Hollins High School

The Cambridge program is divided into two categories

• Pre-AICE Courses (Honors Weighted) for the 9th & 10th Grade (also called IGCSE)
• AICE Courses for the 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th Grade

Please review our recommendations regarding potential course progressions within the Cambridge Program,

AICE Course Descriptions

Cambridge International -- AICE Art and Design AS and A Level (9704) Grade 11-12

The course stimulates interest, enjoyment and personal enrichment as well as introducing artistic exploration and design thinking. Successful candidates gain lifelong skills.  

Please refer to Cambridge University's website for a full description and syllabus.

Cambridge International – AICE Biology AS and A Level (9700) Grade 11-12

Universities value learners who have a thorough understanding of key concepts in biology, an in-depth knowledge of biology’s most important themes and strong practical skills. Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology help learners develop the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for successful university study. 

Please refer to Cambridge University's website for a full description and syllabus,

Cambridge International – AICE Economics AS and A Level (9708) Grade 11-12

The key concepts which run through the study of economics are set out below. These key concepts can help teachers think about how to approach their teaching in order to encourage learners to make links between topics and develop a deep overall understanding of the subject.  

Please refer to Cambridge University's website for a full description and syllabus,

Cambridge International – AICE English Language AS Level (9093) Grade 11-12

Successful English Language learners develop an understanding and enjoyment of a wide variety of different texts, both written and spoken. They gain pleasure and awareness of how language works in different ways, for different purposes and for different audiences. 

Please refer to Cambridge University's website for a full description and syllabus.

Cambridge International – AICE English Literature A Level (9695) Grade 12

Cambridge International A Level Literature in English requires candidates to answer three compulsory papers and one from a choice of optional papers. The compulsory papers are: Paper 3 Poetry and Prose, Paper 4 Drama, and Paper 5 Shakespeare and other pre-20th Century Texts. The optional papers are: Paper 6 1900 to the Present, Paper 7 Comment and Appreciation, and Component 8 – Coursework. Overall, at A Level candidates are required to study eight set texts, or six set texts plus two unseen texts if Paper 7 Comment and Appreciation is chosen. In each paper candidates answer two questions, each on a different text. Candidates are required to answer questions from a range of poems, prose and plays, with options from the canon of English Literature and modern texts in English. Close study of all the texts chosen is needed in preparation for a choice of essay and passage-based questions. In Paper 5 only, candidates must answer on at least one passage-based question.

Please refer to Cambridge University's website for a full description and syllabus,

Cambridge International -- AICE Global Perspectives AS Level (9239) Grade 11-12

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. Recognizing these perspectives will help to nurture a climate of cross-cultural awareness and promote cultural agility.

Through well-defined stages, called the Critical Path, learners will be encouraged to apply a logical approach to thinking and reasoning. By following this path, they will be able to analyze the structure and context of arguments, assess the impact and limitations of evidence and make well-reasoned judgments. Learners will build skills in organizing and communicating their findings in appropriate multimedia formats.

Please refer to Cambridge University's website for a full description and syllabus.

 Cambridge International – AICE Psychology AS Level (9698) Grade 11-12

This syllabus aims to encourage an interest in and appreciation of psychology through an exploration of the ways in which psychology is conducted. This exploration includes:

• a review of a number of important research studies
• an opportunity to look at the ways in which psychology has been applied
• The syllabus uses a wide variety of assessment techniques that will allow students to show what they know, understand and are able to do. The emphasis is on the development of psychological skills as well as the learning of psychological knowledge.

Please refer to Cambridge University's website for a full description and syllabus.

Cambridge International – AICE Thinking Skills AS and A Level (9694) Grade 11-12

Thinking Skills develops a specific set of intellectual skills, independent of subject content. It reflects the need voiced by universities and employers for more mature and sophisticated ways of thinking. The Thinking Skills syllabus also enables students to approach their other subjects with an improved ability to understand, analyze and resolve problems. As a result, students find the course of great benefit when preparing for higher education and for a wide range of careers, including law, scientific research, social science, journalism, medicine, business, accounting and engineering. As a curriculum subject, Thinking Skills offers students an excellent opportunity to express themselves freely and openly. The Thinking Skills syllabus encourages free and open debate, critical and investigative thinking, and informed and disciplined reasoning.

Please refer to Cambridge University's website for a full description and syllabus.

Cambridge International—AICE US History AS and A Level History (9389) Grade 11-12

Cambridge International AS and A Level History is a flexible and wide-ranging syllabus covering modern history in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The emphasis is again on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research. Learners develop an understanding of cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference, and use historical evidence as part of their studies. At AS learners can select from topics on European, American or International history. At A Level learners can select from topics on European, American, African, Southeast Asian and International history.

Successful candidates gain lifelong skills including:

• assessing different interpretations of an argument
• formulating their own ideas about a subject
• presenting clear and logical arguments
• evaluating historical evidence
• developing an understanding of historical concepts such as cause and effect, similarity and difference and continuity and change

Please refer to Cambridge University's website for a full description and syllabus.

Pre-AICE Course Descriptions

Cambridge IGSCE— First Language (0500) Grade 09-10

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English is designed for learners whose first language is English. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English learners develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively in both speech and writing. They learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.

Learners are also encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.

Please refer to Cambridge University's website for a full description and syllabus.

 

 

Cambridge IGSCE— Mathematics (0580) Grade 09-10

An essential subject for all learners, Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics encourages the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill, and as a basis for more advanced study. The syllabus aims to build learners' confidence by helping them develop a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships, and places a strong emphasis on solving problems and presenting and interpreting results. Learners also gain an understanding of how to communicate and reason using mathematical concepts.

Please refer to Cambridge University's website for a full description and syllabus.