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AL DIYAFAH HIGH SCHOOL, DUBAI ACADEMIC YEAR 2016-2017 Sixth Form Options Booklet KEY STAGE 5
AL DIYAFAH HIGH SCHOOL, DUBAI
ACADEMIC YEAR
2016-2017
Sixth Form Options Booklet
KEY STAGE 5
Having completed your IGCSE, you are faced with making a number of important decisions regarding
your future. What you decide depends on several factors:
Of the various options available to our students, this booklet concentrates on providing assistance to
those who wish to return to the Sixth Form at Al Diyafah High School, in choosing the subjects that
would help them launch into the careers that are best suited to them. Al Diyafah offers students a
wide range of educational opportunities in a caring and supportive environment preparing them to be
fully equipped to meet the demands of the 21st Century.
AS levels are set out in curriculum blocks to allow students as much
flexibility as possible within the timetable. However the blocks have
been carefully designed to access the right combinations for some
important careers and so as not to limit attainment. Obtain the right
advice from your school’s counsellor, subject teachers and form tutors.
You should also research the entry requirements for universities by
looking on-line or in their prospectuses. Don’t necessarily choose
subjects because they sound like the career you want to follow.
Choose subjects you enjoy and are likely to do well in. Universities and employers value enjoyment,
enthusiasm and achievement. Choose subjects that reflect these values for you.
In the pages that follow you will find a summary of the subject content, the skills required, the
assessment summary and the career options for all examination courses. I hope you will work to choose
an appropriate selection of courses that you will enjoy and be
prepared to work hard in, to give you the best chance of
fulfilling your academic potential and providing you with a firm
educational foundation from which to move on.
Be Wise! Choose Right!
Flavia Castelino
Head of Secondary
FORE WORD
Our aim is to combine excellent academic teaching for AS and A level with a range of sporting,
cultural, social and leadership experience that will equip students for university and their chosen
career. We are committed to provide a smoothed education to allow our students to develop the
ability to become:
… are able to: Optimise their talents to reach
their potential,
Apply knowledge and higher order thinking skills
critically and creatively to pose and approach
complex problems,
Locate, assess and manage information
effectively,
Reflect and evaluate and identify their on-going
learning needs.
… are able to: Self-motivate themselves to take
responsible actions over global issues,
Empathise with others through accepting and
understanding diversity,
Respect our Core Values and the concept of human
Rights,
Contribute actively towards their community.
… are able to: Articulate, reflect and open to
others’ point of view,
Select and use information communication
technology appropriately, responsibly and safely,
Proficiently use academic English, in addition to
being competent in an additional language,
Have the confidence to express themselves and
discuss ideas.
… are able to: Enjoy a healthy, active, and
balanced lifestyle,
Work both independently and collaboratively,
Understand their heritage and are confident in a
variety of cultural and social settings,
Develop a sound personal code of ethics through
which they take responsibility and accept the
consequences of their actions.
INTRODUCTION
Adaptable Lifelong Learners who…
Active Citizens who…
Effective Communicators who…
Resilient Individuals who…
You are approaching an exciting stage in your education; when
your IGCSE exams have been completed. You are now free to focus
on the subjects that particularly interest you. However, the subjects
that you select can have a significant bearing on the direction of your
future education and potential career.
You like it or you find it interesting.
You like the method of assessment and teaching.
You are good at it or you would like to become good at it.
You need it or it might be useful for a possible future career.
It will provide breadth to your studies and keep your options open.
You can develop new skills by doing it.
It will give you satisfaction.
Your aptitude assessment shows that it is a suitable choice for you.
Your friends are doing it.
You think that you should do it, even if you do not want to.
Your parents think that it is a good idea, but you do not.
You know someone who has done it and they say that it is great.
It is thought of as a “cool” subject by most people.
You cannot think of anything else to choose.
You think that it will be easy.
You really like the tutor.
You think that it will impress people.
Praveena Sudheer Head of Sixth form
Why Diyafah?
This is what our students say:
“It’s a friendly, family
environment”
“The teachers motivate us to
stay focused on our work”
“I feel we’re all working
towards the same goal”
“I’m treated like an adult”
“The pastoral care is great –
there is always an open door”
“Teachers are approachable
and willing to help”
“We are expected to work
hard”
“I was made to feel so welcome
and made friends easily”
“Teachers and students work
well together”
Mentoring younger students
has helped me too”
Good reasons for choosing a subject:
Meager reasons to choose a subject:
Sixth Form study is very different from IGCSE, both in terms of the
quantity of material studied and the depth of that study. Gaining the
best grades possible is likely to be most beneficial to you in the long term
and the essential advice is to choose subjects that reflect your interests
and strengths. Use the following points as a guide:
In choosing your option subjects keep in mind both your ability, interest and passion in
particular subjects. The following flow chart emphasizes the main points you should be
considering:
How to choose Subjects
Do you have a particular career in mind? No Yes
Choose the subject that you enjoy the
most
Find out the requirements or preferred
subjects for your chosen career
Do you enjoy and have ability in these
subjects?
Remember it may be
difficult to choose a
scientific course / career
later if you do not have a
scientific back ground at
this stage. Yes! Then tick the check
list
No, then
think again
1. Will my choices limit my opportunities, if I later change my mind?
2. Have I talked over my ideas with my parents and teachers?
3. Am I making choices based on my friends, pressure from parents or because I like or dislike
a particular teacher?
Final Check
COURSE DESCRIPTION
K
E
Y
S
T
A
G
E
5
ACADEMIC YEAR 2016- 2017
ART & DESIGN Subject Code: 9704
Course objective:
The Art & Design course provides students with
opportunities to develop personal responses to ideas,
observations, experiences, environments and cultures in
practical, critical and contextual forms.
Exam Board: C I E
Students will produce practical and critical/contextual work associated
with two or more of the following endorsements: Fine Art, Painting and
related media.
You will be expected to work under your own initiative and be able to
research effectively. You will also be expected to develop your
independent learning skills.
AS candidates take Components 1 and 2 only.
Component 1: Controlled Test Component 2: Coursework
Minimum three weeks
preparatory time +15 hour
Controlled Test
Total marks = 100
A Level weighting: 30%
AS weighting: 60%
Externally set and assessed by
Cambridge.
One project and up to four
sheets of supporting work
(max size A1).
Total marks = 100
A Level weighting: 20%
AS weighting: 40%
Internally assessed by
Centre.
Architect, Animator, Ceramics designer, Fine artist, Furniture
designer, Graphic designer, Illustrator, Product designer, Make-up
artist, Photographer, Printmaker, Production designer, Theatre,
Television, Film Production and many more.
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
ACCOUNTING
Subject Code: 9706
Course objective:
Accounting enables students to apply accounting concepts, principles
and practices. It helps to develop an understanding of the role of
accounting as an information system for monitoring, problem-solving
and decision making and the place of accounting in changing economic,
social and technological environments
Exam Board: C I E
You will be expected to have an enquiring attitude, work
independently and be able to research primary and secondary
evidence effectively. Students must show initiative, self-motivation
and commitment when completing tasks.
AS candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Paper 1 Paper 2
Candidates answer 30 multiple
choice questions on AS topics;
there are 30 marks for this
paper.
30% of total marks
Candidates answer 3
structured questions on
AS topics; there are 90
marks for this paper.
70% of total marks
The Accounting System
Financial Accounting
Financial Reporting and Interpretation
Elements of Managerial Accounting
Association of Certified Chartered Acountants (ACCA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management
Accountant (CMA), Certified Financial Manager (CFM), Certified
Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
Course objective:
The aim of the course is to encourage students to develop: the capacity to
think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically; the skills to
work collaboratively; the ability to apply skills, knowledge and understanding
of ICT in a range of contexts to solve problems; social, legal, ethical and
other considerations on the use of ICT.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Subject Code: 9626
Exam Board: C I E
1. Data, Information, Knowledge and Processing
2. Hardware and Software 3. Monitoring and Control
4. E-safety and Health and Safety 5. The Digital Divide
6. Using Networks 7. Expert Systems 8. Spreadsheets
9. Database and File Concepts 10. Sound and Video Editing
You will be expected to have an enquiring attitude, work under your
own initiative and be able to research and present information in a
suitable manner. You should also have an interest in developing the
knowledge and skills you need to be a competent and informed ICT
user and practitioner.
AS candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 Paper 2
Written Candidates answer
each question in the spaces
provided on the question paper.
Maximum mark: 90
50% of total marks.
Practical A number of tasks
taken on a computer under
controlled conditions.
Candidates must use the most
appropriate software and the
most appropriate methods.
Maximum mark: 110
50% of total marks.
Analyst Programmers, Chief Information Officers, Communications
Trade Workers, Computer Network Professionals, ICT Business and
Systems Analysts, Programmers
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
1. Information Representation 2. Communication and Internet
Technologies 3. Hardware 4. Processor Fundamentals
5. System Software 6. Security, Privacy and Data Integrity
7. Ethics and Ownership 8.Database and Data Modelling
9. Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving 10.Data Representation
10. Programming 11. Software Development
Software development
System software
Security, privacy and data integrity
Ethics and ownership
Database and data modelling
Algorithm design and problem-solving
Data representation
Programming
Software development
You will require good written and verbal communication skills as well as
competency in ICT. You will be expected to have an enquiring attitude, work
under your own initiative and be able to research and present information in a
suitable manner. You should also have an interest in developing the knowledge
and skills you need to be a competent and informed ICT user and practitioner.
Paper 1 Paper 2
Written Candidates answer each
question in the spaces
provided on the question paper.
Maximum mark: 75
50% of total marks.
Written Candidates answer
each question in the spaces
provided on the question paper.
Topics will include those given
in the pre-release material.
Maximum mark: 75
50% of total marks.
Software Development Engineer, Applications Development Manager, Mobile
Applications Developer, Computer Software Engineer, Program Manager-
Computer Software and many other specialized areas like Database
Architect, Security Manager, Performance Engineer, Quality Assurance
Manager
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Subject Code: 9608
Course objective: The aim is to develop computational thinking & an understanding of the main
principles of solving problems using computers; an understanding that every
computer system is made up of subsystems, which in turn consist of further
subsystems & an understanding of the component parts of computer systems and
how they interrelate, including software, data, hardware, communications and people
Exam Board: C I E
BUSINESS STUDIES
Subject Code: 9609
Course objective:
Business Studies encourages candidates to understand and appreciate the
nature and scope of business, and the role of business in society. Students
will be aware that business behaviour can be studied from the perspective of
a range of stakeholders including customer, manager, creditor,
owner/shareholder and employee.
.
Business and its environment
People in Organisations
Marketing
Operations and Project Management
Finance and Accounting
Strategic Management
You will be expected to have an enquiring attitude, work under your
own initiative and be able to research primary and secondary
evidence effectively. Students must show initiative, self-motivation
and commitment when completing practical coursework tasks.
AS candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 Paper 2
Section A: 4 short answer
questions – 20% marks
Section B: Essay on Core
curriculum (1 from a choice of 3
questions)- 20% marks
2 data response questions
60% marks.
Finance, General Business, Health Care Management, Human
Resources, Information Technology Management, Management,
Marketing, Operations Management, Public Relations.
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
Exam Board: C I E
BIOLOGY
Subject Code: 9700
Course objective:
It is designed to help students develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for,
biology including developing an interest in further studies and careers in the
subject. Students will be taught to appreciate how society makes decisions
about biology-related issues and how biology contributes to the success of
the economy and society. They will be expected to develop and demonstrate
a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how
science works and also to develop essential knowledge and understanding of
different areas of biology and how they relate to.
.
The subject content of the syllabus is divided into AS and A2. The A2
section includes a ‘Core’ and an ‘Applications of Biology’ section, both
of which are studied by all A2 candidates.
You will require good written and verbal communication skills. You
will be expected to have an enquiring attitude, work under your own
initiative and be able to research primary and secondary evidence
effectively. You will also have to work as an independent learner and
sometimes as part of a team.
AS candidates take Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3
Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3
Multiple
Choice
40 Marks
AS Structured
Questions
60 Marks
Advanced
practical
skills
40 Marks
Medicine, Clinical Molecular Officer, Pharmacologist, Soil
Scientist.
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
Exam Board: C I E
ECONOMICS
Subject Code: 9708
Course objective:
A sound foundation of economic ideas including an introduction to the price system and
government intervention, international trade and exchange rates, the measurement of
employment and inflation and the causes and consequences of inflation.
Basic Economic Ideas
The Price System and the Theory of the Firm
Government Intervention in the Price System
International Trade
Theory and Measurement in the Macro Economy
Macroeconomic Problems
Macroeconomic Policies
You will need to have a good foundation in Maths and you will require
good written and verbal communication skills. You should have an
interest in current affairs. You should be comfortable working alone or
in a team.
AS candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 Paper 2
30 multiple choice questions
(Core)
40% marks
(a) Data response (Core)
1 question
30% marks
(b) Structured essay (Core)
1 from a choice of 3
30% marks
Finance, General Business, Health Care Management, Human
Resources, Information Technology Management, Management,
Marketing, Operations Management, Public Relations.
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
CHEMISTRY
Subject Code: 9701
Course objective:
The chemistry course promotes an understanding of the chemical and
physical processes that influence chemical reactions.
Physical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
You will require good written and verbal communication skills. You will
be expected to have an enquiring attitude, work under your own
initiative and be able to research primary and secondary evidence
effectively. You will also have to work as an independent learner and
sometimes as part of a team.
AS candidates take Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3
Paper 1 Paper 2
This paper will consist of 40
questions, thirty of the direct
choice type and ten of the
multiple completion type, all
with four options. All questions
will be based on the AS
syllabus. Candidates will answer
all questions. 30% MARKS
This paper will consist of a
variable number of
structured questions of
variable mark value.
50% MARKS
Paper 3 – Advanced
Practical Skills.
20% MARKS.
1. Biochemist 4. Chemist
2. Criminologist 5.Food and Drug Inspector
3. Chemical Analyst 6.Crime Lab Analyst
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
Exam Board: C I E
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Subject Code: 9093
Course objective:
It is designed to develop students’ critical and informed response to
texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts. The interdependent skills of
reading, analysis and research. Effective, creative, accurate and appropriate
communication. A firm foundation for further study of language and
linguistics.
Commentary on use of language in the passage(s), directed writing
task based on the passage(s), Imaginative Writing
(narrative/descriptive), Writing for an Audience
(discursive/argumentative)
You will need to enjoy reading a variety of prose, poetry and drama
text by different authors and from different times. You will require
good written and verbal communication skills and be expected to
study and research independently.
AS candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 Paper 2
Passages
50% marks
Writing/ Composition
50% marks.
Advertising, Assistant Editor, Associate Company Manager, Director
of Publicity, Communication Skill Trainer, Creative Director, Financial
Aid Counselor, Foreign Service, Narrator, News Reporter,
Newspaper, Operations Manager .
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
Exam Board: C I E
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Subject Code: 8291
Course objective:
It is designed to help students gain a knowledge of environmental processes
and the impacts of societies on the environment. The scientific principles
that underpin issues of sustainability and environmental management.
.
The lithosphere or the upper mantle of rock and crust, that forms
the tectonic plates upon which the continents lie. The hydrosphere or
the body of water, present as ice, liquid water or water vapour. The
atmosphere or the gaseous shell outside these two non-living
components. The biosphere or the living organisms that have
established themselves in the other three spheres.
You will require good written and verbal communication skills. You
will be expected to have an enquiring attitude, work under your own
initiative and be able to research primary and secondary evidence
effectively. You will also have to work as an independent learner and
sometimes as part of a team.
AS candidates take Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3. Paper 1- Lithosphere and
atmosphere
Paper 2- Hydrosphere and
biosphere
Section A: short answer
questions based on sets
of data, diagrams or
extracts.
Section B: Candidates
choose one essay question
from a set of three.
80 marks
Section A: short answer questions
based on sets of data, diagrams or
extracts.
Section B: Candidates choose one
essay question from a set of three.
80 marks
Paper 3:Course Work Compulsory
40 marks
Environmental Manager, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability
Manager, Safety Manager………
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
Exam Board: C I E
Course objective:
It is designed to help students to develop their mathematical skills. The course
aims to develop your ability to work independently, your ability to work with
others, and also your awareness of the relevance of mathematics to other
fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general.
Each Mathematics course comprises 6 modules over the 2 years. Core
Mathematics is a compulsory element of the course, and deals with the
fundamentals of the subject – Algebra, Trigonometry, Logarithms,
Calculus, etc.
This is broken into 3 modules in Year 12 [C1 (non-calculator), C2 & S1]
and the other 3 modules in Year 13 [C3, C4, M1/ S2]
You will be expected to work under your own initiative and be able to
research effectively. You will also be expected to develop your
independent learning skills.
AS modules CAN be taken only in May/June – those who are opting
for A-Levels have to repeat the AS modules in Year 13 along with Yr.
13 papers. All examination papers are 1 hour and 30 minutes. All
papers will be marked out of 75
A* will be awarded at A level, but not at AS. The general
principle is that achievement at A2 should be recognised and
so an A* will be awarded to students who achieve a grade A
overall (480 UMS or more) with 90% or more on the
aggregate of the UMS and have 180 UMS or more on the
total of their C3 and C4 units.
Mathematician, Actuary, Statistician, Biologist, Software Engineer,
Computer Systems Analyst, Historian, Sociologist, Industrial
Engineer, Physicist, Parole Officer, Meteorologist, Paralegal
Assistant, Computer Programmer, Motion Picture Editor,
Astronomer
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
Exam Board:
EDEXCEL
MATHEMATICS
Subject Code: 8371/ 9371
Course objective:
It is designed to help students to give a thorough introduction to the study
of Physics and scientific methods and to develop skills and abilities that are
relevant to the safe practice of science and to everyday life.
General Physics
Newtonian Mechanics
Matter
Waves
Electricity
You will require good written and verbal communication skills. You
will be expected to have an enquiring attitude, work under your own
initiative and be able to research primary and secondary evidence
effectively. You will also have to work as an independent learner and
sometimes as part of a team.
AS candidates take Paper 1, Paper 2 & Paper 3. Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
Multiple Choice
40 marks
AS Structured
Questions
60 marks
Advanced
Practical Skills
40 marks
Geophysicist/ Field Seismologist, Higher Education Lecturer,
Medical Physicist, Radiation Protection Practitioner, Research
Scientist, Scientific Laboratory Technician, Astronomer,
Engineer.
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
Exam Board: C I E
PHYSICS
Subject Code: 9702
Course objective:
It is designed to help students develop an interest in and appreciation of
psychology through an exploration of the ways in which psychology is
conducted. This exploration includes:
• a review of 20 important research studies,
• an opportunity to look at the ways in which psychology has been applied..
.
Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology
Physiological Psychology, the Psychology of Individual Differences,
Perspectives, Methodology, Issues and Debates.
Curiosity, an interest in human behaviour, scepticism, a sense of humour,
enjoyment of research, motivation, the ability to work well under your own
initiative, excellent, attendance, strong reading skills.
AS candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 Paper 2
Short-answer and structured
essay questions, based on
Core Studies
Section A: 15 short-answer
questions (60 marks)
Section B: 2 structured essay
questions (20 marks) with a
choice of one core study from
a list of three in each
question.
Structured essay questions
Section A: 1 question on methodology
with a named core study (25 marks)1
question on approaches and
perspectives, and issues and debates,
with a named core study (25 marks)
Section B: 1 question on approaches,
issues and debates (20 marks) related
to a number of core studies, from a
choice of 2 questions.
Criminologist, Sports Psychology, Law, Forensic Psychology, Special
Education Teacher, Industrial Psychology, Addiction Specialist, Clinical
Psychologist, Counsellor …………A knowledge of Psychology would support
the students in any chosen career.
CAREER
OPPORTUNITY
Exam Board: C I E
PSYCHOLOGY
Subject Code: 9698
Wider Key Skills are skills that are commonly needed for success in a range of activities in
education and training, work and life in general. They are:
Working with Others
Improving Own Learning and Performance
Problem Solving
Multitasking
Communication
Applying Knowledge
Emotional Intelligence
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/
www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/resources (Career Planning)
www.careerjet.com (Employment Search Engine)
www.rileyguide.com (Career Exploration)
www.bls.gov (Bureau of Labour Statistics)
www.census.gov (US Census Bureau)
www.acinet.org (Career Exploration)
www.mynextmove.org (Career info site for students)
does.dc.gov (Dept. of Employment Services)
www.skills21.org (Digital Learning Resource)
I hope that this options booklet will help you to decide how to choose your
subjects and has also given you information about life in our Sixth Form. You now need to take the time
to discuss your future choices with your parents, peer students from the Sixth Form, Counsellor and
teachers to help you to make the right choices. We want to give you the best opportunities, support
and guidance so that you can achieve your ambitions and progress successfully to all your future career
choices.
Ms. Praveena Sudheer – Head of Sixth Form - [email protected] 04 2671115 x 240
Ms. Beatrice Sahayaraj – Head of Teaching & Learning - [email protected] – 04 2671115 x 212
Ms. Flavia Castelino – Head of Secondary – [email protected] – 04 2671115 x 243
Ms. Shalini Patrick – Career Counsellor - [email protected] - 04 2671115 x 237
What are the wider Key Skills?
UNIVERSITY RANKING
Careers
Important Contact details:
Reference Websites
