grade 9 curriculum

 

ENGLISH I (103)

1 Credit

English I is a transitional course which culminates the language arts experience begun in middle school and also introduces students to the rigors and rewards of upper school English. It is a sophisticated course designed to introduce students to the essential forms of literature and to provide them with the tools to respond to and participate in those works they have read.

Students will learn how to communicate ideas clearly and correctly in both oral and written English. Although there will be some instruction of sentence and paragraph writing, the focus will rapidly move to the traditional five-paragraph essay as a vehicle of expression. Students will gain a command of the technical vocabulary necessary for writing convincingly about literature and also will continue a close study of English grammar. By the completion of English I, students are expected to demonstrate an awareness of the nature and function of language in human affairs.

In addition to summer reading, students will read literary selections focusing on the thematic portrayal of the hero and the initiation cycle. These works are selected from the world’s masterpieces beginning with the Greek and Roman cultures up to the Renaissance. Students will respond to these works through formal and personal essays. Integral to this end, students will learn the importance of prewriting, outlining, editing, and revising by polishing two essays a quarter. By the end of the ninth grade year, students gain an appreciation for the process of writing, the power of language, and the beauty of literature.

ALGEBRA I (308)

1 Credit

It is assumed that students entering Algebra I have a strong background in the fundamental mathematical operations of numbers, fractions, and decimals. Algebra I enables the student to understand some of the basic structures of the algebra of the real number system. Acquisition of skills in algebraic manipulations and the application of these skills in solving problems are course objectives. Emphasis is placed not only on the mechanical aspects of algebra, but also on the approach to a problem. Topics include equations, inequalities, real numbers, polynomials, rational expressions, functions and their graphs, systems of equations, and an introduction to radicals.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE (403)

1 Credit
Co- or prerequisite: Algebra I

This course develops an appreciation of the accomplishments of early biologists, cell structure and function, cell respiration, and photosynthesis, relationship of function and structure of organ systems in the human body, and interrelationship of organisms and their environment. Developing skill in using equipment and techniques in addition to reinforcing classroom activities are the prime laboratory objectives.

WORLD HISTORY (504)

1 Credit

This course has two main approaches. First, students will explore the values held by ancient people in relation to contemporary ones. Students will examine how earlier beliefs about authority, the organization of society, the core, and the world at large differs from or complement modern views. Second, we will reflect upon historical processes such as migration, trade, warfare, the development of technology, and cultural exchange. Students will investigate how these processes changed individual lives at different periods in pre-modern history. The course will emphasize development of critical skills in reading and analyzing primary source documents. Student participation in class discussions, regular group work, and homework comprises an important component of student evaluation in this course. It also provides an environment for developing the oral presentation skills and self-confidence that are so vital to later upper school performance. The course also emphasizes continuing development of writing skills through short writing assignments, formal essays, and a research paper in the second semester. Tests and quizzes also contribute to student evaluation. Comprehensive semester examinations are given.

Arabic/Islamic Studies/Quran

These subjects are part of a sequence of courses per the Kuwait Ministry of Education main curriculum regarding arabic and religious education. AFL for foreigners and/or students who speak arabic as a second language is also offered. Arabic is scheduled once a day, everyday of the week for all grades. Religion/Quran is scheduled 3 times a week.

ISLAMIC STUDIES

This class is part of a sequence of courses per the Kuwait Ministry of Education requirements regarding religious education.

Electives

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I (322)

½ Credit

Computer Applications is designed with the beginner in mind. Starting with keyboarding skills, students will then learn how to utilize Windows XP for accessing and manipulating their files. Exploring Microsoft Word, students will gain valuable experience in preparing résumés, cover letters, and research papers. Using Microsoft Excel, students will learn how to create an electronic spreadsheet to manage numerical data. Students will also be exposed to computer concepts and literacy, which include: parts of a computer, how the CPU works, telecommunications, networking, and ethical/legal issues. Internet browsers and search engines will be discussed, with students gaining important hands-on experience. At the end of the semester, students will create a basic slide presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint. It is recommended that this course be taken as early as possible in upper school course planning.

PAINTING I (651)

½ Credit

Using paints, students will explore technical and stylistic methodology related to specific periods of art trends. The course will focus on color theory and brush applications as they apply to assignments in abstraction and realism. Students will be required to keep a weekly journal.

DRAWING I (602)

½ Credit

This course involves an exploration of drawing techniques and color theory through the use of a variety of drawing materials. Course content will include, but not be limited to, perspective in drawing and drawing from observation. Though most exercises are intended to increase the student’s ability to draw realistically, some abstraction will be included.

INTRODUCTORY COMPOSITION (125)

½ Credit - 1 Semester

This course is a writing laboratory for 9th grade students who are insecure in their basic language skills for their grade and age. To assist in the maturation of their writing, the classwork will include basic grammar review, vocabulary, logical and cohesive planning, the study of some rhetorical methods of proven writers, and the recognition and use of standard written English. The course sequence will be that of a laboratory and will be determined by the individual needs of students. Students are permitted to work on essays for core academic classes in this laboratory setting.

JOURNALISM (180)

1 Credit
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

The School’s newspaper is a student-produced publication. Participants are not only responsible for all stories and editorial duties but must also learn the principles of journalism in the production of no fewer than six newspapers during each academic year. The paper serves the student body, faculty, administration, and alumni, and seeks to make the KAS community aware of important happenings on campus.

PSYCHOLOGY (422)

½ Credit
Prerequisite: Advisor’s permission.

The course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The course provides exposure to psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with psychology. Some of the course topics include history, theory and application, biology of psychology, memory, learning, disorders, emotions, personality, abnormal behavior, and therapy. In addition to nightly reading assignments, students will complete a project each quarter.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (821)

½ Credit
1 semester

Physical education is required of all middle school students. The program’s focus is on improving the physical condition of all students regardless of athletic ability. Students will be shown proper training techniques designed to help students maintain good physical condition throughout their lives. In addition, various skills specific to a number of team and individual sports will also be included in the instruction. Students may also try out for various competitive sports teams in addition to, but not instead of, Physical Education.

* All students are required to complete two credits to satisfy graduation requirements with respect to physical education/fitness.