| Graduation Requirements |
| English | 4 credits |
| Mathematics | 3 credits |
| Social Studies | 3 credits |
| Science | 3 credits |
| Foreign Language | 3 credits |
| Physical Education | 2 credits |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 2 credits |
| Theory of Knowledge | 1 credit |
| Electives | 5 credits |
| Total | 26 credits * |
| *1 credit = 1 academic year of study |
These requirements are based on four years in attendance at AAS. For students entering AAS after 9th grade with credits from other schools, these credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Grades 9 and 10 are both a continuation from Middle School and the foundation for the final two years. The academic courses in Grades 9 and 10 provide both a broad base and rigorous program in languages, mathematics, science, social studies, technology, the arts and physical education. Students will have opportunities to develop the full range of their skills, both within the classroom and through the variety of activities and community service projects organized for them. Grade 9 students complete a personal project.
In Grades 11 and 12 all students will be working towards the AAS graduation diploma. Students normally take at least 5 IB courses in Grade 11 and Grade 12. Students opting for the most challenging program at AAS take the full IB Diploma. Those choosing this option must take at least three of their courses at IB Higher Level and three at IB Standard Level. They must sit exams in all six subjects and must fulfill an extended essay writing assignment. Details can be found in the AAS program of Studies.
It is important to note that it is not an AAS graduation requirement to also obtain IB Certificates or an IB Diploma. Students are not required to enter any IB examinations at the end of the program or to complete the Extended Essay in order to graduate from high school. However, it is expected that every student will pursue a program of study that allows him or her to realize full academic potential.
Academic Program
The classes a student would take over four years at AAS are as follows:
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
English
(to include reading, writing, listening and oral skills taught in conjunction with literature) | English
(to include reading, writing, listening and oral skills taught in conjunction with literature) | English
(to include reading, writing, listening and oral skills taught in conjunction with literature) | English
(to include reading, writing, listening and oral skills taught in conjunction with literature) |
Mathematics (3 levels)
- Standard
- Higher
- Advanced Higher | Mathematics (3 levels)
- Standard
- Higher
- Advanced Higher | Mathematics (3 levels)
- Math Studies
- Math Methods
- Higher Level | Mathematics
or
Science |
Social Studies
World History | Social Studies
Either 19th Century Developments Or U.S. History | Social Studies
History | History
or Psychology |
Science
Combined Science | Science
Combined Science | Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Systems
Physics | Science
or
a Foreign Language |
| Foreign Language
- Russian (3 levels)
- French (3 levels)
- Spanish (2 levels) | Foreign Language
- Russian (3 levels)
- French (3 levels)
- Spanish (2 levels) | Foreign Language
- Russian (3 levels)
- French (3 levels)
- Spanish (2 levels) | Foreign Languages
optional |
| Physical Education/Health | Physical Education/Health | Theory of Knowledge | Theory of Knowledge |
| Instrumental or Vocal Music | Instrumental or Vocal Music | Electives
Music, PE, Yearbook | Electives
Music, PE, Yearbook |
| Two from - Computer Studies, Art, Drama | Two from - Computer Studies, Art, Drama | | |
All students are individually scheduled and counseled by our IB Coordinator and Counselor who work to ensure proper placement in classes based on past student records, student ability, background and interests. For individuals with mild learning differences, a learning resource specialist is on staff to assist. For students in Grade 9 or Grade 10 who need additional assistance in learning English, an ES Elementary School Specialist is available during the time when the student would normally take French, Russian or Spanish. We have small classes and dedicated teachers with enough preparation time built in to the program to provide additional help to students. Through hard work and teacher assistance, students have maximum opportunity for success in this rigorous program.
Feedback on Student Progress
Teachers and parents are very much in partnership to ensure that students reach their academic potential. AAS has an extensive system of providing feedback to students and parents on progress throughout the year. Teachers and parents can communicate by email or phone at any time to discuss issues and concerns. Our formal system o feedback includes the following:
Report Cards
At the end of each quarter all students receive a report card giving both performance grades and effort grades. The performance grades are awarded on an A to D and F scale with grades decided mainly through criteria within each subject area. These cover the class activities and homework. The effort grades are based on a scale from 1 - 4, with 4 being the highest. At the end of each semester the quarter performance grades are averaged to produce a semester grade. The semester grades appear on the transcript issued by AAS.
Interim Report
Interim Reports are sent during the quarter to inform parents of student progress. These reports comment upon concerns and suggestions that a teacher may have or to report good performance or improvements made. In order to acknowledge receipt of these reports parents are asked to sign and return the hard copy.
Narratives
Once a year each grade receives detailed written reports on performance in the different outcomes for each course and guidance on any areas that could be improved. Grades 9 and 12 receive narratives in November, Grade11 in January, and Grade 10 in April.
Reporting on Progress Towards IB Grades: IB Diploma or Certificate Candidates
Normally teachers grade work to an AAS high school standard. But there are projects, orals, tests and other assignments that are given for practice for the final IB grade or that constitute coursework for IB. Twice a year, students and parents are given a report on how the student is progressing when measured to IB standards as opposed to AAS diploma standards.
Parent Conferences
Two days are set aside after the 1st and 3rd Quarter for parent conference days, by which time grades have been sent out to facilitate home-school communication. Parents or teachers may also initiate parent conferences at other times during the school year as the need arises. Please contact the High School Office to schedule an appointment. We want to work in partnership with parents in order to provide the best possible education for all students. If a parent has a concern related to a specific subject area, he/she should contact the relevant teacher. If the parent and teacher cannot resolve an issue satisfactorily then the parent may contact the Counselor for students in Grades 9 or 10, the IB Coordinator for students in Grades 11 and 12 and if concerns still remain, parents may request a meeting with the Principal.
