Curriculum – High School

 

At Smart International School, our High School programme is designed to prepare students for success at university and beyond. We place strong emphasis on developing advanced skills in research, critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration, while encouraging active involvement in both the local and global community.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is fully integrated into our teaching and learning, empowering students to use technology creatively and responsibly as an essential tool for academic achievement and future career success.

Our goal is to ensure that every graduate leaves Smart International School as a confident, independent learner and responsible global citizen, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

Grade 9

English

In ninth grade English emphasis is placed on building vocabulary, exploring the writing process, and improving reading comprehension and written communication skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of literature genres and writing styles both classical and contemporary and will develop writing and analysis skills through practical daily activities. Reading, writing, and grammatical assignments along with team projects are frequent features of ninth grade English and should be expected by all students. Students begin exposure to EST/SAT reading and writing strategies. They will apply those acquired techniques to various types of passage and question this is in support of preparation for the EST/SAT test.

Math

This course uses a standards-based approach to the study of geometry and will contain topics traditional to geometry such as congruence, similarity, area, and volume, as well as a brief introduction to trigonometry. Students will study and apply logic, mathematical reasoning, and justification. Where applicable this program involves aspects of algebra, measurement, probability, and data analysis. Thus, this course involves many rigorous aspects of mathematics. Connections to real-world and cross-curricular applications will be made. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1.

Physical Science

This course is designed to allow students to explore the basic concepts of physical science. It is divided into two parts: chemistry and physics. In the first part, students will be introduced to the basic concepts of matter, atoms, periodic table, the vast of chemical reactions in addition to chemistry of acids and bases. In the second part, students will be introduced to the basic concepts of motion, forces, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Students will be encouraged to explore the relationship between physical science and everyday life.

Ancient History

This course uses a standards based approach to the study of history. The foundation of this course is the development of skills such as reading, writing, study techniques, public speaking, the formation of sound arguments, source and political cartoon analysis, and understanding perspectives. The topics that will be covered will be analyzed through the study of economics, power, geography and culture/religion. The topics include human prehistory, Mesopotamia, Assyria, Persia, Egypt, and Greece.

French / German

The students will continue the work covered in Grade 8, by focusing on oral dialogues. This educational program gives the students the opportunity to express themselves and to practice the language. Our aim is to increase the vocabulary and teach them how to use it when communicating with foreigners. Focuses will include vocabulary and phrases applicable to a number of topics, including “Your Day” leisure time and how to spend it, and aspects of health and medicine.

Algebra 1

Grade 10

English

Communication skills continue to be refined through writing, oral presentations, and practical daily activities. Special emphasis will be given to the writing process, including creative, expressive, and formal writing with particular concentration on the argumentative and expository essays. A variety of literature genres and writing styles with a wide range of literary emphases will be studied. The student can expect frequent reading, writing, and grammatical assignments and plenty of team project work. In addition, EST/SAT Preparation classes are given regularly in grade 10 to help students prepare for this standardized test.

English SAT Prep

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) preparation will occur within the grade 10 English classes.

ACT (American College Test Prep)

standardized test used for U.S. college admissions, similar to the SAT.

Sections:

English (grammar, punctuation, rhetoric)

Math (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics)

Reading (comprehension, analysis)

Science (data interpretation, scientific reasoning)

Optional Writing (essay).

EST Prep

1. Egyptian Scholastic Test (EST)

This is the local alternative to the SAT in Egypt.

It was introduced after the SAT was canceled in Egypt in 2020.

Managed by the Egyptian Ministry of Education with cooperation from an international testing body.

It’s accepted by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education for applying to Egyptian universities (government & private).

Format: Similar to the SAT—mainly English and Math (with critical thinking skills).

Scores are reported to universities inside Egypt, not typically accepted abroad.

Algebra 2

Geometry

This course uses a standards-based approach to the study of Geometry and will contain topics traditional to Geometry such as congruence, similarity, area, and volume, as well as a brief introduction to Trigonometry. Students will study and apply logic, mathematical reasoning, and justification. Where applicable this program involves aspects of Algebra, measurement, probability, and data analysis. Thus, this course involves many rigorous aspects of mathematics. Connections to real-world and cross-curricular applications will be made. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1.

Biology

The Biology course is divided into 3 sections. The first section focuses on human biology, structure, and functions of various systems in the human body. The circulatory system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the urinary system, the nervous system and the reproductive system will be outlined. The second section outlines Molecular Biology which includes: types of cell division (mitosis and meiosis); fundamentals of genetics; Mendel’s experiments and his results and conclusions; deduction of 1st and 2nd laws; monohybrid and dihybrid crosses; and a brief description of nucleic acid, DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. . The third section outlines the development of cell theory, the structure and function of the cell, and cell organelles, including…

World History 1

From Middle Ages to Imperialism This course is a continuation of the skills and topics covered in grade nine. It uses a standards based approach to the study of history. The foundation of this course is a continuation of the development of skills such as reading, writing, study techniques, public speaking, the formulation of sound arguments, source analysis, political cartoon analysis, and understanding perspectives. The topics that will be covered will be analyzed through the study of economics, power, geography and culture/religion. The topics that will be studied are the Byzantine Empire, the middle Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation, Exploration and Expansion, Absolutism, Muslim Empires, East Asia, Revolutions, Enlightenment, and European Imperialism.

French / German

This year‘s book, “Allez, Viens 1”, is considered to be an open door to the francophone world. It permits the students to visit more than 30 French speaking countries. Through this book, students will learn how to read and understand written French, to express themselves grammatically in different situations, and to write letters and articles in French. All this will be taught using audio-visual methods, dialogues, and educative films.

Computer Science

In tenth grade Computer Science, emphasis is placed on building a solid foundation in computational thinking, understanding automated systems, and exploring modern technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Students will learn how these technologies are applied in real-world scenarios and how they influence problem solving and decision-making.

Students will also be introduced to flowcharts and algorithms as tools for planning and visualizing solutions. They will study data validation and verification techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability in computing processes. The use of variables, constants, and basic data types will help them represent and manipulate data effectively.

The course will further explore arrays as a method of storing and managing collections of data. Students will gain an introduction to different types of databases and their applications in organizing and retrieving information.

Grade 11

English

Grade 11 language classes will be geared towards EST/ ACT/ SAT preparation for the students, exclusively covering the writing section that incorporates grammar and essay writing. Moreover, the curriculum designed will dedicate considerable weight to vocabulary building that serves the main purpose of SAT practice, and reinforcement of writing skills in specific academic genres. A variety of literature genres and writing styles with a wide range of literary emphases will be studied. The student can expect frequent reading, writing, and grammatical assignments and plenty of team project work. Our curriculum is aligned to the CCSS.

Algebra 2

This course is designed to assist students to successfully complete what they took in their Algebra 1 course and build on the logical thinking skills and topics learned in Geometry. More advanced skills in algebraic operations, such as linear and quadratic functions and relations, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions, graphing all functions, and sequence and series will be explored along with some trigonometric identities. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of both Algebra 1 and Geometry.

Chemistry

This course consists of three parts. The first part is a general review of matter and its properties, the atomic theory from philosophical idea to scientific theory, the periodic law, chemical bonding, and the kinetic molecular theory of matter. The second part introduces students to Physical Chemistry. Basic concepts of thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium are included, along with the application of these concepts to industry. Some aspects of Nuclear Chemistry, including the stability of atomic nuclei and radioactive decay, are outlined. The third part deals with organic chemistry and the large variety of organic compounds, introducing students to different classes of organic compounds, including natural and synthetic ones.

Pre-calculus

World History 2

from 1800 to Present Day The grade 11 World History class studies the development of human society and culture from the early 1800s until the present looking in multiple ways at how we have developed and changed over time. Various important themes will be addressed over the course of this class such as the role played by: enlightenment principles, nationalism, industrialization, imperialism and empire building, and the evolution of warfare. The students will study these past themes and look at the resulting problems that mankind has had to face. Problems such as: slavery, colonialism, human rights, living and working conditions, the need for political reform, environmental problems, and the potential for mankind to wipe out all life on this Earth. These issues will all be addressed as we look at their causes and how mankind has attempted to change and correct these problems. The class will conclude with a look at some of the problems we face today as a human society, problems such as: pollution, global warming, nuclear proliferation, and overpopulation. We will then explore various possible solutions to these life threatening problems.

French / German

This year students will use the book “Allez, Viens 2”. They will be introduced to different cultures of the world, with a focus on traditions of the French culture in various countries. They will also continue to learn how to express themselves in French by way of interesting, carefully selected lessons designed to increase their ability to read and write and, finally, to communicate in francophone countries.

Business

This introductory course to the world of Business, starts with some basic concepts: exploring different forms of business ownership; studying small businesses in detail; and then taking a peak into different branches of Business. Concepts will be studied such as: types of economic systems, economic performance indicators, types of market competition, different forms of business ownership and their advantages and disadvantages, analysis of the small businesses sector and the pros and cons of smallness and franchising, “Management and Organization”, “Human Resources”, “Marketing”, and creating a marketing plan as a course project.

Grade 12

Description

Grade 12 Students:

  • Students choose a number of subjects from grade 12, students must also take SAT 1 (obligatory) & SAT 2 (optional).
  • The SAT 1 testes represent 60% of the total marks. School diploma represents the other 40%.

All students MUST pass SAT 1 to apply for any university. In order to apply for technical facilities i.e.: Pharmacy, Dentistry, Medicine, Engineering, etc.., students MUST sit for SAT 2.

  • The student can sit for the test at the end of G 10 as practice but test scores are counted for the student starting G 11 & G 12. Best scores obtained are taken for universities of the student’s choice.

English

English 12 is a yearlong required course that will enable students to become skilled readers of wide range of literature, including prose, poetry, and short stories. Students are expected to read and respond to a variety of literature, independently, in group discussion and in writing. All facets of language arts – listening, speaking, reading, writing will be covered. The study of language in use – grammar, mechanics, sentence structure, and usage will be incorporated in this yearlong course as well. Standardized test-taking skills and enrichment activities will also be tackled.

Pre-Calculus

This course is an extension of Algebra 2 with the emphasis on Trigonometry, Limits, and Introductory Calculus topics. All major areas covered in Algebra 2 are reinforced at a greater depth with additional applications, such as Functions and their Graphs, Polynomial and Rational Functions, and Exponential and Logarithmic Functions. Pre-requisite: successful completion of Algebra 2.

Advanced Biology

The Biology course is divided into 4 sections. The first section focuses on human biology, structure, and functions of various systems in the human body. The circulatory system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the urinary system, the nervous system and the reproductive system will be outlined. The second section outlines Molecular Biology which includes: types of cell division (mitosis and meiosis); fundamentals of genetics; Mendel’s experiments and his results and conclusions; deduction of 1st and 2nd laws; monohybrid and dihybrid crosses; and a brief description of nucleic acid, DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. The third section outlines the biochemical reactions in the living cells, photosynthesis, Calven Cycle, electron transport chain, cellular respiration, glycolysis, fermentation, and Krebs cycle. The fourth section outlines the development of cell theory, the structure and function of the cell, and cell organelles, including the interaction of the cell with its environment (Homeostasis and Transport).

Physics

The fundamental principles of physics will be reviewed, including: classical mechanics, applications of Newton’s law, conversation laws, forces, and motion. The course will cover an introduction to electricity and magnetism, the electric field, electric potential, circuits; basic concepts of temperature and thermal equilibrium, heat, and specific heat capacity; basics of wave, sound, light; and Atomic and Nuclear Physics.

Calculus

Economics

This is an introductory course in Economic theory that presents various economic concepts and ideas such as: economic thinking, scarcity, choice, opportunity, cost, exchange, economic systems, Microeconomics, demand, supply, consumers, producers, the price system, equilibrium, saving, investing, stock market, current events nationally and globally, Macroeconomics, unemployment, inflation, poverty, causes, harm created, solutions, and recommendations. Evaluation tools will be used to measure the performance of economies and to compare and rank different nations.

 

French / German

 

For M.A.C. students, Grade 12 is the culmination of many years of studying the beautiful French language. Knowledge of French will enrich their travel experiences not only in France, but also in Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Seychelles, Canada and many African countries. It will help them to appreciate the French culture and also provide a sound base for the study of other Romance languages, such as Spanish, Italian, Romanian, and Portuguese, as well as English: fifty percent of current English vocabulary is derived from French. In Grade 12, students will continue to realize their goal of strengthening their auditory and speaking skills by expanding their vocabulary and their understanding of grammar. This will, in turn, result in greater ease expressing themselves using French in situations such as shopping, asking for directions, reading signs, purchasing train tickets, and ordering from a menu.

 

Art and Design

This course includes the following:
 Drawing and Composition: An introduction to expressive drawing within a variety
of media such as pencil shading, oil pastel and pencil colors. Students also learn the
organization of structural relationships in two-dimensional space.
 Painting: An introduction to the painting materials and techniques of the medium
along with various subjective problems involving form, color and composition.
 Design: The study of the basic design studio problems are investigated – art forms
(such as zentangle, abstract, doodling and patterns), color, balance, pattern and
texture.
 Life Drawing: Drawing and composition from the structure, proportions and
movement of the human model and expressive exercises in a variety of media.
 Work on personal portfolio preparation, if desired. Additional focus will be on
figurative drawings, human body, anatomy art, and portraits in different media.

P.E

This elective physical education course provides students with the opportunity to
participate in physical activities for specific purposes. Options for offering specialized
movement courses can be configured by quarter, by semester, or on a full-year basis.
Students will select areas of concentration to study. Examples of possible choices are:
Dance
Basketball
Soccer
Volleyball
Through this course, students are required to do the following:
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 Demonstrate mastery of movement skills and patterns that apply to the selected
specialized-movement activity.
 Apply movement principles and concepts to skill performance of the selected
specialized-movement activity.
 Achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness.
 Accept responsibility for taking a leadership role as well as demonstrate the
ability to follow in order to accomplish group goals.
 Participate regularly in health-enhancing physical activities that contribute to
personal enjoyment and the attainment and maintenance of their personal
physical activity goal.