Overview
Shanghai United International School Wanyuan US High School (USHS) facilitates a developmental curriculum that assists each student achieve his/her full potential. Using subject standards initiated in the United States (e.g. Common Core, Advanced Placement (AP), and Next Generation Science Standards), our curricula prepares our students with strong content knowledge in a broad range of subjects. Our teaching practices provide students with a platform to become independent, critical thinkers, and creative problem-solvers. We expect our students to graduate from SUIS Wanyuan as lifelong learners who are equipped with global competencies, eager to actively participate in our increasingly globalized society, and who positively contribute to make a difference in society.
The Common Core Standards
The US Common Core Standards were drafted by experts and teachers from across the US and are designed to ensure that students are prepared for various entry-level careers, freshman-level college courses, and workforce training programs. The “Core” curriculum refers to the main body of courses that students must complete in order to graduate from our USHS and be prepared for college and/or university. Students will be able to choose from both compulsory and elective courses to fulfil the graduation requirements (see below). A CUG counselor will assist students in making their course selections according to their interests, academic strengths, and career goals to ensure that each student is on the right track for successful admission into college/university programs that will lead to their chosen career. Some courses have prerequisites, which refer to courses that students must take and earn a passing grade for prior to their enrolment in the course.
Elective Courses
The USHS program offers students the flexibility of taking courses according to their interests and preferences while meeting the graduation requirements. A large range of courses are offered by each Department from which students can choose to take as ‘Elective’ courses.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Courses listed as “AP” refer to Advanced Placement college preparatory courses audited by the College Board, an American educational organization situated in New York City. Passing these courses with high marks may earn students college/university credits and will positively impact admissions to college/university. Because AP level subjects are college-level courses covering material in more depth and breadth and at a faster pace, students who wish to enroll in an AP course must adhere to the following criteria:
- The student should have a minimum overall cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 in the particular subject area (e.g. Sciences, Social Sciences, Math, English, etc.)
- The student must meet individual course prerequisites.
- The student must obtain Departmental Approval from the subject department.
- Students taking an AP class are expected to register as school examinee to take the AP examination in May. Students are responsible for the examination fee.
The additional weight for all AP subjects is 1.0 – this added weighting will be reflected in the student’s GPA. For more information about AP courses, please visit: www.collegeboard.org.
Graduation Requirements
A minimum of 22 credits is required for graduation. Specifically, students need to fulfill the following requirements:
- English: 3 credits
- Math: 3 credits
- Science: 3 credits
- Social Studies: 3 credits
- World Languages: 3 credits
- Arts/Drama/Music: 1 credit
- PE/Health: 1 credit
- Additional core courses: 2 credits
- Electives: 3 credits
AP Capstone
AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program from the College Board that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. AP Capstone is built on the foundation of two AP courses – AP seminar and AP research. These courses are designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study experienced in other AP courses.
- Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP seminar and AP research and on four additional AP exams of their choosing receive the AP Capstone Diploma.
- Student who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research but not on four additional AP Exams receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
For more information, please visit: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-capstone
Course Overview
