The four arithmetic operations are studied and extended to include the use of variables. Calculator work emphasizes rates of change and line graphing. The study of parabolas and exponential growth are applied to science and personal finance. The study of systems, polynomials, and square roots are motivated by applications to the real world.

 

The curriculum includes the study of matter, chemistry, and physics. Scientific process is emphasized as well as the components of analysis and clear, written, elaboration as students engage in activties and labs. Critical and creative thinking is encouraged and a questioning and curious mind is valued.

 

Required reading for this course is Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman, Love's Labours Lost by William Shakespeare, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell, Classical Mythology by Edith Hamilton, Jason and Medea, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. The study of literature focuses on literary elements, author authenticity, imagery, symbolism, Classical literature in contemporary society, biography and autobiography, irony, and personification. Weekly activities emphasize grammar and SAT vocabulary words. Writing activities include a variety of essays, journal and response writing, non-fiction writing, and critique and review writing.

 

Students will learn the meaning of active citizenship through the study of our government and its branches, our Constitution, the political parties, elections, and the legal system. Activities required that encourage good citizenship are weekly discussions of current events, controversial topic presentations, and community service work.

 

The students will continue their work toward achieving natural fluency in French. The four areas of language learning, listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing, are emphasized with a particular emphasis on comprehension and speaking. Students successfully completing this course will receive a high school credit for French I.

 

This proficiency based course emphasizes the four primary areas of foreign language learning: speaking, writing, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. Cultural issues are explored in order to promote cultural awareness. Students successfully completing this course will receive a high school credit for Spanish I.

 

The focus is on a comprehensive understanding of musical style from the Renaissance to the Contemporary period. Students continue their study of music theory and performance on the piano and guitar. A study of blues music including the origin, the instruments, the artists, a comparison of styles, and composition and performance of blues music completes this course.

 

The visual elements of light and form are the focus of the studio work, as students work in photography, pencil/pastel drawing, and painting in assignments related to capturing light of various surfaces and portrait art of periods from the Renaissance to Contemporary. The students are encouraged to consider the question, “What are the physical and expressive qualities of all the elements of art, specifically light?”

 

Students develop skills in blocking, movement, staging, voice, and diction through improvisation, acting out stories, reading and analyzing one-act plays and scenes.

 

Physical activity in the form of team sports, individual sports, rhythms, and health education to promote fitness, wellness, and a healthy lifestyle beyond the classroom. Some of the activities include badminton, strength training, softball, team handball, volleyball, swimming, track and field, tennis, aerobics, dancing, basketball, and flag football.