Academy of Excellence Foundation

Junior High Course Offerings

7th Grade

Bible (Character Quest)

English

Literature

Math at Appropriate Level

Life Science

World Studies

Electives (4 nine-week course rotation)

8th Grade

Bible (Survival Quest)

English

Literature

Math at Appropriate Level

Earth Science

Geography

Health (1semester)

Elective (1 semester)

Bible

Character Quest (7)

Purpose: Using the Bible and the Character Quest textbooks, students will take a deeper look into a different Godly character trait each week. As students study the Bible they will discover real people who desired to know God and follow him. By studying character traits, students will be able to link ?being a disciple of Christ?with ?displaying Godly character?.

Survival Quest (8)

Purpose: This course is designed to present an in-depth scriptural study of the lives of selected Old and New Testament characters. Using both positive and negative examples, students learn from the context of the individual’s life how to face both the challenges of everyday living and the challenges of overwhelming experiences. The emphasis extends beyond surviving to thriving in the midst of such circumstances as they learn the true meaning of Romans 8:37, ?Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.?

English

English (7)

Purpose: This course is designed to provide a study of grammar and instruction in developing writing skills.

Skills: The student will be able to identify and incorporate elements of a complete paragraph. He/she will also develop paragraphs according to specific purposes. The student will be introduced to narrative, descriptive, and expository writing and will write examples of each. An emphasis on the writing process will allow the student to incorporate editing and revising skills throughout the course. The student will be introduced to the study of research.

English (8)

Purpose: This course is designed to continue a study of grammar and a development of writing skills.

Skills: The student will be instructed in the elements of paragraph development. Continued work in essay and paragraph development will allow the student to identify and write with a specific purpose in mind. The student will develop his/her skills in narrative, descriptive, and expository writing. Instruction in pre-2

writing will be taught as a necessary writing skill. The study of research will be developed in this course as well.

Literature

Literature (7)

Purpose: This course is designed to provide instruction in reading skills development, and is a study of a cross-section of literature and literary terms.

Skills: The student will read samples of literature and discuss purposes and major themes of these works. The student will be assigned relevant writing assignments that will help him/her understand these elements as well as apply them to his/her own life. This class is more concrete in format, with some experience in interpretation to prepare students for Grade 8.

Literature (8)

Purpose: Students study a variety of types of literature, including short stories, poetry, non-fiction, and drama.

Skills: The students respond to the literature by writing, interpreting orally, and discussing the various selections. Students practice evaluating the literature themes in the light of Biblical criteria while gaining a broader knowledge of life. Special enrichment features include a Shakespearean play, a survey of American poetry, and individual book projects. The students move from concrete to more abstract interpretation, application, and evaluation of various genres and facets of literature.

Mathematics

Pre-Algebra, Year 1 (7)

Pre-Algebra must be taken before entering 9th grade

Purpose: This course will further develop the basic math skills and concepts from General Math necessary for basic math competency, and introduces the student to beginning/basic algebraic concepts.

Skills: The student will be able to use basic arithmetic skills in computation and problem solving topics including use of real numbers, exponents, square roots, basic geometry, area and volume, metric measurements and conversions, coordinate graphing, probability, and statistics.

Pre-Algebra, Year 2 (8)

Pre-Algebra must be taken before entering 9th grade

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra, Year 1

Purpose: This course is a continuation of Pre-Algebra, Year 1.

Pre-Algebra, 1 Year Course (7 or 8)

Pre-Algebra must be taken before entering 9th grade

Purpose: This course will further develop the basic math skills and concepts from General Math necessary for basic math competency, and introduces the student to beginning/basic algebraic concepts.

Algebra 1 (8)

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra and Teacher Recommendation

Purpose: This course introduces the student to algebraic reasoning and gives opportunity for application of mathematical concepts.

Skills: The student will be able to solve equations in one and two variables, as well as use of exponents, square roots and radicals, polynomials, factoring, and quadratic equations. 3

Science

Life Science (7)

Purpose: This course introduces the student to the study of living things. Exploring the mechanics of cell structure, cell transport, cell reproduction, DNA structure and replication, protein synthesis, genetics, evolution, classification, protists, fungi, bacteria, viruses, plants, body systems, ecology, animal habitats and behavior, plus environmental issues are the topics that will be covered. The student will use the scientific method in exploring the above topics. Proper use of laboratory equipment and procedures will be taught.

Earth Science (8)

Purpose: This course teaches students more about God’s creation through a study of the Earth and its place in the universe. During this course, students will study geology, oceanography, meteorology, and, time permitting, astronomy. Mastery of the material in this course will prepare the student for further study in high school physical science, chemistry and physics. In those cases where secular theories and models conflict with the creationist approach to the universe, students will become familiar with both points of view.

Social Studies

World Studies (7)

Purpose: This survey course is designed to give students an overview of world geography, history, and cultures. These three components or ?strands?are studied in chronological units composed of chapters based on historical time periods. Man’s use of the creation and his responsibility to God, our Creator, help unify this course.

Skills: Students read and interpret the basic text with the use of class discussion. Special projects encourage students to pursue topics of special personal interest and to make history more personal. An emphasis is also placed on map skills.

Geography (8) (1 semester)

Purpose: This course emphasizes recognition of countries and major geographic features. Students study the resources, governments, histories, and cultures of the countries. Current events are also discussed when they are relevant.

Skills: Students develop map skills and recognize cause-effect relationships as factors in current world affairs.

Health

Health (8)

Purpose: Students will study the major components of health: spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, and social. Nine key life skills will be developed throughout this class with an emphasis on decision-making and refusal skills.

Electives

The following are courses that have previously been offered at Cole Valley Christian School for junior high students and are not necessarily offered every semester.

Elective choices each year are based on teacher availability and student interest. A nominal fee that covers supplies, field trips, curriculum, etc. is charged for most classes.

Art

Purpose: This course is designed to teach students to recognize and successfully employ art vocabulary, the elements and principles of design, various art media, and tools and techniques while expressing themselves visually. 4

Skills: Students will learn problem solving skills and will be able to describe, analyze, interpret, and make judgments about works of art, including their own.

Computer Basics (7)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This course will introduce the student to basic keyboarding and encourage accuracy and speed up to 30 wpm. The course will also explore computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, multimedia presentation, and graphics.

Skills: Students will learn proper finger placement and key stroking by touch. Students will be introduced to skills and complete projects in several software applications.

Computer Applications (8)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This course will teach the student a broad range of applications that are essential not only for high school, but college and beyond. An immersion style of teaching takes the student through all of the standard office apps including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software, through page layout and design, web page development, and other useful applications.

Skills: Students are only assumed to have the level of expertise normally associated with seventh or eighth grade.

Domestic Skills (7)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This course is designed to teach the following: nutrition, laundry, cooking, and sewing. The student will learn to use these skills for daily living.

Junior High Music (7)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: Students learn music from African and Latin American cultures on various percussion instruments and ethnic drums. They also create and perform ensembles of their own which include instruments, vocal music, and movement. Students learn how different cultures contribute to American music. Junior High Music is a ?hands on?class, but the students also listen and evaluate critically and thoughtfully.

Junior High Music (8)

Prerequisite: Junior High Music 7

Purpose: There are three sections in 8th grade music. This class is an extension of Junior High Music 7 with more emphasis on creativity. Students will also learn basic music fundamentals and appreciation for many music styles from historical time eras by listening and evaluation. Students will also learn the basics of choral singing.

Physical Education (7 & 8)

Purpose: Students will participate in a variety of physical activities. We will focus on lifetime activities, team sports, and individual activities.

Introduction to Spanish (7 & 8)

Purpose: Students will be introduced to pronunciation, phrases, and beginning conjugation of Spanish. Students will also learn about Spanish speaking countries and culture within this country.

Skills: Students will be able to carry on a simple conversation in Spanish. They will begin to be able to read in Spanish correctly.

Study Skills (7 & 8)

Prerequisite: Special Services Coordinator approval only.

Purpose: Available to students who need additional study time at school. 5

Senior High Course Offerings

(Recommended Track)

9th GRADE

Survey of Old Testament Literature/Survey of New Testament Literature

English Literature or Honors English Literature

Math at Appropriate Level

Physical Science

U.S. History to 1900

Speech (1 semester)

PE (1 semester)

Electives (2 semesters)

10th GRADE

Bible Electives (2 semesters)

Biblical View of Media; Ministry Development; Fundamentals of Faith; Ethics or Church History

World Literature or Honors World Literature

Math at Appropriate Level

Biology

World History

Career Development (1 semester)

PE (1 semester)

Electives (2 semesters)

11th GRADE

Bible Electives (2 semesters)

Biblical View of Media; Ministry Development; Fundamentals of Faith; Ethics or Church History

American Literature or Honors American Literature

Math at Appropriate Level

Science Electives (2 semesters)

Anatomy & Physiology; Chemistry; Ecology or Physics

20th Century U.S. History

Health (1 semester) – take grade 11 or 12

Economics (1 semester) – take grade 11 or 12

Electives (2 – 4 semesters)

12th GRADE

Worldviews

British Literature or Honors British Literature

Math at Appropriate Level

Science Electives (0 – 2 semesters)

American Government

Economics (1 Semester – if not taken 11th grade)

Electives (4-6 Semesters) plus early dismissal option

Concurrent Credit is available from Northwest Nazarene University in:

Honors Algebra II, TAC, Calculus, and Honors Government 6

Bible

Old Testament Literature (9) (1 semester)

Purpose: Students learn basic hermeneutics, the history, literature, and devotional meaning of the Old Testament.

Skills: Students apply the hermeneutical or critical literary reading principles of context, grammar, and genres of literature to various passages in the Old Testament. Students also memorize key Old Testament passages.

Community Service Requirement: 10 hours per semester

New Testament Literature (9) (1 semester)

Purpose: The course is designed to introduce the New Testament and understand the context in which the books were written. In making the Bible come alive, attention is directed to a comparison study of the Gospels, the Passion Week, the expansion of the church, the letters of Paul, and major themes of the book of Revelation.

Skills: The student sees the big unfolding drama of God’s revelation; they consider the rich diversity of literary styles, the historical nature of the text, its use as the guide for faith and life, and both general and personal issues facing them and the church in all ages.

Community Service Requirement: 10/hours per semester

Biblical View of Media (10 or 11) (1 semester)

NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED

Church History (10 or 11) (1 semester)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: The purpose of this class is for students to understand that they are part of something much bigger than right here and now. Students will understand the major people and ideas that have shaped the direction and development of the church. Students will recognize that in every era there has been unique challenges and questions. Dealing with questions in today’s society can be grasped more fully if we understand how these questions have developed and how previous generations of believers have turned to God’s word for direction and discernment.

Skills: Critical Thinking Skills, writing and analyzing information, Visual and Oral Presentations, Bible Study and application.

Community Service Requirement: 10 hours per semester

Ethics (10 or 11) (1 semester)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: One of the many goals of this class is to equip students with the tools to recognize what is moral and what is immoral. Arguing with others about what is right and wrong in certain situations will not necessarily lead someone to Christ. However, entering into discussions about these controversial topics will hopefully provide opportunities to share truth. As students set out to find answers to their questions and the inquiries of others, may they search God’s Word so they will be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks them to give the reason for the hope that they have (1 Peter 3:15). At the same time, students want to see to it that no one takes them captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ (Colossians 2:8).

Community Service Requirement: 10 hours per semester

Fundamentals of Faith (10 or 11) (1 semester)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: The purpose of this class is for students to grasp what orthodox Christianity believes and why it is reasonable to believe these things. Students will discover that faith and reason are on friendly terms and that there is good evidence for the claims of Christianity and the reliability of Scripture. Students will study such questions as what is truth and how is it known, what are the supporting evidence for the trustworthiness of Scripture, what evidence is their for God’s existence, and what support is their for the 7

life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Emphasis will be placed on a personal response to Jesus in light of the support of His claim of being THE WAY, TRUTH and LIFE.

Skills: Critical Thinking, Information Analysis, Synthesis and Presentation, Bible Study with Life Applications.

Community Service Requirement: 10 hours per semester

Ministry Development (10 or 11) (1 semester)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: Students will discover what it takes to plan and execute a weekly chapel service. Students will be involved in planning, presenting, promoting the chapel services. Students will be encouraged to develop and contribute to the chapel service through use of their gifts and talents. Students will also study the Spiritual Disciplines and seek to develop a connection between Head, Heart and Hands.

Skills: Discovery and practice of Spiritual Gifts, Team Work Skills, Creating, Implementing and Analyzing a Plan through developing a process, Bible Study and Life Application, Power Point Presentation skills, Sound Equipment Understanding.

Community Service Requirement: 10 hours per semester

Missions (10 or 11) (I semester)

Prerequisite: none

Purpose: God invites us to participate in His purpose; He ?blesses us so that we can bless others.?As students accept God’s invitation they will embark on a journey to explore the mission of God, understand what it means to be a blessing to others, and prepare themselves to be used by God. Through the study of different cultures, students will examine people groups through the eyes of God. Bringing to life the stories of missionaries who have gone before us, students will learn from history as they examine the future plans God has for them.

Community Service Requirement: 10 hours per semester

Worldviews (12)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This course is structured to demonstrate that ideas have consequences. It is designed to help students clearly understand the tenets of the Biblical Christian worldview, as well as key apologetic issues, and how it compares to the competing worldviews of Secular Humanism, Marxist-Leninism, Cosmic Humanism (New Age), and Postmodernism.

Skills: Students learn to see the ?big picture?and understand how Christianity not only applies to, but also under girds every area of life. The course is a challenging prep course not just for college; it goes further preparing them for life. Students learn to discern trends and perceive the fatal flaws in competing worldviews.

Community Service Requirement 10 hrs/ Fall Semester only

Literature

English (9)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: Students will read literature that presents issues relevant to adolescents, supports concepts being studied in U.S. History, and challenges students to consider the values by which they live and interact with other people. Students will continue to develop skills in reading comprehension, literary analysis, creative writing, and research.

Honors English (9)

Prerequisite: B+ and Teacher Recommendation

World Literature (10)

Prerequisite: English 9 or Honors English 9

Purpose: Students will study the chronological development of literature by culture or time period, read representative literature from each culture or time, and focus on major themes found in the writings. Students will continue to develop writing skills through analysis of literature, evaluation of ideas, and creative writing.

Honors World Literature (10)

Prerequisite: English 9 or Honors English 9; B+ and Teacher Recommendation

American Literature (11)

Prerequisite: World Literature or Honors World Literature

Purpose: Students will study American Literature and interpret possible influences of the historical context on a literary work. Students compare the text experiences with their own experiences and recognize, discuss, and write about themes that are cross-cultural. They continue to develop writing skills through analysis of literature, evaluation of ideas, and creative report writing.

Honors American Literature (11)

Prerequisite: World Literature or Honors World Literature; B+ and Teacher Recommendation

British Literature (12)

Prerequisite: American Literature or Honors American Literature

Purpose: Students will study the chronological development of British literature, read representative literature from each period, and recognize the impact of historical and political issues on the authors and their writing. Students will continue to explore the thoughts and actions of people through character analysis. Students will refine writing skills through analysis of literature, evaluation of ideas, and creative writing.

Honors British Literature (12)

Prerequisite: American Literature or Honors American Literature; B+ and Teacher Recommendation

Mathematics

Algebra 1

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra

Purpose: This course is designed to teach students how to solve equations and how to use equations to solve problems, including motion and mixture applications. The study of functions, relations, polynomials and factoring prepare students for solving linear, rational, radical, quadratic, and systems of equations as well as inequalities. 9

Integrated Algebra/Geometry (Year 1)

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra

Purpose: Students will refine their algebraic skills through numerous processes. Students will investigate basic geometric concepts including angles, shapes, perimeter, surface area and volume. They will also investigate sets, exponents, coefficients, roots and word problems.

Integrated Algebra/Geometry (Year 2)

Prerequisite: Integrated Algebra/Geometry, Year 1

Purpose: With their Year 1 experience, students will continue to develop geometric skills. Students will explore factoring, probability, substitution, elimination, advanced word problems and graphing. Students will also encounter scientific rotation place, value, stem-and-leaf plots, domain and range, and box-and-whisker plots.

Integrated Algebra 2 (Year 1)

Prerequisite: Integrated Algebra/Geometry or teacher recommendation

Purpose: The students will investigate problem-solving techniques and polynomial functions, solve systems of equations and inequalities, simplify radicals and complex numbers, graph conic sections, linear functions and special functions, factor polynomials and quadratic equations, simplify polynomial expressions and transcendental expressions, and explore many related sub-topics and applications.

Integrated Algebra 2 (Year 2)

Prerequisite: Integrated Algebra 2 Year 1

Purpose: Continuation of Integrated Algebra 2, Year 1

Geometry

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Purpose: This course is designed to teach students reasoning and logic through the use of formal proofs. Geometric concepts are developed and analyzed through a study of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, and circles. Three-dimensional shapes are analyzed and surface area and volume are studied. Right triangle trigonometry is introduced, as well as shape transformations.

Honors Geometry

Prerequisite: Algebra 1, B+ and Teacher Recommendation

Algebra 2

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Honors Algebra 2

Is available for NNU Concurrent “College Algebra” Credit (MA1300)

Prerequisite: Algebra 1, B+ and Teacher Recommendation

expressions and equations, and challenging assignments in order to complement the Algebra 2 curriculum.

Advanced Math (11 or 12)

Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra 2

Purpose: Students will extensively review algebra 2 and geometry topics as well as develop pre-calculus topics at a slower pace. Saxon Advanced Math textbook will be used with a method of daily review of topics previously studied. The first half of the text will be covered in Advanced Math 1 as a one-year course.

Trigonometry, Analytic Geometry & Calculus (TAC) (11 or 12)

Is available for NNU Concurrent “Trigonometry” Credit (MA1400)

Prerequisite: Geometry and Honors Algebra 2/B+ and Teacher Recommendation

Purpose: This course contains intensive review of the topics from algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry that are necessary for success in calculus. Lessons also include calculus topics of limits, continuity, the derivative, differentiability, and integration. This course provides practice with the fundamental concepts and skills of a first semester calculus course.

Calculus (12)

Is available for NNU Concurrent “Calculus” Credit (MA2510)

Prerequisite: TAC, B+ or higher and Teacher Recommendation

Purpose: NNU Concurrent Credit Calculus is the most rigorous mathematics course taught at Cole Valley Christian School. There will be a review of key pre-calculus concepts. Students will study limits (and how they change pre-calculus concepts into calculus concepts), graphing theory, differentiation with applications, integration with applications, and transcendental functions. Students will also learn rates of change, numerous derivative and integration formulas and concepts, the area under curves, advanced problem-solving skills using derivation and integration techniques convergence and divergence of sequences, among other skills. The additional topics of infinite sequences and series, polar equations, parametric equations, and the most difficult integration techniques will be investigated.

Science

Physical Science (9)

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 is recommended to be taken concurrently

Purpose: The purpose of this course is to learn more about God’s creation through a study of the science of matter and energy. During this course, students will study chemistry (science of matter and its changes) and physics (science of forces and energy), some basic electricity and light. Mastery of the material in this course will prepare the student for deeper study in high school chemistry and physics. In those cases where secular theories and models conflict with the creationist approach to the universe, students will become familiar with both points of view.

Biology (10)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This course is designed to teach students the details behind the processes that control all organisms on earth. By learning how organisms function, students will appreciate the value of living things and the care that God put into designing our world. The course will cover topics such as cell structure, cell transport, cell reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, mitosis, meiosis, types of reproduction, DNA replication and structure, transcription, translation, genetics, bacteria, viruses, protists, fungi, animal kingdoms and groups, body systems, classification, and evolution. Students will gain skills in critical thinking, observation, interpretation, and analysis. 11

Anatomy and Physiology (11 or 12)

Prerequisite: Biology and Physical Science

Purpose: Students will review concepts from biology concerning cells and genetics and will study the anatomy and physiology of the ten systems that comprise the human. Practical applications, such as diseases and development disorders, will be introduced where appropriate.

Skills: This course requires large amounts of memorization, analysis and breaking down larger subjects into parts.

Chemistry (11 or 12)

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1. Algebra 2 is recommended to be taken concurrently.

Purpose: This introductory course covers the basics of chemistry starting with the makeup of matter, the design of atoms, the periodic table, bonding, formulas, reactions, solutions, acids, bases, and several specialized branches.

Honors Chemistry (11-12)

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1. Algebra 2 is recommended to be taken concurrently.

Purpose: This advanced introductory course covers the basics of chemistry starting with the makeup of matter, the design of atoms, the periodic table, bonding, formulas, reactions, solutions, acids and bases. This class includes higher level labs with reports.

Physics (11 or 12)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 may be taken concurrently.

Purpose: In Physics we will explore SI units, physics history, linear motion, fabulous forces, and vectors universal gravitation, conservation of energy, work, energy, power, thermodynamics, and gas laws— along with a theoretical basis for understanding sound, electricity, and magnetism— with equations, reading, laboratories, and discussion.

Ecology (11 or 12)

Prerequisite: None Purpose: The purpose of this course is to understand how the natural world works. We cover classical ecology (populations, niches, biomes, competition) in the first semester. In the second semester we study how various factors affect the natural world. We also study human impacts on the various biomes. A large part of this course is critical thinking and communication through essays, as it is critical to understand and explain how future actions may affect the earth and its systems.

Social Studies

U.S. History to 1900 (9)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This course is a survey of United States history, from exploration through the Civil War and Reconstruction. The class is intended to impart a solid foundation of knowledge both with the heart and the mind about the heritage of the United States of America and the sovereign hand of the Lord at the inception of our great country, as well as His continued hand of blessing today. Most importantly, the course is designed to aid students in comprehending that the United States is truly a memorial of the mercies of God, so that we may know them, remember them, and sing His praises.

World History (10) (1 semester)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This course is an overview of the history of humankind with an emphasis on people, events, and issues from the earliest recorded time to the Industrial Revolution. Students will analyze important events and issues in many civilizations throughout the world. Students will examine the impact of geographic factors on major historic events and identify the historic origins of contemporary economic systems. Students will analyze the process by which democratic-republican governments evolved as well as the ideas from historic documents that influenced the process. Students will examine the history and impact 12

of major religious and philosophic traditions always keeping in mind that history is truly the record of the past from creation to the present, revealing the actions of both God and man.

Skills: Students will work on map skills for the regions of the world which they are studying. These maps will reflect the historical time period.

20th Century U.S. History (10)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This yearlong class begins with America’s expanding world influence at the start of the 20th century, following an historical path through the Progressive Era, World War I, the Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II, and entering into the Cold War years. It concludes by bringing the student into the beginnings of the 21st century, where current events provide our history on a day-by-day basis.

Honors Government (11 or 12)

Is available for NNU Concurrent “American National Politics” Credit (ANP 1010)

Prerequisite: Recommendation from History and English teacher

Purpose: This course is an introduction to American politics from the 18th century to the present. Major themes and events include the writing of the U.S. Constitution, the development of American political principles and institutions, and contemporary political practices in the U.S. As students study the fundamental principles and processes which underlie the American political system, they will better comprehend our national political system as a product of ideas, interaction and compromise.

American Government (12)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This class addresses America’s political development and its resulting institutions from a Christian worldview. It starts with America’s historical foundations and follows a path through the United States Constitution and party politics, and concludes with the powers of government.

Economics (11 or 12)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This one semester course introduces the student to the basic theories of modern economics and economic systems. It also provides the students with a practical application of consumer economics, budgeting, and finance. Throughout the course, the students develop and articulate a Biblical worldview of economics.

Speech

Speech (9)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: Speech is a one semester course designed to introduce students to the basics of communication with an emphasis on public speaking. Students prepare and deliver a variety of speeches including informative, persuasive, and specialty speeches such as introductions, presentations, and commencement addresses. In addition, students prepare resumes and cover letters and participate in job interviews.

Health

Health (11 or 12)

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: Students will learn about bodily processes that can be helped or hindered by our daily living. Health and wellness literacy will be promoted, as well as encouragement of positive behavior now to ensure a lifetime of health. The teaching of Life Skills will help students learn skills to protect, enhance, and maintain their health, with an emphasis on decision-making and refusal skills. 13

Electives

The following are courses that have previously been offered at Cole Valley Christian Schools for senior high students and are not necessarily offered every semester.

The elective choices each year will be based on teacher availability and student interest. A nominal fee that covers supplies, field trips, curriculum, etc. is charged for most classes.

Full Year Classes

Band (full year - 2 semester commitment)

Purpose: This class will form the foundation for the new Cole Valley Christian School instrumental program, which will eventually include Concert, Marching, Pep/ Jazz Bands! Each student will participate in one full-band rehearsal. At least two formal seasonal performances are planned along with performances as deemed appropriate as per the Director and/or Cole Valley Christian School. Instruction will be available to students on all band instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, etc.) regardless of experience. It’s never too late to join the band! Students will be required to obtain their own instrument, supplies, and performance attire; white, long-sleeved, button-down collared shirt, black dress pants (males) or floor length skirt (females), black socks, and black dress shoes (males) or closed toe formal shoes (female). Students who play the piano, bass guitar or guitar may be considered, as needed, by audition/interview only.

French 1

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: Students will learn basic vocabulary, pronunciation and common expressions as well as customs and culture of the French-speaking world. Listening and speaking will be stressed with easy reading and writing activity.

Skills: The students will gain basic vocabulary skills, as well as proper pronunciation, and learn common expressions.

French 2

Prerequisite: French 1

Purpose: Students will develop language skills through readings that depict lifelike situations. Emphasis will be placed on reading and writing skills as the student continues to learn the culture and basic structure of the French language.

Skills: The students will build on vocabulary and language skills learned in French 1.

French 3

Prerequisite: French 2

Purpose: This course will review concepts learned in French 2, as well as enhance the student’s ability to read, write, and speak in French.

Skills: The students will be able to read and write in French at an intermediate level. Though they will not be fluent in conversation, they will be able to communicate and interact comfortably in French.

Latin I

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: Latin I is a course offering challenges to students to develop basic skills that include pronunciation, writing, reading and listening. Vocabulary and grammar are stressed, and the customs and culture of ancient Rome are studied.

Latin 2

Prerequisite: Latin I

Purpose: Latin II is a course offering challenges to students to develop more advanced skills and pronunciation, writing, and reading. Vocabulary and grammar are stressed, and the customs and culture of ancient Rome are studied. 14

Spanish 1

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This course introduces the students to basic Spanish conversation, vocabulary, grammar, history, and culture. Conversation in Spanish is encouraged.

Skills: Students will be able to read, write and speak in Spanish in the present tense.

Spanish 2

Prerequisite: Spanish 1

Purpose: This course will review the concepts learned in Spanish I, as well as encourage learning Bible verses in Spanish, regular and irregular verbs, and vocabulary, present, past and future sentences, articles and adjectives. Conversation in Spanish is encouraged.

Skills: Students will be able to read, write and speak in Spanish in the present, past and future tenses.

Music

Concert Choir

Prerequisite: Participation in junior high music preferred, voice check, Teacher Recommendation

Purpose: This is a performance group that performs at concerts and chapel at Christmas and in the spring. They also participate in the ACSI Music Festival in the spring.

Skills: Be able to sing on tune, have basic understanding of music fundamentals, and work well with others.

Jazz Choir

Prerequisite: Concurrent Registration in Concert Choir, Audition, Teacher Recommendation

Purpose: This is a performance group that performs at concerts and chapel twice a year, and participates in the ACSI Music Festival. Jazz choir is also requested to perform from time to time in out of school venues.

Skills: Understand jazz rhythms and nuances, have above average understanding of music fundamentals, and learn music quickly.

Yearbook/Photography

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Purpose: This is a hands-on course where, in the process of creating a yearbook, the students learn to prepare a yearbook for publication. Students are responsible for theme identification, photography, production schedules and assignments, page layout, copy and headline writing, and production coordination. This course also teaches the basics of photography. A spectrum of subjects from composition to editing is taught. Grading is equally weighted between both facets of class.

Yearbook/Video

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Purpose: This is a hands-on course where, in the process of creating a yearbook, the students learn to prepare a yearbook for publication. Students are responsible for theme identification, photography, production schedules and assignments, page layout, copy and headline writing, and production coordination. This course also teaches the basics of video production. A spectrum of subjects from composition and storyboarding to editing is taught. Grading is equally weighted between both facets of class.

One Semester Classes

Art I – Mixed Media

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This course is designed to:

enable students to recognize and successfully employ art vocabulary, the elements and principles of design, various art media, tools, techniques, and technology while expressing themselves visually;

develop critical thinking and creative problem solving skills and be able to describe, analyze, interpret, and make judgments about works or art, including their own;

encourage an appreciation of art through an overview of art history and the building of an aesthetic value system, allowing the students to reflect on the forms of beauty in art and the purpose and effects of the artistic experience.

Creative Writing

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This class is designed to give students an introduction to journalistic writing of all sorts. Through the study of journalistic writing and of various newspapers such as the New York Times, Idaho Statesman, USA Today, and the Press Tribune, students will learn how to write as a journalist. Students will each practice writing a wide variety of articles from local news to school news, from choir concerts to athletics, from world news to field trips to spotlights. From there, we will begin to piece together a newspaper for our school which will be entirely written and maintained by the students.

Domestic Skills

Prerequisite: Junior high recommendation

Purpose: This class is designed to teach skills needed to help the students to be capable of living on their own. Laundry, Organizing, Ironing, Sewing, Cooking, Budgeting, Planning, shopping, cleaning and serving etiquette are incorporated with hands-on activities. Also, included is a five-week adventure in International Cooking.

Drama

Offered second semester – zero hour

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This program is designed to nurture the student’s impulse to depict experiences, communicate an understanding of those experiences, and give them form and meaning. This program provides students with opportunities to examine human experiences through imagined roles and situations, and to value the essential contribution of drama to their quality of life.

Office Aide

Prerequisite: By Recommendation (Grades 11 or 12 Preferred) (Pass/Fail with credit)

Purpose: The student will assist the school secretary by relaying messages, running copies, and doing other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Physical Education - Strength and Conditioning (2 P.E. Credits Required for Graduation)

Purpose: The primary objective in this course is to learn a variety of methods for improving and maintaining strength and conditioning through weight training and high-level cardiovascular training.

Students will follow the fitness plan provided by the instructor to achieve significant increases in strength, agility, and overall fitness.

Physical Education – Athletic Training

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: The primary objectives of the course are injury prevention and high-level physical conditioning. Students will follow the fitness plan tailored for their activity or sport.

Physical Education – PE Sport

Prerequisite: None

Purpose: This Physical Education credit can be earned through participation in two sports in the same year or two years of the same sport at the junior varsity or varsity level at CVCS. (Pass/Fail Credit is granted upon recommendation.) 16

Study Hall

Prerequisite: Counselor/Administrator Approval

Purpose: To assist students in their academic pursuits and organizational skills. (No credit earned.)

Study Skills

Prerequisite: Counselor/Administration Approval

Purpose: To assist students in their academic pursuits and organizational skills. (No credit earned.)

Teacher Aide

Prerequisite: By Teacher Recommendation (Grades 11 or 12 Preferred) (Pass/Fail with credit)

Purpose: The student will assist the teacher by running copies, and doing other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Web Applications

Prerequisite: Strong knowledge of computers, Junior High Office Applications as a minimum.

Purpose: To expose students to the technologies that makes up web sites and applications.

Skills: Students will learn the core elements of a web site to include XHTML and CSS. From there they will learn a minimum of server side operations and programming using PHP. As a last section, the student will learn an introduction to JavaScript and how to automate some page operations. 17

Junior High Activities and Events

Academic Sports Senior High Activities and Events