Upper School Curriculum Fair February 2, 2010

Upper School, Dr. Thomas New, Head of Upper School Mr. Fred Blackmon, Assistant Head of Upper School Mr. Rudy Cope, Director of College Counseling Mrs. Peggy Hancock, Counselor/CAS Coordinator Mr. Troy Baker, Director of Athletics Mr. Stephen Campbell, IB Coordinator Mrs. Kim Davis, Director for Student Life Mrs. Carla Sampuda, Registrar and Upper School Secretary

Upper School Academic Department Chairs, Mr. Barry Gilmore, English Mr. Estes Hammons, Fine Arts Dr. Rocio Rodriguez-del Rio, World Languages Mr. Phillip Stalls, Mathematics Mr. Mark Page, Science Dr. Julie Elb, Social Studies

English Curriculum Our English program is designed to build upon the reading and writing skills students developed in earlier grades. Students are expected to become adept at critical analysis, critical thinking, effective writing, persuasive speaking, attentive listening, and substantive research. The curriculum builds the prerequisite skills needed for a solid preparation for SAT/ACT assessments while, at the time, engendering a genuine appreciation for the aesthetic pleasures of the written word while helping students develop as lifelong readers.

English Curriculum English 9, Honors English 10, Honors English 11, Honors or AP English Lang. and Composition or IB English, SL or IB English, HL English 12, Honors or AP English Literature and Composition or Continuation of IB English

English Curriculum, One Semester Electives Comedy and Satire Creative Writing Mythology for a Modern Age Writers’ Workshop Sports Writing Journalism

Fine Arts Curriculum The Fine Arts curriculum seeks to provide students with a wide variety of opportunities to express themselves within the performing and visual arts. With a vibrant choral, dramatic, music, and art program, our department fulfills the important task of helping students experience the joy and satisfaction of creative and performance-based involvement in a rich learning environment.

Fine Arts Curriculum Visual Arts –Art I –Art II –Art III, Honors –International Art Techniques –Photography I –Photography II –Digital Photography –Graphic Design/Yearbook –Atelier: Classical Drawing and Painting –IB Visual Arts HL

Fine Arts Curriculum Theatre Arts –Acting I –Acting II –Theater Production –Theater Skills –IB Theatre Arts, SL Music Arts –Instrumental Music –Chorus –Jazz Band (Co- Curricular)

World Languages Curriculum The major goals of the World Languages program are to provide students with communication skills in a second language and further appreciation and understanding of foreign cultures. Students focus on listening, reading, speaking, and writing within a language.

World Languages Curriculum French I, Honors French II, Honors French III, Honors French IV, Honors, or French Language and Composition (AP) IB French SL

World Languages Curriculum Latin II, Honors Latin III/IV, Honors Spanish I, Honors Spanish II, Honors Spanish III, Honors

World Languages Curriculum Spanish IV, Honors Spanish Language and Composition (AP) IB Spanish, Ab Initio IB Spanish SL IB Spanish HL

Mathematics Curriculum The math curriculum is based on the sequential nature of thinking mathematically. As a result, the program seeks to meet each students instructional needs based on their prior coursework and level of preparation. Thus, students may begin their freshman year in Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II depending on their readiness. Attention is also given to ensuring that students are prepared for the SAT/ACT assessments.

Mathematics Curriculum Algebra I, Honors Geometry, College-Prep Geometry, Honors Algebra II, College Prep Algebra II, Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors AP Calculus, AB IB Math Studies, SL IB Math, SL IB Math, HL

Mathematics Curriculum Introduction to Statistics, one semester Discrete Mathematics, one semester

Science Curriculum The science curriculum is intended to give students the necessary skills and knowledge to do well in college science classes and beyond, to a world that faces critical scientific issues yet realized. To enhance student engagement and critical thinking, there is always a mix of concepts, problem solving, and hands-on laboratory exercises in all courses.

Science Curriculum Biology, Honors Chemistry, College-Prep Chemistry, Honors Physics, Honors Environmental Science, Honors

Science Curriculum AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Physics, B IB Biology, SL IB Chemistry, HL IB Physics, SL IB Physics, HL

Social Studies Curriculum The Social Studies curriculum focuses on global cultures, both past and present. Classroom lessons help students develop into active learners and prepare themselves for the world of tomorrow through enhanced critical reading and thinking skills.

Social Studies Curriculum Ancient World History, Honors Modern World History, Honors IB 20 th Century World History SL United States History, Honors or AP United States History or, IB History of the Americas HL American Government, Honors or AP Government and Politics, one semester

Social Studies Curriculum Women and Power in Europe, , one semester Verbal and Visual Text, one semester Living in a Global Society, one semester Humanities, Honors Economics, Honors AP Economics IB Economics, SL or HL IB Theory of Knowledge

What’s Next? Rising 10 th through 12 th Grade Students will work on scheduling in their advisory. Rising 9 th Grade students and their parents will make an appointment with Dr. New to put their schedule together (Contact Mrs. Sampuda at or )

What’s Next? Rising Juniors interested in the IB Diploma Programme will set an appointment to meet with Dr. New and Mr. Campbell to complete their final interview for the program and discuss their schedule. The Curriculum Guide is on our Web-site’s Academics/Upper School pages.

What’s Next? Departmental Tables Tonight: –English is in Blue Heron –Math is in Blue Heron –World Languages is in Blue Heron –Social Studies is in the Lobby –Fine Arts is on Stage –Science is on Stage –IB is on Stage –Athletics is in the back of the Theater