College Preparation Program
The College Preparation Program is a sequence of courses that prepares secondary students from Ras Al Khaimah for competitive university study overseas or in the UAE. From Grade 9 through Grade 12, students attend after-school classes, 2-3 days per week in which academic skills are developed including: taking effective lecture notes, locating quality information using online research tools, giving strong oral presentations, writing reports, and actively participating in small group discussions. Academic English language proficiency, especially reading and writing are emphasized. As students progress through the program, they select universities which have programs that match their career interests and prepare to apply. This includes focus on college entrance exams, essay writing, and application submission. During the program, students also participate in extracurricular activities, such as service learning projects and teambuilding exercises for personal development. They are also encouraged to participate in an optional summer overseas study experience during the program following Grade 10 or 11. Consideration for that opportunity is competitive and based on a separate application and availability of funds.
Grade 9 - This course is the first in the sequence that prepares students for competitive university study overseas or in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to developing academic English language, especially in reading and writing, students explore and begin to identify careers of interest and are oriented to higher education systems and the application process. Throughout the year, students use basic computer software programs and online resources to complete class assignments. Extracurricular activities focus on development of local and global citizenship skills.
Grade 10 - This course is the second in the sequence that prepares students for competitive university study overseas or in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to developing academic English language development, especially in reading and writing, students begin to match their career interests with academic programs by searching online and communicating with college admissions representatives and current university students and alumni. Students take the IELTS test which is a common college admission requirement, as a benchmark for future study. Students increasingly use online resources to complete course assignments. Extracurricular activities focus on development of local and global citizenship skills. Students are encouraged to participate in a summer overseas study program after completing Grade 10 to experience university study in another country.
Grade 11 - This course is the third in the sequence that prepares students for competitive university study overseas or in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to developing their academic English language proficiency, especially in reading and writing, students initiate preparation for formal college application submission. They select a major and country in which to study and find out admission requirements and timelines for 3-5 universities. Students retake the IELTS test and take any other remaining required exams. Class assignments give students further opportunity to improve their ability to work in small groups in and outside of class. They also work on using online resources effectively. Extracurricular activities focus on development of local and global citizenship skills. Students are encouraged to participate in a summer overseas study program after completing Grade 10 or 11.
Grade 12 - This course is the final in the sequence that prepares students for competitive university study overseas or in the United Arab Emirates. Students work on completion and submission of 3-5 college applications. This includes developing written responses to essay questions and gathering any remaining required paperwork. In addition, students continue to develop their academic English language proficiency through rigorous report writing using information gathered from a variety of online and print sources. They continue to improve their reading comprehension through in and out-of-class activities. Personal development activities enable students to practice leadership, intercultural awareness, time and other management skills.