Beaufort Academy Upper School Course Descriptions

TheMissionof BeaufortAcademy

BeaufortAcademy isanindependent coeducational college preparatory school serving age 2

through 12th

grade. The goal is to instill in students the intellectual curiosity and strength of

character for success in all aspects of their lives. The school is committed to developing the

whole person within the framework of its rigorous academic environment, core values and the

Judeo-Christian tradition. Beaufort Academy seeks to inspire in each student a sense of

responsibility to one’s self, the community, and the environment, so that our students are

positive contributors and leaders in the future.

CoreValues of Beaufort Academy At BeaufortAcademy, students will findthemselvesimmersedin a professionallearning

environment grounded in the foundations ofthe Judeo‐Christian traditions where faculty,

parents, andstudentsstrive toward the embodiment ofthe core valuesofintellect, respect,

integrity, leadership, and pride.

Intellect – Intellectual curiosity is the centerpiece of the capacity to gain knowledge.

Students are exposed to multiple learning styles and gain the confidence to succeed

wherever they go in the future.

Respect – An environment for success should be characterized by respect for one’s

self and others. The faculty and staff reinforce and model the positive impact of

being respectful to others in the classroom and in extracurricular activities.

Integrity – Integrity is synonymous with honesty and fairness. The staff, faculty,

and student body work as a team to help students understand that personal integrity

goes to the core of who they are and what they do. Students through observation and

practice understand that integrity counts in all matters, big and small.

Leadership – Students learn the importance of leadership in classrooms and on

fields, courts, and stages. The curriculum is designed to offer students the

opportunities and tools to identify and develop their unique talents and abilities.

Pride – The school promotes a sense of pride through celebration of personal and

team accomplishments, intellectual achievement, and leadership with a deep

appreciation for the unique teaching and learning potential in all of us.

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UPPERSCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTSANDCLASSPLACEMENT Asacollegepreparatoryschool,itistheschool’sresponsibilitytopreparestudentsintermsofstudyhabi

tsandcriticalthinking skills aswell asfundamentalsofcore academic subjectareas which will be

ofusein collegeandbeyond.Each studentwill be required tocompletea minimum of 20 core

courses while enrolled in the Upper School.Inaddition,a year ofart electives,a semester

ofPublic Speaking,anda year of Physical Education are also required for graduation.

Core courses shouldconsist of:

English—fourcredits

Math—fourcredits, includingAlgebraI, AlgebraII, andGeometry

History—a minimum ofthree credits, including U.S.History and Government &

Economics

Science—aminimum ofthree credits, includingBiology, Chemistry, anda third labclass

Foreignlanguage—a minimumofthreecredits

Fine Arts- a minimum of 1 credit

Physical Education- a minimum of 1 credit (Each sports season counts as a 1/3 of a credit)

Electives such as Computer Coding, Leadership/Public Speaking, Drama, Creative

Writing

Additional credits from either any ofthe core subject areasor anyAP course (e.g. AP

Psychology or APEuropeanHistory)

Eachsemester studentsmustparticipate in five

courses selected from the five core disciplines.

A sixthcourse is expected; coursework may

include additional core courses, noncore courses,

and online courses. Thegeneral intent ofa sixth

courseistosupportthestudent’slearning

experienceandroundouthis or her transcript in

preparationforcollege.

Toenable transfer studentstomeet typical

graduationrequirements, schedules will be

created ona case-by-case basis, determined by

previouscourses takenandany relevant placement

tests.However, due tothe differencesinquality

ofinstruction,curriculum, andcourse

weightingthatexist from schoolto

school,BeaufortAcademy doesnotinclude any

course taken at other institutionsonthe official

transcript,nor willthese courses countin the

computationofthestudent’sGPA.Inaddition,nocoursetakenintheMiddleSchoolat

BeaufortAcademyorelsewherewillappearonthestudent’sUpperSchooltranscript,be

countedtowardUpper School graduationrequirements, norcomputedin the Upper School

student’sGPA.CertaincoursestakeninMiddleSchool,inconjunctionwithgradesreceivedandassessm

ent testing, canbe usedin determining Upper Schoolplacement levels.

English

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BeaufortAcademy requires studentsto participate successfully in fourconsecutive years of

English coursework.With guidance andinstructionfrom faculty, studentsare offered gain

confidence in their role asa writerandtake responsibility forthequality of their compositions.

Thefouryear sequence prepares studentsforcollege levelcourse work while also preparing

themfor college entrance exams.Studentsdemonstrating high intellect, excellent work habits,

and high gradeswillbe encouragedtoenrollinhonorslevel and AdvancedPlacement coursework.

Beaufort Academyimplementsthe Six Traits of Effective Writing.TheSixTraits

areusedschoolwide and students learn to focus on one trait at a time.This systematic approach

gives teachers and students a common vocabulary for talking and thinking about writing. This

framework also allows writers to be more critical of their own work and make improvements in

the quality of their writing. TheSixTraits approachis outlined at the endof this document.

EnglishI, GenreStudies

English Istudentswill delve deeperintoa variety ofliterary styles, authors,andgenres.

Studentswillgain confidence in themselves asreaders, writers, andcreative thinkers.The

focusofthis courseistwo-fold: gain a more advanced understandingofthe various formsand

componentsofliterature andwrite towarda higher level ofacademic writing. Studentswill

readandanalyze shortstories, novellas, novels, drama, poetry, andnonfiction.Studentswillwrite in

a numberofanalytical writing formats; suchas, expository, persuasive, narrative andthesis driven

composition.

Fullyearcourse; typically during the9th

grade year

EnglishII, British Literature

English II students will readandgain insightinto the key texts withinBritish Literature aswell

asestablish anunderstandingofthe key historical events which led toand shapedsome ofthe great

literature thatemerged from the IslandNation.Studentswill read andanalyze Shakespeare,

Chaucer,andmany other classic textswhile alsolooking at more modernpoems andstories.

Studentswill write in a number of analytical andcreative writing formats. In addition,

criticalreadingactivities and vocabulary exercises will provide opportunities for students to

strengthenskillsand act asSATpreparation. Fullyearcourse; typically during the10th

grade year

EnglishIII- American Literature

English III studentswork todiscoverhowwriters have portrayedthe AmericanExperience

throughan extensiveexamination ofclassic andmodernAmerican literature. Studentswill explore

a varietyofliterary styles, authors,and genrestogain greaterconfidence ascritical

readersandanalytical thinkers.Inaddition,students will utilize the 6 Traits of Writing as an

assessment tool to reflect on their own writing and others as well as strengthen reading and

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vocabulary skills for SAT preparation.Fullyearcourse; typically during the11th

grade year

EnglishIII (H), Honors American Literature

English 11honors students will pursueaninterdisciplinary survey ofAmerican literature with a

special emphasisonthe symbiotic relationshipbetween Americanliterature and American history.

Thesurvey begins with works written asearly as the 17th c. andtravels all the way tothe twentieth

century.The coursealsoprepares studentstotake the APEnglish Languageand Compositiontest in

May.Thus, mastering the craft andrapid execution ofanalyticalreading andessay writing

areprimary learning objectives.Thepace ofhonorscourse work is accelerated,andstudentsare

expected toindependently seek andapply feedback throughout the writing process.Inaddition,

there aretests aswell asweeklyvocabulary exercises, quizzes, andSATpreparation.Fullyearcourse;

Spring APExam; typically duringthe11th

grade year

EnglishIV,WorldLiterature

English IV students will delve intoa broadspectrum ofliterature from acrossthe globe.

Studentswillexplore differentculturesthroughliterature andexaminehow eachcountry’s

uniqueideasaboutculture arerepresentedin literature.Studentswill read andanalyzea significant

selection ofpoetry, short stories, plays, andnovels. Studentswillwrite in a numberofanalytical

and creative writingformats. Inaddition, critical readingandwritingactivities and

vocabularyexerciseswill provide opportunities for studentsto strengthen skillsaswell

asSATpreparation.Fullyearcourse; typically during the12th

grade year

Advanced PlacementEnglishIV (AP)

English IVAPstudentswill be challenged by a college-levelcourse with anemphasison analysis

andpreparationfor the AP exam.The studyis bothchronological andthematic, beginningwiththe

earliest writings andprogressing tomodern worldliterature.Thepace ofAP course work is

accelerated, andstudentsare expected toindependentlyseek andapply feedbackthroughoutthe

writing process.Inaddition,studentscomplete a vocabulary review in

conjunctionwithSATpreparation.Entering studentsmusthave a college level commandof analysis

andcomposition skills.Fullyearcourse AP course; Spring Exam; typically duringthe 12th

grade

year

Leadership/PublicSpeaking

The Leadership course provides a pathway to building awareness of effective leadership both in

the school, the community, and the world. Students must assess their own abilities and analyze

their strengths and weaknesses, focusing on what personal characteristics they want to cultivate

and develop. The program will build upon strengthening intrapersonal relationships and

appreciation of what traits determine a successful leader. It provides a foundation for critical life

skills and assists the student to develop oral communication skills through persuasive,

informative, and extemporaneous structures. Students will leave the course with the tools needed

to become a productive leader. Semester course, typically during the 9th

grade.

History

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BeaufortAcademy requires students to successfully pursue three creditsofhistory coursework

including United Stateshistory and United StatesGovernmentandEconomics.With guidance

andinstructionfrom faculty,students gain confidence intheir role ascritical reader

andwriterswhich may alsoassist withSATpreparation.

ModernWorldHistory

Thestudyofworld history continueswith a survey treating the period from the Enlightenment

tothe presentday.Majorthemes ofthe course are revolutionsinscience, technology, politics

andeconomics aswell asthe ideas andideologies thatshapedtheir era andcontinueto influence

ustothis day.During the secondhalfofthe year,studentswill researchanddevelop a significant

topicrelatedtoa clearly defined aspect ofmodernhistory.Instructionin research andwriting

will be provided. Also, studentswill develop criticalreading,thinking, andwriting skillsin

alignment with SATpreparation.

Fullyearcourse; typically during the9th

grade year

UnitedStates Government and Economics

This course provides studentswith anoverview ofmajortopics related tothe study of

Government.Students will explorethe organization, workings andtheory behindcompeting

formsofgovernmentwithanemphasis ondemocracy.The class willalso engage in debates

overcurrent andrelevant issues at the local, state, national, andinternational levels.It is the

expectationthatstudentswhocompletethis course will understandthe importance of being informed

andwill become active participantsin all levels andaspects ofourpolitical system. Inaddition,

students will studymicroandmacro economics, as well asthe history and evolutionofeconomic

thought.Attention will alsobe given topersonal finance andinvesting in order

topreparestudentstomake soundeconomic decisions.

Fullyearcourse; typicallyduring the 10th

grade year

UnitedStates History

United StatesHistory is a college preparation course

thatcovers roughly 500 years ofhistory from the earliest

natives throughthemodernUnited

States.Studentswillstudythe major social, political,

diplomatic, economic, andintellectual

movementsthatshaped our countryandits

citizenstoday.Studentswillpractice critical thinkingskills

andconvey knowledge throughprojects, presentations,class

discussionsandwithin analytical and expository writing.

Fullyearcourse; typically during the11th

grade year

Advanced PlacementUnitedStates History (AP)

Thegoal ofthis course is toprepare the studenttopassthe AP exam with a score of3

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orhigher.Inorder to accomplish this goal, the successfulstudentwill needto have botha

commandofthe factsof United States history, andthe abilitytointerpret the evidence

ofhistoryand communicate their ideasin concise andcoherentessays.Thetime frame

ofthiscourse is from discoverytothe present.Emphasiswillbe placed on major eventsofU.S.

History with special focusonpublic policy, political history, intellectual history, foreign

affairs, andeconomic andsocial development.Fullyearcourse AP course; SpringAPExam;

typically duringthe 11th

grade year

Advanced Placement EuropeanHistory (AP)

ThestudyofEuropeanhistory since 1450 introduces studentstocultural, economic,political,

andsocial developmentsthatplayeda fundamental role in shapingthe world in which they live.

Withoutthis knowledge, they wouldlack the context for understandingthe development of

contemporary institutions, the role ofcontinuityandchange in present-day societyandpolitics,

andthe evolutionofcurrent formsofartistic expressionandintellectual discourse. In addition

toproviding a basic narrative ofevents andmovements, thegoals ofthe AP program in

EuropeanHistory are todevelop (a)anunderstandingofsome ofthe principal themes in

modernEuropeanHistory, (b) anability toanalyze historicalevidence andhistorical

interpretation,and(c)anabilitytoexpresshistorical understandingin writing.Fullyearcourse AP

course; Spring APExam; typically duringthe 12th

grade year

Advanced Placement Psychology (AP)

Thiscourse isa college level courseemploying acollege-leveltext andistaughtin conformity with

the College Board topicsfor the Advanced Placement IntroductoryPsychology Examination.Itis

designed tointroduce studentstothe systematic andscientific studyofthe behavior andmental

process ofhumanbeings andother animals. Studentsare exposedtothe psychological facts,

principles, andphenomenaassociated with psychology.They also learn aboutthe

ethicsattendanttopsychological practice.The coursecovers the following topics: methods,

approachesandhistory ofpsychology asa science,biological basesofbehavior,

sensationandperception, statesof consciousness,learning, cognition, motivation andemotion,

development psychology, personality, testing andindividual differences, abnormalpsychology,

treatment ofpsychology disorder andsocial psychology.Course Objectives:1.Studentswill

prepare todoacceptable work onAP Psychology examination.2.Studentswillstudy the major core

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conceptsandtheories ofpsychology. They will be abletodefine key terms andusethem in their

everyday vocabulary. 3.Studentswilllearnthe basic skills ofpsychological researchandbe able

toapply psychological conceptstotheir ownlives.4.Studentswill develop critical thinking

skills.Fullyearcourse AP course; Spring APExam; typically during the 10th

or 12th

grade year

Math

BeaufortAcademy requires studentsto successfully participate in fourconsecutive years of math

coursework. Theprincipal sequencewill prepare studentsforthe PSAT, SAT and ACT.Students

demonstrating high intellect, excellent work

habits, andhighgrades will be

encouragedtoenrollinAdvancedPlacement

coursework.The focus of each course is not

memorization, but to develop a lasting and

comprehensive understanding of mathematical

concepts. While manipulation and computational

skills are important outcomes, a wide array of

mathematical topics allows students to more fully

investigate and connect mathematical ideas as he/she

encounters progressively complicated topics.

Algebra I

Algebra I buildsuponpre-algebraic concepts and

provides the foundationforhigher level

mathematicsthroughthe

emphasisonproperties,operations, andsolving

equationswithreal numbers necessary to

master concepts ofinequalities,systems ofequations,exponential equations, polynomials, radical

and rational equations.It also introduces relations, graphing and probability. Inaddition,students

will engage withSAT practice questionsandgainstrategytips for SATpreparation.

Fullyearcourse; typicallyduring the 8th

or 9th

grade year

Geometry

Geometry isa yearlong courseemphasizing both plane andsolid geometricapproaches.

Emphasisisalsoplaced ondeductive andinductive

reasoningaswell aslogic. Includedin this course isan

introductiontoright triangle trigonometric concepts.In

addition, studentswillengage withSATpracticequestions

andgainstrategytips for SATpreparation.

Fullyearcourse; typicallyduring the 9th

or10th

grade year Algebra 2

Algebra 2 containsanin-depthstudyoffunctions,patterns, relations,and conceptsofnumber

systems. Thisincludeslinear, quadratic, exponential, absolute value, radical, andrational

functions.Conicsections are also addressed. A handheld graphingcalculator is requiredaspart

ofinstructionandassessment. The TI NSpire CASis strongly recommended.Inaddition,

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studentswill engage in practice questionsand gain strategytips for SAT

preparation.Fullyearcourse; typicallyduring the 10th

or11th

grade year

Pre-Calculus Honors

An emphasisonpolynomial andrational functionscomplementedwith the theory andconcept

building strategies necessary for understandingthe exponential andlogarithmic, circular, and

trigonometric functions.Verbal, analytical, numerical, andgraphical (assisted with graphing

technology) approachestoproblem solving are consistently utilizedtoenhance student

understandingofpre-calculusconcepts.

Fullyearcourse; typicallyduring the 10th

or11th

grade year

Calculus

Thestudent’slearningopportunitieswillenforceconceptstaughtinpreviousmathematics classes.

Students will alsodevelop anunderstandingofthe basic conceptsofintroductorycalculus, such

aslimits, continuity, derivatives andtheir applications,andintegrals.Studentsinthis class will

notbe expectedtotakethe AP calculus test asthe expectationsofthe class are not at the AP level

ofunderstanding.Fullyearcourse; typicallyduring the 11th

or 12th

grade year

Advanced PlacementCalculus AB (AP)

Themain focusofthisclassistoprepare studentstoperform well onthe advancedplacement

calculusexam.Indoingso,thestudent’slearningopportunities willenforceconceptstaughtin

previousmathematics classes aswell asdevelopanunderstandingofthebasic conceptsof

introductorycalculus, suchaslimits, continuity, derivatives andtheir applications,andintegrals.

Fullyearcourse AP course; SpringExam; typically during the 11th

or 12th

grade year

Statistics

Thiscourse provides an elementary introductiontoprobability andstatistics with applications.

Topics include: basic probability models; combinatorics; random variables; discreteand

continuousprobability distributions; statisticalestimationandtesting; confidence intervals; and

anintroductiontolinear regression.

Fullyearcourse; typicallyduring the 11th

or 12th

grade year

Science

BeaufortAcademy requires students to successfully pursuea minimumofthree credits of science

coursework including Biology, Chemistry, anda third lab class.Additional science course

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work ishighly recommendedaswell

aspreferredbymanycolleges. With guidance

andinstruction from faculty, studentsare offered

the opportunitytoexplore complex concepts,

investigate abstract ideas,gain confidence inthe

process ofscientific inquiry, anddevelop

enthusiasm forscienceinnovation.

Biology I

Biology I isanintroductory instructional program

designed forbiology studentsat all ability levels.

Thetext, supportingmaterials, andlabwork

provide the flexibility tomotivate studentsto

inquire aboutthe natural world, look at nature

carefully, andbuildproficiency in critical

thinking, creative thinking,andproblem

solving.Full yearcourse; typically during

the9thgrade year

HonorsBiology

This is anintroductoryinstructional program tailored specifically for biology students whohave

maintaineda90 or aboveaverage in their 8th

grade sciencecourse.Thepace is

acceleratedandassessmentsare designed forthe advancedlearner.Thetext,its supporting materials,

andsignificantlab work will introducestudentstothe nature ofscience.Students will learntousethe

intellectual tools ofinquiry foraskingquestionsaboutthe natural world. Fullyearcourse; typically

during the9th

grade year

Chemistry

Thepurposeofthiscourse is tointroduce andsurvey generalchemistry conceptswithin a

contentofproblem solving, laboratory work, anddescription.The centraltheme is thatthe

propertiesofmatter area consequenceofitsstructure.Principles ofstructure, matter-energy

relationships,the mole concept, thermodynamics, andchemical equilibrium are presented from

the familiartothemore complex.Fullyearcourse; typically during the10th

grade year

Honors Chemistry

Thepurposeofthiscourse is tointroduce andsurvey

generalchemistry concepts within a

contentofproblem solving, laboratory work,

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anddescription. Properties ofmatter andthe

consequence ofitsstructureare the central themes.

Principles ofstructure,matter-energy

relationships,the mole concept, thermodynamics,

andchemical equilibrium are presented from the

familiar tothe more complex.Inthe honors level

coursethe material is taughtat anacceleratedpace

with additional higher-order problem

solvingskills infusedintothe curriculum.

Studentsinthis course are expectedto have

strongmathematical problem solving

skills.Fullyearcourse; typically duringthe 10th

grade year

Marine Science

Marine Scienceis anintroductorylevel course in marine andenvironmental biology.It

familiarizes studentsnotonly with the basic principles ofbiology, butwith the physical sciences

andthe methodsandassumptionsofmodernscience aswell.Labwork exploresandreinforces the

biological principlesandecological implications.The course adoptsa global view ofthe world

oceanwith anemphasis onour local environment.This global andlocal view forcesusto consider

notjustthe organismsliving closest toourownshore, butall ofthose inhabiting the

oneoceanthatsomuchinfluencesourlives.Basic ecological principlesthatgovernthe marine

environmentare explored aswell asthe effectsofhumanactivities onthe marine environment.

Emphasisisplacedonstudentsassessingtheir place within this system andconsidering waysto

reducetheirimpact onthe marine environment.Full yearcourse; typically during the

11th

or12th

gradeyear

Anatomy &Physiology

Anatomy and Physiologyis an

introductorycourse designed for

studentslearning about human structure and

function for the first

time.Thetextbook,supporting materials

andlab work are usedto introduceandclarify

key concepts. Emphasisis

onmaterialrequiredfor entry intomore

advancedcourses.Fullyearcourse;

typicallyduring the

11th

or 12th

grade year

Advanced PlacementBiology (AP)

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TheAPBiology course is designed tobe the equivalentofa college introductory biology course

usually taken by biologymajorsduring their first year.It correlates tothosetopics regularly

coveredin acollege biology coursefor biology majors.It differssignificantly from the usualfirst

high school course in biology with respect tothe kind oftextbook, the range anddepthof

topicscovered, the kind oflaboratory work, andthe amountoftime andeffort required of

students.Fullyearcourse; typicallyduring the 11th

or12th

grade year

Honors Physics

Honorsphysics is designed togive the studenta backgroundin mechanics, heat, waves, light,

electricity, andmagnetism toenable them tocompete at ahigher levelin college.Labwork explores

andreinforcesthe principles ofphysical science andpractical implications.

Physics isa mathbasedscience, andonly thosestudentswilling andable towork at a challenging

level ofmathshouldenroll. Algebra is usedtosolve many physics problems, andall enrolled

shouldbe familiar with basic trigonometry.Successfulcompletionof Pre-calculusis highly

recommended.Fullyearcourse; typicallyduring the 11th

or12th

grade year

ForeignLanguage

BeaufortAcademy requiresthe studyofSpanishforthree consecutive years.Thethree year

sequence ofcourse work, withthe optionforadditional honorslevel work,preparesstudents

forcollegelevel Spanish course work while also priming students for the language

componentof the college admission process. In recent years, faculty increased the time spent

on foundational skills and places a stronger emphasis on communication including

conversation and listening skills. While students demonstrate exceptional fluency at the

honors level, students may explore options to pursue AP Exams in the spring.

SpanishI

Thiscourse introducesstudentstothe basic skills oflistening,reading, grammar, andwriting in

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Spanish.Studentswill be exposed toculture in the Spanish -speaking world through music,

geography, art andhistory.A strongemphasisisplacedondeveloping conversationand listening

skills,andaninteractive approachpromotesmore direct anddaily useofthe language

skills.Fullyearcourse; typically during the9th

grade year

Spanish II

Thisis the secondcourse in the Spanish sequence.SuccessfulcompletionofSpanish Iis a

prerequisite.Inthiscourse, studentswill buildon the basics learnedin the previousyear and develop

a more complexunderstandingofgrammar structures.The course activitieswill require

studentstoincorporate writingin a more developed manner andexpandtheir speaking

skillsthrough greater participationingroupand individual conversational forums.Exposureto

culturalnorms andtraditions inSpanish – speaking communitiesthroughouttheworld will

continueto be woven intoreading andwritinglessons.Fullyearcourse; typically during

the10th

grade year

SpanishIII (CP)

Thiscollege preparatorycourse buildsonthe foundationsofvocabulary, conversation, and grammar

fromSpanish I andII.SuccessfulcompletionofSpanishIIis a prerequisite.By the end ofthiscourse,

studentswill have been introducedtoalmost all verb tenses andmajorgrammar pointsof the

language.One ofthe primarypointsofemphasis willbe communication. Sentences generated bythe

studentswill become more complex throughutilization ofa variety oftenses, subordinate clauses,

andmore extensive vocabulary.Therelationshipof culture to the language is

alsostudied.Fullyearcourse; typically during the11th

grade year

SpanishIII (H)

At the honors level, studentsshouldfeel moreconfidentin their ability touse Spanishbeyond

theschoolpremises.Finalgrades of―B‖ orbetterinlevelsIand II willbeusedasaguidelinefor

considerationofplacement in this course.Spanish III His a prerequisite for SpanishIVH.

Studentswillimprove their ability tolisten, read,write andspeak Spanish.Aswith both preceding

levels, the primaryemphasis will be uponcommunication.Studentswill utilize a

varietyoftensesanda wider vocabulary whengenerating

sentencesand/orcompositions.Fullyearcourse; typically during the11th

grade year

SpanishIV(H)

TheSpanishIVhonors course is anelectedyear oflanguage studyafter the required sequence

ofSpanishI– III.Successfulcompletionofthoseyears is a prerequisite forthiscourse. Students in

thiscourse will have the opportunity todevelop their Spanishlanguage skills toa higher level

ofcompetency thatincludes honing pronunciation,expandingwriting skills andthe study of

Spanishliterature. Students should expect toconverse daily inthe targetlanguage and complete

weekly reading assignments outsideof class.Inaddition, studentswilldemonstrate language

mastery throughteaching younger or less accomplished language learners.Fullyearcourse;

typically during the12th

grade year

Introduction to Latin

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The Introduction to Latin course is an alternative to a fourth year of Spanish. It focuses on the

works of the Roman poet Ovid through his Metamorphosis, which tells the mythological stories

of the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses. The students are introduced to the Latin language

through vocabulary, grammar, culture, and translations of Ovid’s works. Each chapter presents

in-depth etymology – English words which are formed from the Latin vocabulary in that chapter.

Students must translate and analyze the passage within the story, citing the grammar and rich

language of the Roman poet. Enrichment activities such as Roman plays and puppet shows

accompany the program. Full year course: typically during the 12th

grade.

Art Studio Art/Art Appreciation

The StudioArt/ Art Appreciation course provides anin-depthstudyandhands-onapproachof

variousmedia, techniques, and processes in the art class.The course offers twoandthree

dimensional projectsaswell as explorationandconceptual experiences in the Fine Arts.Historical

relevance is included in the courseofstudytoreinforceart’simportanceinthepastandpresent.

Art History

This course introduces the student to the history of world art and architecture from the antiquity

through modern times. It includes the study of materials and production, as well as an

introductionto the often specialized vocabulary related to ancient art. Students will learn to think

and speak critically about visual and textual materials from critical periods in history as well as

about the cultures that produced them.

Digital Journalism

Thepurposeofthiscourse is tointroduce studentstothe productionofa schoolyearbook and

school publications. Studentswillwork together toproduce all aspects ofthe

publications,including copy andcaptionwriting, photographic composition, layoutdesign, peer

editing, deadline preparation,budgeting, marketing, andfundraising.

Computer Coding

The computer coding course is designed to give students an introduction to the

understanding and use of HTML, the language of the World Wide Web, as well as other web

design scripts. Students will create web pages that include images, links, forms, tables and

other HTML elements. Students will also learn how to control the appearance, or display

properties, of web pages, using CSS scripts.Semester course, typically in 9th

grade.

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Creative Writing

Thiscourse isdesigned togive studentsexperience writing ina variety ofgenres, thus learning to

assess their own personal form as well as that of published authors.Students will

discussandlearn the formal techniquesofcreative writingthrough analysis of poetry, essays, and

short fiction.Throughoutthe year, students will discussthe works ofbothpublishedauthors

andthe writings ofthe class participants. Full yearcourse; typicallyduring the 10th

, 11th

or 12th

gradeyear

Dramatic Arts This course will give students an introduction to the creative elements of theater through the

design of scenery, stage lighting and sound, and acting all while preparing and practicing for the

annual school play. Students in this class will have the opportunity to explore and analyze a

variety of productions while engaging in creative work throughout the semester. Students

enrolled in this course, who also participate as actors in the school play, are required to attend

rehearsals outside of this class time.Semester course; typically during the 10th

, 11th

or 12th

grade

year.