2013-14 Program of Studies

Thornton Academy Program of Studies 2013-14

Preparing Students for a Changing World Since 1811

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Student Services

Middle School - Student Services, Guidance, Response to Intervention, Library and Academic Commons

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Academic Courses, Grades Middle School - Grade level 6-8

Student Activities Middle School

Program of Studies

Contents

Student Services and Distinct Programs

Upper School; Student Services, Guidance, Academic Support, Homeroom, Transition Program, Library and Academic Commons, Technology, Distinct Programs

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18 Developing Your Schedule

Upper School; Graduation requirements and the enhanced schedule

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Student Activities Upper School

Course Descriptions

Upper School; Zero Block / Block 5 / Block X; Four Areas of Study: Arts & New Media, Humanities, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Wellness; Center of Technology

60 People You Should Know

Early College Program

Thornton Academy

Upper School

Contact a TA Guidance Counselor: Mr. Steve Turgeon, Director Mr. Jeff Camire Mr. Mark DeFrancesco Ms. Abigail More Ms. Lucretia Wallace Ms. Patricia Weyand Ms. Marilyn Breton (Middle School)

Mark Powers, Director of Admissions mark.powers@thorntonacademy.org 207-282-3361, ext. 4461

Thornton Academy 438 Main Street Saco, ME 04072-1595 207-282-3361

Current Students

Prospective Students

How to Reach Us

www.facebook.com/thorntonacademy www.youtube.com/tatvsaco www.twitter.com/thorntonacademy

We l c ome.

Dear Friends of Thornton Academy, Welcome to the latest edition of the Thornton Academy Program of Studies. Think of this booklet as your ticket to a remarkable school experience. What kind of school year do you want? As you turn these pages, think about this — you’re in control.

If you are a student at TAMS, you will see just how full of opportunities a small school on a big campus can be. From Math Academy to TAMS Yearbook to sports, music and dance, there are plenty of ways to enjoy school both in and out of the classroom.

For high school students, enhance your school year by adding an arts class or taking a 5/X-block class. Challenge yourself with honors or AP classes, or try a new language like Mandarin or Arabic.

Joining the Interact Club will give you community service opportunities, like delivering flowers to Saco’s elderly on Valentine’s Day, or raising money for cancer research in Mary’s Walk. Join TA-TV and film community events, play a sport or audition for a play. The choice is in your hands. Will you seize the chance to step “outside the box” to expand your world?

At Thornton Academy, we believe that a comprehensive program makes a difference. To be sure, core academics are vital to a successful school experience. At TA, though, we recognize how important a student’s life is beyond those core subjects. School should be a place where students have many chances to engage with the world, with diverse ideas, and with exceptional teachers who learn to know them well, and who care about their future. We hope TA is that kind of school for every student.

Photographer Ansel Adams observed, “In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration.” We at Thornton Academy take pride in the two centuries worth of excellent educational and co-curricular opportunities this school has provided to students and families just like yours. We encourage you to plunge into exploration.

This Program of Studies is your first step.

Sincerely,

Rene Menard Head of School

Thornton Academy

Mission and History

Originally founded in 1811, Thornton Academy is one of the nation’s oldest independent schools. It is also one of the oldest public-private partnerships in the country. The charter that established Thornton Academy was signed over 200 years ago, in January of 1811, while Maine was still part of Massachusetts. Thirtyseven citizens of Saco petitioned the Massachusetts Legislature for the financial assistance and legal authority to open an academy in the community. Although a nearby town had earlier made a similar request and was denied, the petition was granted and a site was chosen.

The new academy opened in January 1813, welcoming 50 boys and girls, representing both day students from nearby communities like Saco and Biddeford and also tuition students from other parts of New England. Unfortunately, after years spent developing a good reputation for offering a traditional classical education, school came to a halt when the wooden structure burned to the ground. Thornton Academy reopened in 1889, serving the students of local communities that contracted with the school’s Board of Trustees for their children’s education. From then until today, Thornton Academy has interwoven the education of students whose parents chose Thornton Academy with the education of students whose town government chose the school.

Now in its third century of “preparing students for a changing world,” Thornton Academy continues to thrive, a unique school that cherishes its independent status and understands its responsibility to educate a broad constituency.

Thornton Academy

Middle School Introduction Dear Students and Parents,

Learning comes alive at Thornton Academy Middle School! TAMS is a place where students create, dream, and inspire. TAMS is a place where everyone knows your name and you are more than just a student in the classroom.

At TAMS, you are an integral member of our learning community. Your teachers work hard to create an atmosphere where all different types of learning can take place. As a small school, we are able to take a personalized approach toward recognizing your individual needs and accomplishments.

TAMS is a leader in bringing innovative programs to middle school students. I hope you will take advantage of our academic extension courses such as the online classes and “X block” classes or participate in one of our off-campus expeditions. If you find yourself needing support, I hope you will take advantage of our after school homework club, English Academy, Math Academy or make an appointment to work before or after school with a teacher.

I encourage you to take the time to explore your interests outside of academics whether it’s getting involved with a school club, participating in the performing arts or joining one of our athletic teams. Be a risk taker and try new things. Figure out exactly what it is you like to do. Middle school is a time for you to learn, explore and grow!

I look forward to supporting you as you navigate your middle school journey!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Robert Principal of TAMS

Middle School MIDDLE SCHOOL

TAMS

Response-to-Intervention (RTI)

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes

The RTI program assists students in building the skills they need to be successful Student Services both academically and behaviorally. The Thornton Academy Middle School is exceptionally student and family-centered, three-tiered system provides increasing levels of support depending on individual creating a culture that values and encourstudent needs, strengths and patterns of ages curiosity, respect, responsibility, honesty, courage, and compassion. Faculty, achievement. students and parents collaborate to sustain • Tier 1 interventions are designed to de termine how best to help students a school environment that is: achieve success when they are having dif • Committed to partnership ficulty progressing.

• Fun, engaging and creative • Tier 2 or Tier 3 interventions are indicated • Safe and structured when the development of a very indi • Supportive of the personal and academic vidualized Personal Learning Plan (PLP) growth of each student becomes necessary.

• Academically challenging and develop • Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) highlight mentally responsive specific student-centered goals to address • Respectful of individuals focused areas of difficulty.

• Socially responsible and community oriented

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Services are available to help all students feel a sense of community connection and find success academically, socially and emotionally.

Guidance and Counseling

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities Upper SCHOOL STEM

A full-time guidance counselor serves the TAMS student population, and assists in the following ways: • Discussing academic progress with students and families • Teaching a guidance unit within the academic schedule, addressing issues such as bullying, conflict resolution, rela tionship questions, high school readiness and early career exploration • Discussing personal problems, providing a “listening ear” and referring students to other professionals as needed • Directing students and families toward needed resources based on the nature of the challenges presented • Meeting with parents or guardians

Extra help through the RTI program can be provided in most classes and during study halls; additional one-on-one and smallgroup support is available after school.

Curriculum Extension Program

The Curriculum Extension Program, a cooperative venture between classroom teachers and the coordinator, is provided to students with outstanding abilities who are capable of high performance and represent the diverse populations of our communities. Students whose potential requires differentiated approaches to meet their educational needs will receive challenging educational services through the Curriculum Extension Program. More information is available from the guidance counselor.

Library and Academic Commons

The Mary Weymouth Hyde Library and Academic Commons (L/AC) is located on Thornton Academy’s main campus. Open daily for student use, the L/AC offers a comfortable reading area, study tables, extensive print, periodical and multi-media collections. The L/AC is an attractive setting

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

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and offers a popular place for all students, including TAMS students, to study and explore the world.

Middle school students visit the L/AC as part of regular supervised classroom activities. Starting in middle school, Thornton Academy students will: • Learn to find and use information effectively • Conduct effective Internet searches • Access online databases • Acquire skills to become a lifelong learner

Technology

Middle school faculty members have completed extensive professional development in the area of instructional technology. As a result, technology is an essential component in all areas of study at TAMS. Since computer access is so integral to TAMS curriculum, a laptop computer is provided for every student to use both in school during classroom instruction and at home for homework completion. Campus-wide wireless connectivity facilitates instruction in a wide range of ways including the interactive whiteboard technology installed in every middle school classroom, as well as in-class LCD projectors, digital cameras, and digital microscopes.

All middle school teachers use TAOnline, Thornton’s virtual learning environment, to post class assignments and provide electronic resources that students can access from anywhere at any time via the Internet. A stable infrastructure and a reliable technology staff are effective in handling all network, hardware and software issues.

Mathematics

Health/Wellness

Instruction is divided between physical activity and health-oriented classroom lessons. Physical activities are often integrated with core curriculum in science and social studies. Health units of study include mental, emotional, family, and social health; growth and nutrition; personal health and safety; drugs and disease prevention; community and environmental health; and current events dealing with health.

Units of study include decimals, fractions, algebra, geometry, graphing, ratio and proportions. Connections between the math concepts being taught and their real-world application will be integrated into lessons through mini labs and interdisciplinary projects whenever possible. TAMS uses the flexible grouping model to organize learning communities of students based on mathematical aptitude. Criteria for establishing these groups include: Fifth grade math average, NWEA and NECAP scores, entrance mastery assessment and teacher observations.

Music & Performing Arts

Science

Students will engage in hands-on activities with a variety of art media to explore the visual arts through experiences integrated with concurrent social studies curriculum.

Students will learn about the traditional arts and crafts of the world’s people and

Seventh grade ELA curriculum will focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will become more effective thinkers and active learners through communication, reflection, and understanding.

Students will have many opportunities to work with various types of writing, including narrative, descriptive, expository and persuasive writing. Becoming familiar with literary terms, learning to read for detail, using details to support interpretation of characters, and becoming aware of the beauty and power of the written word are key outcomes.

Mathematics

The seventh grade mathematics curriculum includes decimals, algebra and statistics, linear equations and functions, fractions, proportional reasoning, geometry, and measurement. Acceleration, extension and enrichment opportunities are offered within the classroom.

Life Science

Students will be engaged with science activities, both in and out of the classroom, that deal with varied topics including defining life, photosynthesis, environmental issues, systems, genetics, evolution, and populations. Students will be asked to use a variety of media to explore the major ideas of each unit. Units are regularly integrated with other subject areas so that students are able to see connections beyond life science.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Visual Arts

English Language Arts (ELA)

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Students will perform hands-on labs and create related projects in a unit-based approach focusing on energy, weather, astronomy, and oceans. Whenever possible, science will be integrated with other areas

Students will learn to read and write music, sing a variety of songs that support learning experiences in their other subject areas, play percussion to the classics and complete a focus study on listening to music.

To help develop songwriting skills, students use laptops, specifically the Garage Band program. Additionally, dancing, choreography and drama improvisation are an active part of class. Students are invited to demonstrate skills learned throughout the year at the annual Music Concert.

Grade 7 Academics

UPPER SCHOOL

Students will explore a variety of books as a class, both in literature circles of four to six students and independently. Students will have the ability to read a large selection of Newbery Award and Honor books. Student activities will include book projects, response journals, reading notebooks, guided reading and Reader’s Theater.

Students will also read several short stories and learn the elements of a short story.

Students will learn about the world and its people with a focus on Latin America, Asia and Africa. The social studies program will also be integrated with world art. Students will become more aware of the people of the world with a focus on their economies, demographics, geography and culture.

Important local, national and world current events will be explored and discussed.

Block 5/ X Classes

Reading

Social Studies

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Students will do a vast assortment of writing, ranging from travel journals connected to explorations of world cultures to poetry and essays crafted about unique experiences in the classroom and beyond. The Six Traits program will be used to help all students continue to improve their writing.

Spelling, vocabulary and grammar will be integrated into daily writing work.

create authentic works of art. Students practice the language and understanding of the elements of art, and develop confidence in the areas of drawing, painting and sculpting.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Writing

of the curriculum, including natural overlap with studies in social studies and math.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Grade 6 Academics

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Grades 6 & 7

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Middle School MIDDLE SCHOOL

and audiences throughout the year as well as practice grammar and spelling skills as needed. Students are encouraged to revise their work often.

Mathematics

UPPER SCHOOL

The eighth grade mathematics curriculum includes real numbers and algebra, percent, geometry and measurement, probability and statistics, and linear and nonlinear functions. Acceleration, extension and enrichment opportunities are offered within the classroom. Honors Algebra I is offered (in place of 8th grade math) to students who demonstrate a high level of competence with the mathematical concepts listed above. Honors Algebra I is taught at the Upper School.

Block 5/ X Classes

Physical Science Social Studies

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Maine culture is the focus of seventh grade social studies. Students will examine questions such as: Why buy local? Why did people explore? What was life like in the America’s before exploration? How did colonies develop? What is industrialization? Who belongs here?

World Languages

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities Upper SCHOOL STEM

The World Languages program provides students with a foundation for future language study and promotes awareness of cultures related to world languages. Spanish and French are taught in a two-year loop so that students are able to achieve maximum exposure to the structures of a language. The course is organized around thematic units that integrate vocabulary, grammatical structures, culture, and communication.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Seventh grade students will focus on learning the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, all taught through themes such as the classroom, school, family, home, and holidays. Popular culture, food, art, music, and other content areas are regularly connected to lessons.

Skills in participation, tolerance, and cooperation are also strongly emphasized.

Health/Wellness

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Instruction is divided between physical activity and health classroom lessons.

Physical activities are often integrated with core curriculum in science. Health units of study include: • Mental, emotional, family, and social health • Community and environmental health • Anatomy • Current events related to health

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Visual Arts

Students will expand their knowledge of the elements and principles of art through an investigation of the use of art and design in today’s society. Visual arts activities are regularly designed to extend and complement academic areas of study such as social studies, literature and science. This integrated approach will help students develop an appreciation for art in daily life.

Music & Performing Arts

7th Graders focus on African Percussion, using authentic instruments from Ghana.

Complex rhythms through ensemble and individual activities help students develop teamwork and a greater understanding of the music of other cultures. Students use Garage Band, software available on their laptops, to create original works and study a unit on American Music in History (Ellis Island). African dance, drama activities and studying the high school musical each year are also highlights in class. Students are invited to demonstrate skills learned throughout the year at the annual Music Concert.

Grade 8 Academics English Language Arts (ELA)

Students will connect fiction and nonfiction literature to the world they live in through a variety of project-driven units throughout the year. They will practice deeper reading by analyzing concepts such as symbolism and theme by reading novels independently, in small groups, and as a whole class. Class titles include but are not limited to To Kill A Mockingbird, The Outsiders, and The Hunger Games.

Students will write for a variety of purposes

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Eighth grade students learn and use methods of scientific inquiry to explore and discover answers to questions posed at the beginning of activities. Major topics include scientific method, interactions and energy, environmental issues, forces, chemistry, and forensic science. Units are regularly integrated with other subject areas so that students are able to see connections beyond physical science.

Social Studies

Students in eighth grade social studies address current issues facing the United States and the world, examining questions and issues surrounding government, population, human and civil rights, resource allocation and conservation, civic participation and responsibility within communities.

Health/Wellness

Instruction is divided between physical activity and health-oriented classroom lessons. Physical activities are often integrated with core curriculum in science and social studies. Health units include: • Mental, emotional, family, and social health • Growth and nutrition • Personal health and safety • Drugs and disease prevention • Community and environmental health • Anatomy

World Languages

The World Languages program provides students with a foundation for future language study and promotes awareness of cultures related to world languages.

Spanish and French are taught in a twoyear loop so that students are able to achieve maximum exposure to the structures of a language. The course is organized around thematic units that integrate vocabulary, grammatical structures, culture, and

Students focus on the overarching theme of “Art for Change” throughout the year.

Students connect what they are learning about world events, through research in social studies and ELA classes, with integrated visual arts projects. This collaborative approach allows students to better understand the concepts studied and

used to help students articulate what they hear. Students are invited to demonstrate skills learned throughout the year at the annual Music Concert.

Music & Performing Arts

Applying music to our world is the 8th grade theme. Students will learn to play the ukulele, investigate historical composers and discover why their music is still remembered today, as well as create original songs and podcasts on Garage Band, a program used on their laptops. Our dance unit starts with the 50’s and 60’s and goes back to the 40’s, teaching students how to dance with a partner and learn first hand what the American Swing Era was all about.

The elements of music are reviewed and

UPPER SCHOOL

Visual Arts

analyze how the practice of creating can bring about innovative solutions. Students work with a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art media and are encouraged to make creative choices in their work whenever possible.

Block 5/ X Classes

communication. For eighth grade students, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are strengthened with more advanced language learning. Themes such as clothing, food, travel, and sports provide the basis for learning. Popular culture, food, art, music, and other content areas are regularly connected to lessons. Skills in participation, tolerance, and cooperation are also strongly emphasized in the course.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Grade 8

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Block 5/Block X Classes The school day at TAMS will be extended for students who wish to take advantage of academic courses after the 2 o’clock bell. A “Block 5” will run from 2:05 to 3:17, and flexible “X Block” classes will meet on campus (and online) in the evenings. Most Block 5 and X Block courses will be brand new, and all will be special-interest elective course offerings.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Hydroponics - Grades 6, 7 and 8 This course is open to 7th and 8th graders. 6th graders may participate with a recommendation from their classroom teacher. In this course, students will first learn about several different types of hydroponic systems. Students will then construct two ebb and flow systems in our TAMS science classroom and will perform scientific experiments to test specific effects on lettuce between the two systems.

This course will incorporate the engineering of the hydroponic system as well as using the scientific method to answer problems. At the conclusion of this course, students will be to able to understand how different types of hydroponic systems work, monitor specific properties, understand pH and growth rate, demonstrate the ability to collect specific data throughout various lab tests and write a quality lab report.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Starting with Strings! - Grades 6, 7 and 8 This after-school course is open to all students, with or without previous experience in strings. Most students in SWS will begin to learn the basics of violin (or other stringed instruments, in consultation with the instructor), and fiddling will become the focus as students learn to read music and play some music from memory. Students who take advantage of this wonderful opportunity will be better positioned to join the Upper School’s ever-expanding String Orchestra! Individual practice outside of class is required. Instrument rental is available, and consideration for financial need may be given by the principal upon request.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Behind the Scenes of Sports – Grades 6, 7 and 8 Do you like to play sports or even watch it on TV? Ever wonder how much professional athletes really make? This class is designed to introduce students to the behind-the-scenes business of sports. The focus will be on marketing and will explore a wide range of topics including athlete sponsorships, SuperBowl: The Fan Experience, advertising, event marketing, college and high school sports, media and branding, and sports broadcasting. Students will meet twice a month and have 1-2 hours a week of online work. There will be a culminating assessment in the form of a project at the end of the course to demonstrate course mastery.

www.thorntonacademy.org/tams

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Freshman Honors English Preparatory Course - 7th Graders This course is designed for 7th grade students who are identified as candidates to take Honors Freshman English in lieu of 8th Grade English Language Arts (ELA). Students must apply for and be accepted to participate in this course. Students should be talented readers and writers, as well as mature and motivated students. Serving as a bridge from 7th grade ELA to Freshmen Honors English, the course will entail an accelerated version of the TAMS 8th grade ELA curriculum. Expectations will be rigorous and demand at-home work time.

Successful students will leave this course well prepared to enter Freshman Honors English as an 8th grader.

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Middle School

Student Activities TAMS offers a wide variety of student activities.

All students are strongly encouraged to participate.

COMMUNITY SERVICE GROUPS

ACADEMIC/CREATIVE GROUPS

•Student Council •Civil Rights Team •National Junior Honor Society

•Academic Enrichment Opportunities •Annual Musical Performance •Concert Band (beginning and advanced) •Choir •Dance Club •Drama Club (including annual theater production) •Environmental Club •iTeam •Math Academy •Service Learning Projects •TAMS Yearbook •Additional activities quarterly

ATHLETICS •Basketball •Baseball •Cross Country •Indoor Track •Outdoor Track •Soccer •Softball •Ski/Snowboard •Swimming

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UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Block 5/ X Classes

UPPER SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Thornton Academy Upper School

Introduction

From the Associate Head of Teaching and Learning Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to another exciting school year! We are all very fortunate to be members of the Thornton community. No school in the state (or maybe even New England!) has the breadth of program that we enjoy. With over 220 academic offerings--including 8 foreign language, 20 Advanced Placement, and more than 20 after school and evening courses--there is truly something for everyone. In addition to our broad academic catalog, the school sponsors more than 70 clubs, activities, community service organizations, and athletic teams. Make the most of your high school experience and stay connected to our community.

Whether you’re a freshman choosing your first classes, or an upperclassman stocking up on any of our five dozen Honors AP offerings, you’re in the right place. Choose your classes carefully. Be mindful of graduation requirements, your unique interests, and what will help prepare you for your life after TA. Consult your parents, your advisors, and your guidance counselors, and build yourself the most rounded, tailored program possible. Best wishes for a successful year!

Sincerely,

Chris Indorf

Upper School Middle School

Upper School

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes

Student Services The Student Services Team is a comprehensive system of support services within Thornton Academy. At the upper school level, the Student Services Team seeks to identify areas of concern for referred students and work to support students in finding success at school. Members of the Student Services Team include (alphabetically): • Alternative Education Instructor • Class Deans (FMI: Parent/Student Handbook) • Guidance Counselors • Independent Seminar Instructor • Section 504 Coordinator • School Nurse • School Resource Officer • Social Work Services • Special Education Services

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Guidance Department At Thornton Academy, school counselors are committed to delivering a comprehensive guidance and counseling program designed to encourage the social, emotional, and academic development of each student. TA’s school counselors advocate and provide support for students by working closely with teachers, administrators, the Student Services Team, and families. Counselors help students prepare for the future by fostering an awareness of their personal abilities, skills and interests, then assisting them to enter appropriate occupations and post-secondary education programs.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Students may see or make an appointment with their counselor in the Guidance Office before or after school, and during study hall. Parents may contact their student’s counselor by calling the Guidance Office or via email.

Every student is assigned to a guidance counselor who will support him or her through all four years of high school.

Guidance counselors assist students in the following ways: • Setting goals and selecting appropriate courses throughout high school • Discussing academic progress, including strengths and needs • Working through academic issues that may arise • Understanding and using test results • Exploring career options that match academic strengths and personal interests • Discussing and establishing life goals • Developing a transition plan to follow high school completion • Discussing and investigating postsecondary educational options • Providing information and direction regarding all aspects of the college application process, including financial aid possibilities • Making appropriate referrals for students needing professional help with personal, mental, and/or emotional issues • Meeting with parents as necessary and appropriate Following graduation from Thornton Academy, most students choose to attend college or university, enter the military or pursue additional career training of some sort.

Academic Help Many opportunities, including those described below, are available for students who wish to seek help with academics.

Homeroom Advisors Every student is assigned a homeroom advisor in freshman year; his or her advisor will remain the same through

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

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all four years of high school.

Homeroom advisors meet with students every day for 15 minutes. Advisors share whole school announcements, discuss school projects, assist with class activities, and conference with students and parents every spring to plan for the next school year.

Homeroom advisors also provide direction for students in need of help, both academic and social. Based on the issue at hand, an advisor might direct a student to meet with his or her guidance counselor, the classroom teacher, class dean or other school professional.

Parents may also contact homeroom advisors for assistance in accessing appropriate services.

Transition Program The Transition Program provides new freshmen with thoughtful communication and needed support as they enter high school and navigate their first year. The goal is to assist students, particularly those for whom school has been exceptionally challenging in the past, to achieve good academic progress throughout freshman year and enjoy a positive school experience overall.

More information is available from guidance counselors.

Credit Recovery Program The Credit Recovery Program provides support for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 for whom graduation status is in question due to achievement challenges. The credit recovery teacher works in collaboration with the student, his/her guidance counselor, classroom teachers and other professionals as appropriate to assess the student’s transcript. A course of action is recommended that will enable the student to accumulate

Technology Thornton Academy provides students and teachers with the latest technology and information technology (IT) services. High-speed wireless Internet access is available across the entire campus, from classrooms to dormitories. A large collection of laptop and desktop computers, including specialized computer labs, offers students opportunities that range from traditional subject-area research to television production, music production, application development and technical

BRCOT programs meet either in the morning or the afternoon for two consecutive blocks throughout the year (i.e., both semesters). Some courses will enable students to enter local community college programs with advanced placement.

The course descriptions provided for BRCOT offerings are intended for general information purposes only.

Admission criteria and course selection policies that are not included in Thornton Academy’s Program of Studies will apply. Complete information regarding all BRCOT programs is available from guidance counselors. See Pages 57-59 for more information.

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) BRCOT programs are open to juniors and seniors, with admission by application only. Information is provided to sophomores and juniors annually prior to the application and course selection process. Thornton Academy guidance counselors work collaboratively with the BRCOT staff to make all admission decisions. More information is available from guidance counselors.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

In September 2013 the newly renovated second floor of Thornton’s historic Locke-Emery building will open. Students, faculty, and the community at large will be welcomed to a bright and modern environment featuring reading areas that are inviting and comfortable, individual computer stations, quiet study zones, a large presentation area, and seating capacity for over 100 students and staff.

Distinct Programs Thornton Academy offers several distinct programs that further support students’ academic growth and meet individual needs. Guidance counselors can provide more information regarding each program below.

• The Special Education Department provides a continuum of services for identified students. An individualized program is carefully developed based upon the student’s specific needs.

Available services range from academic coaching, to direct instruction in a resource setting, to functional life skills programming.

• The Alternative Education program is designed for students who have experienced significant academic difficulties within the traditional classroom structure. Students must be referred for the program by an administrator, teacher or guidance counselor. The program is located on campus and combines a curriculum of alternative, career and mainstream classes as well as vocational experiences.

• An Independent Study may be developed and pursued by any student who has a strong interest in a focused area of study. The topic or theme of study cannot already be available through Thornton’s course offerings. Facilitation by a classroom teacher-mentor is required; high self-motivation is essential.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Academic Commons The Mary Weymouth Hyde Library and Academic Commons is home to a collection that spans a wide variety of interests, offering students and faculty access to nearly 16,000 print volumes, 30 magazine titles, and an extensive DVD and audio book collection of nearly 900 titles. Library hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Evening study hours are also available; students should check with the Librarian for the weekly schedule.

• The TA Mentors program is a good exploratory step for students who may be interested in pursuing a career working with children by providing opportunities to assist classroom teachers in local elementary and middle schools.

Students may choose to mentor for a single semester or for the whole year.

Academic credit (up to 0.5) is awarded based on students’ commitment to their assigned classes and reliability as a classroom assistant. Applications are available in the Guidance Office; acceptance is based on placement availability and interest. TA Mentors is a P/F non-weighted program.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

More information is available from guidance counselors.

writing. Thornton teachers maintain a web presence for their classes through TAOnline, Thornton’s virtual learning environment. All students are furnished a thorntonacademy.org email address, which is packaged with other collaboration tools through our Google Education Partnership™. Thornton Academy also provides parents and students access to grades online using the PowerSchool Student Information System.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

needed credits, at the same time putting in place the academic support he or she may require in order to be successful.

Middle School

Services & Programs

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Upper School

Student Activities Thornton Academy offers a wide variety of student activities at the upper school level and all students are strongly encouraged to participate. The activities listed below are offered every year, assuming continued student interest. With sufficient student interest and the willingness of a faculty advisor to become involved, new clubs and activities may be added. Information regarding the formation of a new club is available in the Administrators’ Office. Other activities may occur seasonally or in concert with another activity (e.g., Children’s Winter Carnival), but those are not listed.

ATHLETICS Fall

Winter

Spring

Cross Country Fall Cheering Field Hockey Football Golf Soccer

Basketball Ice Hockey Indoor Track Swimming Weightlifting Winter Cheering

Baseball Lacrosse Outdoor Track Softball Tennis

INTRAMURALS The Intramural Program provides a place for the Thornton Academy community to gather and enjoy both competitive and recreational sports that will enhance the educational experience as well as promote a healthy lifestyle. The Intramural Program provides opportunities for international students, day students, faculty and staff to interact, uniting the entire school population and allowing participants to share and absorb new cultures. The overarching program goal is to encourage participants to build positive relationships, become more enthusiastic and ambitious, develop leadership skills, and have fun.

Fall

Winter

Spring

Flag Football Dodge Ball Tennis Badminton Softball Table Tennis

Bowling Handball Indoor Soccer Pond Hockey Snow Football Table Tennis

Ultimate Frisbee Badminton 3-on-3 Basketball Floor Hockey Flag Football Table Tennis

ACADEMIC GROUPS Academic Decathlon Archive Club Carpe Diem (Newspaper)* Chinese Club Classics Club French Club German Club Ink (Literary Magazine) Math Club

National Honor Society† Political Science Russian Club Science Olympiad Spanish Club Speech Team TATV (Channel 3) Tripod (Yearbook)* Anime Club

Arts Club Orchestra* Chess Club Concert Choir* Concert Band* Dance Company* Drama Club (TA Players) Guitar Club Jazz Band*

Marching Band PEP Band TA Tech Crew Table Top Game Club Treble Choir* Environmental Club Outdoor Adventure Club Ski Club Ultimate Frisbee Club

COMMUNITY SERVICE GROUPS A-Team Amnesty International Civil Rights

Class Officers† Gay/Straight Alliance Green Team

Interact Natural Peer Helpers/Mediators Philanthropy Society

Student Council† Volunteers Of America Youth Against Dating Abuse * †

Credit courses Students are elected to these activities.

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UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Block 5/ X Classes

UPPER SCHOOL

Middle School

Upper School

Developing Your Schedule Planning a four-year program of study at Thornton Academy is a serious task; post-secondary institutions and employers alike require the submission of a high school transcript. Colleges and universities seek students who show academic preparation that is balanced and comprehensive. Employers seek students who show strength in the basic skills required for adulthood.

Graduation requirements apply to anyone who earns a TA diploma. All students, regardless of post-high school plans, must successfully complete 15.5 credits in core requirements, plus 6.5 credits (minimum) in electives.

College-bound students, especially those applying for a traditional four-year program, must go beyond the minimum graduation requirements by taking four years of all core subjects (English, history, math and science) and at least three years of foreign language. Students who plan to pursue a particular skill or talent, often in the arts, should also be prepared to audition or submit a portfolio of work. Students who plan to enter the work force directly after graduation will be well served by demonstrating competence in a strong core program.

Basic Graduation Requirements and Recommendations for College-Bound Students

English Math History Science Foreign Language Fine Arts Wellness Electives TOTAL

Required for diploma

Required for college admission

4 3 3 3 1 1.5 6.5 22

4 4 4 4

2-4 (depending on specific college program) 1 1.5 as needed 24-30

All courses needed to satisfy core graduation requirements are offered annually. Elective courses and independent studies are offered based on student requests and faculty availability.

Most courses are considered the “core curriculum” and reflect a 4.0 GPA scale. The core curriculum addresses the needs of both students who will pursue post-secondary education as well as those who will seek employment immediately. Supplemental weight will be assigned to Honors classes (4.2 GPA scale) and Advanced Placement classes (4.3 GPA scale); these classes are intended for students requiring additional academic challenge, generally those planning to apply for admission to selective and highly selective post-secondary programs. Thornton Academy offers twenty rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) offerings. AP courses are nationally accredited and widely accepted by colleges and universities. Students who enroll in AP courses are required to sit for exams in the spring. Exam scores often qualify students to receive college credit and/or to bypass certain introductory courses; individual college policies differ. A student may elect not to take the exam, in which case the class will be considered an “Honors” level course; a change in weighted grade calculation and transcript description will reflect this choice. There is a charge for AP materials and end-of-year testing; financial aid is available for qualified students from the College Board and from Thornton Academy. AP exam registration will take place in the fall, and exam fees will be collected at that time. Questions should be directed to guidance counselors or the Director of Guidance.

In summary, several important factors should guide annual course selection. Consider:

• Academic progress toward graduation

• Post-secondary plans (four-year college or university, community or other two-year college, career or

vocational training, military service, or employment)

• Recommendations and input from current teachers, advisors or counselors, and parents

• Current interests and talents

• Areas of new interest and curiosity Thornton Academy’s Enhanced Schedule: Providing More Opportunities For the last six years, Thornton Academy has been proud to offer students unique learning opportunities outside of the traditional school day.

Teachers and talented community members have offered after-school and evening classes covering everything from Poetry to Photography, Media Studies to Discrete Mathematics. Originally offered on a case-by-case basis, specialized courses are now part of Thornton’s regular school schedule.

Courses offered during the traditional school day, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, will continue to meet the needs of the entire student population. However, expanding the school day later into the afternoon and evening will allow for student engagement in learning opportunities that target unique interests and needs, serving students well beyond basic graduation requirements. Additional offerings are intended to be either high-interest flexible class offerings, or core courses for which an alternative schedule will better meet the time-related needs for a group of students (e.g., students who work). All students may enroll in one or more Block 5 or X-block classes, even if their traditional-day schedule is full, as long as they are able to meet the additional academic expectations.

The enhanced schedule adds the following options: • “Block 5” classes meet directly after the traditional school day, from approximately 2:05-3:20. Block 5 classes meet two or three times weekly.

• “X-Block” courses meet at varying times and intervals depending on specific course goals. Evening classes are the most common, usually meeting

weekly for 2-2 ½ hours per class.

• X-block “Sunday Seminars” will meet once a week, from 6-8:30 PM on Sunday evenings.

• Recognizing that some students are “morning people,” whose brains focus better early in the day or who arrive at school very early in the morning, Thornton Academy has added the “zero block.”

- Classes in the zero block will meet from 7:00 to 7:45 every day, not alternating maroon and gold.

- Zero block classes are not mandatory and most are also offered between 8:00 and 2:00. However, students who register for a zero block class have

made a commitment — transfers to a section of the same class that meets later in the day will not be allowed.

- Zero block courses will run if a sufficient number of students register. If not, students who registered will be transferred to a later class or an

alternative course.

Courses - Upper School

Block 5/Block X Classes, Test Prep, Online Courses

TA’s exciting program of high interest course offerings enters its third year in 2013. The school day has been extended for students who wish to take advantage of academic courses after 2:00 PM. “Block 5” will run from 2:05 to 3:17 PM; flexible “X Block” classes will meet on campus and online in the evenings, Sunday through Thursday. Many Block 5 and X Block courses are brand new, and most are special-interest elective course offerings.

Some popular offerings are running again, based on student interest. Taking classes during block 5 or X is strictly voluntary; all students are able to complete graduation requirements during the “core day” from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Catholics, Castles, and Cu Chulainn: Exploring Celtic Culture BLOCK X, 0.5 credit Spring Semester Grades 11 and 12 Ireland is haunted by its own history: by seven centuries of domination and oppression by the powerful island across the sea; by the trauma of the great famine of the mid-nineteenth century; by the heritage of political violence that extends from the time of Cromwell to the “Troubles” that have afflicted the North since the 1960s.

But flowing from these troubling times is a legacy of a culture steeped in music, art, and dance that continues today. Instructors will use a variety of mediums to tackle these topics with students, including historical essays and articles, memoirs, poetry, plays, films, and fiction. The aim of the course is to display the major themes and turning points in Irish history. The course combines extensive study of the geography, history, anthropology, art, and literature.

The course will culminate in the spring with a trip to Ireland.

Speechwriting and Public Speaking BLOCK 5, 0.5 credit Fall Semester Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Students need to learn to communicate their passions in a way that will attract their peers, parents, future co-workers and their community members. Through studying persuasive techniques in non-fiction essays and speeches, students will build a set of voices to draw from as they explore their own sense of voice and purpose. Students will study videos of influential speeches, collect a menu of delivery methods, and explore effective interviewing techniques such as proper preparation, body language and awareness of target audience. Students will prepare several original speeches on topics of their choice demonstrating proficiency in different techniques studied in class. Potential activities may include but are not limited to TATV interviews, real job interviews, meetings with potential employers in the area, field trip to WCSH6, school meeting presentations, school meeting critique activities, film analysis of famous public speeches, and textual analysis of famous speeches.

view a film and then engage in research about the various historical topics, people, and themes presented in the weekly showing. Students will examine the relationships between “reality” and “representation,” and consider the value of motion pictures as information sources. This course is open to all students who have a passion for watching and talking about historical movies and enjoy engaging in related research.

Introduction to Logic BLOCK 5, 0.5 credit Fall and Spring Semester (Q2 and Q3) Grades 10, 11, and 12 Prerequisite: Geometry Logical thinking is the basis behind mathematics, computer programming, and rational thinking. This course will provide an

Filmography: From Real to Reel BLOCK X, 0.5 credit Spring Semester Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 D. W. Griffith once declared, “The time will come … when children … will be taught practically everything by moving pictures. ” Welcome to Real to Reel, a course where movies are the textbook!

In this course, students explore historical themes through motion pictures.

In each class students will www.thorntonacademy.org/ExtendedDay

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Block 5 & X Middle School

introduction to the concepts and symbols used in logical arguments. We will discuss how to translate arguments into the language of formal logic and test the validity of those arguments.

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Costume Design and Construction BLOCK X, 0.5 credit Spring Semester Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Perhaps you have seen the TLC series Project Runway, and you have some idea of the challenges that fashion designers face, or perhaps you want hands on experience creating one-of-a-kind costumes for TA’s own thespians. Come and explore the exciting journey of costuming. Costume Design will help you learn: concept development, rendering and final sketches, translating a sketch to a costume, costume budgeting, fabrics selection, pattern drafting (both flat pattern and draping), and garment construction (including understanding the key differences between ready to wear clothing and costumes). Understand themes of the selected play, the author’s vision for the play and the psychology of the characters while working with the TA Players, and put your new skills to a practical end costuming the Spring Production.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Entrepreneurship BLOCK X, 0.5 credit Fall Semester Grades 11 and 12 Want to be your own boss? Would you like to start your own company? In this course students will study and practice entrepreneurship. Student teams will create a technology/product-based startup and write a business plan that includes all the building blocks of creating an enterprise. In order to create a successful startup, student entrepreneurs will be required to address various issues in startup creation such as product development, market research, technology viability, fund raising, competitive analysis, team formation and marketing and sales strategy. The course will feature guest lecturers who are successful local entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders with strong experience in creating and running startups. Students choosing

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this course are likely to major in business or wish to start a business of their own after high school.

Robotics Team BLOCK 5, 0.5 credit Fall Semester Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 This X Block class will start with a basic introduction to robotics including an understanding of basic electricity and electronics, sensors, motors, actuators and audio. Students will then learn how to program basic microcomputers that are used in robotic systems. We will start to design a simple robot, determine how we will interact with it, and then work as a team to build the actual robot, breaking down the project into various sub-projects. If there is enough interest, we may enter the next FIRST Ro-

botics competition. Some basic knowledge of a programming language such as Java or C will be very helpful, but highly motivated students will be able to learn the programming required for this class.

Game Design Development BLOCK 5, 0.5 credit Fall Semester Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 This class will be an extension of the current TA Game Development Club. This class will be based on the free Unity Game Development Platform. Simple objects and basic scenes will be created in Unity. More complex objects will be created in a 3D Graphics program called Blender. We will start with a basic understanding of how to develop game scenes and story lines,

www.thorntonacademy.org/ExtendedDay

creating simple scenes in Unity and advancing to more complex character control and motion. Some basic knowledge of a programming language such as Java or C will be very helpful, but highly motivated students will be able to learn the programming required for character and menu development. If time permits, we will learn how to setup the game to run on the web in a multi-player environment.

Sports Journalism BLOCK X, 0.5 credit Fall Semester Grades 10, 11, and 12 Prerequisite: Students must have taken at least one of the following: TV Production 1, Fundamentals of Digital Imaging, Yearbook, Carpe Diem or honors/AP English class.

This class will enable students to learn about sports journalism from someone who has held professional positions in sports writing, blogging and broadcasting. Sports journalism is changing on the national stage and potential sports journalists need to be prepared to face the challenges. Thornton Academy has a rich tradition of sports success and this class will allow more of our school’s many athletic stories to be told. Athletes are encouraged to participate in that they are a natural fit for involvement with sports journalism production, especially with TATV. Current Events BLOCK X, .5 credit Fall Semester Grades 10, 11, and 12 Interested in the world? Keep up with world and national events, and understand how global issues connect with and affect your life. Gain a better understanding of the world you will inherit through current media, various speakers, and other sources.

Grades will be based on weekly quizzes, class participation and an exit interview.

Join us!

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Sailing Through Girlhood BLOCK 5, 0.5 credit Spring Semester Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Being a girl in high school has its challenges and we want to talk about it. This course will explore some of the common struggles

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Introduction to Law BLOCK X, 0.5 credit Fall Semester This course will be a comprehensive overview of the American Legal System.

Students will be introduced to the art of litigation, learning how to conduct direct and cross-examinations, and how to draft and deliver opening and closing statements. Students will conduct mock trials and compete against other high schools in the Maine Mock Trial Competition held by the Maine Bar Association. Additionally, students will learn the language of law, discover how to dissect case opinions and

Maine: The Way Life Used to be!

BLOCK X, 0.5 credit Fall Semester Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Battles between Indians and Brits, pirate attacks, death by scurvy—the vibrant history of Maine includes it all! The first settlers arrived in Maine in 1604 and we’ll study the colonial period until independence in 1820.

We will learn about relations between Native Americans, British, and French settlers and the conflicts that define early Maine history. This class meets once a week and will include many field trips to historical sites throughout our great state. This class is open to all students and will be based on readings, class discussions, and online journal postings. Prepare to immerse yourself in the past!

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Finally, we will study the origin of the technology. Where did it come from? Is it widely used today? Does it add or detract from the story? Do you understand how and why the author used the technology to push the story forward? How do the technical parts of the book add or detract from the literary aspects of the work?

how to form and confront legal theories.

After taking this course, students will have a general concept of how civil and criminal legal proceedings are initiated, have a general understanding of where our law comes from, how the law continues to evolve, and the method in which it is practiced in the United States.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Math and the Modern Novel – Honors Level BLOCK X, 0.5 credit Spring Semester Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: B or better in most recently completed English, math, and science courses In this course we will examine the role of

technology in the modern novel. Specifically, we will read and discuss three contemporary novels in which technology is used both as a plot device and a literary element. As part of our examination we will also look at the origins of the technology and math in the novels. In some cases, the addition of technology and math is a subtle addition to the plot of the book; in other cases, it takes a more central role.

We’ll examine both situations.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Adventure Studies BLOCK 5, 0.5 credit Fall Semester Grades 10, 11, and 12 This course is for students who wish to explore exciting accounts of adventure through literature and first-hand experience. Focus will be on mental and physical challenge, personal growth and the courage to make tough choices. We will explore the fundamental psychological and cultural reasons why humans feel the need to push themselves to master great challenges, as well as look at the role adventure has played and continues to play in popular culture. We will also examine the literary elements used by authors to create interesting and successful adventure narratives.

Opportunities to practice non-fiction writing will be offered. We will read, write and have discussions about how adventure and wilderness literature can give us a greater understanding of the relationship between humankind and the natural world. In-class activities will be supplemented by an outdoor component, taking trips to experience adventure and the wilderness first-hand!

No outdoor experience is necessary.

Middle School

Block 5 & X

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Block 5 & X Middle School

and acknowledge the many achievements of girls today. This team-taught class will explore topics ranging from body image, health, women in the workforce, and current events. The class design will be based on round table discussion and group activities. Open to every female student in the school.

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Honors Small Ensembles BLOCK X, 0.5 credit Fall and Spring Semester Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Prerequisite: Must play an instrument This course is a little bit of everything! Musical selections will range from the Beatles to Beethoven, each performed in small ensembles. Student groups will be created in a range of forms, from the quartet/quintet to (perhaps) a 15-person percussion ensemble. All instruments—from flute to guitar—are welcome. We will form as many ensembles as we have instruments for, including jazz combo. At the heart of this art form is a spirit of collaboration.

Chamber music demands that individuals engage in a close musical dialogue with other performers, that musicians’ preferences are respected and their differences

honored. A collective musical instinct, experience, knowledge, and talent will guide the process of interpreting, rehearsing, and performing. Students at the USM School of Music will be leading some of the ensembles. This is a great opportunity to connect with experienced musicians.

Japanese II BLOCK X, 1 credit Fall and Spring Semester Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 This yearlong class will build on vocabulary and grammar skills, helping students become more proficient in speaking Japanese. Students will improve skills in reading hiragana, and they will learn the katakana alphabet. This course is geared towards students who have taken TA’s Conversational (Level 1) Japanese class and/or have studied some basic Japanese independently. Students with no prior knowledge of Japanese may still enroll if they commit to some independent learning during the summer; please consult with the instructor.

Mentor Program Think you might like to teach? Do you like working with children? This program may

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

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www.thorntonacademy.org/ExtendedDay

be for you. You have the oportunity to work in the local elementary and middle schools assisting teachers. This only open to juniors and seniors.

You may choose to do one semester or one year. You earn a 0.5 credit based on your attendance and commitment to the program.

You need to apply to this program and your acceptance is based on your availability and interest. Applications will be available in the guidance office. This is a P/F class- non weight. Sign-ups in early October.

TEST PREPARATION Maine Prep SAT Test Preparation Block X (Sunday Seminar), 0.25 credit Fall and Spring Semesters Grades 11 and 12; Grade 10 students welcomed on a space-available basis Materials Fee: $25 In preparation for the SAT, students will review the basic verbal and mathematical skills assessed on the SAT. Instruction will be provided on relevant test-taking strategies. Materials for the course will include a copy of an SAT prep manual, sample tests and released items for practice, The Maine

ONLINE COURSES

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes

University of Maine Academ-e Block X, 1 credit (TA); 3 college credits Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Nomination by counselor, teacher, Associate Head, Headmaster The first early college distance education program in Maine, the University of Maine Academ-e offers courses for university credit to Maine high school seniors through online technologies. Academ-e consists of courses in five broad areas: mathematics, sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences. Through nominations by a counselor, teacher or Associate Head, students are eligible to enroll in the Academ-e on a first-come, first-served basis. Academ-e courses will carry University of Maine credit; students will establish a UMaine transcript that will apply earned credit hours toward a UMaine degree or facilitate transfer to another post-secondary institution. Students will receive dual credits (i.e., both high school and university credit). Courses are offered in an asynchronous online environment that allows students study and learn in a location and time of their choosing, any time during the day, evenings or weekends. Course design ensures student and faculty interaction and accommodates students’ schedules and personal circumstances. Courses that have run in the past include: economics, peace and reconciliation, introduction to Maine studies, principles of statistical interference, travelers and madmen, and more. Contact a guidance counselor for more information.

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

TOEFL Test Preparation Block X, 0.25 credit Fall and Spring Semesters Grades 11 and 12 Materials Fee: $20 TOEFL preparation in reading, writing, and listening will be emphasized as students examine each of the four sections of the test. Strategies and practice tests will help students gain a deeper understanding of the skills they will need to succeed on the TOEFL, and help inform their course registrations. In addition to test-specific skills and strategies, students will learn additional vocabulary and study Greek and Latin roots and prefixes to help master the English language.

CLEP (College Level Examination Program)®

by CollegeBoard Block X, 1 credit (TA); 3 college credits Grades 11 and 12 CLEP allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired college-level mastery of course content in 34 different subject areas.

Students who successfully complete a CLEP exam can enrich their degree programs with higher-level courses in the same discipline, expand their horizons by taking a wider array of electives, and avoid the need to repeat material that they already know.

• CLEP exams are available in 34 introductory, college-level subjects.

• CLEP exams are 90 minutes long and administered online • All exams are scored on a scale of 20 to 80; a score of 50, representing a grade of C, is the minimum score for credit granted on any exam, as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE).

• Score reports are available to students and the administering institution immediately upon completion of the exam.

CLEP offers students the opportunity to receive between 3 and 12 collegiate credit hours while in high school. Over 2,900 colleges and universities accept CLEP credits, affording a motivated student a great

opportunity to save money and time, and prepare for college. Contact a guidance counselor for more information.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

ELL/ESOL SAT Test Preparation Block X, 0.25 credit Fall and Spring Semesters Grades 11 and 12; Grade 10 students welcomed on a space-available basis Materials Fee: $20 Although similar in content to the SAT Test Prep class described above, this course will focus on the unique needs of Thornton’s ELL/ESOL students. Greater emphasis will be placed on preparation for the verbal and writing portions of the exam. This pass/fail X Block course will be offered one night a week in 75-minute sessions for six weeks.

own school calendar, and they satisfy all College Board Advanced Placement course requirements. The AP4ALL program offers different courses year-to-year, and the offerings for 2013-2014 will be available in the spring. Students may register for AP courses not currently offered at Thornton Academy (Psychology, Government, and French Language and Culture). Contact a guidance counselor for more information.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Prep Curriculum will consist of real SAT’s and Maine Prep TEN FOR TEN curricular materials, through which the instructor will assess students’ work. Offered twice, this pass/fail X Block class will be offered for eight weeks in the fall semester, and six weeks in the spring (prior to the exam).

Middle School

Test Prep and Online Courses

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

AP4ALL Block X, 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 AP4ALL is a program of the Maine Department of Education that provides online Advanced Placement courses free of charge to any student attending school in Maine. The program offers rigorous and challenging coursework taught by Maine certified teachers who receive extensive training not only in their specific AP content area, but also in the pedagogy of effective online teaching. Teachers are provided with significant support in the areas of integrating technology, effective online communication, and all aspects of teaching and learning related to an online course. These are yearlong online courses that run from early September through one week after the scheduled date of the AP Exam for the course. AP4ALL courses follow the same calendar, regardless of a student’s www.thorntonacademy.org/ExtendedDay

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Courses - Upper School

Arts and New Media: Visual Art, Theater, Dance, Music and Media Arts

The Arts Center has a wide range of exciting arts courses which generally begin with an introductory course, and then progress to studio and advanced classes in each arts discipline. Specific prerequisites are required for advanced art disciplines and may only be waived with special permission from the Arts Center faculty. Check the prerequisites for each class carefully before deciding on a course of study. Arts courses have assignments in addition to class work and may include homework, materials collection, research, writing, drawing, practicing, rehearsing and working in the studios before and after school. Investment of time outside of class is expected from arts students in all areas.

Instruction and discussion of what constitutes originality in areas such as thought, design and composition will be consistent through all Arts classes in order to assure that all students understand the meaning of, and know how to avoid, plagiarism.

DANCE Dance I 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Students will learn the basic elements and principles of modern dance from various perspectives. Students will develop skills through directed practice and improvisational exercises and studies. Mind-body relationships and creative thinking will be nurtured in order to discover a freedom to move in new ways. Students will learn the language of dance as an expressive medium through the processes of critiquing and refining small and large group dances. Understanding the history and aesthetics of dance will be a part of developing dance literacy. Assignments and outside tasks will include reading, writing and choreographic work.

Dance II 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Dance I Students will focus on expanding movement vocabulary, improving confidence, and developing technical skills as well as acquiring the knowledge and skills needed for effective performing. The development of 20th century modern dance will be expanded upon.

Students will perform dances in different mediums such as musical theatre, film and video. Students will also explore choreographic processes through improvisation, abstraction, deconstruction, and inversion. Through these activities, they will develop a framework and language for dance criticism. Class assignments and outside tasks may include reading, writing, choreographic work, rehearsals and performance projects. Participation in public performances may be required.

Dance III 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Dance II and approval of the instructor Students will build on the skills and technique gained in Dance I and Dance II. This course stresses the development of strength, flexibility, and endurance of the physical body, the ability of students to work cooperatively with others, and the maturation of performance skills including the range of dynamics, projection and expression. Also included are technical requirements such as lighting, sets, costuming, performance spaces, and the documentation and notation of dances. Students will explore the craft of choreography and create a dance based on a historical event or theme. Out-of-school rehearsals and performances are required

Piano Lab 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Open to all who want to learn piano, this class is taught on MIDI keyboards with a computer program to guide students through the basics of reading music and the proper techniques of playing the piano. Students will learn how to read and perform a variety of music including classical, jazz and

Jazz Improvisation 0.5 credit Prerequisite: Music Theory I Am7, Bb7+9 … No, these are not math equations, they are chord symbols!

Learn how to analyze and interpret jazz and you can begin to make “the changes.” Gershwin’s popular tune “I’ve got Rhythm” was the birthplace of making the changes, meaning learning how to play over chord progressions. Don’t be afraid—you can create your own melodies on the spot according to what you hear, and how you feel. It’s like creative writing for your instrument. This class is open to anyone who can play any instrument. Building upon the skills

1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Music Theory I This yearlong class is designed for students planning to major in music in college, or those who have an intense interest in analyzing, composing and arranging music. Students will learn how to read and write in every key signature, how to create chords, how to write melodies and harmonies and how to arrange music for small ensembles.

The course will also include more sophisticated and creative tasks, such as melodic and harmonic dictation, composition of a bass line for a given melody, implying appropriate harmony, realization of a figured bass, realization of a Roman numeral progression, analysis of repertoire including melody, harmony, rhythm, texture and form, and sight-singing. Students will be well prepared for and expected to take the AP Exam given in May. Concert Choir 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Open to those interested in singing as a means of expression, students will study a wide variety of music as well as develop the ability to read and understand vocal music. Students will have the unique opportunity to perform with 180 other students at concerts in the winter and spring. Concerts and after-school rehearsals are required.

www.thorntonacademy.org/dancecompany

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UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

NEW! Advanced Placement Music Theory

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Introduction to Strings/Fiddling 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 This semester course is open to all students with or without previous experience in strings. Basics of a student’s chosen instrument (violin, viola, cello or bass) will be the initial focus, and fiddling will be introduced as the student learns to read music and play tunes from memory. Students will experiment with amplification of acoustic instruments. Individual practice outside of class is required.

Music Theory I 0.5 credit Grades 9,10,11,12 Do- re- mi and A- B- C, it’s a very nice place to start. If you can play by ear, or always wanted to learn to read music but haven’t, you need this class. Using technology to aid you in your quest to learn to read music, crack the code of those little black dots on the mysterious 5 lines and 4 spaces. You will be able to identify notes, play basic rhythms, hear major and minor chords, and more.

Online tools and paper resources will help as you learn to read and associate the written and aural music in this class.

You will learn a few piano basics, how to read music and lots of listening skills in basic music theory.

History of Rock ‘n’ Roll 0.5 Credit Grades 9,10,11,12 The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll is an indepth study of the origins of popular music in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Students will learn the social and historical context that gave birth to rock ‘n’ roll, its related genres and musical offshoots. From blues and country to punk, rap and heavy metal, students will become familiar with landmark groups, music, and movements of different decades, exploring connections between modern music and the artists from the past who paved the way for the popular music of today. Speak up, speak out, voice your opinions, share your passions, your thoughts and your experiences! It will not be hard for you to be successful in this class because IT WILL ROCK!!

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Thornton Academy’s music program is among the finest in the state, and offers student-musicians the chance to participate in high caliber ensembles with unique and challenging performance opportunities. Classes are also offered that provide opportunities to learn basic skills in areas such as piano, string and fiddling, as well as enrichment niche classes during the extended day (5/X) periods.

Music Technology 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Students will learn the basic elements of live sound, including how to set up, mix and record sound. The course begins by learning how to mix and edit sound tracks in Garage Band and includes projects using pre-recorded tracks to add music to movies, create original pieces of music, write a rap and even a ringtone for your phone! Learning to set up and operate different analog and digital mixing boards is part of this class. A major project in this class is organizing, planning and successfully running a coffee house event in the Auditorium at school.

you learn in Basic Music Theory, you will be able to improvise, collaborate, and think quickly and creatively everyday!

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

MUSIC

pop. Learning to play the piano is the perfect stepping-stone to playing any instrument, as students will learn music theory that can be applied to all music.

As access to the computer program is only available during class, regular attendance is critical to success in piano lab.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Performance and Repertory: Dance Company 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Dance I and an audition in the spring This is an opportunity for experienced dancers to gain performing and choreographic experience. Students will refine kinesthetic and spatial awareness working toward greater musicality and expressiveness with a variety of choreographers. Students will create original dances, using choreographic process such as improvisation, thematic development, variation, and resolution.

The company will perform at Thornton Academy as well as at other schools and venues. Students will learn about approaches to building a repertory as well as the many technical aspects of performance and company management. Outside rehearsal and performance time is required. NOTE: This course may be repeated for credit.

Middle School

Music

Arts and New Media Middle School UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Chamber Singers 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: By audition only Chamber Singers is an auditioned performance group of advanced singers. Students will perform a wide variety of music ranging from sacred literature to secular, including foreign languages and jazz. Outside rehearsal time is needed to perfect the skills for performance-level singing. Members of this choir will also perform as part of Concert Choir.

practice is required. As a member of the Concert Band each student is eligible to audition for and participate in MMEA District I and statewide festivals.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Treble Choir 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: By audition only Treble Choir is an auditioned group of female singers who want a unique experience of learning treble music only, and who are dedicated to learning more about music and the voice.

Students will learn to use good breath support and to develop their voices by applying important vocal techniques.

Members of this choir will perform as part of Concert Choir.

Jazz Band 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Prerequisite: By audition only This band is for the serious jazz enthusiast. The student must have the technical skills and artistic ability necessary to perform advanced jazz music including improvisation. The student must be fluent in key signatures up to 4 sharps and 4 flats. Performances are part of the course grade and include festivals and concerts in the spring semester.

Members of Jazz Band are also members of the Combined Concert Band that performs at the annual holiday and spring concerts as well as the local Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day parades.

Additional rehearsal time after school and individual practice is required. As a member of the Jazz Band each student is eligible to audition for and participate in MMEA District I and statewide festivals.

Concert Band 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Ability to play a band instrument Concert Band is an exciting and fun class designed to improve your musical skills as well as give you the opportunity to be part of an outstanding ensemble. This group will practice and perform contemporary and classic concert band literature. To be a member you must already know how to play a band instrument. Members of the Concert Band, along with Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble, will combine to form the band that performs at the annual holiday and spring concerts as well as the local Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day parades. Additional rehearsal time after school and individual

Orchestra 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Ability to play violin, viola, cello or string bass This instrumental performance group is made up of strings and combines twice yearly with the Wind Ensemble to form the Symphony Orchestra. The Orchestra performs a wide variety of literature, from traditional to contemporary.

Opportunities for other seasonal and community performances exist, such as the new February themed concert series. As a member of the Orchestra each student is eligible to audition for and participate in MMEA District I and statewide festivals. Outside practice is required, as are after-school and evening rehearsals, concerts and special performances.

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www.thorntonacademy.org/arts

Wind Ensemble 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Concert Band and audition This select group explores traditional chamber and concert band music and makes up the wind and percussion section of the full orchestra. Members of Wind Ensemble are also members of the combined concert band that performs at the annual holiday and spring concerts, as well as the local Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day Parades. Additional rehearsal time after school and individual practice are required. As a member of the Jazz Band, each student is eligible to audition for and participate in MMEA District I and statewide festivals.

THEATER Theater Basics 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Theater Basics students will focus on the beginning language, history and practice of theater and performance.

Through class work, viewings and improvisations, each student will develop a set of skills that will help him or her more fully appreciate the processes of theater and performance. Class work will include improvisation, acting basics for stage and camera, script reading and writing, visual design including set and costume design, film as a visual/ performing art, and public performance opportunities with a focus on story and how the story is performed.

Student goals for Theater Basics include increased confidence in public presentation and performance.

Acting I/II 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 This workshop-based course is for the serious performance student, and is designed for those interested in

If you are a serious art student interested in pursuing a career in the visual arts, a variety of courses are offered that will

Visual Arts II 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I Students will continue the develop-

Pottery I 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I This is a hands-on course that concentrates on various handbuilding construction methods. Students will learn about the technical aspects of working with clay and glazes to create functional and well-designed pottery.

Clay bodies, the stages of clay, tools and glazes are important topics that will be covered. Research, creative problem solving, and group critiques are all integral components for projects.

Regular homework is assigned in this class, which includes spending additional time developing projects in the clay studio. *Transfer or international students with equivalent introductory visual arts course(s) may have this requirement waived by the registrar or a guidance counselor.

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UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Artists begin their journey in the TA Arts Department with Visual Arts I. This course is the prerequisite for all other visual art classes* and gives the artist a solid foundation in the elements and principles of art that are necessary for success in the advanced art courses. Successful completion of Visual Art I allows students to take one of the many studio electives that are offered by the semester, such as Visual Arts II, Printmaking, Photography, Sculpture, or Illustration. In addition, upon successful completion of Visual Arts I, students may take full-year courses including Drawing, Painting, Pottery I and Pottery II.

Visual Arts I 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Students will learn the elements and principles of design, and develop skills and perception through drawing, painting, collage and other media. Learning about a variety of artists and their work will be embedded in the curriculum.

This class stresses creative problem solving as an important part of an artist’s work. Written work and sketchbook homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Students will develop a portfolio of work, which will be considered part of the final grade. The successful completion of this studio arts course meets half of the Fine Arts credit required for graduation. Students interested in a career in the Fine Arts are advised to take Visual Art I in freshman or sophomore year in order to allow time to complete a variety of studio electives before graduation.

Honors Visual Arts 0.5 credit Grades 11 and 12 Spring Semester Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I This is an advanced and rigorous course designed for the serious artist seeking to create a sophisticated body of work.

A variety of media will be explored and may include drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, bookmaking, photography, and mixed media.

The elements of art and the principles of design will be emphasized, as well as art history, art criticism and aesthetics.

Students are expected to dedicate time in and out of class researching, creating independently and critiquing. Intense pace and high quality work creation is expected. This class is highly recommended for the students bound for art school, and should be taken sequentially with Fine Art Portfolio preparation.

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VISUAL ARTS

Please note that, with the exception of 5/X block courses, a student may take just two arts courses, or a total of two arts credits, in one academic year.

ment of skills learned in Visual Arts I, including further exploration of the elements of art and principles of design.

A variety of media and technique, subject, theory and styles will be explored.

Components of this course will include aesthetics and creative expression, art criticism, art history and culture. Learning to research personal imagery for inspiration and to record visual development of projects will be necessary to create a successful portfolio of work.

Regular sketchbook and written homework will be assigned.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Film Analysis 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 This foundation in the creative art of film puts movies in the realm of visual and performing arts study. Through the focus of cinematic styles, conventions, language and history, students will develop an understanding of how filmmakers influence, entertain and tell a story through the medium of motion pictures. Critical essay is among the required reviews of student understanding.

cultivate your experience and aptitude in the visual arts. After successful completion of Visual Art I and two studio electives, juniors and seniors may take the Portfolio Preparation course (offered first semester only) and/or Honors Visual Arts (offered second semester only). For highly competitive artists seeking challenge and immersion within a rigorous art-making process, the full-year course Advanced Placement Studio Art (2D Design, Drawing or 3D Design) is offered; prerequisites apply.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

advancing their acting skills. Class will consist of exploratory exercises in scene study, monologues, improvisation and technique. The focus of the course will be an exploration of acting styles and character work using a variety of scripts, both professional and studentwritten. Final projects may include creation of a television drama and public stage performance. Both classroom performance and participation and public performance are required.

Middle School

Visual Arts

Arts and New Media Middle School UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes

Pottery II - Handbuilding and Wheel throwing 0.5 credits Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I Pottery II includes both handbuilding and wheel throwing. Advanced handbuilding techniques will be employed and students will be introduced to the art of throwing clay forms on the wheel.

Students can expect to work creatively and problem-solve daily, making use of their knowledge of design elements and principles to develop their work.

Group critiques and learning how to exhibit sculptural forms will be included. Regular homework is assigned in this class, which includes spending additional time developing projects in the clay studio.

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Illustration 0.5 credits Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I and Drawing Illustration students will design work that communicates through picture and word relationships. Studio activities will include story-telling assignments, design and fashion projects as well as direct observation studies such as medical and botanical illustrations. A variety of media will be explored, including

UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

marker, paint, colored pencil and mixed media. Imagination and technical skills will be necessary components of studio work. Homework includes researching ideas and working on assignments to meet deadlines. Frequent critiques offer each artist the opportunity to improve their personal portfolio.

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Printmaking 0.5 credit Grades 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I This studio course introduces basic printmaking processes and equipment with equal emphasis on concept and technique. Students are introduced to a variety of print media and methods, such as monotype, relief and intaglio, and various approaches to making and printing plates in each medium.

Research, ability to visualize the activity, and planning are important components in this art-making studio and homework will be assigned regularly.

Photography 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I The objective of this course is to provide a format for students to learn the visual and technical skills within the context of fine art photography.

Coursework emphasizes conceptual, technical, and historical approaches to photography. Camera operation and a variety of printing processes and techniques will be explored, along with a variety of subject matter. Regular homework is assigned in this class.

Sculpture 0.5 credit Grades 9,10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I Sculpture students will design and create a variety of 3-dimensional sculptural forms, exploring the use of space in various media, such as paper, clay, wood, or found objects.

Research, creative construction of ideas and planning are components in the art making studio; homework will be assigned regularly.

Art History: 19th—21st Century 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Note: This course does not serve as a prerequisite for other visual art electives.

Beginning with Romanticism, stu-

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dents will investigate human creativity through visual art, music, historical events, inventions and writing. This is an image-based, (survey) class that will also include group work. Participants will learn the vocabulary of art, learn how to critique, and gain information about art while viewing painting, drawing and sculpture. Homework will include reading and research, and occasionally creating an artwork.

Fine Art Portfolio Preparation 0.5 credits Grades 11 and 12 Fall Semester Only Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I and two studio electives What constitutes a successful portfolio of artwork? Learn to create a fine arts portfolio for presentation to art college review committees. Art Schools will be invited to present their programs to the class, and to answer any questions students may have. Students will organize their best artwork, creating an inventory of works to be included and works to be created during this course to enhance their portfolio for the application process. Work time will be devoted to creating drawings from observation including models, still life, architecture and other structures in a variety of media. In addition, other drawing, printmaking and/or painting projects will be assigned to benefit the breadth of individual student portfolios. Information and assistance in creating a digital portfolio for application will be covered. This class is highly recommended for the students bound for art school and should be taken sequentially with Honors Visual Arts.

Drawing 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I Students will be introduced to the methods, materials and aesthetics of drawing, working with such media as graphite, contĂŠ, charcoal, pastels and ink. Emphasis is on direct observation and learning to see in graphic terms.

The subject matter and content will include still life, landscape, animals, architecture and the human form (including self-portraiture). Through class lectures and demonstrations students will study the history of drawing and will develop their ability to read the finer aesthetic qualities found within works of art.

Weekly sketchbook drawing is a necessary part of successfully completing

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Digital Imaging and Design (formerly Digital Imaging) 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Students will work extensively with Adobe Photoshop, and also utilize digital point-and-shoot cameras, in this New Media class. Working as a digital artist, each student will be asked to create original works of art. These unique images can be used in interactive web environments, in multimedia presentations, as well as stand on their own merit. Students will learn in-depth knowledge of Photoshop, the premiere digital editing software program in the world. Studio work will include the study of proper design techniques and photographic composition. This is a one-semester course.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Yearbook Publication 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Previous course in computer publication or imaging, and Letter of Application showing attention to detail, responsibility, and potential for leadership Students will use a variety of publication skills including page design, computer layout, thoughtful collaboration with peers, written and photo journalism, editing, and handling the business aspects of publishing a yearbook. The end product will be a yearbook that reflects the entire Thornton Academy community. After the yearbook is sent to the printer in the spring, students will continue coverage for next year’s book and other spring publications projects.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Advanced Placement Art (2D Design, Drawing or 3D Design) 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts 1 with a B or higher, three studio electives with a B or higher, and portfolio evaluation with Instructor before scheduling AP Studio Art is a course designed for the student with intentions of majoring in visual art after high school. AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. The AP Studio Art Program consists of three portfolio options — 2-D Design, 3-D Design and Drawing, which corresponds to the most common college foundation courses. Students must meet prerequisites, schedule a portfolio evaluation and gain instructor permission for enrollment in the class. Summer coursework is assigned in the spring upon acceptance and due the first day of school in the fall.

Coursework during the school year is rigorous and requires an advanced skill set in diverse media, technique in the art-making process, complex concept and ideation, and sophisticated work production. Students must submit a portfolio and written commentary in May to the AP College Board.

Movie Making 0.5 Credit Grades 9,10,11, and 12 Screenwriting, acting, cinematography, sound design, editing and the ability to collaborate with a team drive the success of any movie project. Students will become independent filmmakers for a semester, telling their stories on the screen. Write, act and create original movies in this workshop-styled course.

Special emphasis will be given to creative screenplay and story development. All students will be screen acting in classmate’s productions.

Yearbook Editors 1 credit Grade 12 Prerequisite: Previous course in computer publication or imaging, and Letter of Application showing attention to detail, responsibility, and potential for strong leadership Along with general responsibilites of being a member of the Yearbook staff, editors will take on a leadership role to help coordinate the Yearbook process.

Editors must be willing to communicate openly with Yearbook Publications staff members to get desired results, contribute beyond normal classroom time when needed, and go above and beyond to produce an award-winning Yearbook. Please make note of your desire to be an editor in your Letter of Application, which is due before course scheduling.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Painting 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I Students will explore the beginning techniques, processes, and aesthetic issues of working in tempera, watercolor, acrylic and other paint-based media. Goals for this class include learning how to see and use color with sensitivity and sophistication, understanding and applying the science of color, and how to use painting tools effectively. Students will study a wide range of subject matter including still life, landscape, portraiture, abstract and non-objective themes. Art history, art criticism and aesthetics will be an integral part of coursework. Homework will include collecting visual materials, researching for projects, working in personal sketchbooks and painting outside of class time.

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this course. Written and oral critiques make up the remaining requirements.

Success in this class is dependent upon the completion of all studio assignments including the sketchbook.

Middle School

New Media

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Arts and New Media Middle School UPPER SCHOOL

Flash Animation 0.5 credit Grades 9. 10, 11 and 12 With the advancement of Web 2 technologies, Adobe’s Flash software has become an industry standard. As such, students will be introduced to the ins and outs of Flash in order to create original animations and functional websites that can be used in interactive environments, in multimedia presentations, as well as works of art that stand alone. The studio work includes the study of proper design theories..

Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Motion Graphics 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 Students will develop a command of several methods of producing graphics specifically designed for television.

Through a series of learning experiences, students will produce examples of various forms of television graphics.

Planning, storyboarding, and designing images, as well as the aesthetic issues of 2D and 3D design for television, will be addressed. Students will become competent in designing still images, sequencing images, compositing images, and producing motion graphics for digital output. The final production of the assignments will be added to the programming on TATV, Channel 3, Saco.

Introduction to Graphic Design 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 In this course, students will be introduced to the basic principles and

theories of graphic design. Students will learn how to design with colors, shapes, lines, and typography using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. The history of pre-digital graphic design will also be addressed, with students learning about influential designers, famous pieces of design, and the timeline of events in graphic design that have led up to present day. Students will develop a greater understanding of proper design that will aide them in other art courses at TA and beyond. Homework will consist of select readings and research assignments.

Television Production 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 This beginner’s class is for students looking to obtain baseline knowledge of television and video production.

Students will learn how to plan, shoot and edit short pieces dealing with news, weather, sports and human interests. Students will study television history and learn about the production process. No experience is necessary but an interest in television and video production is a must. The class is largely project-based group work; time spent outside of class for production is expected.

Advanced Television Production 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Television Production or permission of the instructor This fast-paced advanced television

UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

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www.thorntonacademy.org/tatv

production class will prepare students for internships or production at the college level. Students will learn how to produce high quality short and long form pieces that are intended for public viewing. Script writing, public speaking, journalism ethics and interviewing skills will accompany advanced production lessons. Journalism text will be assigned. Significant work in the studio outside of class time is expected.

Honors TATV Studio 1 Credit Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite Television Production and Advanced Television Production Can you imagine creating newsworthy pieces of video that feature TA’s own sports teams, class projects or musical events? This new, honors-level advanced class offers students a high level television production class that will combine news, weather, sports, profiles and creative pieces, all shot and edited by students in a timely manner. Students will collaborate to create content for TATV on a weekly basis.

Interest in multiple aspects of television production is preferred. Students will learn skills in TV studio management, documentary filmmaking and sales and marketing aspects of a TV station. Time spent outside of the classroom and good skills in group work is a must for success.

Multimedia Presentations 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Priority will be given to upperclassmen Students will broaden their computer skills while learning how to create quality presentations that will make poster board obsolete.

Students will learn to communicate using technology as a presentation tool, acquiring the necessary skills to make attractive informative presentations and gaining expertise that will be applicable to many situations. Students will be exposed to several presentation and multimedia programs.

Participants will also learn the elements of public speaking, design and layout.

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities UPPER SCHOOL STEM

* These courses meet Core English Requirements

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Journalism * 0.5 credit Grades 11 and 12 In this course students will learn the elements of news through class lessons, reading and hands-on work as a reporter and editor. Students will develop story ideas, conduct research and interviews, and write and publish the stories for a magazine and web audience. In doing so, students will be developing communication, writing and design skills. This course is writing intensive; students should be willing to work hard and take some chances, be self-motivated and able to stay on top of assignments. Students will have the opportunity to write a number of stories: news, features, and opinions. In addition to written work, the class will also explore other news media over the semester including photography, radio, and video. Journalism is an excellent choice for students who are interested in the world, and ready to take risks and explore a new style of writing.

Technical Writing in an iPad World* 0.5 credit Grades 11 and 12 What does it mean to write for a digital world? If a person works for a corporation, or has to develop material for online sites, how will that be different from writing in an academic setting? This course is designed to develop and improve students’ technical writing skills and answer these questions. Students will focus on the production of material that uses all of their creative energy.

This is the type of writing that the student will do on the job, and having these skills will land that job. Emphasis is placed on the selection and organization of technical data for presentation to a variety of audiences. The class will create iPad and iPhone apps and explore writing for product development.

Students will create new websites and publish articles and information as writers do today. The class members will also create marketing material for real companies and real products. In many ways, this class will focus on the writing that is done on a daily basis in the digital world around us.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Web Design II 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 This second-semester course is the optional companion to Web Design I. Students will continue the study of creating web sites. Participants will further their knowledge of HTML 5.0 while expanding the use of CSS into classes, DIVs and ID’s. In-depth study of design principles and layout, tools that will allow students to create well-designed, eye-catching web sites, will also be addressed.

Journalism Editors * 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisites: Letter of application showing attention to detail, responsibility, and potential for leadership and receive approval from the instructor. Prior newspaper experience is a consideration, but not required.

The student will fulfill duties as a journalism editor in addition to all expected responsibilities of a publications staff member. These duties may include copy editing, working with staff writers, and page layout. As an editor, the student must provide a constant example of dedication, focus and positive attitude.

After school hours are required.

Student Art Work

Web Design I 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Ever wonder what is behind the web pages you visit every day? What goes into their creation? This course, usually offered first semester, will introduce students to web page design and scripting.

Students will learn the basics of HTML 5.0 and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).

Participants will create their own, nonpublished web site by the end of the semester. This course is a great way to learn a simple programming language, often required learning for college students.

Middle School

New Media

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Courses - Upper School

Humanities - Foreign Language, History, and English

FOREIGN LANGUAGE In the Foreign Language Department, the student will develop the four basic skills of a language—listening, speaking, reading and writing—and expand his or her knowledge and awareness of related culture, history and literature. In order to progress to the next course in a foreign language, a student must pass the prerequisite course with a grade of C- or better. If a student passes a course with a grade less than C-, he or she will receive credit for the course but cannot take the next sequential course without the instructor’s permission. Every effort will be made to offer all the courses listed below, but some courses may not be offered due to limited student requests and space or staff conflicts.

FRENCH 220 Honors French I 1 credit Honors students will develop listening, reading, writing and speaking skills while building both vocabulary and knowledge of Francophone cultures.

This class is fast-paced and a significant portion of every class session will be conducted in French. Honors students will be required to complete one project outside of class per quarter. Students will be furnished a text and other supplemental materials, but are also expected to be resourceful researchers. Mastery of the present, immediate past and near future conjugations is a primary course objective. Assessments will include written and oral evaluation.

French I 1 credit Most students interested in learning French at TA start with this course. Students will develop listening, reading, writing and speaking skills, while building both vocabulary and knowledge of Francophone cultures. Studies will focus on material from the textbook,

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supplemented with target language samples and resources. Students will become proficient in the present tense and will study the immediate past and near future. Assessments will include traditional quizzes, exams, and occasional oral evaluation.

Foundations of French I 1 credit In this beginning course students will develop listening, reading, writing and speaking skills, while building both vocabulary and knowledge of Francophone cultures. Studies will focus on material from the textbook. Students will study the present tense, immediate past and near future. Assessments will include written and some oral evaluation.

Honors French II 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in French I or placement by instructor Students will continue to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The focus of this course is intermediate grammatical structures including intense review of previously learned material, important verb tenses and new topics in sentence structure. In addition, students learn more advanced vocabulary and continue Francophone cultural studies.

Assessments will include written and oral evaluation. This class is fast-paced and a significant portion of every class session will be conducted in French.

Honors students will be required to complete one project outside of class per quarter.

French II 1 credit Prerequisite: C- or better in French I or placement by instructor Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills will continue to be emphasized in French II. The course will focus

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on grammar, comprehensive review of previously learned material, important verb tenses and new topics in sentence structure. In addition, students learn more advanced vocabulary and continue Francophone cultural studies.

Assessments will include written and oral evaluation.

Foundations of French II 1 credit Prerequisite: C- or better in French I Students will continue to develop their listening and speaking skills. Writing skills are developed in this course but emphasis is on the study of verb forms and grammatical structure. Students will spend time working with recordings of native speakers and cover the basic materials of the text. This basic course is not intended to prepare students for French III.

Honors French IV 1 credit Prerequisite: C or better in French III or placement by instructor Through the study of French literature, film, culture and current events, students will round out their high school experience with the French language.

The course will review the grammar previously introduced in the first three years of French with primary emphasis on oral proficiency. This course is conducted exclusively in French. Students will continue to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

Honors French V 1 credit This course meets concurrently with French IV. Literary readings will vary from year to year to avoid repetition.

Students should see their French

LATIN Latin I 1 credit Students will begin to acquire the skills required for reading, understanding, and appreciating Latin literature; develop communicative skills in English based on a understanding of the influence of Latin; develop an awareness of the heritage of the cultures of ancient civilizations, especially those of Greece and Rome. In using the Cambridge Latin Course we will try to bridge the gap between modern technology and the ancient world.

AP Latin 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in Latin III/IV, teacher recommendation and interview with the instructor The student will prepare for the AP Latin exam on Virgil and Caesar. Students will develop the ability to read, translate, understand, analyze and interpret the Latin texts that appear on the AP course syllabus. This is a demanding course, and each student should expect to spend a considerable amount of time preparing for each day’s lesson. All students are required to take the AP exam.

ANCIENT GREEK Honors Homeric Greek I 1 credit Prerequisite: Successful experience in another language, preferably Latin, and permission of the instructor Homeric Greek allows students to begin to read, in their first year, Homer’s Iliad in the original, unabridged Greek.

In this challenging, fast-paced course, students will acquire the basics of ancient Greek grammar and syntax,

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UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

French III 1 credit Prerequisite: C- or better in French II or placement by instructor Students will work to further develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Using culturally based materials including literature and film, students will expand vocabulary and understanding of grammatical structures. In addition to new material the student will review and expand upon previously studied topics. Much of the course is conducted in French.

Honors Latin III/IV 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in Latin II or placement by instructor Students will review and develop grammar and vocabulary, and focus on Latin literature and its ancient context. Students will also work on Latin composition. In addition the course work, two papers will be required: The Classical Association of New England Writing Contest in the fall and the Bernice L. Fox Classics Writing Contest in the spring. Since this course may be taken twice, a survey of Latin prose will alternate yearly with a survey of Latin poetry.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in Honors French III and teacher recommendation Students will develop strong communication skills in French including reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as a familiarity with Francophone cultures. In addition to being well prepared for the course, students must have a high level of motivation and interest as well and sufficient time to prepare reading and writing assignments. All students are required to take the AP exam.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

NEW! AP French

Latin II 1 credit Prerequisite: C- or better in Latin I or placement by instructor In Latin II, students will continue to acquire the skills required for reading, understanding, and appreciating Latin literature; develop communicative skills in English based on a understanding of the influence of Latin; develop an awareness of the heritage of the cultures of ancient civilizations, especially those of Greece and Rome. In using the Cambridge Latin Course we will try to bridge the gap between modern technology and the ancient world.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Honors French III 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in French II or placement by instructor Students will work to further develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Using culturally based materials including literature and film, students will expand vocabulary and understanding of grammatical structures. In addition to new material the student will review and expand upon previously studied topics. Quarterly independent projects are required. This course is conducted in French.

instructor or the Department Chair for more information on this offering, including eligibility standards.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Zero Block French II 1 credit Prerequisite: C- or better in French I or placement by instructor (As described above) This class is for early risers! This class will meet every day from 7:00 – 7:40. This class DOES NOT alternate between maroon and gold days. Students who elect to commit to this course may not later switch to a core-day class.

Middle School

French/Latin/Greek

Humanities Middle School

build their knowledge of vocabulary, and learn much about the culture of the Homeric world, the nature of epic poetry, and the rhythms and sound of Homer’s classic. NB: This is not modern Greek, but the literary language of the ancient Greeks.

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes

Honors Homeric Greek II 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in Homeric Greek I or placement by instructor In Homeric Greek II, students will continue to expand their knowledge of ancient Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, increase their skills in translating and reading the poetry of Homer aloud, and further explore the Homeric epics. The focus of the course continues to be Homer’s Iliad, and students

reading and writing skills and begin building a broad vocabulary, as well as knowledge of the cultural background associated with the language. Students will spend time working with recordings of native Spanish speakers and writing compositions. Supplementary materials will be used as well as the text. There will be oral and written quizzes and tests. Quarterly independent projects are required.

Spanish I 1 credit The student will develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and begin building vocabulary as well as knowledge of the cultural background associated with the language. Time will be spent working with recordings

skills are developed but the emphasis remains on oral communication using various verb forms, vocabulary and grammar structures. Quarterly independent projects are required.

Spanish II 1 credit Prerequisite: C- or better in Spanish I Students will continue to develop listening and speaking skills and begin to focus on reading skills. Writing skills are developed but the emphasis remains on oral communication using various verb forms, vocabulary and grammar structures. Students will work with recordings of native Spanish speakers and have both oral and written exams.

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will finish reading the first book of that epic in the unabridged original. The course concludes with an introduction to Attic Greek.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Honors Homeric Greek III 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in Homeric Greek II or placement by instructor The student will review ancient Greek grammar and vocabulary and will read further in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey as well as read some Attic Greek. The student will also learn more about classical scholarship and about the myths and culture of the Homeric world.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

SPANISH Honors Spanish I 1 credit Honors Spanish students will thoroughly develop listening, speaking,

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of native Spanish speakers and writing compositions. Supplemental materials will reinforce the lessons in the text.

Oral and written quizzes and tests will be part of this course.

Foundations of Spanish I 1 credit The student will develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and begin building vocabulary as well as knowledge of the cultural background.

Students will work with recordings of native Spanish speakers and cover the basic material of the text. NOTE: Basic Spanish offerings end with Spanish II. Honors Spanish II 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish I Students will continue to develop their listening and speaking skills and begin to focus on their reading skills. Writing

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Foundations of Spanish II 1 credit Prerequisite: C- or better in Spanish I Students will continue to develop their listening and speaking skills. Writing skills are developed in this course but emphasis is on the study of verb forms and grammatical structure. Students will spend time working with recordings of native speakers and cover the basic materials of the text. This basic course is not intended to prepare students for Spanish III. Honors Spanish III 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish II or placement by instructor Students will develop communication skills through the use of culturally based materials. Students will learn to describe, narrate and interact using

1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in Honors Spanish III and teacher recommendation Students will develop strong communication skills in Spanish including reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as a familiarity with Hispanic cultures. In addition to being well prepared for the course, students must have a high level of motivation and interest as well and sufficient time to prepare reading and writing assignments. All students are required to take the AP exam.

Honors German II 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in German I or placement by instructor Students will build upon the foundation established in German I. Students will continue to expand their vocabulary, grammar and knowledge of the culture of German-speaking countries while further developing skills in

UPPER SCHOOL

NEW! AP Spanish

culture of German-speaking countries.

Students will participate in a variety of activities to begin developing their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in German. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a firm foundation of German grammar and vocabulary and will be able to communicate on a basic level.

Honors Spanish V 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish IV This class meets with Spanish IV (see description). To avoid repetition, different literary works will be read in alter-

Honors German I 1 credit This rigorous, introductory German course will help students gain an understanding of German language and the culture of German-speaking countries. Students will participate in a variety of activities to begin developing their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in German. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a firm foundation of German grammar and vocabulary and will be able to communicate on a basic level. Quarterly independent projects are required.

German I 1 credit Students will gain a basic understanding of German language and the

speaking, listening, reading and writing in German. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have communicative competence in German in many formal and informal situations. Quarterly independent projects are required.

German II Level 2, 1 credit Prerequisite: C- or better in German I Students will build upon the foundation established in German I. Students will continue to expand their vocabulary, grammar and knowledge of the culture of German-speaking countries while further developing skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing in German. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have communicative competence in German in many formal and informal situations.

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UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Honors Spanish IV 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish III or placement by instructor Spanish IV reinforces all the skills the student has developed in the first three years and fosters the study of Latin American and Spanish history, literature and culture. A number of literary works of varying lengths will be read in the original Spanish. Compositions will be assigned regularly. This course is conducted in Spanish.

GERMAN

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

writing. Much of the course is conducted in Spanish.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Spanish III 1 credit Prerequisite: C- or better in Spanish II or placement by instructor Students will develop communication skills through the use of culturally based materials. Students will learn to describe, narrate and interact using vocabulary, expressions and various verb tenses in a variety of formal and informal settings in four proficiency areas: speaking, listening, reading and

nate years. Students should see their Spanish instructor or the Department Chair for more information on this offering, including eligibility standards.

Block 5/ X Classes

vocabulary, expressions and various verb tenses in a variety of formal and informal settings in four proficiency areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Quarterly independent projects are required. This course is conducted in Spanish.

Middle School

German

Humanities Middle School UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes

Honors German III-IV 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in German II or placement by instructor Students in this advanced-level course will continue to expand their vocabulary, grammar knowledge and communicative competence while learning about a variety of topics in German literature and history. Students will read literature and historical documents in the original German, view German films, and analyze these works in German both orally in class discussion and in written compositions. Topics in this course vary in alternate years. This course may be taken for two consecutive years.

CHINESE

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Honors Chinese I 1 credit This beginning level Chinese course offers an introduction to Chinese language and culture. It focuses on the listening and speaking of basic everyday Mandarin Chinese, as well as reading and writing simplified Chinese characters and the pronunciation system, Pinyin. Meanwhile, traditional Chinese characters will be introduced. Both traditional and current Chinese customs and culture in China and Taiwan will be discussed in class. Regular quizzes in listening, reading and writing will be included in the class schedule.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Honors Chinese II 1 credit Prerequisite: B or better in Chinese I or placement by instructor This intermediate level Chinese course builds upon the foundation established in Chinese 1. It expands and develops the number of characters and complexity of grammar in the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while further studying Chinese traditional and current culture.

Regular quizzes in listening, speaking, reading and writing will be included in the class schedule, as will regular Chinese reading and writing assignments. Part of the class is conducted in Mandarin Chinese.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Honors Chinese III 1 Credit Prerequisite: B or better in Honors Chinese II or placement by instructor This high intermediate level Chinese course continues to build upon the foundation established in Chinese I and Chinese II. It expands and develops

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the number of characters and complexity of grammar in the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while further studying Chinese culture. Regular quizzes in listening, speaking, reading and writing will be included in the class schedule, while regular reading and composition are assigned. This course is conducted in Mandarin Chinese.

Honors Chinese IV 1 Credit Prerequisite: B or better in Honors Chinese III or placement by instructor This advanced level Chinese course builds upon the foundation established in the first three years of Chinese program. Students will continue to develop and improve their language skills through reading, discussion, and different formats of writing in Chinese.

Regular quizzes will be included in the class schedule, while regular reading and composition are assigned.

This course is conducted in Mandarin Chinese.

NEW! AP Chinese

1 Credit Prerequisite: B or better in Honors Chinese III or Honors Chinese IV or teacher recommendation and interview with the instructor Students will continue to further develop and master their listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Chinese through topics on and to familiarize with Chinese culture. This is a demanding course designed to prepare students for the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam in May. Students should expect to spend sufficient time to prepare reading and writing assignments.

HISTORY The History Department is excited to offer choice to freshmen for the first time this year. We believe there is some knowledge that all students should have but also recognize there is benefit to having choice in one’s education.

All freshmen will now take Peoples and World Cultures in the fall semester. In the spring, freshmen will be able to choose among three courses: “You are the Historian,” “Classical Civilization,” and “Twentieth and Twenty-First Century World History.”

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FRESHMEN Peoples and World Cultures 0.5 credit Fall Semester - Required of all freshmen In our rapidly changing world, people around the planet are being brought into closer contact with each other. The decisions made in the far corners of the globe have increasing impact on our lives, more than ever before. Students in this course will work towards greater understanding of the people with whom they share this planet. Through a study of the physical, personal and cultural characteristics of regions around the world, as well as types of governments, religions and economies, students will strive to become more familiar with the world around them.

You are the Historian .5 credit Spring Semester Do you love history but find history class boring? This class makes history fun and meaningful again! You will choose your historical topics. You will choose the style of your projects. You will research and develop your own conclusions about significant historical events and people, and present your findings at the National History Day (NHD) competition. Along the way you will become an expert on your historical topics of choice, as well as improve your research, writing, technology, leadership and public speaking skills.

All students in this class will compete at the school-level NHD competition, and many will advance to the statelevel NHD competition held at the University of Maine in Augusta. By the end of the semester you will be able to—on your own—conduct in-depth research, develop a clear thesis, and convincingly present and defend your histori-

Americans. Explore into the roots of race hatred in America, the long journey and sacrifices of women to gain equal rights, and come to understand how some present day native reservations are identified as the poorest places in the country. Unlike other history offerings, there is no drive to consider the entire scope of any issue but instead this course will allow students to delve into specific and impactful events as they reverberate through time.

Modern China 0.5 credit Fall Semester Despite the fact that one out of every five people in the world are citizens of China, the level of understanding of the culture and history of China by Westerners continues to deserve atten-

Constitutional Studies 0.5 credit Spring Semester Few historic moments impact us as significantly as the signing of the US Constitution. This 225-year-old document affects so many aspects of our lives, from who can be President to what we are allowed to say. Join us for a journey into the US Constitution where you will explore the Constitution as a living document. Students will: • examine the motivations of the Founding Fathers when they penned this historic document • analyze America’s unique form of democracy that is implemented through this charter • investigate how its interpretation influences one’s rights today around critical and controversial issues.

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UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Blind Eye of History 0.5 credit Fall Semester “Turning a blind eye” is an idiom describes the custom of ignoring undesirable information. Learn about U.S. History through the eyes of groups that have been ignored, mistreated, and abused. This class will focus on the experiences of three major groups: African Americans, women, and Native

America’s Response to a Changing World 0.5 credit Spring Semester Should America put its people in harm’s way to help others throughout the world? Does America have the right to use its power and strength to influence world events? What happens when American priorities conflict with those of other nations? How do the actions of foreign governments and people affect the lives of Americans at home and abroad? In addressing these critical questions and more, students in “America’s Response to a Changing World” will investigate the dilemmas facing our increasingly interdependent global society and examine America’s role in events that are important not only to millions of Americans, but also to billions of people around the world.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

20th and 21st Century World History 0.5 credit Spring Semester Turn on the news tonight and you’ll quickly realize we live in quite a complex world, likely hearing reports on “the war in Afghanistan,” “the Arab spring,” or “the global economic crisis.”

Unfortunately, most young adults in America know very little about the outside world. According the 2012 Global Competency Survey, only 28% of 18-24 year-olds in America could accurately locate Afghanistan, fewer than 25% could identify the most commonly spoken language in the world, and just 23% could name America’s largest global trading partner. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way.

In examining the events that dominate the hearts and mind of people around the world, 20th and 21st Century World History offers students an in-depth understanding of the world around them and prepares them for success in an increasingly interconnected and globalized society.

Sophomores also have choice in their history curriculum. Students may choose between two courses in the fall semester (“Blind Eye of History” and “Modern China”) and two in the spring semester (“America’s Response to a Changing World” or “Constitutional Studies”).

tion. In an effort to gain an understanding this incredible country, students will examine roughly the past century of Chinese history including the fall of the Qing dynasty, the rise of Communism, and the recent interactions between the United States and China.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Classical Civilization 0.5 credit Spring Semester Although the powerful civilizations of Ancient Greece and Rome vanished over one thousand years ago, they are both very much alive in our world today. One needs only to look at Thornton Hall to see this influence. This course will study the history of these two great civilizations, how they rose and eventually fell from power, and investigate their culture with its ongoing contributions to the way we live our lives today.

SOPHOMORES

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

cal arguments. You may even earn the chance to advance to the NHD national competition in Washington DC!

Middle School

History

Humanities Middle School

JUNIORS United States History is an important component for any American student’s education. In the junior year, students will be able to choose between four levels of Modern United States History.

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes

Foundations of Modern US History 1 credit Through a chronological study of Twentieth Century United States history, students will gain a better understanding of this country’s role in the world today. Focus will be using a variety of primary and secondary sources to create a clear image of the events of this era. Students will be asked to think critically and analytically to develop conclusions about the importance of historical events using evidence from the assigned course work to support their thinking.

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Modern US History 1 credit This course will explore United States history chronologically starting in the early Twentieth Century and reaching the modern day. Students will refine the process of historical inquiry through the development of both written and verbal expression, and examine primary and secondary sources for validity and point of view as well as historical context. In addition, students will be expected to build competent and appropriate connections to issues in the contemporary world.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Honors Modern U.S. History 1 credit Prerequisite: Placement by instructor This class is about you and how we got here! In order to understand our future, we have to know about the past. The best way to do that is to get absorbed in it! This class will spotlight: the Jazz Age and the 1920’s, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Cold War Era, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam Era, and Contemporary America. Upon successful completion of the course, students will understand major ideas, eras, themes, developments, turning points, chronology, and cause-and-effect relationships in United States history. This course is designed for juniors who are seeking additional challenge in history. Emphasis is placed on honing students’ ability to analyze both primary and secondary sources for accuracy, nuance and perspective. Extensive reading and research outside of class will be required.

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AP US History 1 credit Prerequisite: Placement by instructor Great historians ask great questions.

Why did the first American colonists resort to eating their dead? Was Lincoln really “The Great Emancipator” or did the slaves actually free themselves? Why did the Ku Klux Klan reach 15 million members in the 1920s and parade through Saco’s Main St.? Was the dropping of the atomic bomb in WWII a military necessity or political message? In tackling these essential questions and countless others, students in AP US History will confront the dominant themes of American history and develop an understanding of why America has become the nation it is today. Students in this challenging college-level course will prepare for the College Board AP US History exam by learning the critical reading, writing and analytical skills necessary to develop an advanced understanding of US history and become great historians themselves.

SENIORS In the senior year, students will be able to choose between a number of courses, some full-year and some semester long, representing a wider array of the social sciences.

AP European History 1 credit Prerequisite: Placement by instructor Napoleon, Bismarck and Churchill are but three figures that have left their

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mark on the course of modern history yet are rarely addressed in other history class. Through an exploration of the events that have shaped the path of Europe’s existence, a greater understanding of global, national and local topics is possible. Students should expect to be challenged not just with extensive readings but also in the organization and analysis of new data, through their writing and verbal skills and in myriad other ways that will challenge their understanding of the world.

Reaching back as far as 1450 and spanning to the current age, the successful completion of this class will also provide a framework for success on the AP test (required of all students). A significant amount of time outside of class to work on readings, projects and writing is necessary.

Government 0.5 credit What is government? What does it do?

Why do we need it? How does it affect me? Can I change it? Whether you realize it or not, government impacts your life on a daily basis. American Government is a senior elective course that investigates the basic principles and purposes of government, methods of government participation, local and state government, and the three branches of federal government.

Current government policies and political issues, the delicate relationship between individual rights and society, and democratic traditions are all investigated and discussed. Reading, research, and writing are staples of

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Psychology 0.5 credit In this overview course students will be introduced to major themes in psychology, such as research methodologies, biological basis of behavior, sensation and perception, altered states of awareness, sleep and dreams, learning and memory, feelings and emotions, personality, and abnormal behavior. Students will consult a variety of materials and sources to explore the many dimensions of human behavior.

Students will work independently and collaboratively, in an effort to understand key concepts and vocabulary of psychology. By learning the different perspectives used in the study of psychology, students will learn to analyze and evaluate new ideas.

Civics & Personal Finance 0.5 credit Do you want to be an informed voter?

Do you want to retire at the age of 55?

Do you want your money to grow? In this class students will be educated to become strong citizens and manage their finances effectively. We will teach “who to ask, where to go, and how to plan for the future.” The skills learned in the class will be useful for the rest of your life—guaranteed! Through this class you will gain an understanding of the banking and credit system, retirement plans, the power of investing in stocks, mutual funds, cd’s, bonds, and real estate. From the start we will be researching possible investment plans for all stages of life. You will become familiar with the political system and issues that are being addressed here in America. You will understand the process of government and see how it is used our everyday lives. We will become familiar with the local government policies and officials in the Saco community and understand the role, the rights and responsibilities, of citizens at all levels of government and in the world today.

AP Human Geography 1 credit Prerequisite: Placement by instructor The AP Human Geography course will help students develop critical thinking skills through the understanding, application and analysis of the fundamental concepts of geography. Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences, and learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Successful students will: • Use and think about maps and spatial data • Understand and interpret the implications of associa tions among phenomena in places • Recognize and interpret at different scales the relationships among patterns and processes • Define regions and evaluate the regionalization process • Characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Economics 0.5 credit How do choices end up determining what, how, and for whom goods and services are produced? When do choices made in the pursuit of self- interest also promote the social interest?

Are we on the edge of a “fiscal cliff?”

In this class, we will study how individuals and groups make decisions with limited resources in order best to satisfy their wants, needs, and desires.

This course will give students a greater understanding of economics ranging from the viewpoint of the individual consumer or small business owner to the global economy. We will study the law of supply and demand, forms of business, labor unions, government finances and their influence on the economy, money and prices, inflation and deflation cycles. The course will relate history and psychology to the study of economics.

selves. In this course we will examine how human behavior is largely shaped by the groups to which we belong and the society in which we live. We will look beyond personal experiences and gain insights into society and the larger world order. Through topics such as race, gender, class, crime, and deviance students will gain new understanding for the world not before experienced.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

the class. Students will be expected to refine text reading and analysis skills in preparation for college. By the end of the semester students will not only understand how our government operates, but also how they can participate in government to address our collective problems and improve society.

Middle School

History

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Sociology 0.5 credit Why do people behave the way they do? Who makes the rules? Why do some people break rules and others follow them? Why study sociology?

These questions and others will be answered in this one semester course.

Sociology helps us gain a better understanding of our social world and ourwww.thorntonacademy.org/program

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Humanities Middle School

ENGLISH

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes

All English classes for underclassmen will include direct vocabulary instruction and SAT preparation. A formal writing program is provided for all freshmen and sophomore classes to introduce literary analysis and writing the fiveparagraph essay. Writing instruction in the junior year is focused on the mastery of the research, writing and analytical skills introduced during freshman and sophomore years. A varied program of challenging electives is offered to seniors which allow students to choose a genre focus for both writing and literature. The English Department has determined that all underclassmen are better served in year-long courses to ensure mastery of the skills required in writing and reading comprehension for success beyond high school, as well as an awareness of our culture’s canon of literature.

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Instruction and discussion of what constitutes original thought and composition will be consistent through all English classes in order to assure that all students understand the meaning of, and know how to avoid, plagiarism.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Please note: In order to ensure eligibility, athletes who plan to participation in Division I or II athletic programs in college must confer with their counselor and the NCAA clearinghouse when making course selections.

FRESHMEN

UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Ninth grade English is an introduction to composition and literature. There will be heavy emphasis on grammar and developing writing skills, with special emphasis on paragraph structure, topic sentences, writing an introduction and conclusion, thesis, and transitions; facility with the five-paragraph essay format is a goal. An important component of ninth grade English is the short stories unit, which develops students’ comprehension and analysis of literature. All ninth grade students will study Romeo and Juliet and read a variety of novels.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Honors Freshman English 1 credit Prerequisite: Department and Guidance Placement Students will be introduced to the critical analysis paper and to major genres of literature with extensive reading and writing required. Students will read at least three novels, poetry, and nonfiction, in addition to the short stories

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and common text listed above. Grammar and vocabulary will be taught in conjunction with the writing process in preparation for the new SAT. Students should have demonstrated aboveaverage competency in the interpretation and analysis of literature and an above-average competency in all areas of writing, including the formal essay.

Completion of the summer reading assignment (available June 1) is mandatory.

Freshman English 1 credit Short stories, poetry, nonfiction and novels will be sampled and studied to develop comprehension and analysis of literature. The principles of composition and presentation, close reading, and effective original writing will be introduced and developed. Grammar and vocabulary will be stressed and taught in preparation for the new SAT. This course provides the pace and content expected of students preparing to further their education after high school, with the goal of introducing students to new ideas and perspectives while developing their appreciation of literature.

Foundations of Freshman English 1 credit Prerequisite: Placement by department and guidance Students will concentrate on improving their skills of reading, decoding and comprehension by reading from highinterest fiction and supplementary reading materials. Writing assignments will stress learning to write correct and complete sentences and to structure those sentences into paragraphs. Finally, students will continue to develop their mastery of grammar, usage, and vocabulary. Students will be assisted in developing the skills, knowledge and habits of mind that will foster effective written and oral communication and an appreciation of literature.

SOPHOMORES Tenth grade English is designed to help students understand literature in the context of its culture. All tenth grade English classes will read J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, a world literature play, and complete a major unit on poetry. Themes discussed include assumptions about class and gender, and the tensions between an individual and society. Substantial emphasis will be placed on grammar; writing instruc-

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tion will extend the skills developed in freshman year to include exposure to a wide range of writing experiences. Tenth grade classes will continue working toward mastery of the literary analysis essay, but will study and experience expository, persuasive, and creative writing. A research component will also be introduced with writing.

Independent Seminar Spring and Fall Semester Non-weighted, 0.5-1 Credit Prerequisite: Guidance referral; preference given to sophomores This program is for students who are in need of academic support in order to accumulate the credits required for graduation. Student placement in Independent Seminar is based on recommendation by the guidance counselor. The seminar offers a quiet space and a small student-to-teacher ratio that allows students to work independently, receive extra help, and work on setting academic and life goals that will sustain them during and beyond their careers at TA. The Independent Seminar teacher acts as an advocate for students and collaborates with their teachers, guidance counselors, and other professionals to ensure that students are well connected to all necessary resources. More information is available from guidance counselors.

Honors Sophomore English 1 credit Prerequisite: A in Freshman English or successful completion of Honors Freshman English, and placement by instructor How does literature reflect the values of a specific culture and how is it a tool for understanding cultural practices and beliefs? In this rigorous world literature course students will read texts that reflect various cultural perspectives around the world, with an emphasis on exploring worldviews.

Required reading will include at least five novels, nonfiction essays, a play and short stories in addition to the common novel listed above. A poetry unit will introduce students to poetic terminology, various poetry forms and traditions, and writing poetry. Grammar and vocabulary will be stressed and taught in a continuing effort to prepare students for the SAT. Above average competency in the interpretation and analysis of literature and an above-average competency in all areas of writing, including the formal essay, are expected in this course. Comple-

Foundations of Sophomore English 1 credit Prerequisite: Placement by department and guidance Students will concentrate on improving their comprehension skills by reading high-interest literature written from various cultural perspectives. Novels, short fiction, nonfiction and poetry will be used to explore other cultures and to consider the connection between literature and the student’s own life.

Paragraph development, grammar, usage, vocabulary, and real world communication skills will be emphasized.

Continued attention will be paid to assist the student in developing the skills, knowledge and habits of mind that will foster effective written and oral communication as well as an appreciation for literature.

in the context of expository, persuasive, descriptive, and personal narrative writing.

AP Language and Composition 1 credit Prerequisite: An A in Sophomore English or successful completion of Honors Sophomore English and placement by instructor For the highly motivated and skilled English devotee who wants to pursue a rigorous study of language and rhetoric, these students will come to understand and appreciate the complex relationship between writers and readers. Students will write extensively, for a variety of purposes, employing a variety of strategies. Writer’s voice, tone, syntax, diction, discourse, and

Junior English 1 credit What does it mean to be an American? Juniors taking this course will explore American identity and culture through its literature, and will develop an understanding of their relationship to that body of work. Students will come to understand both the Puritan heritage and the conflict of the McCarthy era through The Crucible, to question the definition of the American dream through The Great Gatsby, and to question truth through The Things

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UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Sophomore English 1 credit This class is for early risers!

This class will meet every day from 7:00 – 7:40. This class DOES NOT alternate between maroon and gold days. Students who elect to commit to this course may not later switch to a core day class.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

NEW! Zero Block

Honors Junior English 1 credit Prerequisite: An A in Sophomore English or successful completion of Honors Sophomore English and placement by instructor How is American thought and identity both reflected and shaped by its literature?

This rigorous course offers a critical understanding of American literature. Students will be expected to express their understanding in a clear, organized manner through class discussion and written assignments.

In addition to the common texts listed above, students will read at least four additional novels, short stories, essays and poetry. A research project will culminate in a major research paper.

This course will challenge students who have demonstrated above average competency in English to develop skills more intensively in the areas of reading, public speaking and writing. Summer reading (available June 1) is required and due on the first day of school.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Eleventh grade English is a multi-genre literature course that examines the American dream and what it means to be an American. Much of the literature is chosen to enhance understanding of the historical periods studied in the junior United States history courses, with students investigating the historical context of the assigned readings and the literature’s relevance to their own lives.

All juniors will study The Crucible and The Great Gatsby, various short stories, novels, essays, and works of nonfiction such as Into the Wild. Eleventh grade classes will continue work on mastery of analysis and research, with attention to critical reviews of author’s claims. Understanding writing for different audiences and purposes will be emphasized, specifically

style comprise the foundation of the class. Using essays and other forms of nonfiction from a variety of outside sources and a class anthology, students will pay strict attention to each writer’s method and message, and will read and analyze the rhetorical devices used in each piece. Students will be required to write research papers each semester, and it is mandatory for all students to take the AP exam in early June. Entering students must complete the summer reading assignment (available June 1).

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Sophomore English 1 credit How is literature a tool for understanding society and culture? While building on work established in Freshman English, students will examine what it means to be human by reading at least three novels in addition to the common novel, short stories, nonfiction, poems from various cultural perspectives, and a play. The principles of good writing, clear presentation, close reading, and research will be expanded and developed. Grammar and vocabulary will be stressed and taught in a continuing effort to prepare students for the SAT. The pace and content are geared to the expectations of students preparing to further their education after high school.

JUNIORS

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

tion of the summer reading assignment (available June 1) is mandatory.

Middle School

English

Humanities Middle School UPPER SCHOOL

They Carried. In addition to these works, students will read at least two more novels, nonfiction, various short stories, essays, and poems. This course continues to build on work established in Sophomore English, with special attention paid to SAT preparation, literary analysis, research, personal narrative, and writing an effective college essay.

The pace and content are geared to the expectations of students preparing for further education after high school.

Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Foundations of Junior English 1 credit Prerequisite: Department and Guidance placement Juniors taking this course will explore America’s role in the world and their place in American society and culture through literature, the news, and media. This course will continue the skill building of Foundations of Sophomore English and will ensure that students planning to enter the workforce directly after graduation will develop the reading and writing skills necessary for success in today’s world. In addition to reading selected works in American literature, there will be a focus on interview techniques, time management, resume and application writing.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

SENIORS

UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

While continuing their experience of literature, all seniors will be working on their upcoming transition to life after high school. Seniors will be taught skills necessary for various next steps and encouraged to develop the habits of mind that lead to lifelong resiliency and learning. Seniors will take a yearlong AP, Honors, or Foundations class that has been their appropriate English curriculum as underclassmen. All other seniors will take a pairing of semester-long electives, a one-semester writing course and a one-semester literature course, which will ensure a solid foundation in both writing and literature.

Please note: In order to ensure eligibility, athletes who plan to participation in Division I or II athletic programs in college must confer with their counselor and the NCAA Clearinghouse when making course selections.

AP Literature and Composition 1 credit Prerequisite: A’s and B’s in Honors English and placement by instructor, or successful completion of AP Language and Composition This demanding course will give the student the opportunity to study literature at the college level, possibly to earn college credit. The student must be a committed reader in order to manage the extensive reading within the genres of short fiction and poetry from The Norton Reader, four novels, analytical essays of texts, and at least one play. All students are required to take the AP exam in early June.

Honors Senior English 1 credit Prerequisite: Successful completion of previous Honors English classes and placement by instructor How do we use literature to shape our own values? This course will use the study of both fiction and nonfiction to help students establish a set of core values going forth from high school.

Students will be asked to read demanding and diverse texts representing varied cultural perspectives and assert their values through persuasive essays and class discussions. A research project will culminate in a major research paper. This course will challenge students who have demonstrated above average competency in English to develop skills more intensively in the areas of reading, public speaking and writing. Students will be asked to read college-level texts and to write collegelevel essays. Summer reading (available June 1) is required and due on the first day of school.

Foundations of Senior English 1 credit Prerequisite: Department and Guidance placement Students in this course will continue working to develop their written and oral communication skills and their appreciation of literature. Emphasis will be on work-related learning and skills enhancement. Community service projects will be developed.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

ENGLISH ELECTIVES FOR SENIORS These courses continue to build on work established in Junior English, but will look toward the skills needed as students transition from high school. Students must take one course from those semes-

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ter electives labeled Literature Electives and one course from those semester electives labeled Writing Electives. The pace and content are geared to the expectations of students preparing to further their education after high school.

If a senior was appropriately placed in AP, Honors or a Foundations English class as a junior, then s/he should choose the same level yearlong course for senior year (i.e., AP Language & Literature, Honors Senior English, or Foundations of Senior English). All other seniors will take two semester electives, one course from the Writing Electives and one course from the Literature Electives, ensuring that all seniors receive a solid foundation in both writing and literature during their senior year.

LITERATURE ELECTIVES Journeys in Short Fiction 0.5 credit This college prep semester elective will explore short fiction as a literary genre.

Students will read and discuss the best of both classic and contemporary short fiction, including stories, essays, poetry, and plays. Class discussion will be a critical component of this course as students dissect the qualities of the short fiction genre, paying particular attention to rhetorical and literary devices. Students will be asked to write a variety of works as part of this class, including reflective, comparative and analytical papers, as well as creative pieces.

Dark Days: The Dangers Revealed In Dystopian Fiction 0.5 credit Dystopian fiction presents imaginary societies in which “everything is unpleasant or bad,” especially in the environmental and political landscape.

By exaggerating the negative, these works may be understood as warnings, encouraging readers to see the flaws in their cultures and correct them before it is too late. Reading works of this genre, then, does not necessarily have to be a depressing or pessimistic enterprise. This course will examine several dystopian texts (e.g., Fahrenheit 451, 1984, Brave New World) in order to illuminate the dangers of modern human culture, to learn the possible consequences of our societal and individual actions and thus (we hope) avoid them.

Memoir and the Personal Narrative 0.5 credit In this semester-long course, students will explore the genre of memoir and personal narrative as they read excellent examples of both. Additionally, the concept of personal identity will be explored through the works studied, and students will experiment with writing their own memoir extracts. Ultimately students will be asked to explore their own identities as well as identities of the authors.

Composition Writing 0.5 credit English Composition is a college preparatory writing course that teaches various forms of the essay and composition to provide students with the tools to think and write about texts, images and ideas. The course will help students stretch as a writers and bring more of their individual personalities and thinking into their writing. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to express themselves more capably and confidently in writing across the curriculum. Through the essay assignments, students will gain experience writing personal narratives, crafting persuasive arguments and employing critical thinking.

Grammar, vocabulary and style will be addressed in several ways throughout the semester.

www.thorntonacademy.org/program

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Ways of Knowing 1 credit Grades 11 or 12 Prerequisite: Completion of an honors level class with a least a B average This course will stimulate students to think about learning and knowledge both from their own and others’ perspectives. This course will examine information and use activities that cross disciplines as well as consider how the same information is assimilated in many different cultures. The class will challenge students and the teacher to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge, and to consider the role that knowledge plays in a global society. For example, students may study how learning occurs in areas such as: Language and Logic, Scientific Knowledge and the Formation of Scientific Concepts, Mathematics and Reality, Human Sciences and the Formation of Social Scientific Concepts, History and Historical Knowledge, Ethics, and The Arts. Students will be encouraged to become aware of themselves as thinkers, to become aware of the complexity of knowledge, and to recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

WRITING ELECTIVES

Technical Writing 0.5 credit This course exposes students to the skills necessary to become a successful technical communicator. We will focus on the process of writing (including the planning, drafting, and revising stages) and look carefully at the work that goes into the final polished product.

Because collaboration and working in a team environment is essential for technical writers, students will spend much of the semester in small groups with other classmates. Group assignments will include participating in brainstorming sessions, providing constructive criticism, and preparing for collaborative final projects.

The following Humanities course cannot be counted toward the fourcredit English requirement:

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Monsters and Misfits 0.5 credit In early 19th century Britain the debate between scientific discoveries and traditional religious and philosophical thought was starting to take shape, and the ethics of how far Man should pursue his desire for knowledge was beginning to be a topic of discussion.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein endures today not only because of its infamous horrors, but for the richness of the ideas it asks all of us to confront—human accountability, social alienation, and the nature of life itself. During that same period, Bram Stoker’s Dracula addressed the fear of things we could not prove scientifically and rationally, and the ways we relied on magic, ritual, and faith to comfort and even to save us in an age of scientific curiosity and achievement. Students will concentrate on examining the nature of our fears of, and how we understand, what is different, abnormal, or macabre. Students will then examine and identify our own literary misfits and monsters and their manifestations in the 21st century through research, writing and critical cultural analysis of film and literature, including works by Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, and Joyce Carol Oates.

Creative Writing 0.5 credit Students will be inspired by discussions of famous work to write their own fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, scripts, and songs. Each class session will begin with a shared prompt designed to work towards larger projects ranging from the performance of an original poem in a class slam poetry contest to a series of memoirs inspired by meaningful objects in each writer’s life. After sampling an assortment of genres, each student will choose a writer to emulate and work to create a longer final project in their style. This class is a wonderful opportunity for students looking to take risks and push their writing to the next level.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

The Literature of American Sport 0.5 credit Sports and sport issues will be looked at through short stories, poetry, fiction and nonfiction. There will be a substantial research component paired with numerous reading and writing activities. Students will also be expected to complete an independent reading project. Students will be expected to participate actively in class discussions and complete a number of written and oral assignments.

Middle School

English

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Courses - Upper School

STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

SCIENCE Three science credits are required for graduation. These credits may be earned either by taking the series of semester courses (Introduction to Physics I & II, Introduction to Chemistry I & II, and Introduction to Biology I & II) or by taking Honors or AP science classes (please note that prerequisites apply).

Honors Program (optional): Sophomores may earn honors credit in the Introduction to Chemistry II and Introduction to Biology I semester classes by demonstrating success on a series of independent online projects designed by department faculty.

Participating students will learn with their peers during regular classroom instruction, but gain advanced knowledge and effective problem solving skills through unique, engaging honors assignments.

These assignments will further prepare students for future study in science at the honors or AP levels. The Honors Program requires a strong, independent work ethic and one or two afternoon group experiences each semester.

Students who successfully complete a semester of the Honors Program may be recommended for honors science courses in the subsequent years. Students who successfully complete the yearlong honors course may be recommended for the AP course in that specific discipline in subsequent years.

Instruction and discussion of what constitutes original thought will be consistent through all Science classes in order to assure that all students understand the meaning of academic integrity.

Introduction to Physics I 0.5 credit in Physics Grade 9 Scientists discover the world around them using the science of physics.

Students will acquire scientific research

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skills through hands-on experiences that will include accurate measurement using traditional and computerbased methods, experimental design, trend prediction, graphing, data analysis, and the writing of lab reports.

Students will study kinematics: speed, velocity, acceleration, forces, free fall, gravity and Newton’s Laws of Motion.

While using the metric system and employing the scientific method, students will develop writings skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and communication skills. Students will learn how to apply physics concepts to understand how the world works.

Introduction to Chemistry I 0.5 credit in Chemistry Grade 9 What is our world made of? Students will continue building scientific research skills as they discover the nature of matter. Students will explore the classification of matter, physical and chemical changes, atomic theory, trends of the periodic table and basic chemical bonding. Students will continue to develop writing skills, problem-solving skills and communication skills through labs, projects, and activities. Students will learn how use their knowledge of basic chemistry concepts to understand the chemical world around them and how chemistry is directly connected to their daily lives.

Introduction to Chemistry II (Honors Program optional) 0.5 credit in Chemistry Grade 10 Students will discover conservation of matter and energy, kinetic molecular theory, states of matter, phase changes, gas laws, trends in the periodic table, chemical reactions, and the potential effects of atmospheric composition on climate change. Through this course students will gain further knowledge of particles of matter and their behavior

www.thorntonacademy.org/ScienceSequence

through performing several laboratory experiments. Honors program projects will include an elemental shortage report, exploration of electronegativity, confirmation of the conservation of mass through a metal reactivity lab, prediction of chemical reaction products, and the engineering of a bottle rocket.

Introduction to Biology I (Honors Program optional) 0.5 credit in Biology Grade 10 What makes something “living”? How do living things operate? Students will discover and explore the unique chemistry of living things. The course is focused on cell and molecular biology. Students will study biochemistry, characteristics of life, cell anatomy and physiology, cell transport, cell reproduction, cell energetics, and molecular genetics. Laboratory work will include microscope work; class work will include note-taking skills as well as scientific writing.

Honors program projects include writing a persuasive essay and a research paper, completing an additional lab exercise, creating a report using digital animation, and creating and presenting a topical slideshow.

Introduction to Biology II 0.5 credit in Biology Grade 11 How did our living earth develop and evolve? How did life diversify and what drives this continuous change? How do all forms of life coexist? Why do we appear and behave the way we do?

Students will explore scientists’ hypotheses relevant to the origin of life, and how they have been used to further today’s research. Students will compare and contrast the mechanisms that drive evolution, from Darwin’s original ideas to today’s use of biochemistry.

Students will explore scientific meth-

Freshmen who have been placed by their 8th grade science teacher and who are enrolled in both Honors English and an Honors math course may take Honors Physical Science. Sophomores and juniors who have successfully completed Honors Physical Science or at least one semester of the optional honors program in the sophomore year and have been placed by a science teacher and guidance counselor are eligible for full-year honors courses. These classes replace semester class combinations (e.g., Introduction to Chemistry II/Biology I or Introduction to Biology II/Physics II).

Seniors who have completed the graduation requirement in science are also eligible for honors courses.

Honors Physics 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of an Honors program semester, teacher placement and successful completion of Algebra II (or concurrently) Through the use of introductory exploratory activities, debriefing and

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Honors Chemistry 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of an Honors program semester, teacher placement and successful completion of Algebra II (or concurrently) This course will foster an appreciation for the relevance of chemistry to the world outside the classroom. Students will gain a solid foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry through lecture, laboratory work and problemsolving activities. Critical thinking skills are necessary for success in this course, and there is a strong emphasis on further developing this skill. Students will study structure and phases of matter, atomic and quantum theory, periodicity and periodic table, chemical bonding and molecular structure, stoichiometry, types of chemical reactions, kinetic theory, gas laws, and acids and bases. This course is a prerequisite for AP Chemistry.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

HONORS SCIENCE COURSES

Honors Biology 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of an Honors program semester and placement by instructor How do biologists think and discover?

Students will thoroughly explore life on a cell and molecular level, both conceptually and experimentally. Students will further develop their strong skills in critical reading and writing, and scientific thinking. Students will consistently ask their own research questions and design their own experiments.

Students will read and write formal laboratory research papers, as well as present their research to an authentic audience. Considerable reading and writing will accompany the study of biochemistry, cell biology, respiration, photosynthesis, classical genetics, biochemical genetics, population genetics, evolution and a survey of the

kingdoms. Projects include determining the effects of the environment on the rate of photosynthesis, exploring the growth of bacteria under various conditions, and predicting genetic traits in breeding fruit flies. This course requires strong algebra skills and is a prerequisite for AP Biology.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Introduction to Physics II 0.5 credit in Physics Grade 11 How can the motion of objects be predicted and calculated? Using a variety of hands-on equipment, including unique physics-based sensors and software for data interpretation, students will study vector addition, projectile motion, momentum and impulse, work and power, energy, and centripetal motion. Live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and in-class lab work will emphasize conceptual understanding. Focusing on building problem-solving and critical thinking skills, students will also learn to solve a variety of traditional physics problems that emphasize algebra-based mathematical solutions while investigating these concepts. There is no Honors option for this course. Interested students may consider full credit Honors or AP offerings.

mechanics, motion, forces, Newton’s Laws, work, power and basic concepts in energy. In the second semester students will learn introductory chemistry concepts including atomic structure, chemical properties, reactions, the periodic table and basic stoichiometry.

Students will further develop strong skills in math, analytical and creative writing, analytical and critical thinking, and problem solving. Students can expect daily homework assignments as well as a number of extended labs and projects. This course is recommended for students who plan to take at least two honors science classes and at least two AP science classes in their high school career and/or earn the STEM diploma endorsement.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

odologies and learn how to support hypotheses in ecology, Mendelian genetics, and population genetics.

Concepts will be reinforced through hands-on experiences, data collection and analysis activities, and class discussion. There is no Honors option for this course. Interested students may consider a full credit Honors Biology or AP Biology.

Middle School

Science

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Honors Physical Science 1 credit Grade 9 Requirements: Placement by 8th grade science teacher and enrolled in 9th grade Honors English and Honors Math In the first semester of this course students will learn physics concepts in www.thorntonacademy.org/ScienceSequence

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STEM Middle School UPPER SCHOOL

concept development secessions, and formal verification, extension and application exercises, students will gain experience and expanded knowledge of the principles and theories of the scientific discipline of physics and the physicist’s approach to understanding the universe. Kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, impulse, momentum, circular motion, rotational motion, oscillation and periodic motion, and gravitation will be the areas of focus for the course. This course is a prerequisite for AP Physics.

Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Honors Introduction to Engineering 1 Credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Physics and Pre-calculus (or concurrently) This rigorous introduction to the field of engineering satisfies the Accelerated STEM Endorsement. The course will expose students to four fields of engineering, with one quarter devoted to each module. Mechanical engineering introduces students to typical problems in the field whose solution may require experimental, analytical, or numerical technique. A teamwork approach will be emphasized, and strong math and physics skills are required.

In the second module, students will be introduced to the sub discipline of chemical engineering. This study introduces students to careers and opportunities in chemical engineering, basic engineering principles, and simple calculations. Concurrent

enrollment in Chemistry is acceptable.

Electrical and Computer Engineering in the third quarter will explore basic use of personal computers, mathematical concepts, development of problem solving skills, wiring and electrical basics. Theory and application converge in this module. Students will work in teams on projects involving digital and motor control. In the fourth module students will examine Civil and Environmental Engineering. Challenging problems will be introduced and teamwork will be practiced. The course exposes the different disciplines and their relevance to today’s students.

AP SCIENCE Students considering majoring in a science discipline in college or applying to highly selective post-secondary institutions should consider completing one or more AP science classes. Board-audited curricula are designed to replicate the intensity of introductory college science courses, including reading, assignments, labs and exams. AP science courses meet daily for one block. Students must be highly motivated and disciplined, and will be expected to work quickly and independently. All students are required to take the AP exam.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

AP Chemistry 2 credits Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Chemistry and Algebra II Welcome to college level chemistry!

Students will build on topics from Honors Chemistry (e.g., the structure and states of matter, reactions, kinetic theory of gases) and add depth to their theoretical knowledge and expand their abilities with quantitative analysis. Students will develop multistep problem-solving skills while taking on advanced concepts such kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics. Students will learn to use specialized equipment and write college-level reports. Commitment and strong reading skills are crucial since the pace of class will be rigorous. All students are required to take the AP exam.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

AP Physics B 2 credits Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics and Pre-calculus (the latter may be taken concurrently) This course will include the same physics topics, including labs, required of

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college life-science majors across the country. Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermal physics, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics make up the foundation of modern human understanding of the natural world. Talent for abstract, multidimensional reasoning and a gift for solving word problems are absolutely essential in this endeavor. All students are required to take the AP exam.

AP Physics C 2 credits Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics and Calculus This course will include the same physics topics, including labs, required of college physics and engineering majors across the country. Students will derive and implement a great variety of calculus-based mechanics and electricity and magnetism applications.

A talent for abstract, multidimensional reasoning and competency in solving multi-variable calculus problems are required. Only the most serious and capable physics students should undertake this course. All students are required to take the AP exam.

AP Biology 2 credits Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Biology, one year of chemistry and Algebra II How do biologists work? What have biologists discovered? This course will include the same biology topics and labs of college biology majors across the country including chemistry of life, cells, cell energetics, heredity, molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, diversity of organisms, structure and function of both plants and animals, and ecology. This course will be quantitative as well as reading-intensive.

Students will use critical thinking skills to analyze data, solve problems and write extensive papers. The goals are to provide a thematic conceptual framework, modern biological knowledge, as well as essential analytical skills for continued biological research. There are twelve college-level labs to enhance student learning. All students are required to take the AP exam.

Everyday Engineering 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Ever wonder how a toaster works?

Ever get in trouble for taking things apart? This could be the class for you!

Students will be exploring everyday inventions that are taken for granted.

Engineering can be thought of as the application of science to solve problems. Students will look at how science ideas make things tick. In addition to science knowledge, students will build research and presentations skills as they discover how things work and how best to communicate that to others. Expect to spend time on computers as well as handling screwdrivers and hot melt glue guns. The course will consist of individual projects where students can follow their interests.

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Environmental Studies 0.5 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of two science credits What does it mean to be “green”? How can one become more “green”? Environmental Studies is a single science discipline that integrates a range of

Marine Biology 0.5 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of two credits of science What is the ocean like? What lives in the ocean? How do these things survive? Students will discover the great diversity of marine life and the physical, chemical and geological factors that influence it, including sea floor geology, seawater chemistry, tides, waves, and currents. Students will study the coastal and oceanic environments of marine life from shallow water habitats such as the rocky intertidal, giant kelp forests, and coral reefs to deep-sea communities such as those found at hydrothermal vents. Students learn basic dissection techniques and use of the compound and dissecting microscopes as they study the internal and external features of marine organisms.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Science electives are one-semester classes designed for students who wish to add to their science experience. Electives may not replace core graduation requirements. Preference is given to seniors.

Students may take elective classes in addition to their required science class(es).

Astronomy 0.5 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of two science credits Look up! What is out there? Astronomy is the study of the universe beyond the earth’s atmosphere. Through the physics of matter, energy, forces, and motion students will learn about the birth, life, and death of our universe and the stars and other objects that fill it.

Students will also learn about our view of the universe from here on earth and study the basics of celestial coordinate systems, the paths and appearance of the sun, moon, and planets across the sky.

other scientific disciplines (chemistry, physical science, biology, geography, and agriculture) with knowledge of politics and the humanities. Students will study various environmental issues and develop critical thinking skills. The goal of this class is to increase students’ awareness and level of appreciation for the world around them, and inspire students to take actions necessary to live a sustainable life. Attendance and participation are mandatory.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

SCIENCE ELECTIVES

the eleven systems of the human body including the cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal, integumentary, and digestive systems. The structures of the human body and their functions will require significant memorization. Fetal pig dissection and a laboratory practical exam are the culminating activities.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

AP Environmental Science 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors biology, one year of physical science and Algebra II How do natural systems change over time and how have humans affected these systems? How can humans more adequately conserve and manage natural ecosystems? In this college-level interdisciplinary environmental science course, students will study ecological processes, earth systems, human effects on the environment, and sustainable management of ecosystems, all within cultural and social context. A significant lab and field component will be built into the alternating day class schedule. Strong reading, writing and analytical skills are necessary. All students are required to take the AP exam.

Middle School

Science

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Anatomy and Physiology 0.5 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of two science credits Anatomy and Physiology is particularly recommended for students interested in pursuing a health-related career.

Students will explore many elements of www.thorntonacademy.org/program

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Upper School

STEM Course Development New to Thornton Academy for 2013-14 is a diploma endorsement program in the area of Science/Technology/Math/Engineering (STEM).

The first of three such programs that TA has in the works, motivated engineering-bound students may challenge themselves in high school while working to earn advanced placement in college.

Thanks to a new articulation agreement* with the University of Maine (UM), the first in the state, students who successfully complete Thornton Academy’s most rigorous STEM sequence (read left to right) may gain admission to UM Orono’s renowned engineering program with sophomore standing. This opens the way for students to tailor their college careers more individually to their needs.

The STEM endorsement is the first such program developed at Thornton Academy; two additional programs are in the planning stages.

Students who are academically qualified and motivated will be able to access advanced curricular offerings and new opportunities for interaction with professionals in related fields. As additional diploma endorsement sequences are finalized, students will receive information through department faculty and the Guidance Office.

ENDORSEMENT O P T I O N 1

O P T I O N

Thornton Academy STEM Endorsed Diploma* Requires 4 credits of mathematics, 4 credits of science, and 3 additional STEM Credits, with at least 1 credit in Technology or Engineering. 11 STEM Credits total required.

Enrollment, or Concurrent Enrollment Courses at UM, SMCC, YCCC)

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AP Chemistry AP Physics C

Requires a score of 3 or better on each AP exam OR qualifying Early College Course (Academ-e, Dual Enrollment, or Concurrent Enrollment Courses at UM, SMCC, YCCC)

*At least two courses must be AP or

3

Technology

Acceptance at UMaine Orono College of Engineering with Sophomore Standing

2 Early College Course (Academ-e, Dual

O P T I O N

Science

AP Computer Programming - Java

Anatomy & Physiology Astronomy Environmental Studies Marine Biology H Biology H Chemistry H Physics H Physical Science AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science AP Physics B AP Physics C Early College Course

1 credit in Technology

Thornton Academy Applied STEM Diploma Requires 7.5 credits of STEM courses, including 3 in math, 3 in science PLUS at least 1 credit in Technology and Everyday Engineering. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of a 2.5 or higher over their time at TA.

www.thorntonacademy.org/program

THORNTON OFFERINGS: Basic Programming Computer Applications Exploring Computer Science Web Design 3D Computer Games AP Computer Programming - JAVA COT OFFERINGS (see pages 57-59) Drafting w/ CAD Electrical Tech Health Assistant/CNA Intro to Medical Science Machine Tool Tech Auto Mechanics Welding

OR ANY OF THESE COT OFFERINGS

3 credits in Science Early College course

Drafting w/ CAD Electrical Tech Health Assistant/CNA Intro to Medical Science Machine Tool Tech Auto Mechanics Welding

*Agreement endorsed by the Engineering Dean and Dean of Admissions.

Provost’s approval anticipated in mid-February, 2013. Check with your guidance counselor for more information.

Science

PA RT N E R Engineering

Mathematics

Supplementals AP English (AP Lit and Comp OR AP Lang and Comp)

Honors Intro to Engineering

Everyday Engineering Honors Intro to Engineering Early College course

AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC

Two AP Humanities (e.g., AP Human Geography, AP Latin, AP Spanish, AP Mandarin, AP French, AP USH, AP European History, AP Lit and Comp OR AP Lang and Comp)

Algebra I Algebra II Algebra w/ Discrete Math Geometry Probability & Statistics Trigonometry H Calculus A H Pre-calculus H Statistics AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Statistics

3.5 cumulative GPA or higher

Early College course

Everyday Engineering OR Honors Intro to Engineering

3 credits in Mathematics Early College course

2.5 cumulative GPA or higher

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STEM Middle School

CAREER PATHWAYS

UPPER SCHOOL

The Career Pathways Department’s mission is to prepare all students to live, react and interact in today’s rapidly changing technology-oriented world. Students gain opportunities to learn and apply the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the challenges of the post-secondary environment successfully, including postsecondary education, the military, or the work force.

Block 5/ X Classes

Instruction and discussion of what constitutes originality and honest personal representation will be consistent through all Career Pathways classes in order to assure that all students understand the meaning of, and know how to avoid, plagiarism and the exaggeration of credentials.

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Career Exploration 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Highly Recommended for Sophomores What do you enjoy doing? What makes you happy? What skill or ability do you have that you’re proud of? Have you been complimented on this skill or ability? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? What are your plans after high school? Career Explorations will help you recognize your strengths and areas of interest, and match those data to appropriate careers. Students will learn about a range of career fields through readings, exciting guest speakers, visual media, great field trips and online research. Students will prepare a résumé, consider how income affects lifestyle choices, and develop a personal budgeting. All class members will compile a career portfolio to use as a resource for a culminating research project.

Sales/Marketing I 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Would you like to gain insight into how marketers and salespeople reach and influence potential customers, and learn how consumers affect the entire economic system? By gaining an understanding of marketing techniques, students will learn to make informed purchasing decisions. Topics of study, examined through real business cases, will include economic systems, marketing concepts, channels of distribution, management skills and the sales process. Expectations include readings and discussion; emphasis will be placed on business vocabulary.

Sales/Marketing II 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Sales/Marketing I or senior standing Are you curious about careers in marketing or management? This course will introduce students to promotion, advertising, distribution, operations, pricing, buying, product planning, entrepreneurship and career planning through the use of real business cases.

Expectations include readings and discussions, with emphasis on business vocabulary.

You and the Law (formerly Law-Related Education) 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Society says ignorance of the law is no excuse. So why are most people misinformed or uninformed about those rights and laws? Through this course, students will discover how the law affects the responsibilities and rights of citizenship, and explore topics such as constitutional law includ-

ing the Bill of Rights, criminal law, civil law, and personal liability. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of authority, fairness, justice and responsibility that underlie our legal system. Using legal case studies, students will consider and discuss legal problems, contemporary issues, and the ramifications of those issues including when and how to consult professional counsel.

Accounting I 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 This course may meet a math requirement; consult a guidance counselor for more information For students interested in business and finance, possibly even in related career opportunities, this course will introduce the language of business — accounting. Students will become familiar with the accounting cycle, including determining assets, liability and capital, while preparing balance sheets, journals, ledgers worksheets and financial statements. Students will learn the accounting cycle for service and merchandising businesses ownership models and examine current business practices, trends and problems related to accounting, including an introduction to accounting software (Quickbooks).

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Accounting II 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Accounting I This class is designed for the self-motivated student interested in pursuing a two- or four-year degree in accounting, finance, or business administration. Through hands-on applications and the integration of computer technology, students will learn the advanced fundamentals of accounting. Class members will develop a solid foundation of skills for personal use for individuals and small business recordkeeping, for departmentalized accounting, control systems, general accounting adjustments, corporate accounting, management accounting, cost accounting, and other accounting systems, as well as for further accounting study.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

On The Money 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Do you have a love-hate relationship with money? Do you have any idea where your money goes? Today’s teens,

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www.thorntonacademy.org/program

Exploring Computer Science 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Communication, medicine, engineering, computer programming, and informatics provide only a few of the professional fields that rely on knowledge in computer science. Students will be introduced to a wide range of topics including blogging, web design, programming, animation, image editing, robotics and human computer interaction. Developing the skills of oral and written communication of ideas, those that are most necessary for success in the 21st century, is emphasized.

Introduction to Computer Programming (formerly Basic Programming) 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Recommended for students who are currently enrolled in an upper-level math course (CP Geometry or higher) with priority given to upperclassmen Software engineering consistently ranks as a highly rated job, with qualified employees in great demand.

Through this introductory computer programming class students will become familiar with the basics of programming through the Alice envi-

MATH Course sequences in mathematics vary and should be selected based on students’ post-secondary plans. Although there is some flexibility, college-bound students especially should consider carefully which sequence would best serve their intentions following graduation.

Instruction and discussion of what constitutes academic integrity will be consistent through all Math classes in order to assure that students have the opportunity to understand the concepts presented, including how to recognize the difference between times when working with other students contributes to greater understanding of the material, versus times when group work hinders individual comprehension.

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UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Digital Layout & Design 2 (formerly Desktop Publishing Studio) 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Digital Layout & Design 1 This second semester course will allow students to apply the skills learned previously (Digital Layout & Design 1) to projects created for TA and the broader community. Students will learn the process of revising work while meeting real-life deadlines. Examples of projects students have created in the past include business cards, prom invitations and tickets, the La Kermesse printed program, the Biddeford-Saco “Buy Local” logo and many others. Designers get the satisfaction of seeing their work in use in the community! Each student will create a portfolio of work that will support college or employment applications. This course is a great way to prepare for further education and a career in communication arts, marketing, graphic/digital design or new media.

AP Computer Science A (formerly AP Computer Programming-JAVA) 1 credit Grade 12 Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Programming or recommendation by instructor This challenging class will stress logically structured, well-documented computer programs while working with the JAVA programming language.

Students should enjoy independent problem solving as well as working as a team member, and recognize that 1-2 hours per week working in the computer lab at school or on their home computer will be necessary for success. Software development is only one of many career choices that require computer-programming skills.

Students planning on pursuing careers in science, engineering or mathematics will also find computer science to be an essential part of their studies.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Computer Applications 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Highly recommended for freshmen Explore the use of computers as tools in the workplace, school and at home and become proficient with several software applications used throughout the TA campus. Topics covered will include word processing, databases and spreadsheets, painting and drawing, Internet use and safety, as well as current trends in technology. Students will also improve their touch typing/ keyboarding skills. This course serves as an excellent introduction to the use of computers on campus, as well as other technology classes at Thornton Academy .

ronment, where onscreen 3D objects can be made to move about and interact. This visual environment will lay the foundation of object-oriented programming. Students will use the RealBasic development environment to continue developing their understanding and use of object-oriented programming and algorithms.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Digital Layout & Design 1 (formerly Desktop Publishing) 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Students considering a future in the communications arts, new media or graphic/digital design will be well served in this course! The basics of designing computer-generated publications with a heavy focus on print media and the world of graphic design will be introduced. Four basic design principles will be the focus, as well as learning about typefaces and how to combine them properly to create effective contrast. Students will learn to use the layout software program Adobe InDesign, which is also used in TA’s Yearbook and Journalism classes.

Adobe Illustrator will also be used as a tool for creating original artwork in vector format.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

as a group, spend over $100 billion each year. Green or plastic? How do we earn it? How do we spend it? How do we invest it? How do we save and protect it? How do we plan our future with it? According to former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, the problem with today’s young society is the lack of financial knowledge (literacy). Financial knowledge is like a puzzle - it’s only possible when you have all the pieces in hand, and know how to fit them together in the right order. ON THE MONEY will teach you important financial concepts about spending, savings, credit, taxes and other issues effecting young adults, and show you how to apply those concepts in a systematic order that will provide a solid foundation for financial success.

Remember Money Never Sleeps — Neither Should You!

Middle School

Career Pathways

STEM Middle School

The following course sequence is designed to provide necessary mathematical knowledge and skills for students who plan military enlistment or direct entry to the workforce following graduation from Thornton Academy.

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Foundations of Math I 1 credit Math is a useful skill to have. Common tasks such as measuring the ingredients for a recipe, determining the mileage of a driving trip, or figuring out the cost of an item on sale all depend on good math understanding. Math I is a non-college preparatory course in the principles of pre-algebra. Students will practice Foundations of Math skills: adding, subtracting, multiplication, division, and fractions using both positive and negative integers. While learning Foundations of Math, students will be introduced to the concepts of variables, constants, solving one variable equations and graphing. During the second half of the course students will use slope-intercept equations and graph those linear equations.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Foundations of Math II 1 credit Prerequisite: Math I Working in a trade, such as carpentry, electrical work, mechanics, and plumbing requires the ability to estimate job costs and use technical math skills specific to the field. Knowledge of slopes, areas, volumes, and distances is essential. Math II is a non-college preparatory course in the principles of geometry. Students will study many of the topics in a traditional high school geometry class but omit the element of proofs. Emphasis is placed on patterns and inductive reasoning, coordinate geometry, angles, parallel lines, triangles, congruence, similarity, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, surface area, and volume.

Foundations of Math III 1 credit Prerequisite: Math II Since aptitude testing has been shown to be twice as accurate as job inter-

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views in predicting future job performance, the use of employment testing has grown dramatically in recent years.

Math III is a non-college preparatory course in the principles of Algebra I. The course will include a review of basic algebraic concepts learned in Math I, such as variables and order of operations. Students will learn how to solve linear equations, including multi-step equations, equations with multiple variables and equations involving decimals, as well as write a linear equation based on the graph of a line. A study of exponents will introduce students to concepts beyond linear functions.

Foundations of Math IV 1 credit Prerequisite: Math III Consumer math is a field of mathematics that applies Foundations of Math skills to situations common to daily

This course will enable students to extend and strengthen their understanding of the basic operations related to whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios and percents. Topics studied also include operation with signed numbers, solving linear equations and inequalities. Students will gain skills for graphing linear equations, calculating and identifying slope, and working with systems of linear equations.

Algebra with Discrete Mathematics 1 credit Prerequisite: Algebra I Beginning with a unit on systems of equations, this course builds on skills learned in Algebra I. Other new algebraic concepts include factoring, solving by factoring and an introduction to quadratic equations. Discrete mathematics topics of statistics and probability build skills in understanding of survey methods, analyzing data and graphs found in every day life as well as calculating probabilities through the use of combinations and permutations.

Learn why the hotels in Vegas can afford to be so breathtaking!

The following course sequence is designed to provide necessary mathematical knowledge and skills for students who plan to enroll in a two- or four-year college program following graduation from Thornton Academy.

Geometry 1 credit Prerequisite: Algebra with Discrete Mathematics, or Algebra 1 with an A average, or placement by instructor In this class geometric concepts will be studied from an algebraic perspective, sharpening logical thinking skills.

Students will practice problem solving and become familiar with a core set of geometric postulates and theorems that detail relationships about polygons, circles, parallel lines, similarity, and congruence. Application of right triangle trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem will enable students to calculate angles of descent for aircraft or to determine the height of a distant object.

Algebra I 1 credit Algebra I is the foundation for all math courses students will take in high school. It is imperative that students have a cohesive and comprehensive understanding of algebraic concepts.

Algebra II 1 credit Prerequisite: Geometry and either Algebra with Discrete Mathematics or Algebra I with an A average, or placement by instructor This course is a continuation of the

living such as buying a car, budgeting money, investing, and paying taxes.

This course will prepare seniors planning to enter the workforce directly after high school with an introduction to these critical life-long skills.

www.thorntonacademy.org/program

Probability and Statistics 0.5 credit Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry This course, an introduction to the study of probability, interpretation of data, and fundamental statistical problem solving, will encourage student awareness of the importance of mathematics in the modern world by addressing questions like, “Why is my automobile insurance so expensive?�

Students will explore and analyze data by observing patterns or the absence

ometry and Honors Algebra 2 and the high order mathematics courses that follow. Students will gain a thorough and extensive study of linear functions and graphing on the xy-coordinate system. Students will learn to graph linear equations, calculate and identify slope, solve and graph inequalities, and work with systems of linear equations.

Students will use equations to model and solve authentic problems, interpret graphs, make predictions based on data, and create graphs from a table or list of values. The course may also include the study of quadratic functions.

Honors Pre-Calculus 1 credit Prerequisite: Honors Algebra II and Honors Geometry Students will study the unifying nature of functions with an emphasis on trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. Visualization and analysis of graphs will help students develop insight into mathematical ideas. The course will encourage students to appreciate the importance of mathematics in daily life by connecting math-

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UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media

Honors Algebra II 1 credit Prerequisites: Honors Algebra I and Honors Geometry This course will provide a challenge for the serious and motivated mathematics students by focusing on the study of functions, including linear, quadratic, polynomial and rational functions.

When studying quadratic functions students will calculate maximum income of a business by locating the vertex of a parabolic graph.

Throughout the year similar examples will give students a more complete understanding of how algebra is applicable to other disciplines. A complete unit on conic sections including ellipses and hyperbolas will be incorporated.

NOTE: Honors Geometry may be taken concurrently through department placement only.

UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Honors Algebra I 1 credit This fast-paced course will provide students with the skills necessary for the successful transition into Honors Ge-

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

The following course sequence is designed to provide necessary mathematical knowledge and skills for students who, following graduation from Thornton Academy, plan to attend a four-year college program and may major in a math or science field, or who may apply to a selective fouryear college regardless of major.

Honors Geometry 1 credit Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 1 Students will develop spatial concepts and insight into the relationships between plane figures such as points, lines, polygons, and circles. Students will apply algebraic principles, including the use of coordinates, to geometric problems and explore the measurement of two and three-dimensional figures. The concept of proof is a focus of this course, fostering an appreciation of the power of logic as a tool for understanding the world. Students will be expected to utilize the concepts of Honors Algebra I throughout the Honors Geometry course.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Trigonometry 0.5 credit Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry This semester course is designed for the student who intends to further his or her education in a technical field. The six trigonometric functions, which are defined in terms of ratios, are used routinely in calculations made by surveyors, navigators, machinists and carpenters.

Trigonometric functions also have many applications in the physical and life sciences. Triangle solution problems, trigonometric identities, and trigonometric equations require knowledge of elementary algebra.

NOTE: This course is not a substitute for Pre-Calculus.

of patterns, interpret information from graphical and tabular displays, apply appropriate statistical models including measures of centrality and spread to infer information from data, and learn to use technology in solving statistical problems.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Algebra I and Algebra with Discrete Mathematics sequence. Students will delve into quadratic functions and be able to extend their geometry experience to maximize area of geometric figures. In this age of the greening of America, businesses are using such applications to minimize the amount of plastic used in water bottles. Algebra II will include a study of the operations with real numbers, linear equations and inequality applications, graphs and functions, polynomials, rational expressions, irrational and complex numbers, quadratic equations and functions, systems of equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, and arithmetic and geometric series. NOTE: This course does not meet the prerequisite for Pre-Calculus.

Middle School

Math

STEM

Middle School

ematical principles to situations in the natural world (e.g., the periodic nature of ocean tides). Study of sequences and series and probability will be incorporated.

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes

Honors Statistics 1 credit Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus Statistics is used more commonly than any other kind of math. Students will see clearly the answer to the question “When are we ever going to need this?”

Honors Statistics is a yearlong course that will focus on collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data.

Topics will include exploratory data analysis, study planning, probability, and statistical inference.

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

AP Statistics 1 credit Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus The 21st century is the age of information. Advertisers, businesses, and politicians all make decisions based on research. “Data-driven” is the new catchphrase. Statistics is often a general requirement for college majors.

This demanding AP course in statistics will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students will be exposed to four broad conceptual themes: exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. All

students are required to take the AP exam.

Honors Calculus A 1 credit Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus Since the underlying mathematical basis of many technical fields relies on calculus, many college majors require students to study calculus. This course is the equivalent of one semester of a college calculus curriculum. Studies will include topics of limits, continuity, differential and integral calculus.

A grade of B or better will qualify the student to receive automatic credit for the course titled MAT 152D Calculus A at the University of Southern Maine through Project ASPIRE. All students are required to take the AP exam.

AP Calculus AB 1 credit Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus Calculus is the mathematics of change.

It can be used to explain the spread of epidemics or the path of a curveball.

AP Calculus AB is the equivalent of a 1-½ semesters of a college calculus curriculum. In this demanding course, the student will study the cornerstones of calculus: the derivative, the definite, and the indefinite integral. Students will approach ideas through the concept of function, so the class will spend some time reviewing and extending student’s knowledge of trigonometric,

UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

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www.thorntonacademy.org/program

logarithmic, exponential and polynomial functions. Students will also study continuity and limits, the differential and advanced techniques of integration as well as learn applications of these concepts. A grade of B or better will qualify the student to receive automatic credit for the course titled MAT 152D Calculus A at the University of Southern Maine through Project ASPIRE. All students are required to take the AP exam.

AP Calculus BC 1 credit Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Calculus AB This course is the continued study of calculus of functions of a single variable. Students will work with functions graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Their understanding of functions will expand to polar and parametric equations. Derivatives and definite integrals will be studied in greater depth to solve a variety of application problems. Course material will include all topics taught in AP Calculus AB together with other topics and including a focus on series. Previous course work regarding limits will be interwoven with the series unit. The calculus of vectors will be included. All students are required to take the AP exam.

Courses - Upper School

Wellness, Nutrition, Physical Activity

The goal of the Wellness Department is to support the health of all students by providing the knowledge and skills necessary to make good decisions about lifelong health and fitness. 1.5 credits in Wellness are required for graduation. Students must complete two, one-half credit core classes: Foundations of Personal Fitness and Current Issues in Wellness. Students also must complete an activity credit (recommended for the freshman year).

Instruction and discussion of what constitutes original thought and the core principles of “fair play” will be consistent through all Wellness classes in order to assure that all students understand the meaning of personal integrity.

FRESHMEN Foundations of Personal Fitness 0.5 credit Grade 9 This required semester-long course will introduce students to the foundations of personal fitness in a classroom setting. Topics include physical activity and personal fitness, personal fitness program design, nutrition, healthy body systems (digestive, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular), and basic flexibility.

ACTIVITY CREDIT Activity credits may be completed through any of the following four options. Students should consider each option carefully and select the one that best matches their personal interests and activities.

Option 1: Successfully complete one of the activity courses listed in this section.

• Students who select this option should do so during their freshman year.

Option 2: Successfully complete Dance I. Option 3: Complete two interscholastic athletic seasons in good standing.

NOTE: Must be completed by the end of junior year.

• Students selecting this option must file an Interscholastic Activity Credit Waiver form (available in the Guidance Office) after completing two seasons of interscholastic athletic participation.

• The required activity credit will be awarded following verification of two completed seasons of interscholastic athletic participation. Grading will be non-weighted on a pass/fail basis.

Option 4: Participate in 40 hours of intramural athletic activity. NOTE: Must be completed by the end of junior year.

• Students selecting this option must sign up in the Guidance Office, and check in with the Director of Intramurals each day.

• The required activity credit will be awarded by collaboration between the Director of Intramurals and the Guidance Office following a student’s completion of 40 hours of Intramural activity. Grading will be non-weighted on a pass/fail basis.

• See page 14 for more information on the Intramural Athletic Program.

Activity Class: Recreational Fitness 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Preference given to freshmen; upper classmen may add during the course adjustment period on a space-available basis Students will be introduced to a variety of recreational activities. Activities may include soccer, flag football, baseball and softball, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, tennis, horseshoes, and kickball.

Activity Class: Weight/Power Training 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Preference given to freshmen; upper classmen may add during the course adjustment period on a space-available basis Students will learn how properly to improve both strength and power. Each student will develop a personalized weight and power-training regime.

Activity Class: Dance Fitness 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Preference given to freshmen; upper classmen may add during the course adjustment period on a space-available basis Dance fitness is a dance oriented fitness class choreographed specifically to change with the music. Students will participate in activities like Zumba® fitness, pilates, yoga, and core strengthening. The goal of the class is to increase students’ mental and physical stamina.

Activity Class: Personalized Fitness for Life 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Preference given to freshmen; upper classmen may add during the course adjustment period on a space-available basis In this self-directed fitness class students will select and create individual fitness programs in three areas: cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and flexibility. Students will choose and engage in activities that they enjoy in each category.

SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR, & SENIOR YEAR Sophomores, juniors and seniors must take Current Issues in Wellness. Students may also select from the following elective classes that have been designed for students interested in pursuing additional knowledge and skills in Wellness.

Current Issues in Wellness 0.5 credit Grades 10 and 11 Prerequisite: Foundations of Personal Wellness or Introduction to Wellness The emphasis of this course is on decision making related to topics including, stress, sexuality, nutrition, and drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Students will expand their understanding and application of information learned in the foundations course, as well as explore current trends and issues in wellness in our society.

www.thorntonacademy.org/program

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Wellness Middle School

UPPERCLASSMEN ELECTIVES

UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes

Sport Psychology 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Foundations of Personal Wellness or Introduction to Wellness This course will address concepts related to sport and exercise psychology. Representative topics include confidence, focus, controlling distractions, the power of routines, motivation, goal setting, intensity, visualization, leadership, sportsmanship, anxiety and arousal. In addition, students will investigate current issues in sport and apply these to the area of sport psychology.

Nutrition and Healthy Cooking 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Foundations of Personal Wellness or Introduction to Wellness Students will learn to make healthy food selections using basic knowledge of the principles of nutrition. Students will participate in food preparation and learn to plan and serve meals using the latest dietary guidelines and recommendations.

Personal Wellness 0.5 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Foundations of Personal Wellness, or Intro to Wellness, or completion of the activity credit; course may be taken more than once Designed to enhance individual fitness, each student will design and implement a personal fitness program. Students may

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

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utilize the weight room, fitness room, or engage in a variety of lifetime activities while keeping a log of all activities. Students will set personal fitness goals for the semester and self-evaluate progress. Students wishing to take this class more than once must have earned a B- the first time, or gain permission from the instructor.

Sport in American Culture 0.5 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Students will investigate the role of sport in American culture, thinking critically about a variety of topics related to sport such as youth sport, violence, gender, social class, the media, sport in education, and performance enhancing drugs. Other topics currently relevant in sport will also be discussed.

Courses - Upper School

Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT)

Students must complete an application form prior to enrollment in any BRCOT program.

Acceptance to a program is a shared decision by the TA Guidance Department and the COT. Programs are open to juniors and senior; exceptional sophomores will be considered.

BRCOT programs operate two blocks each day, span the entire school year, and are held in the morning or afternoon session depending on the program (possible exceptions are the business academy and drafting, engineering programs). An informational session about the various programs is provided for all sophomores and juniors prior to course selection; students are highly encouraged to visit a program of interest prior to final enrollment. Many of the BRCOT programs courses have articulation agreements with local colleges whereby students receive college credit for courses successfully completed in related programs at BRCOT. More information is available from TA guidance counselors and the Center of Technology counselor (207-282-1501). Complete information regarding each program is available online at http://biddeford.mainecte.org Auto Body Technology I 4 credits Grades 11 and 12 This course will provide the student with fundamental skills in the field of auto body repair. Students will perform the actual work of paint preparation, metal finishing, patching rust areas, proper use of plastic filler, removing upholstery, replacing glass, removing, replacing, and aligning parts, welding, cutting, and brazing. Classroom instruction will cover safety procedures, proper use and care of tools, equipment, along with automotive body repair theory. Students with respiratory issues must have medical clearance to enroll in this course; consult Guidance for more information.

Auto Body Technology II 4 credits Grade 12 Prerequisite: Auto Body Technology I

The second year of the auto body sequence will provide the student with more advanced skills in major collision repair and refinishing, replacing quarter and door panels, mixing and thinning, spraying techniques, overall and spot refinishing, methods, procedures, proper care of equipment, materials, and safety.

Upon successful completion of Auto Body II, the student will be employable at the entry level in auto body trades.

Auto Mechanics I 4 credits Grades 11 and 12 The Auto Mechanics program provides an opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in the field of auto mechanics. Students will learn how to apply the automotive theory they will learn in the classroom to actual practice in the auto mechanics shop. The first year will include shop safety, tool orientation, vehicle maintenance, tire theory and service, brake theory and service for drum, disc and ABS brakes, suspension and steering, front end alignment theory and service, drive train theory and service, cooling system theory and service along with related math and science topics. The course carries NATEF/ASE certification and is designed as a two-year program Auto Mechanics II 4 credits Grade 12 Prerequisite: Auto Mechanics I Year Two of the auto mechanics program includes shop safety, electrical systems, wiring diagram theory, hand held meter theory and use, battery theory and use, alternator theory and service, engine tune up theory and service emission system theory and service, engine performance, computer controls theory and use, Snap-On scanners, all with related math and science topics. Students are eligible to participate in the statewide Ford/ AAA Auto Skills contest and take the Maine State Inspection Licensing Exam

to be qualified to perform inspections.

Students who successfully complete the auto mechanics sequence are eligible for advanced credit in the automotive programs at SMCC and CMCC. Building Construction I 4 credits Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Strong Foundations of Math skills and grade-level reading skills The Building Trades program is focused primarily on residential construction.

The curriculum is aligned with the National Association of Home Builders standards and uses the construction of a home as lab practice. First year students develop skills in safety, tool usage, construction materials and techniques. By mid-fall the class will start construction on the house. Each step in the process will incorporate the latest updates in building science as well as material estimating and blueprint reading as students work in the lab to complete the frame and exterior shell by the end of the school year.

Building Construction II 4 credits Grade 12 Prerequisite: Building Trades I or permission of the instructor Building Trades II is a continuation of the first year. The first project focus will be to complete the house project started the previous year. Thermal insulation, drywall, interior doors, cabinets and trim will be covered throughout the fall. Upon completion of the house the class will undertake community-based projects with the intent of building on their skill sets. Previous classes have designed and constructed baseball dugouts, handicap ramps, gazebos, storage facilities and other structures throughout the Biddeford-Saco area.

www.thorntonacademy.org/COT

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BRCOT Middle School UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes

Business & Financial Management 4 credits Grades 11 and 12 This program is for motivated students interested in owning their own businesses or attending business colleges.

The program encompasses four onesemester courses that will provide a student with the broad knowledge to help him/her excel in any business related field or college program. Required subjects include at least three (3) of the following courses: Accounting I and II, Small Business Management/ Entrepreneurship, Investing and Personal Finance. An Internship in Business Management is possible as a second year option. This program certificate may be supplemented with technology offerings from the Computers in Business program described below for additional certification. Complete course descriptions may be found on the BRCOT website. Consult Guidance for more information regarding course scheduling.

UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities UPPER SCHOOL STEM UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Business Information Technology 4 credits Grades 11 and 12 Learn how to make today’s technology work for you. This comprehensive program prepares students to become highly marketable employees in today’s business world as they acquire technology skills currently in demand by employers and crucial for success at the college level. Students in this program can earn up to 12 FREE college credits that are transferable upon entry to almost any college. Students should choose the session, morning or afternoon, that best meets their interests. Individual topics/courses covered in each session are shown below. Students will earn a Certificate of Completion in this program, which may be supplemented with business course offerings from the Business and Financial Management program described above for additional certification. Complete course descriptions may be found on the BRCOT website www. biddeford.mainecte.org. Consult Guidance for more information. *Indicates courses that earn FREE college credit

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

Morning session: Web Design** Advanced Computer Projects Computer Networking (Cisco Discovery)** Game Design Afternoon session: Computer Apps ** Graphic Design ** Business Math Using Excel ** Computerized Accounting

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Engineering, Architecture, Drafting I 4 credits- Other credit/ scheduling options available Grades 11 and 12 (Grade 10 with permission by the instructor) So you’re thinking about a career in Engineering or Architecture, but how do you know if you will like it? What is it like to work as an engineer or architect?

This course will help in answering those questions. Students in this program will job shadow at local engineering and architecture firms to experience firsthand what these careers look like. Students will learn the newest versions of Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) software, as well as hand drafting, sketching, and architectural model building. Field trips to local engineering and architecture firms, and hearing from guest speakers who are engineers and architects from a variety of industries, will provide insight into this in-demand career field. Check out what is happening lately in this class by liking us on Facebook @ Biddeford COT Drafting.

Engineering, Architecture, Drafting II 4 credits- Other credit/ scheduling options available Grades 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Engineering, Architecture, Drafting I or permission of the instructor The second year of this program is project-based. Students are allowed to customize their curriculum based on the type of engineering, architecture, or design they intend to pursue as a career. Architecture students work on portfolios to prepare for college entrance. Job shadowing is encouraged as a way to network in the local area to make potential job connections and to make career decisions in high school regarding college majors and later on for college internships. First and second year students learn CAD programs Revit Architecture, Inventor, and Autocad.

Early Childhood Ed PM Early Childhood Ed AM 4 credits Grades 11 and 12 This program is for students interested in exploring a career working with preschool children in a preschool or childcare setting, or for students preparing for further education in elementary education. Students should have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The academic component utilizes readings and research in child development theory. In the applied portion of the class, students operate a nursery school for four year olds and complete

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a six (6) week internship. Completing the practicum requires each student to assume lead teacher responsibilities for two weeks including the creation and delivery of appropriate nursery school curriculum. Student will also learn basic first aid and CPR. Excellent attendance is very important.

Electrical Technology I 4 credits Grades 11 and 12 This is the first component of a two-year program that utilizes a state and nationally recognized curriculum. Successful completion of the two-year program, which also benefits students who are interested in HVAC and alternative power careers, may lead to licensure as an apprentice electrician. Through classroom activities and hands-on labs, students will study electrical theory, residential and commercial wiring, and on-the-job safety. Students completing the NCCER curriculum may continue their job training after high school at locations across the country. More information about the curriculum may be found at www.nccer. org. Students must have strong math skills and grade-level reading skills are very important.

Electrical Technology II 4 credits Grade 12 Prerequisite: Electrical Technology I This course is for the student continuing in the two-year Electrical program. Areas of study will be commercial and industrial wiring practices including motors and transformers. Successful students in this program will meet the educational requirements for a State of Maine Journeyman’s Electrician’s license.

Health Assistant/CNA 4 credits (2 of which are for Anatomy and Physiology credits) Grade 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of a Biology or Chemistry class This course is offered to the student who enjoys working with people and is considering a career in a health care field. All students pursue Certified Nursing Assistant certification. Students have classroom and laboratory classes at the Center of Technology and 80 hours of clinical experience in local health care institutions. Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology are taught in the classroom along with nutrition, human growth and development and Red Cross CPR/First Aid Certification. Students must have good interpersonal skills, a strong

Machine Tool Technology II 4 credits Grade 12 Prerequisite: Machine Trades I Students will continue their studies in machine trades by exploring areas of new product design and innovation.

Students will learn how to operate machinery commonly used in industry, including a computerized milling machine (CNC) by learning its computer language (FANUC) to create metal parts to a exceptional accuracy. Students will learn how to use a rapid prototyping machine also known as a 3-D printer as they design their own projects. Students who successfully complete the program will

Welding / Metal Fabrication II 4 credits Grade 12 Prerequisite: Welding and Metal Fabrication I The second year of the program will include Tungsten Insert Gas (TIG), Metal Inert Gas (MIG), pipe welding, heavy structural fabrication, and all areas of forming, cutting, and assembly, as well as complete coverage of blueprint reading and welding symbol interpretation.

Shielded metal arc welding and flux cored arc are all completed in Welding and Metal Fabrication II. Upon completion of the two-year program, students will be qualified for entry-level employment or continued education at the community college level.

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UPPER SCHOOL Block 5/ X Classes UPPER SCHOOL Arts & New Media UPPER SCHOOL Humanities

Introduction to Medical Sciences 4 credits (2 of which are for Anatomy and Physiology credits) Grade 12 Prerequisite: Chemistry or biology This challenging academic program prepares students for further education on the professional or technical level in health career fields. This course covers human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Two science credits are awarded for anatomy and physiology.

Students may choose to complete an independent study and job shadow program (subject to availability) or pursue a nursing assistant certification. For those who choose job shadowing, there are 24 hours of community clinical experiences in various areas of health care, as well as 30 hours of independent study in a field of the student’s choice. Certified Nursing Assistant certification is available for students who are interested. Health careers are explored as well as nutrition, and human growth and development.

Red Cross certification in CPR and first aid are also offered. Students must have good interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic and good attendance.

Welding & Metal Fabrication I 4 credits Grades 11 and 12 The first of a two-year program, this course will provide the student with knowledge of fundamental theory and basic skills in the field of welding and metal fabrication. The program is based on a national curriculum, NCCER, and meets American Welding Society standards. Actual shop work will include all aspects of oxyacetylene welding, arc welding, light structural fabrication, safety equipment, and practice for promoting safety. Also included are welding in three positions on all fabrication joints as well as setting up and operating the flame-cutting torch. Students with respiratory issues must have medical clearance to enroll in this course; consult Guidance for more information.

UPPER SCHOOL STEM

Machine Tool Technology I 4 credits Grades 11 and 12 Students will explore how to use mathematics, especially geometry, to design and create parts from a variety of materials such as wood, plastics, and metals. Students will learn how to operate machines like lathes, mills and computer-controlled machinery safely and efficiently to produce three-dimensional parts. Related classroom instruction will emphasize shop and machine safety, machining theory, and blueprint reading.

Students must have strong math skills.

Medical Assisting 4 credits Grades 11 and 12 This course prepares students to further their education for careers in the medical field either as a technician or in the medical office areas. Students will learn medical terminology, basic anatomy and physiology, diagnostic clinical procedures, basic patient care, Red Cross CPR/ First Aid certification, Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, & Publisher, computerized scheduling and billing, and varied medical office practices and procedures.

Subject to availability, students may participate in a clinical or job shadow experience in the medical field. Speakers and field trips will provide ample opportunities to explore a variety of careers in the medical field. Articulation agreements with local colleges are in place for students seeking advanced college credit.

Retail/Marketing 4 credits Grades 11 and 12 This program prepares students either for further education in the marketing field or to be valuable employees in the field of retail and marketing. Community projects, field trips and case studies enhance the classroom experience. Students create display windows and learn through simulated activities dealing with business related issues. Topics will include selling, promoting, distribution, pricing, management and employability.

Students gain valuable insight concerning many career opportunities through a six-week internship at one of various local business establishments, as well as a chance to reinforce skills developed throughout the year. Commitment to a career in retail operations, a high energy level and creative flair will bring students success in this program.

UPPER SCHOOL Wellness

Legal Studies 4 credits Grades 11 and 12

This business education course prepares students to further their education for careers in law, criminal justice or in the business world and to help prepare for entry-level positions in these fields.

Course content includes: legal terminology, business, consumer, civil and criminal law, court procedures, Internet legal research, current events and computer/ legal applications. Numerous speakers and field trips complement classroom instruction and facilitate students’ career exploration. Job shadowing and internships are possible, depending on availability. Articulation agreements with local colleges are in place for students seeking advanced college credit. Students must have a strong work ethic and genuine interest in a career in the legal or criminal justice field.

be able to enter the local workforce in one of many of the manufacturing companies with a valued trade skill. They will also be eligible for advanced credit upon enrollment at local community colleges.

UPPER SCHOOL BRCOT

work ethic, good attendance, and a genuine interest in patient care. Students must also pass a background check and present evidence of current vaccinations in order to participate in the clinical experience and to be eligible for the Maine Certified Nursing Assistant’s exam

Middle School

BRCOT

Early College - Aspirations Program

Early Study at Maine’s Public Colleges and Universities The Aspirations Program, which is sponsored by Maine’s public universities and colleges and the Trustees of Thornton Academy, enables juniors and seniors to enroll in collegelevel courses to earn college and high school credits. Courses are offered at no cost at the University of Maine System (USM Portland, Gorham, Saco Island), Southern Maine Community College, and York County Community College.

Successful completion of courses (up to as many as twelve fully matriculating credits) will qualify a student to earn academic credits that may satisfy both TA diploma requirements and those required for a college degree. Eligible students may take up to six credit hours per academic year (generally two college courses) and may be taken during one or both semesters. Course tuition is covered by the post-secondary institution and the Maine Depart ment of Education. Other fees and charges will be offset by a generous grant from the Trustees of Thornton Academy. Students may be responsible for textbook costs.

All participating colleges and universities, public and private, are fully accredited by the New Association of Schools and Colleges and offer courses that satisfy core requirements at most post-secondary institutions.

MAINE

Thornton Academy will award one (1) high school Carnegie unit toward diploma requirements upon the successful completion of each three- or four-credit college or university course. Upon course completion, a student’s guidance counselor will determine whether the credit earned will be applied to the fulfillment of his/her core or elective diploma requirements.

Who is eligible?

Students must meet the following conditions in order to apply: • Recommendation by guidance counselor • Junior or senior student status • 16 years of age or older at the start of the semester • An overall “B” average at the start of the requested semester • Full-time enrollment at Thornton Academy as a boarding or day student. Home school students registered at TA are also eligible. Private tuition students may receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition.

USM/SMCC Thornton UNE YCCC

Advantages of Being in the Early Study–Aspirations Program: • Earned college credit • Enhanced learning experiences • Familiarity with a college setting • Graduation from Thornton Academy with up to twelve (12) college credits Course numbers for each college or university participating in the Aspirations Program are listed below: University of Maine (UM) System, participating institutions 1 credit (TA), 3-4 credits (UM System) University of Southern Maine University of Maine at Orono University of Maine at Augusta The University of Maine System, fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, allows upper school students, with the permission of the guidance department, to take university courses to prepare for the college experience and earn credits toward a college degree. Students may be responsible for textbook costs, but Thornton Academy will offset any fees charged by the University. Upon successful completion of a course taken at the University, students may earn both high school credit and university credit. Interested students should speak with their guidance counselor.

Note: University courses may supplement but not take the place of a graduation requirement.

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www.thorntonacademy.org/guidance

Maine Community College (MCC) System, participating institutions 1 credit (TA), 3-4 credits (MCC System) Southern Maine Community College York County Community College The dual enrollment program between Thornton and SMCC/YCCC provides juniors and seniors with a unique pathway that combines high school completion with an early college experience. Upon successful completion of a course taken at the college, students in this program will earn both high school and college credit. Students may be responsible for textbook costs, but TA will offset any fees charged by the college. Interested students should speak with their guidance counselor. College courses may take the place of a graduation requirement, with approval of the guidance department.

University of New England College Exploratory Program 1 credit (TA), 3-4 credits (UNE) The University of New England program allows eligible juniors and seniors to apply to the university to take one class free of charge each semester. Seniors may enroll in additional classes but will be charged tuition and fees at the continuing education rate (learn more at www.une.edu/oce).

www.thorntonacademy.org/SMCC www.thorntonacademy.org/UNE

www.thorntonacademy.org/YCCC

www.thorntonacademy.org/UMaineSaco

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People You Should Know ADMINISTRATION Head of School: Mr. Menard Associate Head for Administration: Mr. Young Associate Head for Academics: Mr. Indorf Associate Head for Advancement and Admissions: Mr. Ritzo Chief Financial Officer: Mr. Kelly Executive Assistant to the Head of School: Ms. Tarver Middle School Principal: Mrs. Robert Administrative Staff: Mrs. Estabrook & Mrs. Furbish Class Deans: Mr. Tabor, Mrs. Paradis, Mr. Paradis, Mr. Kezal Attendance/Deans’ Office Staff: Mrs. Karsis, Mrs. Nelson Director of Admission: Mr. Powers Director of Development: Mrs. Morin Director of Facilities Maintenance: Mr. Roney Director of Technology: Mr. Nasse STUDENT SERVICES Director of Student Services: Mrs. Taranko 504 Coordinator: Mrs. Paradis Director of Academic Commons/Library: Ms. Kehoe Director of ELL Programs: Mr. Griffin Director of Residential Life: Ms. Corrigan Director of Student Activities: Mr. Stevens Director of Guidance: Mr. Turgeon Guidance Office: Counselors: Mr. Camire, Mr. DeFrancesco, Mr. McMahon, Mrs. More, Ms. Roth, Ms. Wallace, Ms. Weyand Career Counselor: Mrs. Roth Staff: Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Glynn School Nurse: Mrs. Prescott Middle School Nurse: Ms. Loiselle School Resource Officer: Officer Cook Social Workers: Mrs. Hadiaris, Ms. Speed, Ms. Cumbie Special Education Office Department Chair: Mrs. Michaud Staff: Mrs. Precourt, Ms. Peterson

Program of Studies

Notes

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Thornton Academy 438 Main Street Saco, ME 04072 www.thorntonacademy.org P: 207-282-3361 F: 207-282-3508 www.facebook.com/thorntonacademy www.youtube.com/tatvsaco www.twitter.com/thorntonacademy