Curriculum

The advisory program ensures that all students are well-known and supported academically, socially, and emotionally. The program’s mission-driven objectives are:

•  to maintain open lines of communication and foster collaboration between the advisor, student, and parents/guardians
• to be an avenue for delivering the Habits of Mind and Heart curriculum, which helps students understand their strengths of character and the contribution this understanding makes to their personal growth, as well as to their local, national, and global communities.
• to foster an appreciation for the strengths of others in their advisory group and to work throughout the year to build trusting relationships with each other

Advisories are scheduled during the school day and meet several times each week.

RELATED MIDDLE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS:  Advisory is a required course each year at Whitfield
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  Advisory is a required course each year at Whitfield 

Advisory 6-8
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Middle school Advisory includes planned activities from The Habits of Mind and Heart social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum and Academic Lab time. Essential questions that guide the middle school Advisory program are Who am I? Who are you? and How can we work together and contribute to our community? Students also practice self-advocacy, time management, and organizational strategies during Academic Lab time. Twice a year students also prepare for student-led parent-teacher conferences where students share evidence of personal growth and academic growth.

Advisory 9
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students in Advisory 9 engage in activities from the Habits of Mind and Heart social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, community service, self-discovery, relationship building, and Office Hours time where students can schedule meetings with teachers from any of their classes. Office Hours helps students develop meaningful study strategies to prepare them well for academics at the upper school level. Students also prepare for student led parent- teacher conferences where they provide evidence of personal and academic growth.

Advisory 10
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Habits of Mind and Heart drive the Advisory 10 curriculum. Through discussions, personal reflection, multi-media resources, and guest speakers, students investigate topics such as academic achievement and integrity; time management; personal and academic organizational skills; health and financial education; and social issues. These topics are strategically scheduled to coincide with important events taking place at school, such as social events, major projects, and trimester exams. Two signature features of Advisory 10 are the Reflection Series, focusing on character strengths and habits, and the Sophomore Conversations Series, which grows from student-shared interests and needs and is developed by the students, 10th grade team, and other administrators.

Advisory 11
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 11
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In Advisory 11, students have a voice in the topics of exploration and develop leadership in implementing activities rooted in the Habits of Mind and Heart. The primary focus of advisory is to continue to mentor and support students in developing relationships with teachers, peers, and others. Eleventh-grade students are beginning to invest more of themselves and looking at how they fit into the world. Therefore, service learning and college-planning are key components of Advisory 11. Service learning includes multiple opportunities and is organized as both group and individual experiences. College Knowledge focuses on the initial phases of the college selection process including characteristics of fit, standardized testing and application tools. Throughout third trimester, college counselors guide students through exercises to define, research, and analyze college options based upon the student’s strengths and needs to ensure success.

Senior Seminar
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Senior Seminar is a required, graded course and an extension of the Advisory program developed in grades 6-11. The curriculum includes college preparation work and exercises and the Senior Capstone Experience. Students are required to complete their college preparatory work and the Senior Capstone, which are graded as part of Senior Seminar. Students may not be eligible to graduate unless they meet all expectations of Senior Seminar satisfactorily.

College Preparation
Seniors continue the College Knowledge class they began third trimester junior year. The course focuses on completing the college choice process including writing college essays, planning college visits, preparing college applications, and applying for scholarships and financial assistance. The course ends at Winter Break. In addition, seniors participate in activities, seminars and panel discussions designed to prepare for life in higher education, from residence hall practicalities to academic skills to self-awareness and self-regulation.

The Senior Capstone Experience
The Senior Capstone Experience, which follows the completion of academic final exams, is an opportunity to extend education beyond the classroom, and is a required component of the senior year. With the help of their advisors, seniors learn how to create resumes, engage in interviews, and make professional contacts with individuals and organizations. The Senior Capstone includes extra-curricular learning experiences, mentorship interviews, internships when conditions permit, and the Roundtable, a summative reflection interview with a faculty panel.

Mission
In the English program, Whitfield students build character, purpose, and passion in an environment that prioritizes communication, connectivity, and innovative thinking. Students develop an appreciation of the power and beauty of the English language by exploring literature, by writing in a broad selection of modes with different purposes, and by engaging with a variety of audiences. The mission of the English department is to provide students with the tools they need to become skilled, effective and enthusiastic readers, writers, and communicators.

English Department Overview
Organized around essential questions and thematic literature selections, each English course combines collaborative experiences and individualized instruction, the hallmark of which is writing as a process. Learner-centered design means that students examine ideas, read critically, make presentations, design media products, and communicate using a variety of technology resources, balancing deep thinking and concrete skill acquisition to prepare them for college, careers, and citizenship. English is a required course for students in grades 6 through 12.

Process Writing at Whitfield
Good writing is evidence of good thinking. Through writing, students come to understand audience and purpose, which promotes empathy, appreciation of multiple perspectives, and the importance of effective technique. The teacher’s role is to help students find their own voices while developing critical thinking and reflection skills. Learning a variety of genres comes from tackling authentic tasks. Since effective writing is the product of a recursive process, students should be ready to revise and rework their ideas before creating a publishable product, and teachers will provide substantive, sequential coaching of pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, polishing and publishing.

MIDDLE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS:  An English course is required each year of Middle School (MS).
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:  Enrollment in an English course is required each year of Upper School (US). Four credits of English are required for graduation.

English 6: Building a Community of Readers and Writers
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 6
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The sixth grade English curriculum is designed to support and guide students as they explore and develop their identity as a reader and writer. Through a broad range of learning experiences, students practice making the choices that real readers and writers make every day. Writing is approached as a cyclical process where students are supported as they make choices that build their voice as a writer and craft pieces that help them explore their passions and realize the power of their voice in the world.

Students will study fiction and nonfiction works in the form of poetry, short stories, novels, videos, podcasts, and articles. Some will be read as a whole class while others will be read in book clubs or independently. These readings serve as vehicles through which students explore the answers to the course’s Essential Questions about their role in the world we live in.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What role does literature play in broadening our understanding of the world in which we live?
• What role does literature play in creating opportunities for meaningful conversations in our community?
• How can I use the work of authors and artists to inspire my own writing?
• How can I use writing to influence the world around me?

English 7: Discovering the Emerging Self
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 7
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The seventh grade English curriculum is designed to guide students as they explore and develop their identity through early adolescence. In reading, we focus on characters who are transforming and making difficult choices about the type of person they want to be and their role in the world around them. In writing, students explore what is truly important to them when choosing topics. With support, students write across a variety of genres to impact the community and broader world in which we live. Included in the genres for writing study in seventh grade are realistic fiction, personal narratives, argumentative writing blended with literary analysis, poetry, and research-based informational writing.

Students will study fiction and nonfiction works in the form of poetry, short stories, novels, videos, podcasts, and articles. Some will be read as a whole class while others will be read in book clubs or independently. Student choice in reading is prioritized as students build stamina and use reading as a tool to help them explore identity and their role in society. These readings serve as vehicles through which students explore the answers to the course’s Essential Questions about their own identity.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do I effectively communicate who I am and what I believe?
• What transforms personal identity?
• What distinguishes personal identity from group identity?
• How do societal identifiers such as race, culture, language, gender, and social class influence an individual’s idea of self?

English 8: Exploring Freedom and Identity
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Eighth grade is a unique transition year, combining the traditional middle school progression with more independent and rigorous high school studies. English 8 explores concepts of identity and freedom in literary works which may include texts such as Aesop’s Fables, international fairy tales, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, The Hobbit, and Macbeth. In addition to its emphasis on analyzing and interpreting literature, English 8 examines poetry, art and non-fiction. Students analyze these works in seminar discussion, developing the skills necessary to articulate essay responses to literature, the world and themselves. Since writing is central to this course, students will also gain mastery in grammar and usage conventions necessary for high-level composition. Finally, a regular look at Latin and Greek roots will help expand the vocabulary of the students.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What are the various factors that shape our freedom and identity? In what way is personal identity defined by others?
• What is the relationship between freedom, love, and power?

• What do fables and fairy tales from other cultures tell us more about ourselves?

English 9: Encountering the Other
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION:  In English 9, students look outside of the self, consider how we define community and our place in the world, and determine what role community plays in their lives and how they can be a responsible member of the various communities to which they belong. Units of study will center on the exploration of the other, an analysis of cultural influences, and an examination of how communities shape the individual. Reading experiences will include whole-class novels, book circles, and choice reading.

Whenever possible, independence and choice will guide the content of the course, while students practice and master age-appropriate skill sets. Thematic learning experiences will include literature, poetry, projects, videos, and podcasts that help us understand the experiences of others. The ninth grade English curriculum exposes students to habits and skills that will be used throughout high school and college. Students will approach reading, writing, speaking, and collaboration as a process that includes identifying audience and purpose while exploring organizational strategies and multiple genres.

Works studied may include: Frankenstein (Shelley), A Game for Swallows (Abirached), The House on Mango Street (Cisneros), and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Chbosky).

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What is community and what are the individual’s responsibilities to the community?
• How does our need to be part of a group affect our actions?
• How do personal experiences shape our view of others?
• How does one develop empathy for others and why does it matter?

English 10: The Assertion of Self
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 10
COURSE DESCRIPTION:  It is vital that we get to know ourselves, respectfully consider others’ views, and decide what is worth defending. This life skill has never been more important than today when we are constantly surrounded by contrasting information, ever-diverging views, and powerful rhetoric. The literature, writing, discussion, and inquiry in sophomore English will center on the development of self and the questioning of identity within a larger community. Through discussions, debates, and Socratic seminars, students will practice asserting their ideas as well as actively listening and responding to the ideas of others. In addition, students will use frequent writing and reading opportunities to hone their perspectives, seeking diverse lenses through which to better understand the world in which they live.

Works studied may include: Lord of the Flies (William Golding), Taming of the Shrew (William Shakespeare), Boy Erased (Garrard Conley), Brain on Fire (Susannah Cahalan), Born a Crime (Trevor Noah), The Old Man and the Sea (Ernest Hemingway), Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck), Anthem (Ayn Rand), and select short stories and poems.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do we identify and develop our individual truths?
• In a world where others try to define us, how do we make decisions for ourselves?
• When should an individual take a stand?
• In the face of adversity, what causes some individuals to prevail while others fail?

English 11: The Pursuit of the American Dream 
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 11
COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Building on close reading and interpretive skills from previous years, this course seeks to increase sophistication in both reading and writing abilities in anticipation of the demands of college humanities courses. Through reading a variety of stories that represent diverse historical periods and experiences, students will explore themes of fiction and nonfiction that shaped the philosophical mindset of the American Way. In their writing, students will develop confidence in their ability to express ideas effectively through a variety of assignments. Students will also practice formal literary analysis to gain a greater appreciation for the artistic construction of a text and its cultural resonance.

Works studied may include: The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald), Beloved (Toni Morrison), Self-Reliance (Ralph Waldo Emerson), Civil Disobedience and Walden (Henry David Thoreau), How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents (Julia Alvarez), Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury) and a selection of essays and poetry.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What does it mean to be an American?
• What is American culture?
• What is the American dream and does it still exist?
• What is the role of literature in social change?

English 12: Advanced Composition and Literature
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: English 12: Advanced Composition and Literature offers Whitfield students opportunities to hone their writing, thinking and speaking skills while examining literature in ways that will prepare them for college work and adulthood. Works studied may include: The Norton Sampler, 8th Edition (Thomas Cooley, ed.), Siddhartha (Hermann Hesse), Between the World and Me (Ta-Nehisi Coates), selections from The World’s Religions (Huston Smith), chapters on writing techniques from such authors as Annie Dillard, Peter Elbow, Ann Lamott and Natalie Goldberg, Antigone (Sophocles), The Crito (Plato), The Guest (Camus), An Enemy of the People (Ibsen); selections from Nicomachean Ethics (Aristotle), The Republic (Plato), Discourses (Epictetus), Fundamental Principles Of The Metaphysic Of Morals (Kant), Utilitarianism (Mill), excerpts from Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student (Corbett and Connors), Critical Thinking (Moore and Parker), excerpts from Business Ethics: Readings and Cases in Corporate Morality (Hoffman), Ten Types of Innovation (Keeley), articles from the Harvard Business Review, relevant TED Talks, and “Stories of Innovation - Visionaries & Inventors” from The Henry Ford.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do we make choices that best reflect our values and aspirations?
• What is a “good life” in the classical sense, and how is it lived?
• How can we use change as a vehicle for growth, whether in our personal lives or in careers in business, technology, the sciences, and other fields?

For the following course, AP English Language & Composition, there will be both a minimum and maximum course enrollment size which will determine whether this course will be offered and if so, how many sections and to which grade levels it will be available. Because of enrollment sizes, a student may be required to choose an alternate course.

AP English Language & Composition
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts - including images as forms of text - from a range of disciplines and historical periods.

This course is designed to prepare students to communicate effectively in the 21st century. Students will explore complex topics by analyzing the rhetoric of both fiction and nonfiction texts from a variety of genres and time periods and learn how to apply what they learn to their own writing. Students will write analytical, argumentative, and narrative essays and strengthen their writing using thoughtful research, revision, editing, and rewriting. In a culminating activity, students will synthesize their knowledge to create a presentation that addresses a specific audience and utilizes a variety of media. This course will also focus on the skills necessary “to read primary and secondary sources carefully, to synthesize materials from [these texts] in their own composition, and to cite sources using conventions recommended by... the Modern Language Association (MLA).”

Texts may include texts such as: A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Soldier Boy by Ishameil Besh; Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes on A Tribe Called Quest by Hanif Abduraqib; The Elements of Style (Strunk & White); On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King; Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates; various works of Shakespeare such as “King Lear” or “Hamlet”; The Overachievers by Alexandra Robbins; In Cold Blood by Truman Capote.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

From the College Board’s Enduring Understandings

• How do individuals write within a particular situation and make strategic writing choices based on that situation?
• How do writers make claims about subjects, rely on evidence that supports the reasoning that justifies the claim, and often acknowledge or respond to other, possibly opposing, arguments?
• How do writers guide understanding of a text’s lines of reasoning and claims through that text’s organization and integration of evidence?
• How does the rhetorical situation inform the strategic stylistic choices writers make?

Fine Arts Department Overview

VISUAL ARTS:  The Visual Arts program is designed to support students in achieving the following objectives: the acquisition of essential studio techniques and skills to serve artistic intent, an understanding of how to approach art-making as a problem based process, an understanding of how to develop a theme through visual imagery, and the ability to articulate artistic concepts and use artistic vocabulary to critique work effectively. Curriculum in grades 6 through 9 focuses on aspects of art and the creative processes relevant to intellectual growth and development in all individuals. Visual arts are viewed not only as a visual language to be manipulated, but also as an observable problem-solving process that is an integral part of the creative process within any discipline. In grades 10 through 12, students who have completed Design Overview may choose to take the upper level studio electives.

PERFORMING ARTS: The Performing Arts program is designed to develop language and communication skills and creative problem- solving strategies; to promote a positive self-concept, social awareness, empathy, a clarification of values and attitudes, and an understanding of the art of performance.

INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL MUSIC: Performing is an essential activity of any music group and is, therefore, part of the band and choir curriculum. Students are required to participate in all performances and occasional group rehearsals. Middle School students will also have the chance to explore the world of music without performance requirements in their Applied Arts classes.

THEATER: The theater arts program at Whitfield encourages participants to develop talents they possess both onstage and behind the scenes, while exploring and fostering the innate creativity found in all students. The many courses provide students with the resources needed to help them take risks, develop their imaginations and learn creative problem-solving techniques associated with the performing arts.

MIDDLE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS: A Fine Arts course is required each year of  Middle School (MS)
UPPER SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: One credit of Fine Arts is required for graduation (US).

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC OFFERINGS

Beginning Band
LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6, 7
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Beginning Band is for students in grades 6 and 7 who have had no previous experience in the study of woodwind and brass instruments. Students will be aided in choosing an instrument, learn the basics of instrument care, develop mastery on instrument playing technique and knowledge of music theory fundamentals. Students learn how to perform as a soloist and as a member of the band ensemble. Emphasis is placed on self-discipline and responsibility. The core concepts that are covered in Beginning Band include basic general music skills and skills that are specific to each instrument, and their culminating performances include concerts in both the winter and spring.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• In what ways am I a musician?
• What are the elements essential to reading and performing music?
• How do individuals work together to create an ensemble?

Concert Band I; Concert Band II
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Concert Band I and II are designed as performance ensembles. Students must have a general knowledge of their instrument and ability to read music notation. Students will further refine their skills and develop their technical facility through their wind, brass, or percussion instrument. Rudimentary exercises such as major scales and arpeggios, breathing technique, rhythm patterns, and specific exercises designed for their particular instrument will help them improve their musical technique. Students will also have the opportunity to form small ensembles to explore interpretation, musical styles, balance, and intonation. Students perform at both the winter and spring music concerts, music festivals, and for special events. The core concepts that are covered in Concert Band II include the expansion of the general music skills and instrument skills that were built in Concert Band I.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
• In what ways am I a musician?
• What are the elements essential to reading and performing music?
• How do individuals work together to create an ensemble?

Instrumental Ensemble
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Instrumental Ensemble is designed as a performance ensemble, striving to further refine the skills students have learned in Concert Band I and II. Students will explore the fundamentals of music theory and music design. Advanced skills will be introduced and refined, such as minor scales and arpeggios, secondary fingerings, and complex rhythms. Students will also learn sight-reading skills. Solos and small ensembles will be formed to further strengthen the individuality of playing an instrument. All students may pursue the option to audition for All-District Honors Band and participate in the Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. Required performances also include the following school programs: Grandparents Day and both the winter and spring concerts. Students are also encouraged to participate in our extracurricular ensembles, such as the bonfire groups and Jazz Band.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How is music a tool of communication?
• How does engagement with music reveal, integrate and enlarge life experience?
• How am I invested in my personal development and the ensemble’s success?

Instrumental Ensemble - B
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students who are not able to fit full-time band into their schedule but who would still like to develop their musical skills can enroll in Instrumental Ensemble-B and meet less frequently. Instrumental Ensemble is designed as a performance ensemble, striving to further refine the skills students have learned in Concert Band I and II. Students will explore the fundamentals of music theory and music design. Advanced skills will be introduced and refined, such as minor scales and arpeggios, secondary fingerings, and complex rhythms. Students will also learn sight-reading skills. Solos and small ensembles will be formed to further strengthen the individuality of playing an instrument. All students may pursue the option to audition for All-District Honors Band and participate in the Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. Required performances also include the following school programs: Grandparents Day and both the winter and spring concerts. Students are also encouraged to participate in our extracurricular ensembles, such as the bonfire groups and Jazz Band.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How is music a tool of communication?
• How does engagement with music reveal, integrate and enlarge life experience
• How am I invested in my personal development and the ensemble’s success

VOCAL MUSIC OFFERINGS

Concert Choir 6, 7 and 8
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: As students sing in choir, they will find themselves challenged on many levels: intellectually, emotionally, physically, and musically, as they strive to recreate great works of art. Through the use of choral repertoire and other supplementary materials, students will be taught the essentials to using their vocal instrument through correct posture, breath control, a variety of exercises in tone production and articulation, and movement. Students will also be exposed to music appreciation and how to be a good audience through music listening. Other concepts that will be explored include form, style, sight singing, intonation, blend, note reading, rhythm, harmony, history, and culture. Choir students will also exhibit their skills through choir performances throughout the school year.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• In what ways am I a musician?
• In what ways am I an artist?
• How do individuals work together to create an ensemble?

High School Choir
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: As students sing in choir, they will find themselves challenged on many levels - intellectually, emotionally, physically, and musically - as they strive to recreate great works of art. Through the use of choral and solo repertoire and other supplementary materials, students will be taught the essentials to using their vocal instrument through correct posture, breath control, a variety of exercises in tone production and articulation, and movement. Students will also be exposed to music appreciation and how to be a good audience through music listening. Other concepts that will be explored include form, style, sight singing, intonation, blend, note reading, rhythm, harmony, history, and culture.

All students will be given opportunities for solo work through preparation for the District Festival during third quarter.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How is music a tool of communication?
• How does engagement with music reveal, integrate and enlarge life experience?
• How am I invested in my personal development and the ensemble’s success?

High School Choir - B
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students who are not able to fit full-time choir into their schedule but who would still like to develop their musical skills can enroll in High School Concert Choir-B and will meet less frequently.

As students sing in choir, they will find themselves challenged on many levels: intellectually, emotionally, physically, and musically, as they strive to recreate great works of art. Through the use of choral and solo repertoire and other supplementary materials, students will be taught the essentials to using their vocal instrument through correct posture, breath control, a variety of exercises in tone production and articulation, and movement. Students will also be exposed to music appreciation and how to be a good audience through music listening. Other concepts that will be explored include form, style, sight singing, intonation, blend, note reading, rhythm, harmony, history, and culture.

All students will be given opportunities for solo work through preparation for the District Festival during the spring.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How is music a tool of communication?
• How does engagement with music reveal, integrate and enlarge life experience?
• How am I invested in my personal development and the ensemble’s success?

THEATER ARTS OFFERINGS

Theater Arts 7 and 8
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 7 and 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students in the full-year middle school theater program will be introduced to the many aspects of producing theater and understanding its important place in the world. Students will explore exercises and theater games in order to develop performance skills, such as concentration, observation, problem-solving, and imagination. Classes will use original scene work, lighting and sound design, and advanced improvisation games to further their comfort and confidence in performance. Students will be assessed on participation, skill development, homework, and project completion.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What roles can I play in the creative process of making theater?
• What is the role of theater in society?
• In what ways can I push myself to become more comfortable and confident on stage?

Theater: Performance and Production
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In Theater: Performance and Production, students will explore working within an ensemble, storytelling and script analysis, design choices, vocal and movement skills, technical aspects of performance, theater history, and how contemporary theater reflects society. The goal of this course is to introduce students to theater as an immediate art form, helping them to understand the interrelationship of script, acting, design and craftsmanship in a production, allowing students to develop skills and a lifelong interest in attending and enjoying theatrical performances. Students will be prepared for future theater arts classes.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What are the elements of performance?
• How do individuals work together to create an ensemble?
• Why do we tell stories on stage?
• How do theater and other types of performance reflect and affect society?

Theater: Fundamentals of Stage Work
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 10
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will broaden their knowledge of performance by working with an array of performance styles and dramatic literature, the introduction of style and genre, and developing more specific acting techniques, voice, and movement in character development. Students will examine how theatrical choices are made, from the selection of a story to every element of a final theatrical piece. The importance of craftsmanship in production, from playwriting to props, is emphasized.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How does an individual develop skills for performance?
• What is the process for creating a performance?
• How is an individual challenged during the creative process?

Theater: Advanced Perspectives
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 11
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students explore and analyze a variety of texts and performances, developing greater readiness for sophisticated performance and understanding of theater production, both as participants and audience. Theater will be examined as a function of culture and societal influences. Plays will be read, watched, compared, discussed and examined.

Students will read and perform a variety of works in order to experience style and genre. Students will analyze production choices in works of performing art and develop their ability to express meaningfully a perception of why or how a performance functions. Note: This course encourages student involvement in extra-curricular performance production.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do we construct a theatrical vision, both visual and thematic?
• How do silence, sound, light, costuming, environment, movement, voice and gesture come together to tell a story?
• In what ways can theater impact an audience?
• How does engagement with the arts reveal, integrate and enlarge life experience?

Theater Senior Studio
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students in this course will be directly involved in the production process of Whitfield Theater. Students will analyze production choices in works of performing art and develop their ability to express meaningfully a perception of why or how a performance functions. Note: This course requires students to participate in rehearsals, performances and production responsibilities beyond the school day.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do we construct a theatrical vision, both visual and thematic?
• How is an individual challenged during the creative process?
• How does engagement with the arts reveal, integrate and enlarge life experience?

VISUAL ARTS OFFERINGS

Visual Arts 7
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 7
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In seventh grade, students go beyond exploring art to developing as artists themselves. A variety of media opportunities are presented to foster individual engagement with the creative problem solving process, a greater awareness of craftsmanship, and confidence with technical skills. Projects are designed to introduce art as a visual language.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What does it mean to be creative?
• What is the creative problem solving process?
• In what ways am I an artist?

Visual Arts 8
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The eighth grade visual arts program continues to present students with a variety of artistic processes. There is increased emphasis on personal investment and engagement with the creative problem solving process. Focus shifts to the essential art elements that structure visual imagery and visual communication. Projects are designed to prepare students to advance into the upper level visual arts.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What are the elements essential to creating art?
• How do we grow as an artist?
• What does it mean to invest in and engage with the creative problem solving process?

Design Overview
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces freshmen to the Elements and Principles of Design as the foundational building blocks that support all works of art. Students engage in a variety of assignments that aid in the development of technical skill and a personal creative process. Dry, wet, and mixed media are used throughout the course to push the notion of making, creative play, and experimentation. In addition, the course provides students with the opportunity
to use visual communication to convey messages to a broader audience.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can we form a strong understanding of what we see?
• What are the Elements and Principles of Design that all visual imagery is built upon?
• How does an artist present their work as a meaningful form of visual communication?
• What is the creative process and how does the artist function within it?

2D Studio: Drawing
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces students to the foundations of observational drawing. Students engage in a variety of assignments that aid in the development of technical skill as well a personal creative process. The two-dimensional picture plane serves as the primary vehicle for expression and visual communication. 2D Studio: Drawing provides students the opportunity to explore the technical skill-set necessary for representational drawing. Students investigate the visceral response to the creative process by means of experiential drawing methods and learning to see without labeling. 2D Studio: Drawing also provides students with the facility to develop a critical perspective in order to assess their works of art.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can keen observation improve the development of an artist’s technical skills?
• How does the artist create a “voice” through their creative process?
• How does one generate a personal aesthetic?

2D Studio: Advanced Drawing and Painting
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students in 2D Studio: Advanced Drawing and Painting further develop their artistic language and descriptive drawing methods by building upon technical skills acquired in Introduction to2D Studio: Drawing. This course provides students with a new conceptual avenue to navigate: the consideration of the “why” in addition to the “how” of creating works of art. Students develop an arsenal of techniques necessary to manipulate “drawn” elements to serve expressive and communicative intentions. Drawing is re-considered and evaluated not only for its power within the artistic realm, but for where it resides in contemporary practice in relation to self, others, and the collective whole.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How does conceptualism factor into the creative process?
• In what ways is art a reflection of culture?
• How do we form an understanding of our world through our creative endeavors?
• What ways can art impact a viewer?

2D Senior Studio
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students in Senior Studio: 2D push conceptual theories through a variety of projects that are formed as creative problems to solve. Students further develop their descriptive and expressive artistic vision to become more engaged and accountable for their creative process. Each problem provides the Senior Studio: 2D student the opportunity to deconstruct and re-interpret images and contemporary topics while addressing their own personal aesthetic. In addition to conceptual approaches to making, students push their technical skills in order to produce strong work suitable for inclusion in a portfolio to submit to a college art program (if applicable). A number of projects may be team- taught with the photography and sculpture faculty.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do we work within our creative process to produce art that is personal to an individual?
• How does an artist articulate their “vision”?
• How does an engagement within the arts reveal, integrate and enhance our life experiences?
• How does one know a work of art is effective?

3D Studio: Sculpture
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introductory course into 3D artmaking, students will build upon the creative problem solving and design skills acquired in Design Overview as they construct objects that occupy physical space. A variety of techniques and media will be covered as students explore three-dimensional art as a form of visual communication. This course is intended to prepare students for the next levels of 3D studio art at Whitfield.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What are the opportunities and challenges inherent in constructing 3D art?
• How can form express personal vision?
• How can a student demonstrate risk taking through playful exploration of form?

3D Studio: Ceramics
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course students will increase their awareness and understanding of form, specifically that of clay. They will become familiar with the materials and techniques used by ceramic. Students will also become more aware of aesthetic questions related to ceramics, begin to appreciate ceramics as a mode of expression and in the process begin to develop a personal vision of clay forms. This course will thoroughly prepare students for the next level of 3D art.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What is the relationship between function and form?
• How can form express personal vision?
• How can a student demonstrate risk taking through playful exploration of form?

3D Senior Studio
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: While craftsmanship remains important students will use varied techniques gained in previous 3D Studio courses that will better support their ideas and begin to develop forms that suit their growing personal aesthetic. Brainstorming and honest feedback are the norm at this level so that it becomes commonplace for students to use the information to further ideas and concepts with the end result that they will begin to truly question the strength of their work: does it say what they want to say? Does the viewer see what the student wants them to see? Students will install one major exhibition, The Senior Retrospective, which will serve as the culmination of their high school art making experience.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• In what ways can our artwork be a reflection of ourselves?
• How does engagement with the arts reveal, integrate and enlarge life experience?

Digital Studio: Photography
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introductory course in both analog and digital photography, this course continues the exploration of art as a form of visual language. Students will become proficient in the manual use of a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR), basic studio lighting and will develop a significant working understanding of Adobe Photoshop.

Projects are presented as problems that students must solve by engaging in the creative process. Throughout the year students will experiment with a variety of problem solving and brainstorming techniques so that they may individualize their process and final products. By the end of the year they should know how to trigger their own creative thinking process.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do I use the camera as an extension of what I see?
• What is my creative process?
• How can I communicate visually?
• How can engagement in the arts improve my thinking skills?

Digital Studio: Graphic Design
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Our world is flooded with images, text and video. Our brains accept these visuals and decode their hidden messages. In an increasingly connected time and global economy, the ability to decipher these messages will make you a more informed citizen. The ability to create these messages and communicate visually will set you apart. Students will explore both traditional graphic design applications, illustration and basic animation. To support their design process, students will learn to work with various digital art creation programs such as Adobe Illustrator, After Effects and InDesign along with non-digital art mediums.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can engagement in the arts enhance my thinking skills?
• How can I identify and interpret visual messaging in my environment?

Digital Senior Studio
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This studio course is for seniors who have completed a photography and/or a graphic design class. This course offers students an opportunity for more in-depth exploration of subjects of personal interest while identifying and developing a personal aesthetic. Students will continue to gain understanding of what conceptual and contemporary art is as they conduct a more in-depth exploration of meaning over form. The role of the audience and their impact on the final products will also be a constant conversation throughout the year. Students will install two exhibitions this year, one group show exploring a specific concept and a Senior Retrospective which will serve as a culmination of their high school art making experience and as an exhibition of their personal vision. This is a studio art course; students will be pushed out of their comfort zone and work with mediums beyond photography and digital art in order to fully explore their potential to communicate a personal vision. A number of projects may be team-taught with the photography and painting faculty.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I communicate personal vision?
• How do I develop and understand my personal vision?
• How can engagement in the arts improve my thinking skills?

Mathematics Department Overview

The mathematics program addresses a wide array of needs in addition to more traditional content objectives. The goal of the program is to assist students in gaining mathematical confidence as well as competence. To this end, the sequencing of the program remains flexible to meet the needs of students who may benefit from additional reinforcement or those who progress at an accelerated rate. A focus on problem-solving and active student learning guides the students’ efforts to utilize and apply mathematics. Students should see mathematics as providing them with a structure and a system through which they can view the world.

The objectives for the mathematics curriculum focus on students acquiring the ability to communicate using the language of mathematics as well as enabling them to choose and apply algorithms and nontraditional strategies to problem-solving situations. Throughout the math program, students have the opportunity to get support and to utilize a variety of resources ranging from teacher assistance to online textbook videos and posted notes when they are learning new content. Algebraic and geometric concepts are integrated throughout the curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to more fully explore the relationships between the two fields.

Computer Science – Program Overview

The computer science program brings practical applications of computer science topics into classrooms to inspire innovative thinking and learning. Across grade levels and academic departments, our students and teachers immerse themselves in STEAM-forward learning in ways that are meaningful, authentic, and, most importantly, relevant. The program is designed to provide all students at Whitfield with a foundation in technological and computing principles so that they are adequately prepared with both the knowledge and skills to live and meaningfully participate in our increasingly digital society, economy, and culture.

While the computer science program offers elective courses through the Mathematics Department that dive deeply into several key computer science related topics, the school’s objective is to expose every Whitfield student to computer science as well as career paths in the field. For this purpose, every ninth-grade student takes a trimester long course in Foundations called Computer Science and Society. The school’s computer science integration specialist also works with faculty across all grade-levels and departments to make sure the different skills and concepts are introduced and incorporated into their subject area. This way, the students are authentically able to use computer science in a way that reflects the way it is used in the working world.

MIDDLE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS: A mathematics course is required each year of Middle School.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: Enrollment in a mathematics course is required each year of Upper School. Four credits of mathematics are required for graduation.

Math: Foundations and Enrichment
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 6
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Math Course 1 is designed to help students build a solid math foundation. Students will practice a variety of strategies to approach different problems and also determine if a solution is reasonable. Topics studied will include fractions, decimals, percentages, money, ratios, proportions, single- step equations, and basic geometry.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can my prior mathematical knowledge/skills be applied to solve real-word problems?
• How can I use multiple approaches to solve a variety of math problems?
• How will I respond to obstacles that I encounter with challenging math topics?
• How can I assess if my solution is reasonable?

Math: Skills and Strategies
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6-7
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Math Course 2 is designed is to help students build a solid foundation for success with pre-algebra concepts. Students will practice a variety of strategies to approach different problems and also determine if a solution is reasonable. Topics studied will include integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, multi-step equations, and basic geometry.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can my prior mathematical knowledge/skills be applied to solve real-word problems?
• How can I use multiple approaches to solve a variety of math problems?
• How will I respond to obstacles that I encounter with challenging math topics?
• How can I assess if my solution is reasonable?

Pre-Algebra
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Math Course 3 is designed to build a solid foundation for success in Algebra I and Geometry. Students will learn to identify and represent patterns, communicate mathematically, and employ problem solving strategies. Topics studied will include integers, rational numbers, writing variable expressions, solving one variable equations, ratios, proportions, percentages, introduction to linear functions, and basic geometry.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I use mathematics to model, predict, and make decisions about the world in which I live?
• How do I choose and use the most effective means of mathematical communication: words, pictures, tables, graphs?
• How do I choose and use the best problem solving strategy?
• How can I assess if my answer is reasonable?

MS Algebra I
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 7-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to introduce formal algebraic concepts and foster independent learning. Students will use their knowledge of writing to develop ways of expressing their mathematical ideas. Topics studied will include solving equations, inequalities and systems of equations, writing and graphing functions, evaluating and simplifying exponential expressions, and simplifying and factoring polynomials.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do I solve and graph various functions?
• How do I use multiple representations such as words, equations, graphs, and numbers to effectively communicate mathematical ideas?
• How do I assess if my answer is reasonable?

MS Geometry
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to lead students through investigations in which they will discover and work with the many postulates and theorems of geometry.

Topics studied include tools of geometry, reasoning and justification, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, relationships within triangles, polygons and quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles, trigonometry, and area. Students will learn how to use a compass and protractor to construct geometric figures and to work with properties of lines and figures. Throughout the course, students will apply learned concepts to create logical, written arguments.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I use my knowledge of algebra to solve geometric problems?
• How do I make my own discoveries through geometric investigations?
• How do I use reasoning and problem-solving strategies to draw logical conclusions?

MS Algebra II
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The MS Algebra II course is a formalized study of expressions, equations, inequalities, functions, graphs, linear systems, quadratic, polynomial and radical functions, and rational exponents. Students will examine techniques for solving and graphing polynomial functions of various degrees. Properties of powers, roots, and radicals are used to solve and graph rational functions. Geometry is integrated at various levels to strengthen skills and develop concepts. Students utilize graphing calculators to enhance their discovery and their understanding of algebra concepts.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I translate real-world situations into mathematical expressions which then require algebraic manipulations?
• How can I graphically represent algebraic expressions?

Algebra I
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-10
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to introduce formal algebraic concepts and foster independent learning. Students will use their knowledge of writing to develop ways of expressing their mathematical ideas. Topics studied will include solving equations, inequalities and systems of equations, writing and graphing functions, evaluating and simplifying exponential expressions, and simplifying and factoring polynomials.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do I solve and graph various functions?
• How do I use multiple representations such as words, equations, graphs, and numbers to effectively communicate mathematical ideas?
• How do I assess if my answer is reasonable?

Geometry
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-10
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to lead students through investigations in which they will discover and work with the many postulates and theorems of geometry. Topics studied include tools of geometry, reasoning and justification, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, relationships within triangles, polygons and quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles, trigonometry, and area. Students will learn how to use a compass and protractor to construct geometric figures and to work with properties of lines and figures. Throughout the course, students will apply learned concepts to create logical, written arguments.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I use my knowledge of algebra to solve geometric problems?
• How do I make my own discoveries through geometric investigations?
• How do I use reasoning and problem-solving strategies to draw logical conclusions?

Algebra II
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Algebra II course is a formalized study of expressions, equations, inequalities, functions, graphs, linear systems, quadratic, polynomial and radical functions, and rational exponents. Students will examine techniques for solving and graphing polynomial functions of various degrees. Properties of powers, roots, and radicals are used to solve and graph rational functions. Geometry is integrated at various levels to strengthen skills and develop concepts. Students utilize graphing calculators to enhance their discovery and their understanding of algebra concepts.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I translate real-world situations into mathematical expressions which then require algebraic manipulations?
• How can I graphically represent algebraic expressions?

Algebra III/Trigonometry
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to enhance the higher level thinking skills developed in Advanced Algebra through a more in-depth study of those concepts and exploration of some Precalculus concepts. After an exhaustive extension of Algebra topics, students will refine their knowledge by exploring the families of trigonometric functions, rational functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Students will use graphing calculators to be able to visualize in real time the dynamic nature of their manipulations of equations and graphs.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I apply the mathematical patterns of manipulating and solving used in linear equations to the study of polynomial equations?
• How can I relate the exploration and discovery of rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions to their real world applications?

Precalculus
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to develop a more thorough understanding of functions and connecting the visualization of their graphs. They will investigate multiple ways of solving functions and supporting their solutions. Once students are comfortable with the language of functions, they will continue their study by exploring the trigonometric functions, identities, and proofs. Throughout the course, students will continue to develop and hone critical problem solving approaches and methods.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What are functions and how can they be used to model real world situations?
• What are the fundamentals of trigonometry?

Introduction to Calculus
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed as a survey of introductory calculus topics. Students are introduced to calculus by studying continuity and limits of functions. Basic rules for differentiation and integration with applications of both are included.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How are vectors and polar coordinate systems used to mathematically understand and solve problems involving physics?
• How does the study of combinatorics along with probability and statistics allow people to gain a deeper understanding of the mathematics used in everyday life?
• What is calculus and how does it allow use to deal with change in a mathematical system?

AP Calculus AB
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: AP Calculus AB, the first of two AP Calculus courses, is designed to provide a rigorous introduction to the essential topics of calculus. These topics include functions, limits, continuity, techniques of differentiation and integration, slope fields, and differential equations. This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement AB Calculus exam in May and will provide a strong foundation for further study in mathematics and the sciences.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What are the fundamental techniques of differential and integral calculus?
• How can these techniques be applied to models of complex real-world problems?

For the following courses, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science Web Development, Computer Science Language, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus BC, there will be both a minimum and maximum course enrollment size which will determine whether this course will be offered and if so, how many sections and to which grade levels it will be available. Because of enrollment sizes, a student may be required to choose an alternate course.

Computer Science Principles
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Computer Science Principles is designed to introduce students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenge them to explore how computing and technology can influence the world. The five main units the course will cover are the internet, digital information, algorithms and programming, Big Data and privacy, and building apps. This course seeks to provide students with a “future proof” foundation in computing principles so that they are adequately prepared with the knowledge and skills to live and meaningfully participate in our increasingly digital society, economy, and culture.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What is computer science and how is it affecting all areas of society today?
• What is innovation and how can data-collecting create further innovation?
• How do you create a computer program and what purposes can those programs serve?

Computer Science Web Development
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Computer Science Web Development is designed to teach students about the areas of web development, web design, and web security, which are some of the largest fields in computer science today. Students will learn how to build website structures through the languages of HTML and CSS. Students will explore web design and learn the basics of user interface and designing sites which are highly functional and easy to navigate. The overall focus of the course will be hosting a website on a server and building security around a website. All skills acquired in this course will provide a strong foundation for further study in computer science and beyond.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do the languages of HTML and CSS allow the designer to manipulate and build the structure behind a web page?
• What is functionality and how does it help in developing a website’s goals, target audience, content, and delivery requirements for design?
• Why are confidentiality, integrity, and availability considered the most important components of web security, and how does encryption help safe guard these components?

Computer Science Language
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Computer Science Language introduces students to computer science through programming in the rigorous language of Java. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solution to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implantation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. The approach of the class will allow students develop solutions to challenges that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can computer programming be used to design, implement, and analyze solutions to a problem?
• How can a programmer develop and select appropriate algorithms and data structures to solve new problems?
• How can a programmer write solutions fluently in an object- oriented paradigm, as well as run, test, and debug solutions in a programming language utilizing standard library classes and interfaces?

AP Statistics
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: AP Statistics is designed to provide students with an introduction to the elements of statistics, which included exploring date, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. This course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. Students will learn the basics of how data is collected and analyzed as well as work on written expression when drawing conclusions from the data. It is important that students taking this course learn to express data and results algebraically as well as graphically. This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Statistics exam in May.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What are the fundamental techniques of data analysis and how can it be applied to complex, real-world problems?
• What are variation and distribution?
• How are patterns and data represented?
• How are inferences from data used to make predictions or inform decisions?

AP Calculus BC
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES:  12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: AP Calculus BC, the second of two AP Calculus courses offered by the AP College Board, is designed to provide a rigorous study of the essential topics of calculus. These topics include functions, limits, continuity, techniques of differentiation and integration, slope fields, differential equations, parametric functions, and series. This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement BC Calculus exam in May, and will provide a strong foundation for further study in mathematics and the sciences.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What are the fundamental techniques of differential and integral calculus?
• How can these techniques be applied to models of complex, real-world problems?
• How can multivariable, real-world problems be solved using the techniques learned in calculus?

Physical Education Department Overview

Physical Education classes at Whitfield School are designed to provide appropriate instruction which maximizes an individual’s potential for developing and maintaining a healthy body, mind and character. This is achieved through an instructional program that reflects students’ needs and promotes lifelong fitness.

MIDDLE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS: A physical education course is required each year of Middle School.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: One credit of Physical Education and Foundations in Wellness is required for graduation and is taken in the ninth grade.

Physical Education & Health 6-9
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6-9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Physical Education program provides activities to develop students’ awareness of terms, scoring, rules of play, skill techniques, safety principles and basic offensive and defensive strategies for the sports covered in the instructional program. Activities for girls include: field hockey, volleyball, basketball, net games, weight training, indoor soccer, soccer, lacrosse, and fitness testing. Boys’ activities include: fleetball, soccer, wrestling, basketball, hockey, net games, track, softball, and fitness testing.

Weight room resistance training focuses on athleticism. Through athletic performance training students develop speed, agility and quickness. Students use ladders, cones, bands, hurdles, medicine balls and weight training equipment to develop athletic skills outside of individual and team sports, with a focus on developing the habits and awareness necessary for lifelong fitness. Weight room training during class provides students with the skills they need to use the weight room outside of class.

The health curriculum gives students the knowledge and tools to make healthy decisions throughout their lives. The curriculum is based upon the three areas of health: physical health, mental/emotional health, and social health. Physical health includes first aid, injury prevention, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, hygiene, body systems, human growth and development, disease prevention, and avoiding the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Mental/emotional health includes character development, self- esteem, stress management, mental disorders, and spiritual health (a sense of meaning and purpose in life). Social health includes communication, conflict resolution, peer pressure, and healthy relationships. The health classes are divided by gender to encourage comfort when asking questions and discussing current issues. A variety of techniques such as role playing and small group work are used throughout the course.

Foundations in Wellness
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This required sequence of trimester courses provides freshmen the opportunity to dig into topics and trends that are immediately relevant and critical for personal growth within and beyond Whitfield classrooms. Special emphasis is placed on the practical application of Habits of Mind and Heart and on the topics and trends best suited for preparing students to become active participants in tomorrow’s communities.

Neuroscience and Self: This rotation focuses on developing the abilities necessary for recognizing and regulating one’s emotions, cognitions, and behaviors. Skills explored include adolescent brain development and executive function, emotional agility, self-management, and problem solving.

Computer Science and Society: This rotation focuses on the role today’s culture plays in building tomorrow’s tools and communities. Units emphasize social identities, dialogue, coding, privacy, data structures, and implicit bias.

Physiological Awareness: This rotation focuses on topics and trends related to physical development and well-being. Units emphasize nutrition, CPR, sexual health, relationships, and addiction.

---

Science Department Overview

The Whitfield science department is dedicated to the development of critical thinking and collaborative skills by immersing students in scientific theory, process, and technique within a challenging laboratory environment. Students are expected to go beyond learning basic scientific concepts by applying problem-solving skills and ethical standards to laboratory experiences that avoid predetermined results. Students are also challenged to attain a sophisticated level of scientific literacy and technical writing ability. The seven-year science program is designed to produce well-rounded, confident individuals who are well versed in scientific procedure and theory, have an appreciation for the natural world, and who can thrive in a demanding college environment and beyond. To this end, students in grades 6 through 12 are required to take a science course each year.

MIDDLE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS: A science course is required each year of Middle School.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: Enrollment in a science course is required each year of Upper School. Four credits of science are required for graduation.

Science 6: Earth Science
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 6
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The sixth grade curriculum is focused on the study of Earth science through the incorporation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students will gain an understanding of how scientists and engineers solve problems using the scientific method and design thinking. Topics to be covered include computer coding, engineering design, scientific method, Earth’s place in the Universe, Earth history, weather, climate, and human impacts.

This course emphasizes student choice in the selection of learning activities, which include conducting laboratory investigations, giving presentations, building models, reading and creating articles, and participating in class discussions. The course will conclude with an independent engineering project related to the skills and concepts they learned throughout the year.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do scientists and engineers solve problems?
• What is Earth’s place in the Universe?
• What makes up our solar system and how can the motion of Earth explain the seasons and eclipses?
• How do people figure out that the Earth and life on Earth have changed over time?

• How does the movement of tectonic plates impact the surface of the Earth?

• How do the materials in and on Earth’s crust change over time?

• How does water influence weather, circulate in the oceans, and shape Earth’s surface?

• What factors interact and influence weather and climate?

• How can natural hazards be predicted?

• How do human activities affect Earth systems?

Science 7: Life Science
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 7
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Seventh grade science is focused on using the scientific method to study living organisms through the incorporation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students will develop skills in taking accurate measurements, recording data, creating and interpreting graphs, and experimental design. Students will use these skills in the study of various topics. They will compare plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi in how they acquire energy, communicate, reproduce, move, exchange gas, and defend against predators and diseases. They will then study the interactions within ecosystems to see how living organisms function on a larger scale.

This course emphasizes student choice in the selection of learning activities, which include conducting laboratory investigations, giving presentations, building models, reading and creating articles, and participating in class discussions. The course will conclude with an independent scientific investigation related to one of the topics previously studied.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How is the scientific method and engineering design process used to understand the world?
• How do the structures of organisms contribute to life’s functions?
• How do organisms grow, develop, and reproduce?
• How do organisms obtain and use matter and energy?
• How do matter and energy move through an ecosystem?
• How do organisms interact with other organisms in the physical environment to obtain matter and energy?
• How does genetic variation among organisms in a species affect survival and reproduction?
• How does the environment influence genetic traits in populations over multiple generations?

Science 8: Physical Science
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The eighth grade Physical Science course is an activity-based curriculum that emphasizes the importance of trial and error, conceptual design, and precise measurement using the metric system. The characteristics of fluids and pressure, balance, speed, acceleration, aerodynamics, flight, floatation, the Periodic Table of Elements, and atomic structure are typical topics of study. Students will create 3-D objects using Open-Scad as part of their Mobile Project. In general, the quality of a student’s observations and measurements, as well as his/her ability to understand and describe the physical processes and/or concepts introduced throughout the curriculum is essential. Basic mathematical concepts such as dimensional analysis, the density triangle, and pressure are covered as well. Working collaboratively with peers will also play a major part of a student’s success.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How is the scientific process helpful to understand our world?
• How do basic physical science concepts aid in the understanding of our world and future science courses?
• How does a physical scientist view and describe our world?
• How are fluids and pressure a part of our daily lives?
• What are the benefits of 3-D computer modeling?

Biology 9
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course emphasizes the patterns, processes, and relationships of living organisms. Core ideas include structures and processes in organisms, inheritance and variation of traits, evolution, and ecology. By following storylines that incorporate Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and 3-dimensional learning strategies, Biology 9 students will mirror the work of a life scientist, using observation, experimentation, modeling, and technology to explore how life works, with multiple opportunities to apply core ideas during inquiry-based learning activities and laboratory investigations as they develop solutions to authentic problem-based scenarios.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do organisms live, grow, respond to the environment, and reproduce?
• How do organisms interact with their environment and what are the effects of these interactions?
• How are the characteristics of one generation passed on to the next?
• How can there be so many similarities among organisms yet so many different types of plants, animals, and microorganisms?
• How does biodiversity affect humans?
• In what ways can data analysis generated from experimental design promote scientific inquiry?

Chemistry
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-11
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will be given the opportunity to actively engage in the study of the structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, nuclear processes, intermolecular and intramolecular interactions, and energy transformations regarding chemical processes. The focus of this course will not be memorization; rather the focus will be defining problems, planning and carrying out investigations, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, determination of the validity of data, as well as the engagement of scientific argument based on evidence, obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information regarding chemistry. Prerequisite for this course is completion of Algebra I.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do the properties and structures of matter affect society? Individuals?
• In what ways can matter be manipulated for the benefit of society?
• What is the protocol to design and carry out a sound, scientific experiment in chemistry?
• How do we interpret science in the media?

Accelerated Chemistry
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-11
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Accelerated Chemistry students develop the understanding of the essential concepts of chemistry through experiment, demonstration, lecture, and problem-solving. While probing the four essential questions, students will develop a variety of skills. Among these will be the collection and analysis of data, drawing conclusions from the collected data, analytical thinking to break problems down into manageable components, critical thinking through the analysis of competing models, as well as the development of these models. Upon conclusion of the course, the student will have a fundamental understanding of the conservation of matter and energy, the reliability of matter’s nature, the kinetic molecular theory, and an understanding of the forces that drive chemical reactions. Prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What is the relationship between matter and energy?
• What is the composition of matter?
• What is the nature of changes in matter?
• What forces drive these changes?

Physics I
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Physics is the study of the motion and interactions of matter. Life in the modern world relies on physics disciplines such as transportation, energetics, electronics, and cybernetics. This course provides a first- year overview of some of the main themes of physics, with students learning how to apply mathematical skills to physical phenomena. The course emphasizes developing a strong conceptual understanding of fundamental physical principles.

Students will acquire and deepen important scientific skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, and laboratory exploration. Hands-on laboratory work emphasizes building and deepening collaborative and independent inquiry skills, as well as the presentation of research results. Course prerequisites: completion of Chemistry and Advanced Algebra.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How are the physical properties of matter studied in the laboratory?
• Kinematics: how is motion analyzed?
• Dynamics: how do force interactions explain motion?
• Energetics: how does energy change relate to motion?
• Elasticity: how does matter oscillate and transmit waves?
• Electricity: how do electric fields and voltages produce currents and electrical phenomena?

Accelerated Physics I
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Physics is the study of the motion and interactions of matter. Life in the modern world relies on physics disciplines such as transportation, energetics, electronics, and cybernetics. This course provides a mathematically rigorous first-year overview of some of the main themes of physics. Students apply and extend mathematical skills such as trigonometry, vector analysis, graphical representations of functions, and limit theory. The course emphasizes developing both a strong conceptual understanding and mathematical grasp of fundamental physical principles and conservation laws.

Students will exercise and enhance important scientific skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, and laboratory exploration. Doing well in this course involves actively participating in class and taking notes, studying the textbook, doing the assigned work, and designing and analyzing lab experiments. Laboratory work emphasizes building and deepening collaborative and independent inquiry skills, as well as the formal presentation of research results. Mastery of this course prepares students to take Accelerated Physics 2. Course prerequisites: completion of Chemistry and Advanced Algebra.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How are the physical properties of matter studied in the laboratory?
• Kinematics: how is motion analyzed mathematically?
• Dynamics: how do force interactions quantitatively describe motion?
• Energetics: how does energy change relate to motion?
• Conservation laws: how are energy and momentum conserved in motion?
• Elasticity: how does matter oscillate and transmit waves?
• Electrostatics: how do electric fields affect charged particles?
• Circuits: how do electric currents move in conductors?

For the following courses, Principles of Engineering Design, Anatomy & Physiology, Accelerated Physics II, AP Chemistry and AP Biology, there will be both a minimum and maximum course enrollment size which will determine whether this course will be offered and if so, how many sections and to which grade levels it will be available. Because of enrollment sizes, a student may be required to choose an alternate course.

Principles of Engineering Design
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Principles of Engineering Design is an interdisciplinary, immersive science class that focuses on examining and developing solutions to real-world problems. Students will use the engineering design process along with the Next Generation Science Standards to examine specific problems and create prototypes to propose solutions within specific constraints. Students will explore a wide range of topics, including robotics and computer science. An emphasis will be placed on project-based learning, building and refining prototypes, writing, scientific literacy, independent research, experimental design, presentation skills, and collaboration.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What real-world problems exist and what are possible engineering solutions to resolve and/or prevent those problems?
• How do engineers generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem?
• How do engineers plan and conduct tests of prototypes to determine which aspects can be improved?
• How might engineers integrate findings from scientific publications and prototype testing to design a solution to a real-world problem?

Anatomy & Physiology
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students actively engage in studying the structure and function of the human body by examining the cells, tissues, and organs that comprise its various organ systems. These systems will be surveyed with the goal of understanding the anatomical and physiological relationships between them that are necessary for the proper function and maintenance of the body. Common prefixes, suffixes, and word roots will be learned to understand and also predict the meaning of medical terminology. The importance of genetics and the use of genetic engineering through recombinant DNA technologies in medical research and clinical therapies will also be emphasized. Students will practice defining and solving problems, planning and carrying out investigations, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and the engagement of scientific argument based on evidence.

Students will demonstrate their competency in Anatomy and Physiology by completing lab reports, organ and animal dissections, dissection journals, written responses to reading, design projects, problem sets, models, presentations, and written evaluations. Course Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What is the relationship between structure and function in terms of anatomy and physiology?
• How is homeostasis maintained within an individual?
• How are animal models utilized to assist in the study of human beings?
• How do genetic traits affect the structure and function of an individual?

Accelerated Physics II
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Physics is the study of the motion and interactions of matter. Life in the modern world relies on physics disciplines such as transportation, energetics, electronics, and cybernetics. This course continues a two- year overview of physics by exploring areas such as fluidics, thermodynamics, magnetism, and optics. Besides applying their algebraic skills, students explore physical applications of calculus concepts and tools. The course continues last year’s emphasis on developing both a strong conceptual understanding and mathematical grasp of fundamental physical principles and conservation laws.

Students will continue to exercise important scientific abilities, including critical thinking, problem solving, and laboratory experimentation. Laboratory work emphasizes building collaborative and independent inquiry skills, as well as the formal presentation of research. Mastery of this course prepares students to excel in physical sciences at the college level. Course prerequisites: completion of Advanced Algebra and Accelerated Physics I.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• Fluidics: how are Newtonian concepts used to study fluid statics and kinetics?
• Thermodynamics: how is heat related to energy and work?
• Rotational dynamics: how are force and torque related to angular motion?
• Electrodynamics: how do moving charges exhibit magnetic properties?
• Optics: how does light propagate and interact with matter?
• Quantum physics: how is atomic structure described probabilistically?

AP Chemistry
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The AP Chemistry curriculum is designed to provide the equivalent coursework of a freshman college class. The class is an inquiry-based investigation of the core competencies of general chemistry, including, but not limited to, atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. The 6 “Big Ideas” that the College Board states as the major thematic objectives are listed here and are the fundamental goals of this course:

• The chemical elements are the building blocks of matter, which can be understood in terms of the arrangements of atoms.
• Chemical and physical properties of materials can be explained by the structure and the arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules and the forces between them.
• Changes in matter involve the rearrangement and/or reorganization of atoms and/or the transfer of electrons.
• Rates of chemical reactions are determined by the details of the molecular collisions.
• The laws of thermodynamics describe the essential role of energy and explain and predict the direction of changes in matter.
• Bonds or attractions that can be formed can be broken. These two processes are in constant competition, sensitive to initial conditions and external forces or changes.

Successful completion of this course should prepare a student to either excel in an introductory collegiate course or, depending on the AP exam score and the college that the student chooses, acceleration into an organic chemistry course.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What is the relationship between matter and energy?
• What is the composition of matter?
• What is the nature of changes in matter?
• What forces drive these changes?

AP Biology
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: AP Biology is a rigorous, demanding course designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college biology course. Content will be covered in more detail and greater emphasis will be placed on interpretation and analysis of information than in previous high school biology courses.

In addition, statistical analysis of data and the modeling of concepts will be expected. A significant amount of studying for this course must be completed outside of class to allow time for discussion, labs, and inquiry-based activities during class. The content has been organized around four underlying principles the College Board calls “Big Ideas” and the core concepts (Enduring Understandings) that support them.

The curriculum also requires that there will be significant class time (25%) devoted to laboratory and other inquiry based activities, with the aim of developing advanced inquiry and reasoning skills. Science practice is a way of coordinating knowledge and skills in order to establish lines of evidence.

This evidence can then be used to develop and refine testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena. Course Prerequisites: successful completion of Biology 9 and Accelerated Chemistry.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do biological systems utilize energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis?
• How do living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes?
• How do biological systems use complex properties to interact with each other?
• What is the role of macro and microevolution in the diversity and unity of life?
• How does understanding the relationships between biological concepts allow one to visualize unity in the field of biology?
• How can experimental design and execution aid in the understanding of biological processes?

Social Studies Department Overview

Through the study of history, government, geography, psychology, sociology, and economics, students begin to understand the behavior and traditions of societies and cultures of the past and the present. Indeed, the Social Studies Department offers an inclusive curriculum that focuses on the experience of diverse historical actors and the study of diverse historical narratives. The teaching of critical thinking skills is emphasized, and a premium is placed on helping students learn how to integrate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate both primary and secondary sources and to develop empathy for people in different times and places. In all social studies classes, teachers coach students to express their ideas fluently in research papers, projects, and during oral presentations. Social studies courses are required of students in grades 6 through 12.

MIDDLE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS: A social studies course is required each year of middle school.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: Enrollment in a social studies course is required each year of Upper School. Four credits of social studies are required for graduation.

Elements of Social Studies
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 6
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In order to gain a better understanding of social studies, students will learn about the different branches of the social sciences including history, archaeology, geography, economics, sociology, and psychology. Students will use primary and secondary sources, fiction and nonfiction, art, film, and hands-on activities to research and discover why and how the past affects our world today. Essential skills such as reading, writing, discussion, presentation, and research will be emphasized.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do the elements of social studies affect how students understand their current world?
• In what ways can understanding other civilizations affect and inform our lives?
• How do the different branches of social studies come together during the study of civilizations, both past and present?

World Cultures & Geography
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 7
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Using primary and secondary sources, fiction and nonfiction, students gain an understanding of specific world cultures. This class examines the unique aspects of Middle Eastern, Asian, African, and Pacific cultures. Students will develop a greater appreciation of cultural differences and an understanding of the universal aspects of humanity. The focus of the content is on essential skills such as reading, writing, research, and discussion, but also includes human interactions and geographical and political aspects within specific world regions. Finally, through hands-on activities, cartography, simulations, guest speakers, and exposure to various forms of literature and film, students learn to think critically about different cultures.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What is culture?
• Why is it important to study other cultures?
• How does geography affect culture?
• How can people move beyond stereotypes to better understand diverse cultures?

Civics & US Government
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In Civics & US Government, students seek an understanding of what it means to be a citizen of The United States of America. This course will track the development of American democracy from colonialism to today. Students will investigate major events that served as catalysts of political and social change and will gain an understanding of federalism, and our system of checks and balances through in-depth studies of elections, Supreme Court decisions, political media, social movements, and the legislative process. Skills used in this class include effective researching, writing (non-fiction essays and persuasive opinion pieces), critical thinking, debating, film- making, delivering presentations, and collaborating with peers.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What is the role of government in the United States?
• What is the relationship between liberty and security?
• What is patriotism?
• What does it mean to be a citizen?

Early Modern World History to 1800
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This survey course is designed to introduce students to the major historical and intellectual currents surrounding world history to the end of the eighteenth century. The class will succinctly dissect the narrative of global watershed events so that students may better understand the social, political, and economic development of the early modern world. Significant attention will be given to the changing concepts of freedom, culture, race, government, labor, economics, religion, art, philosophy, and society. Specifically, this course will explore such topics as the consolidation of power and wealth in Europe, the rise and fall of the empires of West Africa, the evolution of slavery in the Americas, trade and expansion in Asia, and the impact of colonization on Native American societies. Through a multi-layered examination of relevant topics, students will develop critical thinking skills, learn how to properly interrogate sources, and improve upon their ability to present ideas rooted in fact and evidence. At the end of the year, students will be able to demonstrate a firm grasp of global history and provide a sophisticated analysis of the movements, events, and people which shaped the development of the early modern world.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• In which ways are societies altered via cross-cultural contact?
• How did innovation and trade change the balance of power locally, regionally, nationally, and globally?
• Why does the definition of freedom change over time?
• How do concepts of labor shape society, law, and culture?
• How did religion and philosophy play a part in shaping culture and society in the early modern world?

Modern World History 1800-present
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 10
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Modern World History students explore the modernization of the world thematically. Students will explore various cultural, political, economic, and social themes through a variety of articles, books, historical documents, news videos or documentaries, and other relevant material for developing their understanding of the modern world. Students will learn, practice, and apply skills through multi-layered historical discussions, document-based analysis and synthesis, and evaluation of historical perspectives, as well as formulate arguments grounded in documents and other sources. Activities and assessments include, but are not limited to: seminar discussions, research, writing, collaboration, and projects.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What were political, social, economic, and technological issues and results of the Industrial Revolution?
• What is globalization?
• What are human rights?
• How do politics and government influence systems of power and equality?

United States History
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 11
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course content will span the period of human habitation of the North American continent focusing on the history of the United States. Skill emphasis will be placed on reading, writing, research, and presentation. Pedagogically, the course marries a chronological and thematic approach to teaching United States History. Foundationally, students will move chronologically through history. Building upon such a foundation, students will continually explore the themes of Art/Culture, Economics/Capitalism, Government/Politics, and Migration/Globalization. Furthermore, throughout the course, current events will be discussed and connected to the past so as to give students a greater understanding of the role of history in the current American and global climate. The first trimester will focus on the period ranging from the arrival of the first humans through the US Civil War. The second trimester will examine Reconstruction through the World Wars. The final trimester studies the period following World War II through current events.

Under Missouri state law, students must take and pass a test covering the Federal and Missouri State Constitutions, and so preparation for and administration of that requirement will also take place in this course.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What is the “American Dream?”
• What role has/should government play in the lives of Americans?
• How did/does capitalism define the United States?
• What factors have most greatly shaped the development of the United States?

United States History, Advanced College Credit
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 11
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students who enroll in the Advanced College Credit option of United States History and opt to purchase college credit through the partnering university will have an additional and approximate fee of $390. In addition, the pacing and assessments will be appropriately aligned with the partnering university so as to fulfill the college credit requirements. Consequently, students enrolling in this course need to have demonstrated strong performance in previous humanities courses. Additionally, course enrollment will be limited.

The course content will span the period of human habitation of the North American continent focusing on the history of the United States. Skill emphasis for a college level course will be placed on reading, research and writing, presentation, and primary source analysis. Pacing of the course will be in accordance with that of a college class, with readings, writings, and assessments regularly. Pedagogically, the course marries a chronological and thematic approach to teaching United States History that has been developed in conjunction with the partnering university.

Foundationally, students will move chronologically through history. Building upon such a foundation, students will continually explore the themes of Art/Culture, Economics/ Capitalism, Government/Politics, and Migration/Globalization. Furthermore, throughout the course, current events will be discussed and connected to the past so as to give students a greater understanding of the role of history in the current American and global climate. The first trimester will focus on the period ranging from the arrival of the first humans through the US Civil War. The second trimester will examine Reconstruction through the World Wars. The final trimester studies the period following World War II through current events.

Under Missouri state law, students must take and pass a test covering the Federal and Missouri State Constitutions, and so preparation for and administration of that requirement will also take place in this course.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What is the “American Dream?”
• What role has/should government play in the lives of Americans?
• How did/does capitalism define the United States?
• What factors have most greatly shaped the development of the United States?

Human Rights & Genocide
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course examines diverse cultural experiences of genocide, forced labor, migration, incarceration, and racial inequalities in modern world history. Indeed, the purpose of this course is to increase students’ awareness, knowledge, and understanding of social and cultural issues related to equity, intersectionality, as well as social and economic justice. Students will be encouraged to think critically, sensitively, and analytically about the condition of different human communities across national and cultural boundaries. The course will also investigate the origins and causes as well as the progression and development of mass crimes in cross-cultural contexts: the Americas, Aboriginal Australia, Colonial Africa, the Soviet Union, China, Eastern Europe, and Rwanda. Students will also draw connections to other episodes of mass violence, including the genocides of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire and the unprecedented experience of European Jews in Nazi- occupied Europe, commonly known as the Holocaust (Shoah). Through readings and discussions, students will examine and discuss the behavior and perspectives of perpetrators, victims, and bystanders while seeking to understand the nature of these modern “events” and their significance for contemporary global politics.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What are the building blocks of human identity and how does history affect how human identity is constructed?
• Why is it important to study race, ethnicity, gender, religion, social class, and sexual orientation in our examination of mass crimes and human rights violations?
• What are human rights and where do they come from? What are some of their religious and philosophical foundations?
• What is genocide? Why are there so many different definitions and interpretations of genocide?
• What is the relationship between colonialism, forced migration, nation building, and genocide?

For the following courses, Economics and Psychology, there will be both a minimum and maximum course enrollment size which will determine whether this course will be offered and if so, how many sections and to which grade levels it will be available. Because of enrollment sizes, a student may be required to choose an alternate course.

Economics
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course, students will study and analyze macroeconomics and policy decisions through project based learning, research papers, and seminar discussions. Students will study the development of economics systems and theories through time, participate in an in depth analysis of global energy use since the industrial revolution, and consider globalization and the role of disruptive technologies. Students will learn collaborative skills on a major marketing project, develop formal research and writing skills, and understand their role within an interconnected global economy. There will be both a minimum and maximum course enrollment size which will determine whether this course will be offered and if so, how many sections and to which grade levels it will be available.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What role does government play in the economy?
• How does technological innovation disrupt economies?
• What causes a recession or depression?
• What are the economics of energy production and consumption?
• What are the costs and benefits of protectionism vs. globalization?
• How do countries accumulate wealth? What makes some countries poor and others wealthy?
• How do extractive political and economic institutions perpetuate poverty and inequality?

Psychology
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This elective introduction to Psychology course begins with a survey of basic psychology and then transitions to a more in-depth exploration and application of psychological theories. The course will focus on the study and discussion of theories relevant to the senior or junior student: the psychology of stress, success, motivation, failure, social behavior, and personality. In addition, topics like abnormal, social and developmental psychology, research methods and ethics, and the biological aspects of psychology including sensation, perception, and the brain will be investigated. Seminar discussions, reflective writing, case studies, and college-level readings will dominate course activities. In addition, if students choose to, they should be prepared to take the AP Psychology test with some additional review prior to the May test, and though the AP exam is optional, it is highly recommended. There will be both a minimum and maximum course enrollment size which will determine whether this course will be offered and if so, how many sections and to which grade levels it will be available.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can psychology help us understand the behavior of individuals and cultures?
• How can we apply psychological theories to understand and control our own behavior?
• How is our psychological state influenced by outside forces and how is our perspective of outside events influenced by our psychological state?

World Language Department Overview

The language program offers French, Spanish, Latin, and Mandarin. Language is a required course for students in grades 6 through 12. Generally, students are required to continue the study of the same language in grades 9 through 12.

Objectives of the language department/courses:

• Create an immersion setting so that students can perform at their personal best.
• Each student will achieve the highest possible personal level of oral proficiency.
• Using the ACTFL standards, the goal for students is to achieve a higher level of oral proficiency primarily through pair practice.

While the primary emphasis of the French, Spanish, and Mandarin programs is oral proficiency, students will also develop skills in the following areas:

• Reading: Students read a variety of texts in the target language. Complexity of texts progresses from simple passages to complete literary works.
• Writing: At every stage of their language development, writing skills are acquired through a sequence of exercises—from mechanical to communicative to creative.
• Culture: Culture is integrated at all stages of language learning. Students explore culture through authentic experiences such as idioms, dance, cooking, music, travel, etc.
• Listening: Listening comprehension activities reflect real life situations through authentic multimedia materials.

Small classes provide a positive learning environment where group and partner activities and individual attention are both possible. In order to navigate successfully through another culture with confidence and fluency, students are expected to work diligently toward speaking in the target language. Pair/group speaking activities in the target language involve face-to-face communication, active listening with a focused and conscious engagement with a partner, being respectful, and continually engaging in the learning process.

MIDDLE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS: A Language course is required each year of middle school. Heritage speakers may not take their heritage language in middle school. In a world language education program, heritage language is defined in terms of a student’s upbringing and functional proficiency in the language. A student raised in a home where a non-majority language is spoken is a heritage speaker of that language if she/he possesses some proficiency in it.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: Enrollment in a language course is required each year of Upper School. Four credits of language are required for graduation. In the Upper School, heritage language students will have the option to take their heritage language and placed accordingly based on a proficiency assessment.

MS French: Novice-Beginning
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class is designed to build confidence and success for the novice language learner in the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. Novice-Beginning is the first part of a two-year foundational language course. Students engage in diverse activities to supplement and reinforce all learning and develop sensitivity to cultural diversity. With a focus on oral proficiency, collaborative speaking activities create a community of learners where language skills can develop with ease, flow, and fluency. French: Novice-Beginning may have combined middle school / upper school enrollment.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• Who and what comprise the French-speaking world?
• What are the elements of culture?
• How do we find meaning in exploring the French language and culture?

MS French: Novice-Mid
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 7-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class is designed to build on the confidence and success started in Novice-Beginning. Emphasis continues to be placed on the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. The second year is the second part of a two-year foundational language course; this class might be combined with upper school students. Students engage in diverse activities to supplement and reinforce all learning and develop sensitivity to cultural diversity. With a focus on oral proficiency, students are expected to take risks, and learn to enjoy the challenges of learning a world language.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do we understand a different language and culture?
• How do we effectively communicate in French?
• How do we cope with and adapt to unknown situations in a different culture?

MS French: Intermediate
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Intermediate French continues to prepare students to reach a higher level in the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational, with emphasis on oral proficiency and communication. Students will participate in a variety of activities, reviewing and building upon grammar concepts and vocabulary. They will also continue to improve their critical thinking skills in French through discussions of issues that are meaningful to them. Students will improve their oral proficiency in the target language by speaking with partners and making short presentations. They will listen to music, watch videos and movies, and read short stories, online newspapers, and articles. Students will write short essays, journals, letters, and electronic mail.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do we understand a different language and culture?
• How do we effectively communicate in French?
• How do we cope with and adapt to unknown situations in a different culture?

French: Novice-Beginning
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class is designed to build confidence and success for the novice language learner in the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal,  interpretive, and presentational. Novice-Beginning is the first part of a two-year foundational language course. Students engage in diverse activities to supplement and reinforce all learning and develop sensitivity to cultural diversity. With a focus on oral proficiency, collaborative speaking activities create a community of learners where language skills can develop with ease, flow, and fluency. French: Novice-Beginning may have combined middle school / upper school enrollment.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What does it mean to learn a language?
• What are the elements of culture?
• Who and what comprises the French-speaking world?
• How do we find meaning in exploring the French language and culture?

French: Novice-Mid
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 10-11
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class is designed to build on the confidence and success begun in Novice-Beginning. Emphasis continues to be placed on the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. The second year is the second part of a two-year foundational language course; this class might be combined with high school students. Students engage in diverse activities to supplement and reinforce all learning and develop sensitivity to cultural diversity. With a focus on oral proficiency, students are expected to take risks, and learn to enjoy the challenges of learning a world language.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do we understand a different language and culture?
• How do we effectively communicate in French?
• How do we cope with and adapt to unknown situations in a different culture?

French Intermediate
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Intermediate French continues to prepare students to reach a higher level in the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational, with emphasis on oral proficiency and communication. Students will participate in a variety of activities, reviewing and building upon grammar concepts and vocabulary. They will also continue to improve their critical thinking skills in French through discussions of issues that are meaningful to them. Students will improve their oral proficiency in the target language by speaking with partners and making short presentations. They will listen to music, watch videos and movies, and read short stories, online newspapers, and articles. Students will write short essays, journals, letters, and electronic mail.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do we understand a different language and culture?
• How do we effectively communicate in French?
• How do we cope with and adapt to unknown situations in a different culture?

French IV
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The goals for the French IV class are to reinforce and deepen skills for oral and written communication, research and present different aspects of the Francophone culture, and be able to compare and contrast one’s own culture with the French-speaking world. In their fourth year of studying the French language and culture, students will be able to articulate their thoughts in a more expressive and creative way.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What customs and language patterns are useful in communicating?
• How can I communicate and describe daily needs, events, and opinions effectively and creatively?
• How can I expand our understanding of the French speaking world, its customs, and culture?

AP French Language and Culture
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The AP French Language and Culture course is designed to be the equivalent of a third-year college French Grammar and Composition course. By succeeding in the AP course and performing well on the AP Examination, students may be able to receive college credit for their high school course and place into a more advanced course. The AP Exam is an excellent test of proficiency skills in all of the skills areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing. The classroom atmosphere is designed to be like a college-level course, with only French spoken in class by the instructor and students, and challenging and rigorous assignments both in and out of class. Reading and subsequent analysis and discussions are a fundamental part of the course, as a means to build vocabulary, strengthen grammar skills, and to practice critical thinking, speaking, listening, and writing skills. In addition to reading, students will explore, examine, and exhibit specific themes and familiarize themselves with the format of the AP Exam. In class, they will perform many practice exercises similar to those required on the AP Exam. The time needed to build up oral fluency will depend greatly on the students’ motivation.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• When we participate in both formal and informal discussions, how can we demonstrate and support relevant, clear and detailed ideas?
• How can we use complex structures and cultural and vocabulary knowledge to comprehend, process and draw conclusions about conversations and lectures?
• How can we expand our comprehension of a text beyond the main idea and small details, achieving the ability to analyze, hypothesize and form opinions?     
• How can we write an essay in an organized, relevant manner while demonstrating control of complex structures, rich, precise vocabulary and ease of expression?

Latin I
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Latin I is designed to teach comprehension of Latin for reading. Students are introduced to all concepts essential to the study of Latin, which include declension, conjugation, and subject-verb agreement. Students will meet the first three declensions, all the cases, and the present tense as well as all the past tenses. Additional grammar topics include participles, noun-adjective agreement, and relative clauses. Special emphasis is placed on the Latin influence on the English language through regular study of derivatives. During each class, students read short passages of Latin that become more sophisticated as the students’ knowledge-base expands. The focus of translations during the first half of the year is daily life in a Roman city, and students will explore such topics as houses, families, slavery, the role of women, and the destruction of the city of Pompeii. During the second half of the year, students will read about life in the Roman provinces.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• Who were the Romans?
• How can reading Latin help us understand the Romans?
• How were the ancient Romans similar and different to modern cultures?

Latin I-A
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Latin I-A is designed to teach comprehension of Latin for the purpose of reading as a half-credit elective. Students are introduced to all concepts essential to the study of Latin which include declension, conjugation, and subject and verb agreement. Students will meet the first three declensions, the nominative, accusative, and dative cases, and the present, imperfect, and perfect tenses. During each class, students read short passages of Latin that become more sophisticated as the students’ knowledge- base expands. Topics for translation include daily life in a Roman city, and students will explore such topics as houses, families, slavery, the role of women, and the destruction of the city of Pompeii.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• Who were the Romans?
• How can reading Latin help us understand the Romans?
• How were the ancient Romans similar and different to modern cultures?

Latin I-B
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 10
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Latin I-B is the second year of a two-year, half-credit course which can be taken as an elective. This class is designed to teach comprehension of Latin for the purpose of reading. Students are introduced to all concepts essential to the study of Latin which include declension, conjugation, and subject and verb agreement. Students will meet the first three declensions, the nominative, accusative, and dative cases, and the present, imperfect, and perfect tenses. During each class, students read short passages of Latin that become more sophisticated as the students’ knowledge- base expands. Topics for translation include daily life in the province of Roman Britain, religious ceremonies and funeral games, and opposition to the Roman colonization of provinces, and students will explore such cultural topics as Roman glass- making, mosaics, life in the empire, and the city of Alexandria.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• Who were the Romans?
• How can reading Latin help us understand the Romans?
• How were the ancient Romans similar and different to modern cultures?

Latin II
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-11
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students in Latin II continue to develop their reading skills. Students finish their introduction to nouns by learning neuter nouns and the genitive and ablative cases. Their study of verbs continues with the introduction of the infinitive and imperative moods, the pluperfect tense, irregular verbs and present and past participles. In addition, students learn demonstrative pronouns, relative clauses and noun/ adjective agreement. Students regularly read passages of Latin of increasing difficulty that focus on life in the Roman provinces of Britain and Egypt.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can studying ancient Rome and Britain help expand an understanding of our historical narrative?
• What happens when diverse cultures collide?

Latin III
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Building on previous Latin courses, grammar topics at this level are the most sophisticated and include participles, the passive voice, and the subjunctive mood. Students use their knowledge of these concepts to continue to develop their reading skills with both Latin passages from their texts and readings from ancient authors. Cultural topics focus on Imperial Rome and include the city of Rome, life in the army, engineering, travel and communication, and Roman religious beliefs.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How does the political structure of the early Roman Empire mirror our modern systems?
• How does power affect people?

Latin IV
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students in Latin IV finish reading the episodic, historical novel that they began in Latin I. They then begin reading both adapted and original passages of Latin from Roman authors including Ovid, Vergil, Martial, Catullus, Tacitus and Pliny the Younger. In addition to practicing points of grammar introduced in earlier courses, the students will meet several important points of grammar that occur frequently in these authors like indirect statement, gerunds and conditional clauses. Cultural topics focus on the reign of Domitian, the cursus honorum, marriage and Greek and Roman mythology.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• What does the ordinary person do in the face of tyranny?
• How does Latin poetry differ from Latin prose?
• What ideas are poets able to express more easily than prose writers? What themes are best suited to poetry?

MS Mandarin: Novice-Beginning
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will develop basic skills in the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. Students will engage in learning through short stories, videos, articles, and written exercises when applicable. Topics include pinyin, numbers, describing people, food, school, time and dates. Mandarin: Novice-Beginning may have combined middle school/ upper school enrollment.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do Chinese-speaking cultures compare to my home culture?
• How can I communicate and describe daily needs and opinions effectively?
• How can I describe myself and my family?

MS Mandarin: Novice-Mid
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 7-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will continue to develop skills in the three modes of communication of language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. In the class, everyone is expected to try their best, be willing to take risks and learn to enjoy the positive challenges of learning the Mandarin language. Students are expected to speak Mandarin for the majority of the class period. Students will learn through short stories, videos and written exercises when applicable.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I communicate essential needs and information in Mandarin?
• How can I communicate with locals when I travel?
• How do Mandarin speaking cultures compare to my home culture?
• Who comprises the Mandarin speaking world?

MS Mandarin: Intermediate
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In Mandarin: Intermediate students will deepen their oral and written skills adding proficiency in their communication through discussions of short stories, articles, and informal writing. Students will add to their learning, thereby improving their ability to express their thoughts in more creative and sophisticated ways.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I communicate and describe school life in regards to understanding the differences between Chinese and American schooling?
• How do we educate ourselves about the social differences and similarities of Chinese Mandarin speaking cultures?

Mandarin: Novice-Beginning
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will develop basic skills in the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. Students will engage in learning through through short stories, videos, articles, and written exercises when applicable. Topics include pinyin, numbers, describing people, food, school, time and dates. Mandarin: Novice-Beginning may have combined middle school / upper school enrollment.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do Chinese-speaking cultures compare to my home culture?
• How can I communicate and describe daily needs and opinions effectively?
• How can I describe myself and my family?

Mandarin: Novice-Mid
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-11
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will continue to develop skills in the three modes of communication of language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. In the class, everyone is expected to try their best, be willing to take risks and learn to enjoy the positive challenges of learning the Mandarin language. Students are expected to speak Mandarin for the majority of the class period. Students will learn through short stories, videos and written exercises when applicable.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I communicate essential needs and information in Mandarin?
• How can I communicate with locals when I travel?
• How do Mandarin speaking cultures compare to my home culture?
• Who comprise the Mandarin speaking world?

Mandarin: Intermediate
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-11
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In Mandarin: Intermediate students will deepen their oral and written skills adding proficiency in their communication through discussions of short stories, articles, and informal writing. Students will add to their learning thereby improving their ability to express their thoughts in more creative and sophisticated ways.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I communicate and describe school life in regards to understanding the differences between Chinese and American schooling?
• How do we educate ourselves about the social differences and similarities of Chinese Mandarin speaking cultures?

Mandarin: Intermediate-Mid
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-11
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Mandarin Intermediate-Mid continues to prepare students to reach a higher level to communicate in the Mandarin language. Students will participate in a variety of activities, reviewing and building upon grammatical concepts and vocabulary. They will also continue to improve their critical thinking skills in Mandarin through discussions of issues that are meaningful to them. Students are expected to speak Mandarin for the majority of the class period. Students will learn through short stories, videos, and written exercises when applicable.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How do activities and pastimes reveal a culture?
• How do we find meaning in exploring the Mandarin language and culture?
• How do I change through exposure to other cultures?
• What makes up a culture?
• How can I challenge stereotypes between and among cultures?

MS Spanish: Novice-Beginning
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to build confidence and success in the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. The course will also introduce students to Hispanic culture. Students will develop language proficiency to express greetings, talk about themselves, and have simple everyday conversations.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• Who and what comprise the Spanish-speaking world?
• How can I communicate essential needs and information?
• How can I describe myself and my environment?
• How do Spanish-speaking cultures compare to my home culture?

MS Spanish: Novice-Mid
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will continue to develop skills in the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. Students will engage in learning through short stories, songs, videos, articles, and written exercises when applicable. Topics include giving personal information, talking about school, places in the city, family, holidays, describing people, food and houses, among others.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• Which people and what countries comprise the Spanish- speaking world?
• How can I communicate essential needs and information?
• How can I describe myself and my environment?
• How do Spanish-speaking cultures compare to my home culture?

MS Spanish: Intermediate
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Intermediate Spanish continues to prepare students to reach a higher level in the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational, with emphasis on oral proficiency and communication. Students will participate in a variety of activities, reviewing and building upon grammar concepts and vocabulary. They will also continue to improve their critical thinking skills in Spanish through discussions of issues that are meaningful to them. Students will improve their oral proficiency in the target language by speaking with partners and making short presentations. They will listen to music, watch videos and movies, and read short stories, online newspapers, and articles. Students will write short essays, journals, letters, and electronic mail.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I effectively communicate using verbal and non- verbal language?
• How can I communicate and describe daily needs, events, and opinions effectively and creatively?

MS Spanish: Intermediate-Mid
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: MS Spanish Intermediate-Mid continues to prepare students to reach a higher level in the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive,  and presentational, with emphasis on oral proficiency. Students will work in a variety of activities, reviewing and building upon grammar concepts and vocabulary. They will also continue to improve their critical thinking skills in Spanish through discussions of issues that are meaningful to them. Students will improve their oral proficiency in the target language by speaking with partners and making short presentations. They will listen to music, watch videos and movies, and read short stories, online newspapers and articles. Students will write short essays, journals, letters and electronic mail.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I effectively communicate using verbal and non- verbal language?
• How can I communicate and describe daily needs, events, and opinions effectively and creatively?
• How can I understand the main idea of a text or audio?
• How can I interact effectively in social situations?

Spanish: Novice-Beginning
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 9
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The novice-beginning curriculum introduces students to the Spanish language and Hispanic culture through activities that involve listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Course themes include, but are not limited to, introductions, weather, alphabet, calendar, likes and dislikes, food, school-related vocabulary, family, home, and celebrations. Students will primarily learn to express themselves in the present and immediate future tenses.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• Who and what comprise the Spanish-speaking world?
• How can I communicate essential needs and information?
• How can I describe myself and my environment?
• How do Spanish-speaking cultures compare to my home culture?

Spanish: Intermediate
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-10
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Intermediate Spanish continues to prepare students to reach a higher level in the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretative and presentational, with emphasis on oral proficiency and communication. Students will participate in a variety of activities, reviewing and building upon grammar concepts and vocabulary. They will also continue to improve their critical thinking skills in Spanish through discussions of issues that are meaningful to them. Students will improve their oral proficiency in the target language by speaking with partners and making short presentations. They will listen to music, watch videos and movies, and read short stories, online newspapers, and articles. Students will write short essays, journals, letters, and electronic mail.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I effectively communicate using verbal and non- verbal language?
• How can I communicate and describe daily needs, events, and opinions effectively and creatively?

Spanish III: Intermediate-Mid
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Spanish III: Intermediate-Mid continues to prepare students to reach a higher level in the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive,  and presentational, with emphasis on oral proficiency. Students will work in a variety of activities, reviewing and building upon grammar concepts and vocabulary. They will also continue to improve their critical thinking skills in Spanish through discussions of issues that are meaningful to them. Students will improve their oral proficiency in the target language by speaking with partners and making short presentations. They will listen to music, watch videos and movies, and read short stories, online newspapers and articles. Students will write short essays, journals, letters and electronic mail.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I effectively communicate using verbal and non- verbal language?
• How can I communicate and describe daily needs, events, and opinions effectively and creatively?
• How can I understand the main idea of a text or audio?
• How can I interact effectively in social situations?

Spanish IV: Intermediate-High
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Spanish IV: Intermediate-High continues to prepare students to reach a higher level in the three modes of communication of the language: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational, with emphasis on oral communication. Students will work in a variety of activities, reviewing and building upon grammar concepts and vocabulary.

They will also continue to improve their critical thinking skills in Spanish through discussions of issues that are meaningful to them. Students will improve their oral proficiency in the target language by speaking in partners and in seminars. They will listen to music, watch videos and movies, and read short stories, online newspapers, and articles. Students will write short essays, journals, letters, and electronic mail.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How does understanding other cultures and their historical context help us make more informed opinions?
• How does information help us avoid creating stereotypes about other cultures?
• How do we educate ourselves about the differences and commonalities of Spanish-speaking cultures?
• How does effective communication, not only through language, help people from different cultures come closer together?

Spanish V: Advanced
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In Spanish V: Advanced-Low, students will continue to work on effective communication, both orally and in writing, through the discussion of films. They will understand the historical and social contexts of the stories told through film. They will work in interpersonal oral discussions and they will make oral and written presentations.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How does understanding other cultures and their historical context help us be more informed?
• How does information help us avoid creating stereotypes about other cultures?
• How do we educate ourselves about the differences and commonalities of Spanish-speaking cultures?
• In what other ways, besides language, do Spanish-speaking cultures use to effectively communicate?

AP Spanish Language and Culture
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 10-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The AP Spanish Language and Culture course is designed to be the equivalent of the fourth semester in a college Spanish grammar and composition course. By succeeding in the AP course and performing well on the AP Examination, students may be able to receive college credit for their high school course and place into a more advanced course. The AP exam is an excellent test of proficiency skills in all three modes of communication: interpretive,  presentational and interpersonal. The classroom atmosphere is designed to be like a college-level course, with only Spanish spoken in class by the instructor and students, and challenging and rigorous assignments both in and out of class. Reading and subsequent analysis and discussions are a fundamental part of the course, as a means to build vocabulary, strengthen grammar skills, and to practice critical thinking, speaking, listening, and writing skills. In addition to reading, students will explore, examine, and exhibit specific themes and familiarize themselves with the format of the AP exam. In class, they will perform many practice exercises similar to those required on the AP exam.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• When I participate in both formal and informal discussions, how can I demonstrate and support relevant, clear and detailed ideas?
• How can I use complex structures, cultural and vocabulary knowledge to comprehend, process and draw conclusions about conversations and lectures?
• How can I expand our comprehension of a text beyond the main idea and small details, achieving the ability to analyze, hypothesize and form opinions?
• How can I write a persuasive essay in an organized, relevant manner while demonstrating control of complex structures, rich, precise vocabulary and ease of expression?

AP Spanish Literature and Culture
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADE: 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: AP Spanish Literature and Culture uses a thematic approach to introduce students to representative texts (short stories, novels, poetry, plays, and essays) from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Hispanic literature. Students develop proficiencies across the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational) in the range of Intermediate High to Advanced Mid of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’ (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. Through careful examination of the required readings and other texts, students work to hone their critical reading and analytical writing skills. Literature is explored within the contexts of its time and place, and students gain insights on the many voices, historical periods, and cultures represented in the required readings and other texts. The course also includes a strong focus on cultural, artistic, and linguistic connections and comparisons, which is supported by the exploration of various media such as art, music, film, articles, and literary criticism.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• How can I expand the comprehension of a text beyond the main idea and small details, achieving the ability to analyze, hypothesize and form opinions?
• How can I gain insights on the many voices, historical periods, and cultures represented in the required readings?
• How can I use complex structures, cultural and vocabulary knowledge to comprehend, process, draw conclusions and effectively communicate about the required readings?

Middle School English Language for International Students
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 6-8
COURSE DESCRIPTION: English Language for International Students is a practical, academically-oriented course for non-native English speakers. It is designed for students who want to improve their listening, speaking, reading, cultural understanding, and writing skills in an academic setting. Special attention is given to each individual learner’s needs and learning style. A focus is given to scaffolding strategies to strengthen skills in all four areas using an integrated approach.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• Who and what comprise the English-speaking world?
• How do English-speaking cultures compare to my home culture?
• How can I communicate essential needs and information in English?
• How can I learn to navigate comfortably in an academic environment in English?

English Language for International Students
COURSE LENGTH (in Trimesters): 3
GRADES: 9-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: English Language for International Students is a practical, academically-oriented course for non-native English speakers. It is designed for students who want to improve their listening, speaking, reading, cultural understanding, and writing skills in an academic setting. Special attention is given to each individual learner’s needs and learning style. A focus is given to scaffolding strategies to strengthen skills in all four areas using an integrated approach.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

• Who and what comprise the English-speaking world?
• How do English-speaking cultures compare to my home culture?
• How can I communicate essential needs and information in English?
• How can I learn to navigate comfortably in an academic environment in English?