the Industrial Revolution and end with World War I. In this modern timeframe, students explore geography, social structure, law, government, belief systems, economics and trade, and culture and technology. Using a range of written texts and visual images, including primary and secondary sources, students participate in engaging learning activities that promote cooperation and communication simultaneously developing analytical and critical thinking skills.
LITERATURE
PHILOSOPHY
Literature helps students to become well-rounded “world citizens” who have a unique multicultural and multilingual educational experience. Literature covers literary forms, elements, devices, techniques, and literary writing skills for critical and creative analysis. Students are given a solid foundation in literacy education. Its main purpose is to develop students’ appreciation of literature as an expression of life, laid out in the past in different contexts and circumstances, which is told in short stories, poetry, plays, novels, and expository texts. As a result, students will be able to connect to the literary selections vicariously and enhance their multicultural understanding.
The Balanced-Literacy approach equips students to comprehend texts and employ varied writing skills to convey their ideas by utilizing specific writing processes. First, they are immersed in a genre through their reading and discover the features of the literary piece, as well as the craft techniques used by authors. Students learn in a supportive environment where lessons are designed with appropriate scaffolding to meet the needs of all. They will employ their understanding through literary analysis; integrate literary works to their current lives and to the world, and demonstrate how to think and work creatively. Students manifest an increased level of reading comprehension, vocabulary, language, and oral and written communication skills. A gradual and anticipated release of responsibility from the teacher to students moves learners along a planned continuum on their journey toward independence.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Literature - Intermediate Level
Literature plays an important role in discussing, shows an imperfect life, complexities, and uncertainties. It also improves reader’s knowledge, focuses on a study of literary genres, and author’s descriptive skill in short stories. Students will develop an understanding of the way and form of a work of literature by reading literary pieces. Literary appreciation is encouraged by presenting the author’s biography for critical interpretation, deeper emotional pleasure, and intellectual grasp in a literary piece. Through extensive study, students explore the world of Literature that encourages them to become critical and reflective thinkers and to develop personal aesthetic standards for print media as art forms.
HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SEQUENCE CHART
AP Subject Overview – The Asian International School
Content Area 1
English Language & Composition
The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts from a range of disciplines and historical periods.
Chinese Language & Culture
The AP Chinese Language and Culture course in Mandarin Chinese emphasizes communication by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in Chinese. The AP Chinese Language and Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts.
French Language & Culture
The AP French Language & Culture course emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The AP French Language and Culture course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in French. The AP French Language and Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts.
Content Area 2
Environmental Science
The AP Environmental Science course is an introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.
Content Area 3
Calculus AB
AP Calculus AB is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students cultivate their understanding of differential and integral calculus through engaging with real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and using definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions as they explore concepts like change, limits, and the analysis of functions.
Content Area 4
Microeconomics
AP Microeconomics is a college-level course that introduces students to the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.