ELITE ACADEMY
HIGH SCHOOL COURSE OFFERING GUIDE
2015-2016
ENGLISH COURSE OFFERINGS
ENGLISH GRADE 9 Course No.: 1130B Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grade 9 Prerequisites: None This course is designed for both career- and college-bound students. A variety of literature will be discussed and analyzed to include works of various classic and contemporary authors. Knowledge of literary terms and genres will be applied in the student’s own writing and in the analysis of literature. Writing will encompass narrative, expository, and persuasive forms for a variety of purposes and audiences. Students will expand their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, oral presentations, research skills, technology use, and media literacy.
ENGLISH GRADE 10 Course No.: 1140B Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grade 10 Prerequisites: English Grade 9 This course is designed for both career- and college-bound students. They will read and analyze literary texts from a variety of eras and cultures. Attention will be given to the analysis of nonfictions texts. The development of expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive writings will be included, although emphasis will be placed on expository writing. Students will continue to expand development of vocabulary, research and presentation skills, and grammar knowledge. They will also examine, analyze, and produce media messages.
ENGLISH GRADE 11 Course No.: 1150B Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grade 11 Prerequisites: English Grade 10 Examination: Reading SOL, Writing SOL This course is designed for both career- and college-bound students. Students will study and identify the prevalent themes which are reflective of history, culture, and characterizations present in American literature. Students will draw conclusions and make inferences citing textual support. They develop informative and persuasive writings by locating, evaluating, and synthesizing information. They will continue to expand their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, oral presentations, research skills, technology use, and media literacy.
ENGLISH GRADE 12 Course No.: 1160B Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grade 12 Prerequisites: English Grade 11 The purpose of this course is to meet the needs of both career- and college-bound students. Students will analyze British literature and literature of other cultures by recognizing major literary forms and their elements. Additionally, students will analyze and synthesize nonfiction texts to solve problems. Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of grammatical conventions through writing, editing, and speaking. Students will plan and deliver oral presentations as well as choose appropriate tone and language for the audience. They will extend their knowledge of vocabulary, research skills, technology use, and media literacy. Informational, expository, and persuasive/argumentative writing will be included in this course. Students will also produce a well-documented major research product by following ethical and legal guidelines.
FUNCTIONAL READING GRADES 9-12
MATH COURSE OFFERINGS
ALGEBRA I Course No.: 3130 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grades 7-12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Math 8 SOL and “C” or better in Algebra Topics 8 Algebra I is a study of the real number system and its properties. Students study the solution of linear and quadratic equations, linear inequalities, systems of equations, polynomials, graphing, and data analysis. Tables and graphs are used to interpret algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities and to analyze functions. Appropriate technology is used as a tool to assist in problem solving
ALGEBRA II Course No.: 3135 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grades 10-12 Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry Algebra II is an advanced study of the following topics within the framework of the real number system: exponents and radicals, polynomial and rational functions, linear and quadratic functions and relations, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems. Complex numbers are also introduced.
ALGEBRA, FUNCTIONS, AND DATA ANALYSIS Course No.: 3134 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry Course must be taken before Algebra II. May be applied toward an advanced diploma if followed by Algebra II. Within the context of mathematical modeling and data analysis, students will study functions and their behaviors, systems of inequalities, probability, experimental design and implementation, and analysis of data. Data will be generated by practical applications arising from science, business, and finance. Students will solve problems that require the formulation of linear, quadratic, or exponential equations or a system of equations. The infusion of technology in the course will assist in modeling and investigating functions and data analysis.
CONSUMER MATH GRADES 9-12
SCIENCE COURSE OFFERINGS
EARTH SCIENCE Course No.: 4210B Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grade 9 Prerequisites: None Examination: SOL Earth Science presents a broad overview of four areas: geology, the study of the earth’s processes; astronomy, the study of space; meteorology, the study of weather; and, oceanography, the study of oceans. Through the use of lectures, labs, class activities, and audio-visual materials, the students develop a practical knowledge and appreciation of the forces which shape the earth and affect our lives. This course is recommended for students who have scheduled Algebra I, Part 1 or Algebra I, Part II for their freshman year.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Course No.: 4340 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grades 11-12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Earth Science and Biology Environmental Science places emphasis on the concepts of communities and ecosystems. Using lecture, lab studies, and various student activities, the cycles and interrelationships of living and non-living components of our environment are studied. Particular focus is upon man’s influence on these systems and the development of necessary attitudes for environmental stewardship.
HISTORY COURSE OFFERINGS
WORLD GEOGRAPHY Course No.: 2210 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grade 9 Prerequisites: None Examination: SOL World Geography examines the environmental and cultural patterns of the major world regions. Critical thinking skills are developed and applied as students examine demographic and economic data and investigate the causes, effects, and possible solutions to current international conflicts, problems, and environmental concerns. Map skills are extended as students use an atlas and varied types of maps in regional studies, build spatial perceptions, and develop a mental map of the world. Democratic values and citizenship are reinforced as students develop an appreciation of the cultural diversity of the world, learn to work cooperatively with classmates, and build an appreciation and concern for the environment. Students are expected, in addition to the requirements of the course, to take the World Geography End -of-Course Test, if not previously taken and passed.
VIRGINIA AND UNITED STATES HISTORY Course No.: 2360 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grade 11 Prerequisites: None Examination: SOL Virginia and United States History chronicle the history of the United States from the first European colonization of the Americas to the present. Individuals and groups that contributed to the unique evolution of the United States are studied. Both domestic and foreign policies are examined at various points in time as the United States developed into a democratic world power. While focusing on political and economic history, this course includes a study of the American culture. Students are expected, in addition to the requirements of the course, to take the Virginia and United States History End -of-Course Test, if not previously taken and passed.
VIRGINIA AND UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Course No.: 2440 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grade 12 Prerequisites: None Examination: None Virginia and United States Government examine the structure and functions of our federal form of government. The decision making processes at the local, state, and national levels are emphasized. The foundations of American government, the politics of American democracy, and constitutional rights and responsibilities are explored in depth. United States political and economic systems are compared to those of other nations, with emphasis on the relationships between economic and political freedoms. Economic content includes the United States market system, supply and demand, and the role of the government in the economy. Democratic values and citizen participation are stressed throughout the course.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSE OFFERINGS
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION GRADE 9 Course No.: 7300 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grade 9 Prerequisites: None Students in ninth grade Physical Education will complete the transition from modified versions of movement to more fundamental movements, as it relates to lifetime fitness. Through these activities students will be assessed on process based skills, while demonstrating strategy and content knowledge. Students will also focus on personal wellness through goal setting and fitness plans. Fitness plans and goals are based upon the five elements of fitness: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition. In Health, students will cover and be assessed on a variety of topics relating to wellness, fitness, health organizations, nutrition, CPR, disease, alcohol, tobacco, drugs and family life.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION GRADE 10 Course No.: 7405 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grade 10 Prerequisites: Health and Physical Education Grade 9 Students in tenth grade Physical Education will become proficient in all fundamental movements as it relates to lifetime fitness. Students will be assessed on process based skills, while demonstrating strategy and content knowledge. Through these activities and fitness goals, students become prepared to lead a physically active lifestyle. Fitness plans and goals are based upon the five elements of fitness: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition.
ELECTIVE COURSE OFFERINGS
ART I Course No.: 9120 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grades 9-12 Prerequisites: None Note: Lab fee required Art I introduces the creation and appreciation of art. Emphasis is placed on learning to draw, on understanding art as a visual language, and on recognizing the relationship of art to other fields. Students are expected to provide some of their own supplies (such as drawing pencils, erasers, sharpener, art pads, and colored pencils) for completing homework assignments.
ART II Course No.: 9130 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grades 10-12 Prerequisites: Art I Note: Lab fee required Art II provides in-depth experiences in drawing, painting, graphics, sculpture and crafts. The aim of this class is the development of each individual’s ideas and the skills needed to express them. Continued exposure to various artists and their contributions to the history of art are examined. Students are expected to provide some of their own supplies (such as drawing pencils, erasers, sharpener, art pads, and colored pencils) for completing homework assignments.
PUBLIC SPEAKING Course No.: 1300 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grades 10-12 Prerequisites: None This course provides the student with an overview of the communication process. Students study and experience the many facets of speechmaking and communicating effectively. Students learn the specific purposes for making a speech, the key aspects of the delivery of a speech, the art of oral interpretation and debate, and the personal value of effective communication.
FAMILY RELATIONS AND PARENTING Course No.: 8225 Credit: 1 Unit Recommended: Grades 11-12 Prerequisites: None Family Relations and Parenting is a single period, one year elective course. The course focuses on two questions: What should I do to build a strong family? What should I do about parenting? The problems are posed through case studies and shared experiences, and examined using critical questions that will lead to ethical decisions and reasoned action. The significance of families, nurturing human development, building healthy family relationships, managing work and family roles are examined. Also included is content related to parenting skills, meeting development needs of children throughout the life cycle, and building positive parent-child relationships.
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