Our Current Cambridge Course offerings:
Core: Global Perspectives and Research
Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives and Research is a skills-based course that prepares learners for positive engagement with our rapidly changing world. Learners broaden their outlook through the critical analysis of – and reflection on – issues of global significance. They will develop unique, transferable skills including research, critical thinking and communication by following an approach to analyzing and evaluating arguments and perspectives called the ‘Critical Path’.
Collaborative skills are enhanced through participation in a team project. The skills gained through study of this course help students to meet the demands of Twenty-First century learning, preparing the transition to higher education and the world of work.
As part of the course learners write a research report on a research question of their choice.
Current Instructors: Scotty Young syoung@pacso.k12.fl.us
Group 1: Mathematics & Science
AS Biology Syllabus 9700 2022-2024
Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination.
The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of biology ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology is ideal for learners who want to study biology or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.
Current Instructor: Rachel Harbour rharbour@pasco.k12.fl.us
AS Chemistry Syllabus 9701 2022-2024
Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination.
The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of chemistry ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry is ideal for learners who want to study chemistry or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.
Current Instructor: Jacqueline Bromley jbromley@pasco.k12.fl.us
AS Environmental Management Syllabus 8291 2022-2024
This AS Level syllabus develops scientific knowledge and understanding of global environmental issues and theories, and of the policies and strategies for managing the environment. The course covers the sustainable use and management of resources, and strategies that aim to protect environments. Learners will interpret and analyse data and do investigative work. Case studies allow teachers to choose their own examples to investigate, which may be local, regional or global.
Although Cambridge International AS Level Environmental Management extends and complements the relevant Cambridge O Level and Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses, learners do not need to have studied the subject before starting the course.
Current Instructor: Meghan Wenrich mwenrich@pasco.k12.fl.us
AS Marine Science Syllabus 9693 2022-2024
Cambridge International AS and A Level Marine Science provides a coherent and stimulating introduction to the science of the marine environment. We recommend that learners starting this course should have completed a course in Cambridge O Level or Cambridge IGCSE in Biology or Marine Science or the equivalent.
The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of ideas to new contexts. It is expected that practical activities will underpin the teaching of the whole course. Science is a practical subject and research suggests that success in future scientific study, or a scientific career, requires good practical skills.
Cambridge International AS and A Level Marine Science can form part of an ideal subject combination for learners who want to study Marine Biology or Environmental Science at university or to follow a career in shipping, fisheries, tourism or aquaculture.
Current Instructor: Cayman Riley criley@pasco.k12.fl.us
About Ms. Riley:
Hello all! My name is Ms. Riley. I teach Biology and AICE Marine Science at Pasco High School. I personally consider AICE Marine Science to be one of the most enriching and exciting classes on campus. But of course, I am a bit biased because I am a certified SCUBA dive master, my degree is in Marine Science – Biology, and I used to work in the marine science field. I have a true passion for the subject and my goal every year is to share as much of my firsthand knowledge with my students as possible. In this class we have 5 units. The first unit is Water in which we discuss states of matter, water’s chemical structure and properties, pH, and differences in salinity, temperature, pressure, and gases. Unit 2 is Earth Processes and where we learn about Earth layers, plate tectonics, weather, erosion, tides, and currents. By Unit 3 we move into Interactions in Marine Ecosystems. In this unit we examine symbiotic relationships, food webs (including energy transfer), photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, respiration, nutrients, and the carbon cycle. Unit 4 is all about Classification and Biodiversity (personally my FAVORITE unit)! This unit includes binomial nomenclature, the types of biodiversity and their importance, organism sampling techniques, as well as the differentiation and structure of organisms classified as phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroalgae, seagrasses, echinoderms, crustaceans, bony fish, and cartilaginous fish. We end off the year in Unit 5, Marine Ecosystems, explaining the difference between the open ocean, tropical coral reefs, rocky shores, sandy shores, and mangrove forests. Over the course of the year, to explore these topics we will complete labs, projects, food models (yes you get to eat them when you’re done!), Play-Doh models, scavenger hunts, 1-2 field trips, and dissections of sharks, perch fish, and sea stars! The class is structured around doing as many hands on and engaging activities as possible. Whether you want to study marine science in college or something else completely unrelated, this is the class for you because you will leave with a better understanding of the ecosystem you live in and interact with here in Florida.
AS Psychology Syllabus 9990 2021-2023
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology is designed to give students an understanding of psychological concepts, theories and research methodology.
The syllabus:
- is suitable for students who have no prior learning in psychology
- engages with four core areas of psychology: biological, cognitive, social and learning
- allows students to deepen their knowledge through a choice of two options at Cambridge International A Level from clinical psychology, consumer psychology, health psychology or organisational psychology
- encourages students to consider the relationships between psychological findings and everyday life.c
Current Instructor: Dawn Wetherby dwetherb@pasco.k12.fl.us
Group 2: Languages
AS & AL English Language Syllabus 9093 2021-2023
Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language provides learners with the opportunity to study English language and its use in communication. Learners will be encouraged to respond critically to a wide variety of texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts, and to promote skills of communication, reading, research and analysis.
Through their study, learners will develop an ability to read and analyse material, gaining further knowledge and understanding of English language features and issues. Learners will also develop the skills of writing clearly, accurately, creatively and effectively for different purposes and audiences.
Current Instructors: Joseph Pless jpless@pasco.k12.fl.us
AS Spanish Language Syllabus 8685 2020-2022
The Cambridge International AS Level Spanish syllabus enables learners to achieve greater fluency, accuracy and confidence in the language as it is spoken and written, and improve their communication skills.
They will learn how to improve their use of Spanish in a variety of situations, understanding how to read texts and other source materials, extract information, initiate conversations and respond to questions both orally and in writing.
Current Instructor: Diana Wigfall dwigfall@pasco.k12.fl.us
Group 3: Arts & Humanities
AS & AL Business Studies Syllabus 9609 2023-2024
The syllabus enables students to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role it plays in society. It encourages students to examine the process of decision-making in a dynamic and changing business environment and to develop critical understanding of business organisations. They learn about business and its environment, human resource management, marketing, operations management and finance and accounting. At Cambridge International A Level, students also learn how to develop a business strategy.
Current Instructor: Tina Marie Rosenow trosenow@pasco.k12.fl.us
About Ms. Rosenow:
I graduated from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI with a double major in Business Administration and Clinical Psychology. From there I worked in human resources, accounting, and even as a corporate trainer. When my family moved to Florida, I decided to share my work experiences teaching students all about business.
I am excited to be teaching AICE International Business. I am currently in my 8th year of teaching business at the high school level and have taught international business for four years. I have enjoyed teaching a variety of other business courses such as Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Digital Information Technology. I hold specialist certifications in Microsoft Office Software and Entrepreneurship Small Business.
Tina Rosenow
AS English Literature Syllabus 9695 2021-2023
In this course, you will engage in a variety of activities such as Socratic Seminars; group projects; presentations, teaching your peers; learning collaboratively and independently; learning the language, form, structure genre, context, style, and interpretation of different genres and texts. This course aims to help you enjoy and appreciate literature and the selected texts, communicate effectively in all forms, as well as learn the connections between reading, writing, and analyzing. The course also reviews how writers use rhetorical devices to create effects and meanings of a piece.
Current Instructor: Irene Salazar isalazar@pasco.k12.fl.us
About Ms. Salazar:
I enjoy walking, jogging, reading, traveling, and watching movies. I have two dogs: Toby and Bucky. I was the recipient of an award as the female senior of the year for having the highest GPA while playing two or more sports at Pasco High School as well as one of the top 10 seniors of my graduating class.
AS Geography Syllabus 9696 2022
The Geography syllabus builds upon skills gained at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level study. Learners widen their knowledge and understanding of the subject while developing their investigative abilities and their evaluation and decision-making skills.
The syllabus is wide-ranging and comprises a variety of options. For example, learners can study topics such as hydrology and fluvial geomorphology, atmosphere and weather, rocks and weathering, population change and settlement dynamics. The syllabus considers a range of environments, from tropical to arid, and learners can also study subjects such as environmental management, global interdependence and economic transition.
Current Instructor: Anthony Webb awebb@pasco.k12.fl.us
AS US History Syllabus 9489 2022-2023
Cambridge International AS and A Level History is a flexible and wide-ranging syllabus covering modern history in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The syllabus builds upon skills gained at Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level and develops lifelong skills including understanding issues and themes within a historical period.
The emphasis is again on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research. Learners develop an understanding of cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference, and use historical evidence as part of their studies. Both at AS and A Level learners can select from topics on European, American or International history.
Teachers choose which periods to focus on, allowing them to build a course that reflects their learners’ interests and staff specialisms, or which is relevant to the local or regional context.
Current Instructor: Ariel McDonald anmcdona@pasco.k12.fl.us
AS Media Studies Syllabus 9607 2021-2023
Cambridge International AS and A Level Media Studies offers learners the chance to develop an understanding and appreciation of the place of media in our everyday lives. The syllabus enables learners to take a hands-on approach to the subject.
Through the coursework components – the Foundation Portfolio for AS Level and the Advanced Portfolio for A Level – they create their own media products from planning through to execution. Learners also consider and analyse examples from existing media, examining production processes and technologies and the effects they achieve.
Current Instructor: James Reynolds jtreynol@pasco.k12.fl.us
AS Sociology Syllabus 9699 2021-2023
In a rapidly changing world, Cambridge International AS and A Level Sociology offers learners the opportunity not only to explore the processes that are shaping current trends, but also to develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies and their continuities with the past.
The study of sociology stimulates awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues, and focuses on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way.
Current Instructor: Dawn Wetherby dwetherb@pasco.k12.fl.us
Group 4: Interdisciplinary & Skills Based Subjects (optional) 2 only
AS Thinking Skills Syllabus 9694 2021-2022
Thinking Skills develops a set of transferable skills, including critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving, that students can apply across a wide range of subjects and complex real world issues.
The syllabus enables students to develop their ability to analyse unfamiliar problems, devise problem solving strategies, and evaluate the diverse ways a problem may be solved. During a Thinking Skills course, students learn to put their personal views aside in favour of examining and evaluating the evidence. Students learn how to make informed and reasoned decisions and construct evidence-based arguments.
These independent thinking skills build confidence and equip students with a toolkit for tackling complex and unfamiliar subjects, essential for successful progression to higher education or into professional employment.
Current Instructor: Ariel McDonald anmcdonal@pasco.k12.fl.us
AS General Paper Syllabus 8021 2022-2024
This syllabus builds learners’ ability to understand and write in English through the study of a broad range of contemporary topics. They will analyse opinions and ideas and learn how to construct an argument. This syllabus develops highly transferrable skills including:
- how to develop arguments and present reasoned explanations
- a wider awareness and knowledge of current issues
- independent reasoning, interpretation and persuasion skills
- the ability to present a point of view clearly and reflect upon those of others
In this course, you will engage in reading and analyzing contemporary texts from the arts to the sciences. You will take part in group projects, presentations, analyzing different texts, collaborating with your peers or independently. You will also learn strategies on how to read a text for comprehension and understanding as well as learn the rhetorical strategies author’s use to create meaning of text and convey messages to the readers.
Current Instructors; William Nelson wknelson@pasco.k12.fl.us Mark Joseph Valdes mvaldez@pasco.k12.fl.us Irene Salazar isalazar@pasco.k12.fl.us
Pre-AICE Spanish
