2020-2021 COURSE CATALOG Vers 1.0 4/23/2020
Academic Information .......................................................................................................................................................................2 Registration ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Dropping/Adding Courses .................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Advanced Placement Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 One Schoolhouse’s Online School for Girls ........................................................................................................................................ 2 Classical and Modern Languages .......................................................................................................................................................3 French .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Latin and Greek ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Spanish ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Mandarin ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 English ...............................................................................................................................................................................................7 History and Social Sciences ................................................................................................................................................................9 Mathematics ................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Information Technology Electives.................................................................................................................................................... 13 Religious Studies ............................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Science ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 16 Signature Programs ......................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Advanced Humanities Institute............................................................................................................................................................ 18 Italian Cultural Studies Program .......................................................................................................................................................... 18 Engineering, Architecture & Design for the Common Good Program ................................................................................................. 18 Leadership Institute in Finance Program ............................................................................................................................................. 19 Visual Arts ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Performing Arts ............................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Music.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Theatre ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Dance ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Communications and Publications................................................................................................................................................... 23 Physical Education, Health and Wellness ......................................................................................................................................... 23 College Counseling .......................................................................................................................................................................... 24
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Academic Information School of the Holy Child, a college preparatory high school, is registered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) as a secondary school for girls. Holy Child offers a college preparatory diploma. All courses are college preparatory courses. Registration Students register during the second semester for the coming year. The elective courses listed in the course catalog may be changed or cancelled at the discretion of each department, or dependent on enrollment or scheduling limitations. All electives are not offered each semester. Courses marked with an asterisk require approval of current teacher and/or department chair during the registration process. Dropping/Adding Courses The deadline for dropping/adding a course is two weeks after the beginning of a course. The drop/add period for an AP course may be longer. Any student who wishes to drop or add a course must reach out via email to the Dean of Student Academic Affairs for approval. All requested changes are dependent upon schedule compatibility. Advanced Placement Overview School of the Holy Child offers Advanced Placement (AP) in many disciplines. An AP course is designed to be at the level of a freshman level college class. Every AP course at Holy Child is audited and approved by the College Board and follows a College Board certified syllabus. These classes require diligent students to complete extensive reading, writing, and research requirements. To enroll, students must have the approval of the current teacher in the discipline and/or Department Chair. Students are required to sit for the May exam if they have signed up to take an AP course. Recommendations for AP Courses are made after discussions with faculty, Department Chairs, and careful review of each student’s progress. These recommendations are based on the following criteria: 1. Maintaining a final grade of 90% or higher each semester and on the Cumulative Exam if applicable 2. Teacher recommendation 3. A consistent, engaged work ethic in the subject area 4. A passion and desire to study a particular discipline 5. Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills 6. Consideration of overall course load While Holy Child does not limit the number of AP classes a student may take, we do stress the importance of a balanced academic life. We encourage students to take on the most challenging course load, while still being able to achieve and maintain success. One Schoolhouse’s Online School for Girls In addition to Holy Child’s course requirements, students in grades eleven and twelve may also elect to enroll in classes through One Schoolhouse’s Online School for Girls (OSG). The Online School for Girls provides an exceptional all-girls educational experience by connecting girls worldwide through relevant and engaging coursework in a dynamic online learning community. Course descriptions can be found at: https://www.oneschoolhouse.org/for-students.html Students interested in enrolling in OSG courses must have approval from the Dean of Student Academic Affairs.
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Classical and Modern Languages French French I Prerequisite: none This course develops the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as introducing students to the culture of French-speaking countries. It is designed for students with little or no experience with the French language. As much as possible, classes are conducted in French. The student is introduced to elementary conversation, pronunciation and vocabulary, as well as basic grammatical structures. French II Prerequisite: French I or placement testing The second year course is a continuation of French I, developing the skills of listening and speaking, while promoting reading and writing skills more prominently. The culture of French-speaking countries is studied in greater depth. As much as possible, classes are conducted in French. New tenses and grammatical structures are introduced, as well as more detailed vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. French III Prerequisite: French II or placement testing This course is designed to review skills learned in French I and French II and study new grammatical structures including the subjunctive mood and compound tenses. Students are required to apply and manipulate language in more depth. There is greater emphasis on composition, oral ability and expanding vocabulary. Selected literary excerpts provide additional practice and stimulus for discussion. French IV * Prerequisite: French III or equivalent knowledge French IV aims to perfect the student’s mastery of French skills through an extensive review emphasizing the application of grammar. Readings include short stories by well-known French authors. Oral fluency is attained through in-class discussion of literature, current events and the construction of stories based on a sequence of pictures. Newspaper and magazine articles and short literary passages aid with students’ comprehension of the written language. Compositions on a variety of subjects, incorporating the key elements studied, are submitted regularly. This class is conducted exclusively in French. Students may be encouraged to take the French SAT Subject Test concurrently or upon completion of this course. French V * Prerequisite: French IV This course is designed to be an alternative to AP French Language. The class includes discussion of themes of interest to young people, as well as current events, based upon readings from newspaper and magazine articles, and listening to news on French television as well as podcasts. French culture, poetry, literature, and dramatists, painters and musicians, as well as French cinema, are studied. One major piece of literature will be read. The class is conducted exclusively in French. Students may be encouraged to take the French SAT Subject Test concurrently or upon completion of this course. AP French Language and Culture * Prerequisite: French V with minimum A-, or equivalent knowledge This is a college level course. The class is conducted exclusively in French. There will be a systematic review of grammar along with regular writing assignments. The students will read a complete work of literature as well as a number of shorter works and magazine articles. Audio materials will be used to prepare students for the AP exam. The student’s oral skills will be developed through daily discussions of topics and stories. Students may be encouraged to take the French SAT Subject Test concurrently or upon completion of this course.
Latin and Greek Latin I Prerequisite: none Latin I is an introductory course geared toward achieving reading ability in the language. Selected readings from the textbook and from outside sources concentrate on Roman mythology, lifestyle and culture and are designed to develop an understanding of the influence of these on the language. The basic grammar, learned as a tool for translating Latin, helps the student in her understanding of English grammar. The study of word derivation from Latin increases the student’s knowledge of English vocabulary. *Current teacher and/or department chair approval required 3
Latin II Prerequisite: Latin I or placement testing Latin II is a continuation of the foundation studies in grammar, syntax, vocabulary and style begun in Latin I. Roman mythology and history (which provide background material for topics covered in other literature, language and history courses) are studied. By the spring, the students are beginning to translate Roman authors. Latin III Prerequisite: Latin II or placement testing The Latin III curriculum provides students with an overview of Latin authors. The students translate and analyze selections from Cicero’s letters, orations and philosophica, Pliny’s letters, and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Through exposure to the works of these authors, the student gains insight into the political, social and economic situation of the times. Latin IV * Prerequisite: Latin III or placement testing Now that the student has mastered most grammatical structures and possesses a strong vocabulary, she is able to proceed to Latin IV. Fourth year Latin is primarily devoted to reading major portions of Virgil’s Aeneid. By doing research projects, including an essay presenting a feminist critique of Virgil’s treatment of women, primarily Dido, in the Aeneid. Attention is also given to the art, architecture, politics of the time as well as Virgil’s influence on English literature. Latin V * Prerequisite: Latin IV or equivalent knowledge This class is conducted on a tutorial basis with two to three meetings a week. The decline and fall of the Roman Republic is studied with intensive readings of Cicero and Sallust in Latin. The spring semester is more flexible, with advanced readings of the Latin poets or Latin Stoic philosophy. Introduction to Classical Greek * Prerequisite: Latin I or equivalent knowledge This class is conducted on a tutorial basis with two to three meetings a week. Introduction to Greek employs an excellent text, Athenaze, which enables the student to read fairly complex and interesting stories from the first days of the class. By the spring semester, the student is in a position to read some selections from the original text of the Odyssey.
Spanish Spanish I
Prerequisite: none This course is designed for students who have had little or no experience in Spanish. Spanish I lays the foundation for the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The student is introduced to elementary conversation, pronunciation and vocabulary, as well as basic grammar structures. The groundwork is also laid for a study of Hispanic culture. Spanish II Prerequisite: Spanish I or placement testing This course continues to build on the foundation laid in Spanish I. Basic points of grammar are refined and new points are introduced. Increased emphasis is placed on conversation and comprehension as the class is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. New grammatical topics include the imperfect, future and conditional, as well as a review of the perfect tense. Spanish III Prerequisite: Spanish II or placement testing Spanish III is designed to review and reinforce the skills learned in Spanish I and Spanish II. New topics include compound tenses, commands, the present and imperfect subjunctive, and their uses. There is greater emphasis on composition, oral ability and expanding vocabulary. Throughout the year selected literary excerpts provide additional practice and stimulus for discussion.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required 4
Spanish IV * Prerequisite: Spanish III or equivalent knowledge Spanish IV aims to perfect the student’s mastery of Spanish through an extensive grammar review emphasizing its usage in context. Readings include short stories by well-known Spanish and Latin American authors. Oral fluency is attained through class discussion of literature, current events and constructing stories based on a sequence of pictures. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish. Newspaper and magazine articles and short literary passages aid students’ comprehension of the written language. Students may be encouraged to take the Spanish SAT Subject Test concurrently or upon completion of this course. Spanish V *
Prerequisite: Spanish IV, Completion of AP Spanish Language and Culture, or equivalent knowledge This course is designed to be an alternative to the AP Spanish Language and Culture course. The class includes discussion of themes of interest to young people, as well as current events, based upon readings from newspaper and magazine articles, and listening to news on Spanish television as well as podcasts. Spanish and Latin American poetry, literature, dramatists, painters, musicians and cinema are studied. AP Spanish Language and Culture *
Prerequisite: Spanish IV, Completion of Spanish Conversation and Composition with minimum A-, or equivalent knowledge AP Spanish is a college level course, which prepares students to take the College Board Advanced Placement examination. This course, which is taught entirely in Spanish, includes an extensive grammar review, study of idiomatic Spanish and an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. Readings include an anthology of short stories by contemporary Spanish and Latin American authors, which are analyzed and discussed in class. The students further develop awareness and appreciation of products, both tangible and intangible; practices; and perspectives. Students complete essays and directed oral responses on a weekly basis. Students may be encouraged to take the Spanish SAT Subject Test concurrently or upon completion of this course. AP Spanish Literature and Culture * Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language and Culture The AP Spanish Literature and Culture Course is an introductory course to formal study of most representative Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and U.S Hispanic literature written in Spanish. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish, and students are required to speak only in Spanish in order to strengthen their three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational) at a more advanced language level. Students are provided full texts of each literary work and additional readings in Spanish. Students are taught the techniques of literary analysis (essays, prose, poetry, and drama), works and literary trends, as well as literary theory, and criticism. In particular students are encouraged and expected to develop critical thinking through literary analysis, textual and text analysis (short answers and essays), art comparison, thematic comparisons on the required reading list and non required readings in class discussions, essays, oral presentations, and listening comprehension.
Mandarin Mandarin III Prerequisite: Mandarin II or placement testing This course will strengthen listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in the Chinese language. Students will increase their vocabulary and bolster their knowledge of grammatical structures. Emphasis will be on longer sentence structure, real-life conversation and reading comprehension. Selected poems and idioms will be studied in order to introduce Chinese literature and literacy into the classroom. Chinese geography, history, and culture will also be discussed. Mandarin IV * Prerequisite: Mandarin III or equivalent knowledge This course is designed to further develop oral and reading skills to communicate in a Chinese speaking environment. Students will increase vocabulary and extend grammatical structures. Throughout the year, there will be a systematic review of grammar and vocabulary along with regular writing assignments. The emphasis will be on real-life conversation and literature. The class will be conducted mostly in Mandarin.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 5
Mandarin V * Prerequisite: Mandarin IV or equivalent knowledge This course is designed to further develop oral and reading skills to communicate in a Chinese speaking environment. Students will increase vocabulary and extend grammatical structures. Throughout the year, there will be a systematic review of grammar and vocabulary along with regular writing assignments. The emphasis will be on real-life conversation and literature. The class will be conducted almost exclusively in Mandarin. Students may be encouraged to take the Mandarin SAT Subject Test concurrently or upon completion of this course. AP Chinese Language and Culture * Prerequisite: Mandarin IV or equivalent knowledge This course is designed to be comparable to fourth semester (or equivalent) college/university courses in Mandarin Chinese. These courses, which deepen students’ immersion into the language and culture of the Chinese-speaking world, typically represent the point at which students complete approximately 250 hours of college-level classroom instruction. Developing students’ awareness and appreciation of the elements of the culture of Chinese-speaking people is a pervasive theme throughout course. The course engages students in an exploration of both contemporary and historical Chinese culture. Because the course interweaves language and culture learning, this exploration occurs in Chinese.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 6
English English 9: Introduction to World Literature The ninth grade English course, a survey of world literature, allows students to explore an array of texts and genres that transcend generations, races, classes, and cultures. This course encourages our students’ analytical thinking to focus on the numerous factors that can impact the journey from childhood to adolescence, and adolescence to adulthood. Students will present their learning through public speaking, essays, debates, and innovative projects. This course will strengthen scholars’ critical reading skills, active writing abilities, and interpersonal competencies. In addition to selected stories and poems, the major texts studied this year will be: In the Time of the Butterflies, The Odyssey, Persepolis, The Merchant of Venice, and Things Fall Apart. In addition to literary analysis, this course provides instruction in the form of the essay and usage, mechanics, and grammar in context. English 10: World Anglophone I English 10 is the first in a two-year sequence based on chronological explorations of English-language literature that allows us to examine post-coloniality, race, gender, class, and identity in a global framework. Among the texts studied are The Tempest and Jane Eyre, which provide insight into British culture and themes before we transfer to the New World with texts such as Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. A study of poetry will be interspersed throughout the year, as we will examine major forms and movements, from sonnets and Romantic poetry to free verse. To help us become better readers and writers, we will engage actively with this literature on a regular basis through a range of writing-to-learn techniques as well as through the drafting and revision of formal and informal pieces. Finally, we will select unfamiliar words from the readings to develop our vocabulary and study grammatical concepts, such as phrases and clauses that will enrich our writing on the sentence level. English 11: World Anglophone II AP English Language and Composition may be substituted English 11 is the second year of a two-year sequence exploring the development of English language literature throughout the world. As in Grade 10, this course examines post-coloniality, race, gender, class, and identity in a global framework. Readings will begin with a look at some of the foundational texts of English literature, The Canterbury Tales and Paradise Lost. As the curriculum shifts to the New World, the course texts focus on the mid to late 19 th and early 20th centuries with pivotal works of American literature such as, The Scarlet Letter and authors such as Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Henry David Thoreau, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The course concludes with an exploration of race and justice with the works Native Son and Beloved. Students will practice close reading and interpretation as well as analytical writing. We will study each text for the rhetorical and literary devices that writers used and focus on preparing students for grammatical topics covered on standardized tests. *AP English Language and Composition AP English Language and Composition is a course designed to engage students in the examination of a writer's purpose in accordance with the writer's use of rhetoric. Through their reading and writing, students are made aware of the interactions among a writer's purposes, audience expectations, and subjects. Students write in a variety of modes, thereby developing a sense of personal style and an ability to analyze and articulate how the resources of language operate in any given text. The rhetoric of visual media, such as photographs, films, and advertisements, is also studied. The course will emphasize the critical reading of various prose styles and require students to prepare a variety of essays, including narration, description, definition, synthesis, and argument/persuasion. They will learn how to link technique and meaning into well-organized, supported, logical responses to complex texts. In May, all students will sit for the AP English Language and Composition exam. PREREQUISITE: Department Chair approval.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 7
English 12: Students select one of these two courses to satisfy their full year English course requirement. Journey from Darkness into Light AP English Literature may be substituted This course will focus on the theme of journeys, particularly of the self through one’s own character. Special focus will be on enlightenment journeys concerning sin and redemption, good and evil, selfishness and selflessness, self-awareness, ignorance and enlightenment. The class will take a chronological approach to authors’ works that emphasize narratives of journey both physical and internal. The works feature both internal and external struggles to discover what it means to be a person in the world, in a specific country, culture, and/or time period. Some of the main characters are heroes, some anti-heroes; some find peace and resolution, others do not; some fit a strict cultural profile, maybe a stereotype, others do not. Possible works are Epic of Gilgamesh, Divine Comedy-Inferno, Everyman, Siddhartha, JB, books from the Bible, The Power and the Glory, Joy Luck Club, grail legend stories, and short stories by Flannery O’Connor, Philip Roth, and Joan Didion. Philosophy in Literature and Film AP English Literature may be substituted This course will be an introduction to the central questions of philosophy, approached through literary works and films instead of traditional philosophical texts. The basic goal of this course is to teach students how to engage with text — in our case, poems, plays, novels, and films — philosophically, that is, to instill in them a sense of art as a site of philosophical reflection and discovery. Some of the questions to be explored are: To what extent can art state truths about the human condition that science and philosophy cannot? What is the nature of a flourishing life, and how do we achieve it? Does life have “meaning,” some fundamental or basic purpose? What is freedom, and to what extent is it possible for humans to achieve it? Are we responsible for our characters, or is it a matter of luck (or misfortune) that we are who we are? The writing curriculum of this course will focus on the thesis-driven essay, which seeks to persuade a knowledgeable reader of the essay writer’s theory about a text.
*AP English Literature and Composition This course is the equivalent of a college freshman English course with a focus on literary analysis. Through reading a series of novels, plays, poetry, and short stories appropriate for a college level class, AP English Literature and Composition students will develop their abilities to read analytically and to write critically about literature. The writing curriculum will focus on the thesis-driven essay, which seeks to persuade a knowledgeable reader of the essay writer’s theory about a text. AP English Lit students will also have the opportunity to practice the kinds of reading and writing required on the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Exam, which they will take in May. The readings may include, Wuthering Heights, Oedipus Rex, Othello, Sense and Sensibility, Frankenstein, Daisy Miller, Metamorphosis and selected poems and short stories. PREREQUISITE: Department Chair approval.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 8
History and Social Sciences World History I - Grade 9 The World History I course is designed to help students develop a greater understanding of historical forces that have shaped our planet. The course focuses on the evolution of global processes, the interaction of societies, the nature of changes and continuity in understanding global forces and their causes and consequences. The study of world history begins with the development of early humans, the Neolithic Revolution and the beginnings of civilization in Mesopotamia, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Next, the classical civilizations are examined, and the year ends with the study of the post-classical period leading up to the modern era. Students will compare major societies and explore the principles of physical and cultural geography. World History II - Grade 10 World History II A may be substituted This course will begin with the study of the historical development of people, places, and patterns of life from 1500 to the present, ranging from the Renaissance in Europe, to Reformation, the Enlightenment, Industrialization, Nationalism and Imperialism. Students will investigate causes for the French Revolution, the impact of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain, global industrial expansion and the effect on labor. Students will understand the causes and consequences of the great military and economic events of the past century, and will examine the push and pull factors of global migrations. Students will analyze both primary and secondary documents, maps, pictures, stories, diagrams, charts, chronological skills, inquire/research skills and technology skills to write historical, critical-thinking essays. World History II Advanced * - Grade 10 This Tenth Grade honors course considers the geography, global processes, social interactions, international frameworks, and cross-cultural comparisons necessary for an understanding of World History during the time period of 1400 A.D. to the present. World History II Advanced offer an in-depth examination of modern politics, economics, philosophy, technology, and society. Interpretative and analytical skills will be emphasized. Students will analyze both primary and secondary documents, maps, pictures, stories, diagrams, charts, chronological skills, inquire/research skills and technology skills to write historical, critical-thinking essays. United States History - Grade 11 AP U.S. History may be substituted This course traces the development of the United States from the age of exploration to modern times. It emphasizes such topics as the American Revolution and the Constitution, the development of American political institutions, the institution of slavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, World War II and the Cold War, as well as the Civil Rights and Women’s Movements. Emphasis is placed on written and oral expression, and on analysis of written documents. Tests, essays, multimedia presentations, individual and cooperative group projects and papers are required. AP United States History * - Grade 11 This is a college level survey course for students of United States History who have exceptional aptitude for and an interest in the subject. The class traces the development of the United States from the Age of Exploration to the present. This course requires a serious commitment from its students because of its fast pace and heavy workload. Students should have superior reading comprehension skills and strong writing skills, and must be familiar with the historical method; i.e. be able to assess the relevance and importance of historical materials. Students will be responsible for outside research and for written and oral reports. All students enrolled in the course are required to take the Advanced Placement examination in May. Students may be encouraged to take the History SAT Subject Test concurrently or upon completion of this course. Economics - Grades 11 and 12 elective This semester course provides students with the fluency necessary to understand and interpret economic events occurring in a globally interdependent world. Concepts will include supply and demand, profit and loss, opportunity cost, financial markets and institutions, interest rates, inflation, unemployment, international trade and currency, and the purpose and function of stock and capital. Students will use a textbook as well as newspapers including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Students will learn hands on by managing virtual investment portfolios and by taking field trips to financial institutions. Personal financial skills will also be taught. *Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 9
AP U. S. Government and Politics * - Grade 12 The AP U.S. Government and Politics introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning, assess cause and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence base-based arguments.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required 10
Mathematics Algebra I Prerequisite: Eighth Grade Math This course includes the structure and operations of real numbers, solving linear equations and inequalities, verbal problems, absolute value equations, operations with monomials, polynomials and rational expressions, systems of linear equations, radicals, quadratic functions, and introduction to functions, matrices and probability. Geometry Prerequisite: Algebra I or placement testing This course covers the concepts of plane geometry. It includes the study of congruent and similar triangles, polygons, circles, area, coordinate geometry, Pythagorean Theorem, right triangle trigonometry, surface area and volume. It introduces formal proof, including logic proofs, and seeks to develop analytical and logical thinking. Geometry A * Prerequisite: Algebra I or placement testing This course presents a rigorous study of Euclidean geometry including congruent and similar polygons, circles, area, coordinate geometry, Pythagorean Theorem, and locus. It includes using formulas for surface area and volume. Writing formal, original proofs in both logic and geometry is stressed. It reinforces algebra skills acquired in Algebra I. Algebra II/Introduction to Trigonometry Prerequisite: Geometry Algebra II is a course designed to help students develop strong quantitative reasoning skills as well as further develop their algebra skills. Topics covered include basic concepts of algebra, equations, inequalities, absolute value, products and factoring polynomials, rational expressions, quadratic equations, irrational and complex numbers, variation, exponential and logarithmic functions, right triangle trigonometry, and sequences and series. This course may not be offered every year. Algebra II/Trigonometry Prerequisite: Geometry or Geometry A This course reinforces the fundamentals of algebra taught in Algebra I. It includes linear and quadratic relations and functions, systems of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, manipulating rational and irrational expressions, complex numbers, exponents, logarithms, introduction to trigonometry, and applications using verbal problems. Algebra II/Trigonometry A * Prerequisite: Geometry or Geometry A This course is an in-depth study of algebra and trigonometry designed for the mathematically able student. It uses all of the topics in Algebra I and expands on them to include the quadratic formula, complex numbers, higher degree polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, operations with matrices, sequence and series, verbal problems, exponential growth and decay, and trigonometry. Pre-Calculus Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry or Algebra II/Trigonometry A This course includes trigonometry, and elementary functions with an emphasis on applications using the graphing calculator. Topics of study include polynomial functions, higher degree polynomial equations, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, complex numbers, trigonometry, and polar coordinates. Pre-Calculus A * Prerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry or Algebra II/Trigonometry A This course is designed to prepare students for either AP Calculus or a first year college calculus course. Topics include a further look at logarithms and trigonometry, applications using polar coordinates, linear, polynomial, exponential, and rational functions, sequence and series, limits, definition of derivative, rules for taking derivatives, and verbal max/min problems using the graphing calculator. Calculus * Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus A This course is an introduction to topics in calculus including limits, derivative rules, max/min. problems, related rates, Riemann sums, rules of integration, area and volume.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 11
AP Calculus AB * Prerequisite: ‘B+’ in Pre-Calculus A This college-level course meets the AP Calculus AB course curriculum standards set by the College Board. Students study limits, continuity, derivatives, applications involving derivatives, integrals and the fundamental theorem of calculus, advanced techniques of integration, differential equations, applications of the definite integral, and limits with indeterminate forms and L'Hopital's Rule. Students will explore each major concept in 4 ways: graphically, symbolically, verbally, and numerically. The course culminates with the AP Calculus AB exam in May. AP Calculus BC * Prerequisite: ‘A’ in Pre-Calculus A This college-level course meets the AP Calculus BC course curriculum standards set by the College Board. Students study all AB Calculus topics and the following additional BC only topics: derivatives and integrals of parametric functions, slope of a polar curve, integration by parts, integration by partial fractions, arc length and perimeter, improper integrals, motion along a planar curve, Euler's method, logistic growth, and sequences and series. Students will explore each major concept in 4 ways: graphically, symbolically, verbally, and numerically. The course culminates with the AP Calculus BC exam in May.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 12
Information Technology Electives Introduction to Computer Science Grades 9-12 Students will use the CodeHS.com curriculum to learn the basics of computer science in JavaScript and/or Python, beginning with Karel the Dog or Tracy the Turtle and ultimately building their own game. The CodeHS introduction to computer science curriculum teaches the foundations of computer science and basic programming. Once students complete the course, they will have learned material equivalent to a semester college introductory course in computer science and be able to program in JavaScript or Python. VEX EDR Robotics Grades 10-12 Students will walk through the design and build a mobile robot to play a sport-like game. During this process they will learn key STEM principles, and robotics concepts. At the culmination of this class, they will compete head-to-head against their peers in the classroom. This is a semester long course. App Development Grades 10-12 Apple's App Development course will teach students elements of app design using Swift, one of the world’s most popular programming languages. Students will learn to code and design fully functional apps, gaining critical skills in software development and information technology. This is a semester long course. AP Computer Science Principles * Grades 10-12 Students will use the CodeHS.com curriculum to gain a broad-based understanding of computer science and equip them to successfully pass the AP Computer Science Principles Exam at the end of the school year. AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and explores the impact computing and technology have on our society. The course goes beyond simply programming and provides a unique focus on creative problem solving, collaboration and real-world applications. Student projects will include: building a website, writing a program to draw a digital image, creating a web comic, developing an encryption algorithm and a final project that allows students to apply the different concepts covered in the course.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 13
Religious Studies Introduction to the Bible - Grade 9 In this yearlong course, students study the Bible in a literary, historical and spiritual context, focusing on the morality that stems from it. During the first half of the year, students study the formation of the Bible, including the processes of authorship and inspiration, as well as various methods of criticism and interpretation. Students read and explore much of the Hebrew Scriptures, focusing on key themes and messages. During the second half of the year, students examine the New Testament and learn about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and its part in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Social Justice - Grade 10 In this course students acquire a robust understanding of the concept of social justice and learn that promoting justice is fundamental to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith. Students study the biblical and theological roots of social justice, as well as the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). The girls look at how other Christian traditions, secular organizations, and prophetic individuals work to achieve goals similar to those identified as priorities by CST. Students are also introduced to a range of current justice issues and are asked to form their own opinions and reflect on how to engender positive social change. The course cultivates interdisciplinary skills essential for helping to eliminate injustice, such as prayer, public speaking, active listening, research and analysis, community organizing, and storytelling through the arts. To this end, students are asked to utilize books, articles, documentary films, podcasts, oral histories, sermons, songs, photographs, and poems. The goal of this course is to enhance students' awareness of the needs of the world and foster a personal faith that calls them to action. Christian Theology and World Religions - Grade 11 This course is designed to give students an education in global religions. It encourages critical thinking and revolves around the question of what constitutes a religion. Does a religion need doctrines? Must it involve rituals? Should it contain an inherent morality? What about consistent services or liturgies? Does it have to involve the divine or sacred texts? Do all of these “elements� need to exist in a coherent and rational system of beliefs and practices? We examine this series of questions by engaging in a comparative study of lived faiths around the world, including Indigenous religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam amongst others. The class also explores secular ideologies and branches of atheism in order to uncover the convictions that lie at the heart of these systems of thought. In exploring global religions, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the Christian religious tradition. Students will explore Christian systematic theology and follow the Church's liturgical calendar, encouraging students to reflect on how this year's study affects their own beliefs and relationship with God. Finally, this course pays particular attention to religious symbolism and art. Alongside our conversation of what constitutes a religion, we explore the elements of religious artistic expression. Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to travel to various museums and houses of worship in order to bolster their own work and projects in this area of study. Religious Studies 12 Ethics fall semester Ethics is a rigorous, semester-long Religious Studies course, which introduces students to variety of classic ethical theories (Cultural Relativism, Social Contract Theory, Utilitarianism, Virtue Ethics, and Kantian Ethics) and requires them to apply these theories to contemporary dilemmas. The purpose of the course is to investigate questions such as the following: What is the relationship between ethics, morality, law, religion, and etiquette? What are the sources of human morality? How do we find meaning in our life? What are some basic ethical theories? How can these theories be applied to certain moral dilemmas? How do our own ethics influence the life we live? In addition, this course makes use of films, such as Dead Man Walking and The Shawshank Redemption, to help explain the role of ethics in situations of social justice. Students also explore Victor Frankl's theory of Logotherapy as a way to find meaning and purpose in life. Grade 12 Spring Semester Students select one of these two courses to satisfy their second semester Religious Studies course requirement. Social Justice in the Criminal Justice System Beginning with an explication of justice in the Bible and in Catholic Church documents and Christian writings, the course will turn to examine aspects of the modern criminal justice system in the U.S. In particular, the course will focus on issues that plague our current system as well as models of restorative justice. Topics will include: mass incarceration, 14
mandatory minimums sentencing, the death penalty, intersections of poverty and race, and the themes of crime, punishment, restoration, forgiveness, and redemption. In addition, students in the course will grapple with the ills of our nation's past, particularly slavery and actions in the post-slavery period, and will discuss current events issues present in national debate. Technology, Morality and the Future of Humanity In works of literary fiction and film, such as Brave New World, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Walking Dead, and Black Mirror, we see the manipulation and commodification of humanity. This course will use modern and contemporary works to discuss what it means to be human, what we will do to survive, and what affect technology will have on our future. Touching also on the theory of the state of nature in political philosophy, we will ask the ultimate question of what our human nature dictates to us about our reason and responsibility.
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Science Biology This course introduces students to the excitement of biology and allows them to explore the complexities of living systems. Using a molecular approach, topics such as organic compounds, cell structure and function, enzyme activity, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell division, classical and modern genetics, protein synthesis, DNA technology, evolution and ecology are covered. The molecular approach to this course will prepare students for further scientific study, as well as enable them to make informed decisions about the ever-growing role of biotechnology in our lives. Laboratory work is an essential part of this course. Its inquiry-based approach is designed to develop critical thinking skills and powers of observation. Chemistry Chemistry A may be substituted Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes that it can undergo. This course introduces students to the major concepts in chemistry and emphasizes its importance in our everyday lives. Topics include measurement and conversions; modern atomic theory; the periodic table; bonding; principles of chemical reactions; moles; states of matter; gases and gas laws; solutions; acids and bases; redox reactions; organic chemistry; and nuclear chemistry. Lab work is an integral part of the course and includes formal lab reports. Chemistry A * This course is designed for the scientifically oriented student with a strong math background. It is similar to Chemistry, but moves at a faster pace and topics are covered in more depth. These topics include measurement and conversions; modern atomic theory; the periodic table; bonding; principles of chemical reactions; moles and stoichiometry (including limiting reactants); states of matter; gases and gas laws; solutions; thermochemistry; reaction rates; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases; redox reactions; organic chemistry; and nuclear chemistry. Lab work, with formal writeups, will correspond with material covered in class. Physics I
Prerequisite: Prior Algebra II/Trigonometry recommended Physics A may be substituted This course is a rigorous introduction to classical Newtonian physics and examines the mechanics of the physical world. Students will study the phenomena and theories associated with the following topics: matter and energy; forces and motion; wave behavior; sound; light and optics; electricity (both static and circuits). Lab work, with its formal write-ups, will correspond with material covered in class. Physics I A * Prerequisite: Prior / Concurrent Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus A This course is similar to Physics but moves at a faster pace and more topics are covered. The scope of the course includes linear motion, forces, energy, rotational motion, oscillations, thermodynamics, wave behavior, electric forces and fields, electricity, magnetism; optics, and modern physics. Lab work, with its formal write-ups, will correspond with material covered in class. AP Biology * Prerequisite: Minimum A- in Biology and Chemistry AP Biology is a college-level class designed for in-depth investigation of living systems. The course design allows for significant exploration of the topic by the student both in the classroom and in laboratory situations. Topics of study range from biochemical processes to molecular genetics and evolutionary theory. The student soon realizes that indepth study often raises more perplexing questions than are answered. Laboratory investigations include enzyme activity, DNA fingerprinting and bacterial transformation. This course meets in double periods, and requires a large time commitment. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. AP Chemistry * Prerequisite: Minimum A- in Chemistry The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Students are required to take the AP exam in May.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 16
AP Physics C: Mechanics *
Prerequisite: Minimum A- in Chemistry and Physics and Concurrent AP Calculus AB or BC The course is equivalent to a one-semester, calculus-based college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. The course explores topics such as kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Introductory differential and integral calculus is used throughout the course. This course meets in double periods and requires a large time commitment. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. Human Anatomy and Physiology Grades 11 and 12 elective This course is an in-depth study of the structure and function of the human body. Students first master the language of anatomy: body planes, directions, regions, cavities, and tissue types. An in-depth exploration of organ systems follows, including the digestive, skeletal, muscular, integumentary, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, and lymphatic systems. In addition to the use of models and computer simulations, dissections of the rat, dogfish, fetal pig, cow femur, sheep brain, goat heart, and cow eye enhance students' appreciation of the miraculous workings of the body. Other activities supplement our understanding of body functions, such as learning to measure blood pressure, listening to heart sounds with a stethoscope, eliciting reflexes, testing for visual acuity, color blindness, and astigmatisms, and studying bone fractures and soft tissue injuries through the examination of X-rays and MRIs. Note: While students are encouraged to take part in dissections, participation in them is not a requirement. Issues in Environmental Studies Grades 11 and 12 elective This semester long course with take a deep dive into the most exciting, groundbreaking and controversial topics in Environmental studies, including wildlife conservation, ecosystem ecology, human population, environmental politics, and global climate change. The course will start each topic with a broad, global look at the issues, and work its way to a focused view at the local New York area and the specific concerns affecting this region. Major assignments in the course will include weekly readings and discussions in new research surrounding these topics; labs and activities both in and out of the classroom; studies of local impacts of invasive species, wildlife, and population, in the New York area, including on Holy Child grounds; and off-campus trips that enhance learning through real-world experiences. For their final assessment, students will have the chance to become an expert in an environmental topic they are passionate about and present their findings in a college-style scientific poster session.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 17
Signature Programs Advanced Humanities Institute Advanced Humanities Institute 11
Prerequisite: Interested students must complete an application and interview in the spring of their sophomore year. The Advanced Humanities Institute (AHI) is a two-year advanced interdisciplinary program offered to students with a deep interest in the humanities. The Advanced Humanities Institute allows students to explore how humans use literature, art, music, theatre, philosophy, history, and language to understand our connection to the world and to one another. The institute focuses on particular disciplines throughout the first year: Studio Art and Global Art History; Philosophy, Theory, and Research; and Civil Discourse and Social Inquiry (sociology, psychology, political science). The work spent in year one would translate to year two when students define a field of inquiry they are passionate about and formulate a question. Students will then work on a research paper or portfolio, and a poster session presentation (to be featured in the Advanced Humanities Research Fair at SHC).
Italian Cultural Studies Program Italian Cultural Studies 12 Prerequisite: Italian Cultural Studies 11 Following their summer immersion in Italy, ICS Scholars participate in a senior research seminar. This course teaches research skills such as fair use attribution and critical source assessment, while students independently pursue a topic of their choice in Italian culture or history. Students develop their thesis project into a 15-20 page paper, which they present to the school community in late May. This course provides a unique opportunity for high school students to conduct original research at the college level.
Engineering, Architecture & Design for the Common Good Program Engineering, Architecture & Design 11
Prerequisite: Interested students must complete an application and interview in the spring of their sophomore year. Engineering, Architecture & Design 11 is a one-year advanced high-school course that EAD Scholars complete during their junior year. The interdisciplinary STEAM curriculum combines the study of art and architecture with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Arts education is key to the creativity that drives the innovation necessary for new products and industries and an important component of the course. As such, an accomplished architect will teach students design principles one morning a week. Students will also explore the four main disciplines of engineering: chemical, civil, electrical/computer science and mechanical. Students will have the opportunity to attend lectures on engineering principles by college professors, meet practicing engineers and architects and visit companies where they can see the many different forms engineering and architecture take in the real world. Throughout the year, students will participate in hands-on design labs making interdisciplinary connections not typically experienced at the secondaryschool level. The year-long seminar will culminate with a two-week immersion program in June where students will begin the community-based engineering and design project that will become the subject of their senior thesis. Engineering, Architecture & Design 12 Prerequisite: Engineering, Architecture & Design 11 Following their summer immersion program, EAD Scholars complete an independent community-based STEAM design project where they can showcase their inquiry and critical thinking skills. The goals of the project are to develop expertise in some area of architecture or engineering, to give back to the community by addressing a real-world problem and to articulate, both in writing and verbally, their project work. As the year begins, students will continue to define their project, participating in hands-on design labs as necessary to acquire the skills needed to complete their project. The students will then focus on meetings with their community partner and their independent design project work. The project will be completed midway through the spring semester and students will spend the balance of the school year documenting their work in the form of a senior thesis and presenting their project to an interdisciplinary audience.
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Leadership Institute in Finance Program Leadership Institute in Finance 11
Prerequisite: Interested students must complete an application and interview in the spring of their sophomore year. Leadership Institute in Finance 11 is a one-year advanced high-school course that LIF Scholars complete during their junior year. The interdisciplinary curriculum combines the study of financial analytic principles, their impact on the economy, and the importance of ethical leadership. Students will learn financial terminology, tools, techniques, and analytical frameworks that impact an organization and study leadership styles, theories, and strategies in a variety of contexts. Students will have the opportunity to attend lectures on finance and leadership principles by business executives and visit companies where they can explore finance and leadership in the real world. Throughout the year, students will participate in business case studies where they learn to identify the problem, perform analysis of root causes, consider alternatives and make recommendations. The year-long seminar will include a one-week immersion program in March where students will begin to define the area of finance or leadership that will become the subject of their senior project. Leadership Institute in Finance 12 Prerequisite: Leadership Instiute in Finance 11 Following their junior year seminar, LIF Scholars complete an independent project where they can showcase their inquiry and critical thinking skills. The goal of the project is to analyze an issue in finance or leadership as it relates to business. The junior year immersion program and senior year internship experiences allow students to gain real world experience that contributes to their independent project. At the end of the year, students will submit a written report and present their project to an interdisciplinary audience.
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Visual Arts Studio Art I The Studio Art course provides students with a full spectrum of opportunity to explore the foundational elements and techniques of studio art. With the skills acquired in this class, students will gain the confidence to nurture their imaginations, express their creative ideas, and further develop their artistic literacy. The focus of the introductory course will be on the fundamental elements of art and principles of design as expressed through drawing and painting. Projects may also include ceramics, printmaking, sculpture and graphic design at the discretion of the instructor. Studio Art II: Prerequisite: Studio Art I This course provides students already familiar with the fundamental skills and foundational elements of studio art an opportunity to increase the conceptual breadth of their work and explore more refined and experimental techniques and materials. With the skills acquired in this class, students will continue to develop their personal artistic vision through creative expression. Disciplines covered may include painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture and graphic design. Digital Media I In this course, we will explore the world of designing and creating 2D graphics for digital media using design software and digital cameras. Students will create original content using computer-based technologies as expressive tools. The focus will be on producing work for multiple formats in a networked environment, understanding the fundamentals of the digital production workflow, and best creative design practices. Time will be spent in the classroom and on field trips observing, analyzing and speaking critically about art and design. You will be encouraged to develop creative problem-solving skills guided by an artistic vision while learning how to use digital media to bring your ideas to life. While it is not a course in computer and software skills, students will develop a fluency and facility with computer graphics software and digital cameras, bearing in mind that software is just one of many tools you can use to shape your creative vision. The media content created in the course may be used in various campus publications, posters, and events. No prior experience with computer design software is required. Digital Media II Prerequisite: Digital Media I Students in Digital Media II will continue to explore both the technical and conceptual aspects of digital media. A project-based course in digital video design and production, students will learn storytelling, project management, and capturing and editing video and audio to produce concept driven digital video. This course is designed to help students gain proficiency in the fundamentals digital workflow and to begin to develop a personal vision and portfolio of work. Through experimentation, independent practice, collaborative projects, group critiques and in-depth verbal and written analysis of artwork, students will gain both the confidence and experience necessary to pursue advanced studies in this field. Completed work will be presented at a group exhibition at the end of the course. No prior knowledge of digital video design software or hardware is required. Art in Context: This one semester course introduces students interested in Art History to the cultural and formal elements that shape great works of art. Through hands-on projects students will explore the visual elements, media and methods essential to the creative process in the appropriate contextual and cultural frameworks. Painting: Prerequisite: Studio Art I This course is a one semester class for students who wish to continue in drawing and painting. Each student will improve her technical skills and application of color theory in a variety of paint mediums and subjects. Documentary Film-making Prerequisite: Digital Media I This semester course provides students an introduction to the practical considerations of making a non-fiction film as well as exposure to various styles and subject matter in documentary films. Through discussion, reading, film screenings, visiting artists, and hands-on training, students will explore the process of documentary production and postproduction to complete both individual and collaborative films. Senior Portfolio *
Prerequisite: Completion of Digital or Studio Art Levels I and II Department Chair Recommendation Students who are planning to pursue art studies at the college level will need to present a portfolio in the college 20
admission process. The goal of this course is for each student to build a strong body of work that demonstrates their skills in a variety of techniques and media. As the year begins, guidance is provided for the portfolio presentation and digital images of the student’s work. During the spring semester, students will choose a theme and build a cohesive body of work based on this theme or concentration. The works will be displayed in a senior exhibition that will be designed and curated by the members of the class.
*Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 21
Performing Arts Music Chamber Ensemble This course will introduce students to a range of musical genres including classical, liturgical, jazz, and rock. This is a general instrumental ensemble open to all instrument types, and students may vary from beginner to advanced. Over the course of the year, students will learn to play individually and as an ensemble. Students will meet as a group several times per cycle, and in rotation on an individual or small group basis one to two times per cycle. Students will learn basic fundamental skills in reading music and create arrangements for performance. Students must rent or buy their own instruments (except piano). Limited financial aid is available. This is a repeatable course. Cappella Nova Cappella nova is a beginner to intermediate choir open to all students. Special emphasis is placed on vocal production, expressive singing, as well as singing in three parts. Students wishing to join Cappella Nova must pass a basic audition which includes a range assessment. Repertoire is drawn from the music of many countries and genres, from 11th century chant to contemporary gospel. Also included are solo and small group opportunities, including vocal jazz. Students perform in the Winter and Spring Concerts, as well as in smaller concerts throughout the year. This is a repeatable course. Madrigals Prerequisite: Audition and Approval of the Choir Director Madrigals is an advanced, audition-only, chamber choir open to students in grades 10-12. Members study and sing primarily 4-part a cappella repertoire. Madrigals should be considered as preparation for collegiate a cappella and other select singing groups. Students perform in the Winter and Spring Concerts, as well as in smaller concerts throughout the year. This is a repeatable course.
Theatre Introduction to Theatre and Public Speaking (minimum enrollment required) This semester course is an introduction to basic acting, improvisation, and public speaking techniques. It is designed to build students’ overall confidence on stage, while developing verbal communication skills for both performance and presentation. Students will perform scenes and monologues, and present on a theatre-focused topic of their choosing. Students may also attend live theatre performances in New York City. This is a repeatable course. Musical Theatre Performance (minimum enrollment required) This semester course is designed for students with an affinity for combining music and theatre. Study will include scene analysis, character development, movement, singing, and acting. Students will apply the aspects of movement, music, and drama in performance-based assessments. Students will improve their audition skills through practice and performance. Upon completion, students will leave with a working portfolio containing a solid list of contrasting repertoires.
Dance Beginning/Intermediate Dance This course is designed for students who have little to no dance training. Students will establish and develop foundations in Ballet, Contemporary Jazz, and Hip Hop by implementing physical practice, terminology, historical relevance and cultural diversity throughout the year. This is a yearlong course culminating in an end of year performance. Advanced Dance* Dance Department Approval Required This course is designed for students with previous dance training and by instructor approval only. In this course, students will build upon the technical training established in Beg./Int. Dance, with an emphasis on Contemporary Jazz and Hip Hop. Students will increase their knowledge of technique and performance quality, while gaining an introduction to dance composition methods and dance theory practice. This is a yearlong course culminating in an end of year performance. *Current teacher and/or department chair approval required. 22
Communications and Publications International Relations/Model UN Grades 9-12 The fall semester, International Relations class will provide a framework for studying the complexities of timely international issues and examining United States foreign policy. Students will play close attention to current events, global problems, and their historical context. Students will be expected to participate in discussions, debates and simulations related to international relations. Students will learn about the United Nations (U.N.) and engage in an authentic simulation of the U.N. system, learning skills of debate, compromise, conflict resolution and negotiation. Model U.N. participation is mandatory. Yearbook Grades 9-12 This course is designed to teach the basics of yearbook journalism, including theme, coverage, copy writing, graphic design, and photography. Students will design and produce the annual school yearbook. Students will learn the importance of working as a team to complete tasks successfully and on time. Students will also conduct interviews, write in a variety of journalistic forms, and plan and design layout. This is a repeatable course.
Physical Education, Health and Wellness Physical Education required grades 9 & 10 This semester course will be a compilation of units, educating through an array of skills, topics and assessments needed to teach each of your daughters the importance of physical activity, sport and fitness throughout a lifespan. Units consist of fitness for life, yoga and pilates, cooperative sports and games, circuit training and fitness trends. Students will be graded on a pass/fail scale, needing to meet the requirements of changing, participation and overall behavior. No prerequisite skills are needed for this course. Dance and Movement This course offers an introduction to basic dance conditioning and technique, which can be taken in place of physical education. Students will learn rhythm-based exercises as well as choreography. This course will increase knowledge of spatial awareness, physical fitness, and flexibility. This is a semester long course. Health and Wellness required grades 9-12 Students are required to participate in grade specific Health and Wellness courses each year. The goal of this course is to address real life issues of body image, self-esteem, adolescent choices, sexuality, health and ethics. Students in grades 9-12 will learn the basics of good nutrition, informed decision making, and the importance of the mind/body connection. Students will revisit topics regarding sexuality, drug and alcohol abuse, and destructive relationships. These are discussion-based classes where students are expected to meaningfully contribute through journal writing and oral presentations. This class is graded as Pass/Fail.
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College Counseling College Counseling I (Required, 1 semester) The college process officially begins in Semester 2 when juniors meet weekly with their counselors as part of the College Counseling class. The purpose of this course is two-fold. First, students engage in a series of reflective exercises in order to assess and better understand their goals and interests. Second, counselors work with students to understand the many facets of the college process, from visiting to applying to enrolling. A range of topics are covered, including how to create a balanced college list, the college visit and interview, SCOIR, the Common Application, SAT and ACT testing, financial aid and scholarships, and the college essay. College Counseling II (Required, 1 semester) This course is a workshop-style course and a continuation of the work started in College Counseling I. It is specifically designed to assist seniors in completing the application process in a timely manner. Counselors assist the students in finalizing their college lists, completing their applications, and revising the personal and supplemental essays. Although the formal class ends in January at the conclusion of the first semester, counselors continue to work with students through the end of senior year.
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