High School Curriculum
The high school program at Yangon Academy offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum using a wide variety of American textbooks and materials. We also use high quality materials and resources from other publishers from around the world, together with the ever-increasing multitude of internet-based options. Topics and processes in English encountered include in-depth discussion and text analysis in world literature, guided practice in writing, grammar, spelling, speaking, and listening techniques, among others. The major elements of study in mathematics focus on the strands of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability, and measurement. Problem-solving tactics and strategies are built-in to the daily work. The science approach is inquiry-based while studying in-depth the content within the disciplines of the biological, chemical, and physical worlds. Social Studies engagement ranges through the important themes and elements of history and geography. Areas of study include ancient civilizations and more current emphases on regional studies – Asian, European, Russian and American. Special subject courses in Art, Music, P.E., and Computer Studies, plus Myanmar Studies are also required. At the upper secondary levels we continue to extend our offering of Advance Placement (AP) exams as the high school grows. These are courses set at the university level and students who make high scores on the externally scored exams often receive university credit for their work. Depending on student interest and teacher qualifications, we intend to put on offer courses such as AP Calculus AB, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Micro- and Macro-Economics, AP Psychology, and perhaps AP Studio Art. Yangon Academy also requires all students, both native and non-native Myanmar, to study Myanmar language and culture. This K-12 program is tailored to the individual levels of students entering the program.
English
Credit: 1.0 - Our curriculum is based on Common Core standards and our Yangon Academy’s Writing Policy. A variety of grade appropriate writing assignments focus on practicing the 6+1 Traits of Writing and utilize MLA citation format. A wide array of literature will be studied and analyzed including books, plays and poetry. Public speaking skills and debating are part of our activities to ensure students become confident and coherent speakers. All students are taught and expected to cite their sources utilizing MLA citation format.
Credit: 1.0 - In the Academic Writing Class, students will be producing a research paper of 2000-2,500 words. They will learn research techniques, formalized writing and correct citations. Other writing assignments will focus on narrative, persuasive, expository and other forms of essential essays based on 6+1 Traits of writing. A writing project will involve producing an individual diary or blog. Students are encouraged to contribute original articles to the Yangon Academy Times Newspaper
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of English 9 Building on Language Arts skills gained in Grade 9, our curriculum continues to be based on Common Core Standards and Yangon Academy’s Writing Policy. In addition to honing their essay writing skills in various forms of writing, students will study research writing skills and produce a 2,500-3,000 word research report using MLA citations and formal writing. To promote critical thinking skills, various forms of literature are also studied along with speech, drama and current affairs.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of English 10 This is a college preparation class. Throughout the year, students will be studying and working on the following: Writing college level essays: narrative, persuasive, expository, literary analysis and descriptive. The 6+1 Traits of writing will be utilized, along with MLA citations. Research techniques will culminate in writing a 4,000-word formal research paper using correct format and MLA citations. Literature will include the study of international writers and how to analyze and close read for meaning and content. There will be Socratic discussions. Grammar and advanced vocabulary are also included in all teaching assignments.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Gr. 11 English This course is designed to prepare students to communicate effectively in the 21st century. Students will explore complex topics by analyzing the rhetoric of both fiction and nonfiction texts from a variety of genres and time periods and learn how to apply what they learn to their own writing. Students will write analytical, argumentative, and narrative essays and strengthen their writing using thoughtful research, revision, editing, and rewriting. In a culminating activity, students will synthesize their knowledge to create a presentation that addresses a specific audience and utilizes a variety of media. This course will also focus on the skills necessary to read primary and secondary sources carefully, to synthesize materials from [these texts] in their own composition, and to cite sources using conventions recommended by the Modern Language Association (MLA).
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of English 10, and English Teacher’s approval AP Language and Composition is an introductory college-level course equivalent to 2 semesters of first year English. This course is designed to prepare students to communicate effectively in the 21st century. Students will explore complex topics by analyzing the rhetoric of both fiction and nonfiction texts from a variety of genres and time periods and learn how to apply what they learn to their own writing. Students will write analytical, argumentative, and narrative essays and strengthen their writing using thoughtful research, revision, editing, and rewriting. In a culminating activity, students will synthesize their knowledge to create a presentation that addresses a specific audience and utilizes a variety of media. This course will also focus on the skills necessary to read primary and secondary sources carefully, to synthesize materials from [these texts] in their own composition, and to cite sources using conventions recommended by the Modern Language Association (MLA)
Social Studies
Credit: 1.0 - Social Studies for 9th graders at Yangon Academy will include the rudimentary historical, political, economic and cultural foundations and developments that all African regions have undergone over the last several millennia, starting with ancient Egypt. Later, particular focus will fall not only on modern inter-African interactions, but African interaction with European and North American societies over the last two centuries. Specifically, colonization and the Atlantic Slave Trade will be explored as vital factors which still impact modern-day Africa in it's march toward economic and political evolution.
Credit: 1.0 - This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the Americas from Columbus to the present-day. Using a number of sources and teaching approaches, the course will be structured in both a chronological and a thematic fashion. Students will also be trained to approach problem-solving methods, and learn to discuss complex regional North, Central, and South American domestic and foreign policy issues in a constructive and persuasive manner.
Credit: 1.0 - Economics is a year-long survey of American and international economic systems covering units on Fundamentals, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International and Personal Finance concepts. Included in the course is a comparison of economic models and graphic analysis. Students will also learn how best to integrate knowledge, understanding, and insights in order to develop applied skills that will help them to orient themselves with greater clarity in the real world of the 21st century. The goal of this course is to prepare students to be effective business people, employees and consumers.
Credit: 1.0 - Students will study human behavior and mental processes through the approaches of the various and divergent schools of psychological thought. Topics of investigation will include such areas as individual development, states of consciousness, learning, memory, intelligence, personality, and psychological disorders.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of World History /the Americas 10 and/or World History /Africa 9 and History Teacher’s approval The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology, while considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field. Students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations throughout the course. They also use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Algebra 2; a successful pass of World History /the Americas 10 and/or World History /Africa 9 and History Teacher’s approval AP Macroeconomics is a first year college-level course. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination. It focuses on the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. It also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Algebra 2; a successful pass of World History /the Americas 10 and/or World History /Africa 9 and History Teacher’s approval AP Microeconomics is a first year college-level course. The focuses is on the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.
Science
Credit: 1.0 - The course takes an integrated science approach discovering aspects of Newton’s Laws of Motion, Heat, Electricity and Magnetism, Chemistry and Chemical Interactions, Earth Science, and Astronomy during the four quarters in the school year. The course integrates unifying science concepts and processes of systems, order & organization, evidence, models & explanations, change, consistency & equilibrium, and form & function. Physical and chemical properties of matter as well as chemical changes will be focused on during this year. Scientific method, laboratory safety and proper equipment usage will be stressed.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Physical Science 9 This is a laboratory-based science class in which students study the cell, biochemistry and energy exchange, chromosomal genetic probabilities, the molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, interdependence of organisms, and organization in living systems. Students utilize the 8 NGSS science and engineering practices throughout the course doing many hands-on activities and investigations.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Biology or Physical Science, and Algebra 1 This science courses focuses on a conceptual understanding of physics. The goal of the course is for students to actively pursue an understanding and appreciation of the laws that govern matter and energy and their interactions. Students will integrate algebraic problem solving skills as they apply the laws of physics to show relationships between physics quantities. Topics to be covered include Distance, Displacement, Speed, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Newton’s three Laws, Momentum and Impulse. Indoor and Outdoor experimentations including projects to be completed individually and in groups may be part of this course.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Biology or Physical Science, and Algebra 1 Topics will include, but are not limited to: the nature of chemistry as a science, atomic structure, electron configuration, the periodic table, chemical formulas and bonding, chemical reactions and equations, states of matter, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, and chemical thermodynamics.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Biology, and Algebra 1 Students will learn about the various scientific concepts, principles, and methodologies of environmental science, while studying the natural world. We will be investigating a variety of topics that are concerning modern environmental awareness and views and performing lab experiments to help understand how scientists master these topics. This course is designed to introduce important environmental issues that are related to global populations. Identification and classification of environmental problems using various technologies, and how they relate to the laws of nature is the fundamental central approach of this course. This course also offers an introduction to a wide variety of disciplines, including geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. The growth of many populations, including humans, and problems related to this growth, and depletion of natural resources are explored. Students will be studying hazardous pollutants introduced into the environment, and their relationship to human health. We will also be using technology to explore how we interact with the environment.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Biology, Algebra 1, and Science Teacher’s approval
AP Biology is an introductory college-level course equivalent to 2 semesters of first year biology with lab. The main goals of AP Biology are for students to integrate essential knowledge among the four big ideas and to utilize the technology, apply the concepts, and design and implement scientific methods in order to gain a working understanding of the dynamic biosphere.
- Big Idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
- Big Idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.
- Big Idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.
- Big Idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interaction possess complex properties.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Biology, Algebra 1, and Science Teacher’s approval AP Environmental Science is an introductory college-level course equivalent to two semesters of first year environmental science with lab. The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-¬made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary. It embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet, there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Biology, Physical Science, Algebra 1, and Science Teacher’s approval AP Chemistry is an introductory college-level course equivalent to two semesters of first year chemistry with lab. Topics to be studied will include such as models of chemical bonding, chemical properties of gases, liquids and solids, and properties of solutions. A strong emphasis is placed on analytical problem solving skills as well as the development of good laboratory practices.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Physics, Algebra 2, and Science Teacher’s approval AP Physics is an introductory college-level course equivalent to two semesters of first year physics with lab. AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, first-year college-level physics course. The focus is on conceptual underpinnings and basic scientific reasoning along with traditional problem-solving aspects of physics. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through experiential lab investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational mechanics); conservation laws (energy, linear and angular momentum), mechanical waves (including sound) and introductory circuits.
Mathematics
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Pre-Algebra This is a first year algebra course in which you will learn to reason symbolically. The key content involves writing, solving, and graphing linear and quadratic equations, including systems of two linear equations in two unknowns. Quadratic equations are solved by factoring, completing the square, graphically, or by application of the quadratic formula. The course also includes study of monomial and polynomial expressions, inequalities, exponents, functions, rational expressions, ratio, and proportion. Algebraic skills are applied in a wide variety of problem-solving situations.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Algebra 1 Geometry is a comprehensive one-year mathematics course that satisfies the high school geometry requirement and prepares students for Algebra 2. Topics covered are Reasoning and Proof, Parallel and Perpendicular Lines, Triangles and Triangle Relationships, Similarity, Right Triangle Trigonometry, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Length and Area of Polygons and Circles, and Surface Area and Volume of Solids.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Algebra 1 Algebra 2 is a comprehensive one-year mathematics course that extends principles learned in Algebra 1 and prepares students for Pre-calculus. In addition to fundamental concepts of algebra, topics covered are Equations and Inequalities, Functions and Graphs, Polynomial and Rational Functions, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Trigonometry and Analytical Trigonometry, and Systems of Equations and Inequalities.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Algebra 2 Pre-calculus is a comprehensive one year advanced mathematics course that prepares students for a calculus course. Topics covered are Functions and their Graphs, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Trigonometric Functions, Analytic Trigonometry, Systems of Equations, Sequences, Series, and Probability. Graphing approaches to problem-solving are emphasized throughout this course, and students learn proficiency in using graphing calculators as tools for problem solving.
Credit: 1.0 - Statistics is a comprehensive one-year course that introduces students to the fundamental concepts of statistics and probability. Topics covered are Summarizing and Graphing Data, Measures of Center and Variation, Probability, Discrete and Normal Probability Distributions, Estimates and Sample Sizes, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation, and Regression Analysis. Students will learn to use calculator functions and computer software to assist them in performing statistical analyses.
Credit: 1.0 - Prerequisite: A successful pass of Pre-calculus and Mathematics Teacher’s approval AP Calculus AB is equivalent to a first year university calculus course. Comprising both differential and Integral calculus, topics covered are limits, derivatives and their applications, anti-derivatives, indefinite integrals, definite integrals, and applications of integration. Students learn to solve calculus problems graphically, algebraically, and verbally, and they also learn to employ technology as part of the analytical process of problem-solving.
Computer Studies
Credit: 0.5 - Students will focus on learning basic to intermediate computer application skills and tools, Internet safety and ethical computer use, including copyright laws. Students will learn and expand on practical uses of the following applications: Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel and Power Point.
Credit: 0.5 - Students will understand important issues of a technology-based society and will exhibit ethical behavior in the use of computer and other technologies. Students will focus on learning advanced computer application skills and tools, Internet safety and ethical computer use, including copyright laws. Students will learn and expand on practical uses of the following applications: Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel and Power Point. Researching in conjunction with the Language Arts teachers will be emphasized during this course. Students will have the opportunity to explore, plan and write simple computer programs by applying fundamental programming concepts using an introductory programming application such as Javascript or Alice.
Credit: 0.5 - Prerequisite: A working knowledge of basic computer operations with Microsoft Windows Computer Aided Design is simply, design and drafting with the aid of a computer. Students will learn the recommended workflow and basic skills required to navigate AutoCAD. Students will learn the features associated with the computer as a drafting/design tool.
Myanmar Studies
Credit: 1.0 - Students will write Essays using 6+1 traits. They will also translate Essays from English to Myanmar. They will also read different writers’ books, articles and biographies.
Credit: 1.0 - In this course, students will write a biography of one the heroes of the country .They will draw a time line of the history of Myanmar. They will write the different type of Essays using 6+1 Traits. They will study the last kingdom of Myanmar, to include watching videos. They will also read various novels, poems and articles to extend their understanding of Myanmar and vocabulary.
Art
Credit: 0.5 - Here the student’s skills will advance from basic art to a more advanced level. The students explore the biographies of Myanmar famous artists, and from other major artists from all over the world. They learn the techniques of the masters for art creation. Also, students explore work in various media such as mixed-media, paper mosaic and egg-shell mosaic. Students continue work in cartoon and comic, illustration, also begin basic steps into interior design drawing and fashion design. Students also have group projects according to the media they choose.
Credit: 0.5 - Interior Design is one of the main art electives for high school. In this course students will understand color concepts, the strategy and propositions for spacing objects, decoration using natural materials, and by doing both group and individual projects. This subject can be extremely useful when students apply to college and university.
Credit: 0.5 - The purpose of this course is to understand and achieve the skills required for basic art form creations, and to appreciate Myanmar art and culture. Students learn step by step how world famous artists paint, and understand art, through discussions and presentations. They also learn how to make portrait drawings, still-life drawings, landscape and seascape drawings step by step. There is also outdoor drawing time occasionally, and discussions according to each of the projects. Work on a project will occur in both individual and teamwork approaches. We also start do some beginning work in Modern Art (such as with mixed-media and comic illustration). In the latter, students create their own cartoon figures. This course helps all students to better understand their environment.
Credit: 0.5 - Mixed Media is one of the latest art approaches using paints, crayons, fabric, leaves, papers and other materials to represent student’s creative ideas. They also get a chance to use recycle products to create a new art form. Even though this media is the basis for Realism Art, there are different creations around the world. This is another of the main electives for high school students. Students show their art creations in school each month. There is an annual art exhibition at the end of the year, including competitions for the best entries. We built self-confidence, trust, teamwork and understanding throughout the course.
Credit: 0.5 - This course is also one of the top elective choices. Some of the students who love comics are willing to join this course. Comic illustration types include Japanese comic (Manga) and other comics from Walt Disney. Comic illustration is also basic step to career entry into fields such as, Computer Animation, Motion Graphic Designer, 3D Animator and CG Artist in the design and the filming industry. For comic illustration, students will get a chance to illustrate their favorite characters of various actors, actresses or animals. Student will understand how to make a story board, summary and background for various scenes and camera angles. This course is highly supportive for a future career in many fields.
Physical Education
Credit: 0.5 - This course will focus on sports, fitness and physical activities. The course will give you the opportunities to learn about fitness activities, different sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, softball drills, games, rules and regulations, and demonstrate a robust sense of physical and emotional happiness.
Credit: 0.5 - This course will focus on sports, fitness and physical activities. Students will develop an understanding of their own fitness levels and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students will participate in various sports, such as basketball, football, volleyball, softball, and other games, while learning the associated rules and regulations of the sport.
Credit: 0.5 - This course will focus on personal fitness, designing a personal fitness program, and sport activities. The course will give you the opportunities to learn about fitness activities, assess fitness level, design a fitness program, participate in different sports such as basketball, football, volleyball and softball drills, games, while learning the associated rules and regulations of the sport.
Music
Credit: 0.5 - This course will focus mainly on music theory. Students will learn rhythm and tempo, music notation, pitch, timing, and key signature. The students will also learn solo singing or singing with a group, with modern songs. In their singing they will learn how to sing the melody clearly, with sustained breath support. They will learn many kinds of song styles as well.
Credit: 0.5 - Grade 10 students will continue their study of music theory. They will also study the biography of various musicians, along with Asian and World traditional songs. Students will continue with solo and group singing. Here they learn to sing traditional songs solo, on pitch and in tempo, with clear diction, proper pronunciation, and appropriate posture. Composing and arranging songs will also be studied.
Credit: 0.5 - In this class the students will learn to play chords (major, minor, sharp, flat), scales, finger picking styles, strumming patterns, guitar TAB and guitar notation. This subject supports students who are interested in playing fluently.
Credit: 0.5 - In the Keyboard class the student will learn how to read music notes, chords (from Yamaha Music Notes ) and beat style. They will also learn repertoire and melody playing. Additional course books include: Yamaha Portable Keyboard Course (Level One and above) and The Older Beginner Piano Course by James Bastien (Level One and above).
Credit: 0.5 - In this class the students will learn vocal technique, sight singing pattern and melodies, music notation, correct postures when singing and performing, plus two and four part harmonies.