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CVSA High School Curriculum – Grades 9 through 12

 

Click here to view a curricula flowchart in pdf format.

 

Course Descriptions

 

You may scroll through the course offerings or click on a department listed below to do directly to that section.

 

Math Department

Science Department

English Department

Social Studies Department

Health Department

Fine Arts Department (art and music)

Business Department

World Languages Department

Physical Education Department

 

 

Math Department:


Algebra I – grades 8–9  Full Year  *Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or teacher recommendation

Students will learn basic algebra. The intent is to prepare students for higher level mathematics courses. The course includes exploration of equalities and inequalities, directed numbers, exponents, functions and relations, systems of equations, graphing, factoring, data collection and analysis, geometry, measurement, and problem solving.

 

Geometry – grades 9–10  Full Year  *Prerequisite: Algebra I

Students will learn geometric concepts, definitions, and conjectures. The course includes angle relationships, parallel and perpendicular lines, planes, similar and congruent triangles, circles, right triangles, basic trigonometry, coordinate geometry and proofs, constructions, areas and volumes, transformations, and logic with an emphasis on problem solving and the discovery, rather than memorization, of geometric concepts and formulas.


Algebra II – grades 10–12  Full Year  *Prerequisites: Algebra I & Geometry

This course is the continuation of the skills learned in Algebra I. The course includes solution of equations and inequalities, functions and relations, linear and quadratic systems of open sentences, polynomial functions, complex numbers, logarithms, factorials, matrixes and problem solving.


Trigonometry – grades 11–12  Fall Semester   *Prerequisite: Algebra II

Students will learn analytic trigonometry in preparation for advanced math courses. Students will study the trigonometry of triangles, learn the 6 circular functions, their inverses, graphs, and trigonometry equations.


Pre-Calculus –  grades 11–12  Spring Semester  *Prerequisite: Trigonometry

The course includes sequences and series, exponential and logarithmic functions, analytic geometry, and matrix, linear algebra, and vectors. 
    
Calculus –  grades 12  Full Year  *Prerequisite: Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus

This course covers topics in differential and integral calculus; slope of a line, maximum and minimum; applications  of definite and open integrals; area under a curve; and volume.

 

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Science Department:

 

Earth Science – grades 8–9  Full Year  *Required

Earth Science is a detailed look at our planet and the processes that have shaped it. Students will learn important concepts in astronomy, meteorology, geology, and physical oceanography.


Biology – grades 9–10  Full Year  *Laboratory Class

The Biology course is a survey course that incorporates new perspectives and understanding across major sub-disciplines of biology. Genetics, cell biology, development, behavior, and immunology are some of the areas covered. The concept of evolution is seen as the central organizing theme of biology. The course will have a lab-based approach.


Chemistry – grades 10–11  Full Year  *Laboratory Class

Chemistry is the study of the properties of materials and the changes that materials undergo. This course covers atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reaction and their equations, acids and bases, gas laws, reaction rates, and equilibrium. Student will see how chemical principles operate in all aspects of our lives, from everyday activities like lighting a match to more far-reaching matters like the development of drugs to cure cancer. Students will learn through laboratory and lecture methods using group and individual activities, cooperative learning, presentations, and technology to enhance the learning environment.


Physics – grades 11–12  Full Year  *Prerequisites: Algebra I and completion of/or enrollment in Algebra II

This course is designed for the serious science student. The intent is to give students an opportunity to develop an understanding of the principles of physics through observation, experimentation, and mathematical analysis. The course includes topics on mechanics, light and sound, thermodynamics, forces and other physical phenomena. Students will be expected to complete all assignments and participate in a positive manner in classroom activities and investigation.


Advanced Placement Biology – grades 11–12  Full Year  *Prerequisite: Biology

AP Biology is intended to provide a rigorous introductory college level biology course with laboratory activities for high school students.  Students must possess excellent reading and writing skills. Focus will be on 3 major areas: Molecules and cells; Biochemistry, cells, energy transformations, genetics, and evolution; taxonomy, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, embryology and development, behavior, and ecology. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should elect to take the AP Biology exam. The score on this exam will determine if colleges will accept this course for college credit.

 

Environmental Science – grades 9–12  Full Year  *Prerequisite: Earth Science

This course examines the critical environmental issues facing the 21st Century including pollution problems, overpopulation, and endangered species. However, significant time is spent outside the classroom on field trips and projects related to environmental issues. Credit is NOT accepted for college admissions.

 

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English Department:

 

English 9 – grade 9  Full Year
This course is designed as an introduction to the fundamentals of writing expected at the high school level.  The intent is to engage students in activities and assignments that foster skill development in the areas of grammar, punctuation, vocabulary building, sentence structure, essay writing, reading comprehension, the research process, and an introduction to public speaking.


English 9 Honors – grade 9  Full Year  *Dual enrollment with Honors Civics required
This course is designed to develop the students’ skills beyond the fundamentals of writing expected at the high school level and students will be expected to work at a higher level than that of the standard English 9 course.  Activities and assignments will foster skill development in the areas of grammar, punctuation, vocabulary building, sentence structure, essay writing, reading comprehension, the research process, and an introduction to public speaking.  Students will be expected to cover more material, experience and react to each unit with the depth and detail that are required in an advanced course, and integrate learning experiences with Honors Civics.


English 10 – grade 10  Full Year
This course is designed to provide an introductory experience with World Literature. The intent is to acquaint students with some of the major writers and selected literary pieces while placing them within an historical framework.  In addition, students will work to improve their existing writing skills through vocabulary development, grammar usage, the research process, and various forms of essay writing.


English 11 – grade 11  Full Year
This course is designed to provide an introductory experience with American Literature. The intent is to acquaint students with some of the major American writers and selected literary pieces while placing them within an historical framework. In addition, students will work to improve their existing writing skills through vocabulary development, grammar usage, the research process, and various forms of essay writing.

 

Advanced Placement (AP) Language/Composition – grades 11–12  Full Year  *Prerequisite: instructor recommendation
Summer reading is a mandatory part of this class. Advanced Placement Language and Composition provides a challenging environment for the advanced student through prose style analysis and how authors construct meaning. Students will apply critical reading skills to American Literature and non-fiction prose such as essays, speeches, and documents across the disciplines. Students will apply their understanding in mostly analytical and persuasive writing. Students will qualify to sit for the English AP examination and possible college credit.


Advanced Placement (AP) Literature – grades 11–12  Full Year  *Prerequisite: instructor recommendation
Summer reading is a mandatory part of this class. This course is highly recommended for students who excel in writing, in the study of literature, and in the application of critical thinking skills. Open to students who thoughtfully decide to pursue a challenging course of study. The intent is to stimulate in-depth analysis and mature discussion of great works and ideas. Students will be required to read the material outside of class, to participate actively in class discussions, to complete daily assignments or overnight responses, to take examinations, to complete college-type papers, and to do some independent work. Students will qualify to sit for the English AP examination.


College English – grade 12  Full Year
This course is designed for college-bound seniors who desire an intense literature and writing class as a preparatory program for freshman English in college, but who do not feel ready to meet the academic demands of AP English. Students will study significant literary works by authors from various countries. Writing improvement, research techniques, and vocabulary development will also be important aspects of the class.

 

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Social Studies Department:

 

Civics – grade 9  Full Year
This course explores what it means to be an informed, participating citizen in a democratic society. Students will learn about the elements of democracy in local, national, and global contexts, about political reactions to social change, and about political decision-making processes in Canada. They will explore their own and others’ ideas about civics questions and learn how to think critically about public issues and react responsibly to them.


Honors Civics – grade 9  Full Year  *Dual enrollment with Honors English required
This course is designed to develop the students’ skills beyond the fundamentals of writing expected at the high school level and will be expected to work at a higher level than that of the standard Civics 9 course. This course explores what it means to be an informed, participating citizen in a democratic society. Students will learn about the elements of democracy in local, national, and global contexts, about political reactions to social change, and about political decision-making processes in Canada. They will explore their own and others’ ideas about civics questions and learn how to think critically about public issues and react responsibly to them.

 

World Geography/World History – grade 10  Full Year
This course blends elements of World History and World Geography to provide students with a knowledge base for regions of the world and eras of world history. Along with physical geography and history of the region, economic, political, social, and cultural aspects of human activity are studied. The themes of geography and history are used to explore and analyze the past and relate historical events to present global issues. The course uses basic skills such as map reading, information collection, analysis and presentation, and knowledge of historical and geographic terms.

US History – grade 11   Full Year
This is a study of the historical growth of the United States with an emphasis on the 20th century to the present.  Its intent is to help students gain an understanding of the major political, economic, and social events that have shaped the nation. Such major themes as Imperialism, World Wars, the US role in World Economics and world culture are covered.


Advanced Placement United States History – grades 11–12  Full Year
This class is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States History. Students will analyze historical material, synthesize their own ideas, and evaluate those of others. The AP United States History course will develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format.

 

Advanced Placement European History – grades 11–12  Full Year
This is a college level survey course that covers the time period from approximately 1450 until the present. The course will cover economic, social, cultural, intellectual, political, and diplomatic themes in European History. Students will be expected to develop analytical skills.

 

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Health Department:


Health – grades 9–10  One Semester
Students will study relationships and communication, stress and time management, first-aid, drug use, physical, emotional, and mental health wellness issues are discussed in the context of making good, responsible choices.

 

Fine Arts Department:


Visual Art


Drawing & Painting – grades 9–12  Semester   Fee: TBA
This course will concentrate on drawing skills, shading, and color theory as it relates to painting.  Techniques of various paint media as well as techniques of various well known artists, will be studied. There will be strong emphasis on the use of the elements and principles of art and in developing an appropriate art vocabulary.

 
Computer Graphics – grades 9–12  Semester  Fee: TBA
This course is designed to allow the student to continually make the connection between art and design concepts, and traditional and emerging technologies. Students will learn to combine art with the tools of computers, digital photo and the Web to communicate in visual form. Students are expected to demonstrate consistent improvement in the application of skills and respect for equipment used.


Music


Concert Band – grades 9–12  Full Year
This course is designed for students who have attained a minimum level of proficiency on a band instrument, as determined by the director. The intent is to develop performance skills through concert band so that students may in turn develop a higher appreciation for, and a deeper understanding of, instrumental music. This course is also intended to enhance students’ character traits, with emphasis placed on personal responsibility, as well as fulfilling those commitments necessary to achieve positive results through a group effort.

 

Chamber Strings – grades 9–12  Full Year
This course is designed for students who have attained a minimum level of proficiency on a classical string instrument (violin, viola, cell, string bass) as determined by the director. The intent is to develop performance skills through musical performances so that students may in turn develop a higher appreciation for, and a deeper understanding of, instrumental music.  This course is also intended to enhance students’ character traits, with emphasis placed on personal responsibility, as well as fulfilling those commitments necessary to achieve positive results through a group effort.


Choir – grades 9–12  Full Year
This course teaches students about vocal music through rehearsal and performance; integration of music theory, listening skills, critique and evaluation, and exposure to a wide variety of music literature styles.  Students are required to participate in all scheduled performances in and out of school.  No audition required.


Music Theory – grades 9–12  Full Year
Music theory is offered to student with and without musical experience and is designed to develop theoretical musical skills. The course ranges from reading basic notation to complex analysis, ear training and composition.

 

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Business Department:

 

Accounting I & II – grades 10–12  Full Year  *Prerequisite of Entrepreneurship or permission by instructor
This course provides exposure to accounting principles and their application. The intent is to provide students with skills needed for recording and understanding financial transactions, and for understanding a comprehensive accounting system. The first half of the course includes completion of an accounting cycle and the preparation of appropriate financial statements. The second half of the course includes a comprehensive cycle of business emphasizing simulation, payrolls, special journals, decision making, and in-depth use of computer accounting systems. Students will be expected to keep accurate manual and computer records for an accounting system.


Entrepreneurship – grades 9–10  Full Year  *Required for freshmen
Students will explore business ownership and acquire the knowledge and develop the skills needed to effectively organize, develop, create, and manage their own business. Topics addressed include the assessment of entrepreneurial skills, the importance of business ethics, and the role of entrepreneurs in a free enterprise system. Students will develop a written business plan for a business of their choice. Instructional strategies may include a school-based enterprise, computer/technology applications, real and/or simulated occupational experiences, and projects.

 

Leadership – grades 10–11  Full Year  *Required for sophomores
Students will understand the concepts of leadership and the supervisory role, planning, decision-making, group and organizational dynamics, and functions in an organization. This class teaches how to be an effective leader. Concepts of goal setting, motivation, time management, and other interpersonal skills are taught.

 

Computer Applications – grades 9 – 12  Full Year
This is a business course that provides instruction in software concepts using word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, and presentation applications. Instruction in basic computer hardware and operating systems that support software applications is provided.

 

Internship – grades 11–12  Half Year/Full Year  *Approval by instructor, coordinated placement must be secured
The internship program offers on-the-job experience, either paid or unpaid, that provides a student with actual work experience. It provides structured learning experiences to help students develop broad, transferable skills through real-life work settings. It is a partnership between the student, parents, school, and community employers. Related counseling and follow-up services will be provided by school personnel.

 

Community Service Project – grades 11–12  Half Year/Full Year  *Approval by instructor, coordinated placement must be secured.
The community service project requires students to identify pressing community needs and devise and participate in projects that address those needs. As part of preparing to engage in the service project, students are required to conduct research into the area of need as well as explore issues related to citizenship and civic engagement.

 

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World Languages Department:


Spanish I – grades 9–12  Full Year
This course is designed for students who desire an introduction to a second language and culture.  Its intent is to expose students to the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with instructional emphasis on conversation. Students will also focus on cultural understanding, including a look at family life, dating, educational systems, sports, music and food.


Spanish II – grades 9–12  Full Year  *Prerequisite: Spanish I or permission of instructor
For students who have completed Spanish I, this course reinforces the basic language skills and further develops the student’s ability to communicate in a different culture. Students will expand their communication skills with a focus on Mexico and Latin America. The class is success oriented with language proficiency increasing as Spanish becomes the main language of communication in the classroom. (9th grade students who have completed the Middle School Spanish class successfully and passed a competency examination may be admitted to Spanish II.)


Spanish III – grades 9–12  Full Year  *Prerequisite: Spanish II
For students who have completed Spanish II,  this course provides practice in the basic language skills while communicating at an advanced level. The four skills are polished as the student becomes more involved in literature, art, music, and history. Advanced students will learn more about Spanish speaking people with emphasis on Spain and ancient Indian cultures of the Spanish world. Students will communicate in Spanish in the classroom so they can succeed in everyday language situations.


Spanish IV – grade 9–12  Full Year  *Prerequisite: Spanish III
For students who have completed Spanish III, this course provides additional practice in the basic language skills while communicating at an advanced level. Advanced students will be able to communicate in survival situations and gain further insight into other cultures. They will continue the study of literature, music, art, history and the Hispanic world while polishing their skills and increasing their vocabulary.


Physical Education Department:


Team Sports – grades 9–12  Semester
For students desiring participation in and knowledge of team sports. Different activities are taught each semester. Activities include flag football, soccer, basketball, international handball, volleyball, floor hockey, softball, and indoor soccer. (Class may be repeated one time.)

 

Individual Sports – grades 9–12  Semester
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to experience physical activity, improve physical and mental health and learn lifetime sports skills, and increase individual fitness and ability. This course takes individual differences into account in the teaching individual sports, and fitness. (Class may be repeated one time.)

 

Fitness – grades 9–12  Semester
This course is designed to help students establish or maintain overall cardiovascular fitness and strength through a variety of disciplines including: running, aerobics, weights, step aerobics, and toning. Other benefits include increased flexibility, endurance, and self confidence. (Class may be repeated one time.)

 

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