HS Arabic Program

Arabic in the HS is taught from level I to International Advanced Level.  Both native and non-native students are grouped in classes based upon their readiness level with the language.  Placement in an Arabic level will be based upon a student’s prior educational experience with Arabic, teacher recommendation and placement test.

Arabic I

Students are introduced to the basic structure of the Arabic language within cultural contexts. They begin to read and write simple texts in Arabic. Students also participate in basic daily conversation, and discover connections with other subjects (geography/politics, fine arts, and math/science). They will be trained to survey Arabic-speaking cultures and their social practices; explore the unique and interesting perspectives, practices, and products of the cultures and develop language-learning strategies to maintain a lifelong interest in the Arab Culture and multiple cultures at home and around the world.

Arabic  II

Students broaden their foundation of the Arabic language within cultural contexts. They continue to read and write in Arabic (simple short stories, letters, magazines, or other real-life texts).  They also discover connections with other subjects (geography/politics, fine arts, and math/science) and examine Arabic-speaking cultures and their social practices and make connections between language and Arabic-speaking cultures. Special emphasis will be on exploring the unique and interesting perspectives, practices, and products of the culture. Students will be trained to expand language-learning strategies to maintain a lifelong interest in Arab Culture and multiple cultures at home and around the world.

Arabic  III

Students continue to develop proficiency in all four language skills and deepen their understanding of Arabic-speaking cultures. Listening and speaking skills are enhanced through conversations on familiar, real-world topics using knowledge of the language to make connections with other subjects (geography/politics, fine arts, and math/science). As they continue to read and write in Arabic (short stories, letters, magazines, or other real-life texts) they will expand their knowledge of Arabic vocabulary and structures. Students will examine Arabic-speaking cultures and their social practices. They will explore the unique and interesting perspectives, practices, and products of the culture through the use of technology, media, and native-language sources. A lifelong interest in world languages and multiple cultures at home and around the world will be maintained through expanding language-learning strategies.

Arabic IV

Emphasis will be on comprehension, improving reading and writing skills, and in-depth review and application of grammatical skills, with the expansion of students’ understanding of the Arabic culture. The goal of this course is to move from a basic level of reading and writing to one of increased fluency. These language skills will be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken authentic material, such material will extend from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts. Technology is integrated within the units of study to reinforce students’ skills and learning.

Arabic V

Emphasis will be on developing writing skills and gaining an insight into Arabic Literature. Students will continue applying grammatical skills in communication and further broaden their vocabulary. They will also participate in dialogues and discussions on different aspects with sufficient accuracy and clarity. These skills will be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken authentic material to enable the student to develop mastery of language skills. Technology is integrated within the units of study to reinforce students’ skills and learning.

Arabic VI

Emphasis will be on refining the language skills and the usage of the Arabic language accurately. To do this the students will need to become familiar with a wide range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures, and exposed to various Arabic literature for analyzing and criticizing. The themes that will be covered in this course include: Individual and society, global issues and social issues, immigration, poetry and literature. Technology is integrated within the units of study to reinforce students’ skills and learning.

AP Endorsed Arabic

Students will be expected to communicate formally and informally in a range of contexts, and to understand a wider range of texts and styles than they can produce themselves. They will also read and respond to a variety of Arabic language written texts including authentic sources, covering different contexts, registers, styles and genres. They will adapt their written Arabic language appropriately for different situations and purposes. Additionally, students will understand and apply the grammatical system, use Arabic accurately to express facts and ideas, and present explanations, opinions, and information in writing. By the end of this course students are expected to take either the AP Endorsed Arabic Exam, or the Edexcel IAS Exam, or both.

International Advanced Level Arabic (IAL)

Students are expected to communicate formally and informally in a range of contexts, and to understand a wider range of texts and styles than they can produce themselves. They will also read and respond to a variety of Arabic language written texts including authentic sources, covering different contexts, registers, styles and genres. They will use the Arabic language to present viewpoints, develop arguments, analyze and evaluate in writing. Also, they will understand and apply the grammatical system in a range of structures in Arabic. Students will study aspects of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of one or more of the Arabic- language countries or communities as well as transferring meaning from English to Arabic. By the end of this course students are expected to take the Edexcel IA2 Exam.

The Arabic International A Level Course at ACS Amman was created in our attempt to emulate an Advanced Placement course which we offer in other languages at ACS. The purpose of these courses is to act as a capstone to our Arabic program. And the external assessment of any capstone course is key to its success. It is also important to note that upon passing Unit 1 and Unit 2 of the exam, the certificate is equivalent to Arabic portion of the Tawjihi exam.