Cambridge International
Examinations Course Names & Descriptions
for Move On When Ready Partner Schools
Developed by the Center for the Future of Arizona March 2013
Cambridge Course Names & Descriptions for MOWR Schools Last Updated by CFA on 10/15/2013
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Secondary 1 Courses ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
English Lanuage Arts .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Mathematics .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Science ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5
IGCSE Courses ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
English Language Arts ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Fine Arts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Foreign Language ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Mathematics ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
Science ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Social Studies ........................................................................................................................................................... 22
AS/A Level Courses ...................................................................................................................................................... 24
English Language Arts .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Fine Arts ................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Foreign Language ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
Mathematics ............................................................................................................................................................ 31
Science ..................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Social Studies ........................................................................................................................................................... 38
Cambridge Course Names & Descriptions for MOWR Schools Last Updated by CFA on 10/15/2013
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INTRODUCTION
The Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) has created course names and descriptions for all Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) courses offered through the Arizona Move On When Ready (MOWR) initiative. In addition, CFA has created course names and descriptions for Cambridge Secondary 1 courses for those schools that choose to offer these courses in math, science, and English as precursors to IGCSE courses. CFA developed this resource in response to feedback from MOWR partner schools seeking guidance on course naming and course catalog practices. CFA recommends that MOWR partner schools consider utilizing this resource to standardize Cambridge course names and course descriptions within district/charter network course catalogs and on student transcripts. Consistent statewide practices will facilitate recognition of Cambridge courses for university admissions requirements and credit by examination policies for AS/A level courses. Consistent practices will also support schools in meeting Arizona Department of Education requirements for the Student-Teacher-Course Connection program. Finally, consistent course naming and course description practices will support students and families in making informed decisions about their academic program of study. The course names and descriptions in this resource were developed from Cambridge course syllabi and modeled after Cambridge course descriptions utilized by the Florida Department of Education. All courses are named according to their Cambridge program level and syllabus title. Course descriptions include a Major Concepts/Skills paragraph and a Content Themes and Topics list. All IGCSE and AS/A Level course descriptions were developed directly from the MOWR Cambridge syllabi denoted by the (US) or (BES) code. Depending on the course, the Major Concepts/Skills paragraph includes elements from the syllabus goals and assessment objectives, while the Content Themes and Topics list may include information from both the syllabus assessment objectives and/or defined content. Secondary 1 course descriptions were developed from the introductions and course content topics in each curriculum framework. The curriculum frameworks for Secondary 1 courses may be found here: http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/lowersec/cambridgesecondary1/resources The course syllabi for IGCSE courses may be found here: http://www.cie.org.uk/countries/usa/ncee/lower The course syllabi for AS/A Level courses may be found here (syllabi for AS Level and A Level courses are combined in one document): http://www.cie.org.uk/countries/usa/ncee/upper/index_html CFA recommends that MOWR partner schools name all courses according to their Cambridge program level (Secondary 1, IGCSE, AS Level, or A Level) and exact syllabus title. When necessary, districts or charter networks may add additional clarification after a colon to provide information about courses with multiple mediums (like fine arts courses) or local course distinctions. Examples are provided in the table on the next page.
http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/lowersec/cambridgesecondary1/resourceshttp://www.cie.org.uk/countries/usa/ncee/lowerhttp://www.cie.org.uk/countries/usa/ncee/upper/index_html
Cambridge Course Names & Descriptions for MOWR Schools Last Updated by CFA on 10/15/2013
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Recommended Cambridge Course Naming Convention
Cambridge Program Level Course Naming Convention
Secondary 1 Courses (Typically ages 11-14)
Cambridge Secondary 1 Course Name For Example:
Cambridge Secondary 1 Mathematics
Cambridge Secondary 1 English First Language
IGCSE Courses (Typically ages 14-16)
IGCSE Syllabus Name (I or II): District Clarifier For Example:
IGCSE Biology
IGCSE Mathematics I
IGCSE Spanish I
IGCSE Art & Design: Digital Photography
AS/A Level Courses (Typically ages 16-18)
AS Level Syllabus Name: District Clarifier A Level Syllabus Name: District Clarifier For Example:
AS Level Biology
AS Level Design & Textiles
A Level Mathematics: Pure Mathematics & Mechanics
A Level Music: Piano
Cambridge Course Names & Descriptions for MOWR Schools Last Updated by CFA on 10/15/2013
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SECONDARY 1 COURSES
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
MOWR Course Title: Cambridge Secondary 1 English First Language Secondary 1 Framework: English Curriculum Framework Major Concepts/Skills: The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop thinking and inquiry skills while encouraging intellectual engagement. This course encourages students to become confident, creative, and intellectually engaged, capable of applying literacy skills to respond to a range of information, media, and texts. Students will build a solid foundation for more advanced stages of secondary English courses.
The content themes or topics should include, but not be limited to, the following:
Phonics, spelling, and vocabulary
Grammar and punctuation in reading
Grammar and punctuation in writing
Reading: non-fiction, fiction, and poetry
Writing: non-fiction, fiction, and poetry
Speaking and listening
Thinking skills and intellectual engagement
MOWR Course Title: Cambridge Secondary 1 English Second Language Secondary 1 Framework: English as a Second Language Curriculum Framework Major Concepts/ Skills: The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop thinking and inquiry skills while encouraging intellectual engagement. This course is learning-centered and activity-based and encourages students to engage in high-quality interaction characterized by the active use
