The AEI Common Core (CC) course is an English program meticulously developed to challenge students and cultivate advanced academic English proficiency. CC courses are designed to establish a robust foundation in academic English, preparing students for junior high school. Upon successful completion of the Common Core curriculum, students will possess the requisite competence to transition into our more demanding and academically rigorous PSAT courses.
Common Core (CC) courses are English programs structured in accordance with international educational benchmarks. These courses adhere to the American Common Core standards, ensuring that our students maintain pace with the academic progression of their international counterparts. The Common Core courses are designed to endow your child with a strong command of the English language.
Course Overview
Our CC courses are strategically divided into three levels based on grade and proficiency:
• Common Core Basic (CCB): Grades 3-4
• Common Core 1 (CC1): Grades 4-5
• Common Core 2 (CC2): Grades 5-6
Upon successful completion of CC2, students transition to the PSAT Jr. track within our standardized testing curriculum.
The Five Core Learning Pillars
Each instructional unit consists of approximately 6–8 hours of study, meticulously balanced across five key disciplines
| Core Pillar | Description |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Mastery of high-level academic vocabulary appropriate for middle school and secondary success. |
| Mechanical Mastery | Precision-focused instruction designed to enhance composition through advanced syntax and complex rules. |
| Critical Reading | Skill-building through short passages and targeted exercises focused on evidence, reasoning, and context-based inquiry. |
| Long Reading | Thematic analysis of extended passages, fostering deep comprehension and critical discussion of literary themes. |
| Writing | Multi-genre composition practice, allowing students to apply new vocabulary and grammar in professional academic formats. |
*Students will be assessed through unit vocabulary and grammar tests.
Detailed Component Overview
Vocabulary
Students learn 20–25 new words per unit, focusing on the accumulation of academic vocabulary. We move beyond definitions to ensure students can use these words accurately across various professional and literary contexts. Regular quizzes and exercises ensure long-term retention.
Mechanical Mastery
We focus on the core grammatical concepts essential for sophisticated composition. Students practice these skills through real-time classroom discussions and applied exercises. Progress is measured through unit-specific tests to ensure every student is ready for more complex writing.
Critical Reading
Designed to prepare students for the rigors of middle and high school, this module focuses on the specific question types found in standardized assessments. Students practice identifying the main idea, providing evidence, and tracing logical reasoning within concise paragraphs.
Long Reading
Students engage with longer, more challenging literary passages, often pulled from classic works. We focus on creative thinking and thematic analysis, using open-ended questions to delve into the deeper meanings and rhetorical purposes of the text.
Writing
By studying “mentor texts” (excellent examples of grade-level writing), students learn the art of brainstorming, outlining, and editing. This module provides a structured environment for students to integrate their new academic vocabulary and grammar into original work.
Why Choose the AEI Common Core?
- International Competitiveness: Ensures students keep pace with native-level academic standards.
- Targeted Improvement: An intensive program ideal for students looking to overcome "learning bottlenecks" or accelerate their progress.
- Strategic Preparation: Early mastery of these skills is the best way to ensure high GPA performance in middle school and beyond.
