| High School Curriculum GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PIKES PEAK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2007-2008 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Pikes Peak Christian School offers two diploma programs for high school graduation. In addition to the Regular Diploma Program, eligible students may choose the Honors Diploma Program. The administration strongly recommends that students complete the requirements of the Honors Diploma Program. Students must have written parental permission to pursue the Regular Diploma Program. One unit of credit is equal to two semesters of course work in classes that meet daily for a minimum of 45 minutes. Classes that meet for 45 minutes or more on alternating days earn one-half credit in two semesters. Regular Diploma Program for High School English 4.0 credits Mathematics 3.0 credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Intermediate Algebra, Algebra II, Precalculus, Statistics) Science 3.0 credits (Physical Science, Biology, and Botany or Chemistry) Social Studies 4.0 credits World Language 2.0 credits Health 0.5 credits PE 1.0 credits* Speech 0.5 credits Bible 2.0 credits** Electives 3.5credits
_________ TOTAL 23.5 credits * Athletics participation is a ¼ PE credit for each completed sport up to a maximum of ½ cumulative credits. ** Students are required to take a Bible class every year they are enrolled at PPCS. This requirement is adjusted for students transferring from a school that did not require Bible.
Honors Diploma Program for High School English 4.0 credits Mathematics 4.0 credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, AP Calculus) Science 4.0 credits (Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Physics) Social Studies 4.0 credits World Language 2.0 credits Health 0.5 credits PE 1.0 credits * Speech 0.5 credits Bible 2.0 credits ** Electives 3.5 credits (1.0 credits must come from Music, and/or Fine Arts) _________ TOTAL 25.5 credits * Athletics participation is a ¼ PE credit for each completed sport up to a maximum of ½ cumulative credits. ** Students are required to take a Bible class every year they are enrolled at PPCS. This requirement is adjusted for students transferring from a school that did not require Bible.
Student Aide and Study Hall Credit A student may earn a maximum of one credit for Aide Electives toward graduation requirements. Students will not receive credits for Study Hall. GPA A student's cumulative grade point average (GPA) is calculated on a 4.0 scale with the following values assigned each grade: A - 4.0 D - 1.0 B - 3.0 F - 0.0 C - 2.0 Honors and AP classes are weighted. Students must maintain an 80% or above average to maintain their honors contract. A - 5.0 B - 4.0 C - 3.0 Schedule Changes A student must make all schedule changes within two weeks following the beginning of the semester. No changes may be made without the permission of the Assistant Director and the written or verbal consent of a parent. Changes will be considered if they do not affect graduation requirements and they do not overload a particular class.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS BIBLE DEPARTMENT BIBLE 9: SURVEY OF THE BIBLE BIBLE 10: OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY BIBLE 11/12 Year 1 (LIFE OF CHRIST): This class will be a follow-up to the previous year with a study of New Testament history. This in-depth study of God’s plan of salvation through his Son is the main theme of this course of study. The lessons will use the major events and people of the New Testament to provide the student with an understanding of God’s plan for mankind’s salvation. Strong moral principles will be the underpinnings for this class. Learning styles will include writing, reading, lectures, cooperative group activities, guest speakers, multi-media, and field trips. Year 2 (HISTORY OF THE CHURCH): This class builds on the previous year’s lessons of the church to provide an understanding of the historical events in church history resulting in today’s denominations and worship. The student will experience the growth of the early church through the Renaissance to the Reformation Movement to the Restoration Movement and on into today’s diverse forms of mankind’s worship of God. Broad philosophical and moral concepts will be the order of study providing the student with a firm foundation of religion in mainstream religion in America today. Class discussion, multi-media, lecture, class participation, and field trips will be the vehicles for understanding. A strong understanding and use of the Bible is important but not required. The second focus series, That the World May Know: Churches of Asia Minor, with faith lessons, will be one of the primary teaching vehicles. COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT COMPUTER APPLICATIONS The student will build on their previous keyboarding speed and accuracy. They will also learn to use and integrate Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and Power Point on an IBM PC or compatible computer. These skills are useful, not only in schoolwork, but also in the business world. They are a necessary stepping stone for any student wishing to advance in any computer related field. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grades: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
ADVANCED COMPUTER APPLICATIONS The student will be introduced to Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), flowcharting, and simple programming thought processes. They will learn simple database management and will build simple real world projects through the use of Microsoft Access. The students will be introduced to Visual Basic and some basic programming. Prerequisite: Computer Applications and teacher recommendation Grades: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING The student will learn programming with Visual Basic and then study web design and web graphics to include building a web site. Prerequisite: Computer Applications and teacher recommendation Grades: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY The student will learn about digital cameras and photo composition. They will learn how to manipulate digital photographs to improve the quality of the final picture product. They will also learn to create fun and interesting final picture products. Each student will create a portfolio of their photographs, notes, and class handouts. In collaboration with the journalism class, students will take pictures which may be used in the yearbook and newspaper. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grades: 9-12 Length: 1 Semester Credit: ½ ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY The student will gain a greater understanding of the settings on their camera and how to use them to take higher quality pictures. They will learn to increase the quality of their pictures through more technical techniques of modifying the pictures through computer software that is used by many professional photographers. Each student will create a portfolio of their photographs and class handouts. In collaboration with the journalism class, students will take pictures and build layouts to be used in the school newspaper and yearbook. Prerequisite: Digital Photography and teacher recommendation Grades: 10-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: 1
LANGUAGE ARTS DEPARTMENT ENGLISH 9: LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION The student will study the areas of grammar, vocabulary, and spelling to build skills in writing. Through the study of literature, the student will focus on the short story, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and selected novels from a wide variety of authors. Writing, oral presentations, tests, and discussions will be used for evaluation. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grade: 9 Length: 1 year Credit: 1 ENGLISH 10: WORLD LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (H) The student will study grammar, vocabulary, and spelling to build improved skills in writing. The student will examine short stories, poetry, nonfiction, the novel, and drama using literature from around the world. Advancement of writing skills will be emphasized. Prerequisite: 9th Grade English Literature and Composition Grade: 10 Length: 1 year Credit: 1 ENGLISH 11: AMERICAN LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (H) The student will study grammar, vocabulary, and spelling to build effective skills in writing. The student will experience the rich variety of American literature in the form of poetry, short stories, nonfiction, the novel and drama. Practice for national standardized tests is included. The student will write term and critical analysis papers. Prerequisite: 10th Grade World Literature and Composition Grade: 11 Length: 1 year Credit: 1 ENGLISH 12: BRITISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION The student will strengthen his/her expository and creative writing, use the various rhetorical strategies, and sharpen critical thinking skills. The student will explore all forms of British literature and write critical analysis papers. Research and documentation accompany term papers. Prerequisite: 11th Grade American Literature and Composition Grade: 12 Length: 1 year Credit: 1 ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) BRITISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION * AP English 12 is a challenging honors course that is designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college course in a high school setting. The focus is on close, critical reading of poetry, drama, prose fiction, and expository literature from the sixteenth century to the present. The student will develop mature habits of critical thinking as an independent reader of and writer about literature. The natural goal and outcome of this course is the taking of the Advance Placement English Exam in the spring in attempt to receive college credit for the course. Because of the advanced level of this course, a student may earn 5.0 points on the 4.0 grade point scale. Prerequisite: English 11 with a B or above and permission of the instructor Grade: 12 Length: 1 year Credit: 1 CREATIVE WRITING The student will have many opportunities for creative expression. All avenues of enhancing one’s creative abilities will be explored. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grade: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½ READING FOR PLEASURE The student has the opportunity to read a wide variety of literature genres. An emphasis will be placed on the enjoyment of reading. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grade: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½ SPEECH The student will develop confidence and gain experience in public speaking through using informative and persuasive speaking, introductions, demonstrations, impromptu speaking, and group discussion. Emphasis will be put on how communication works and on effective communication. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grade: 10 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½ DEBATE/FORENSICS The student will study the techniques and skills required to perform or debate. Through performance and debate, the student will acquire confidence, improve dramatic skills, interpret literature accurately, learn to “think on their feet,” further their writing talent, hone their listening abilities, argue respectfully, and sharpen their research skills. Course content consists of oral interpretation of drama, humor and poetry, duo interpretation, Lincoln-Douglas debate, cross-examination debate, extemporaneous speaking, original oratory, and duet acting. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grade: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½ JOURNALISM The student will study and practice the skills of journalism: writing stories, editing, interviewing, and summarizing while producing the school newspaper. In addition, this class will develop the PPCS yearbook. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation Grades: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT ART The student will be exposed to many aspects of visual arts including drawing, painting, sculpture, papier mâché, and many others. Students will explore many styles of art, such as abstract, realism, cubism, impressionism, surrealism, and pointillism. Students will advance in applying the elements of art, principles of design, and sensory and expressive features of visual arts. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grade: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
ART APPRECIATION The student will develop an understanding, appreciation, and perception of the elements of art and principles of design as they are studied in drawings, paintings, graphics, sculptures, etc. Important periods of art history are presented by lectures and visuals. Self-expression is stressed as the student is introduced to art experiences. (This Course is not designed for students wishing to become an artist or to create masterpieces. It is a beginning level class designed to familiarize students with the different types of art and learn how to speak/write intelligently about art.)
DRAMA I The student will exercise the ability to communicate creatively. The student will study the basic rules of improvisation, pantomime, characterization, voice and diction. Additionally, students will study the structure, varieties, and history of drama. Drama games will encourage freedom of expression and creativity. Performance of pantomimes, monologues and play cuttings will allow the student to demonstrate what has been learned in class. Each student will be expected to participate in some way in the full-length play performed during the semester. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grade: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
DRAMA II The student will continue their study of drama begun in Drama I. The student will study more advanced aspects of acting as well as the production of plays. Performance of play cuttings and hands-on experience with stage settings, lighting, sound, costuming, and makeup will allow the student to demonstrate their knowledge of theater. Each student will be expected to participate in some way in the full-length play performed during the semester. Prerequisite: Drama I Grade: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
CHORAL ARTS I This course is a semester long course that teaches the fundamentals of group singing and how to read music. Students will study music from a variety of periods and genres, and learn to sing in multiple parts. Students will also move through the process of auditioning, rehearsing, and performing a musical. The overall choral experience will be performance oriented. No musical training is necessary for students to be involved. Prerequisite: High school enrollment and teacher recommendation Grades: 9-12 Length: 1 year Credit: ½
CHORAL ARTS II This course is a semester long course that offers instruction at the beginning and intermediate levels of reading and singing choral music. Students will study music from a variety of periods and genres, and sing in multiple parts. The overall choral experience will be performance oriented. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grades: 9-12 Length: 1 year Credit: ½
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
ALGEBRA I The student will study: expressions, equations, and functions; rational numbers; linear equations; ratios and proportions; graphing; solving linear inequalities and polynomials; factoring polynomials and equations; quadratic and exponential functions; rational and radical expressions. In addition, students relate and apply the algebraic concepts to geometry, statistics, data analysis, probability, and discrete mathematics. Prerequisite: Prealgebra or Teacher recommendation Grade: 9 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
GEOMETRY (H) The student will study the following geometrical concepts: points, lines, planes and angles; reflections and symmetry; similarities and congruencies; triangles, polygons, and three-dimensional figures; areas, perimeters, surface areas and volumes; indirect and coordinate proofs. Algebra and discrete mathematics will be integrated throughout this course. Students will gain skill in drawing, visualizing, and following algorithms; understand properties, mathematical relationships and proofs; use geometric ideas in real situations; and represent geometric concepts with coordinates, networks, or other diagrams. Prerequisite: Algebra I Grades: 9, 10 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA This course is designed to prepare students who need additional reinforcement in basic algebra to succeed in Algebra II and is intended to be taken immediately prior to Algebra II. The student will review equations of lines, polynomials, quadratic functions, and rational and radical expressions. Logarithmic and exponential functions will be introduced. Conics, sequences, and series may be explored. In addition students will learn mathematical modeling and applications of math to different fields. Graphing calculators will be used. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry Grades: 10-12 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
ALGEBRA II (H) The student will learn more advanced concepts of algebra, including functions of all kinds, systems of equations, matrices, polynomials, radicals, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, and trigonometric functions. The student will learn mathematical modeling, applications, and connections of math to other disciplines. Graphing calculators will be used. Prerequisites: Geometry Grades: 10, 11 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
ALGEBRA III/TRIGONOMETRY The student will learn the advanced concepts of algebra, trigonometry, and may have a brief introduction to calculus. Topics will include advanced functions and inverse functions, behavior of graphs, trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations, and topics in analytic geometry. Extensive use will be made of the graphing calculator. Prerequisite: Algebra II with a grade of C or above Grades: 11, 12 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
HONORS PRECALCULUS (H) The student will learn the advanced concepts of algebra, trigonometry, and have an introduction to calculus. Topics will include advanced functions and inverse functions, behavior of graphs, trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations, topics in analytic geometry, derivatives, and integrals. Extensive use will be made of the graphing calculator. Prerequisite: Algebra II with a grade of C or above and permission of the instructor. Grades: 11, 12 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
CALCULUS This course is designed to prepare the student to take Calculus I in college. The student will study calculus using a variety of approaches: graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal. The student will understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral, will be able to model a physical situation with a function, a differential equation, or an integral, and will be able to use current technology to solve problems and interpret results. Prerequisite: Precalculus with a C or above and permission of the instructor. Grade: 12 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CALCULUS AB * This course is designed to prepare the student to take the AP Calculus AB Exam. The student will study calculus using a variety of approaches: graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal. The student will understand the relationship between the derivative and the definite integral, will be able to model a physical situation with a function, a differential equation, or an integral, and will be able to use current technology to solve problems and interpret results. Because of the advanced level of this class, a student may earn 5.0 points on the 4.0 grade point scale. All students taking the course must take the AP Calculus Exam. Prerequisite: Precalculus with a B or above and permission of the instructor Grade: 12 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
STATISTICS * (H) The student will learn the basic principles of statistics. Concepts studied will include interpretation of surveys, effective presentation of data, probability applications, and scientific methods of drawing conclusions from data. The student will learn statistical modeling, applications, and connections of statistics to other disciplines. Statistics functions on graphing calculators will be used extensively. Projects will be an important part of this course. This course will be especially helpful for students who will be studying business, psychology, nursing or other medical fields, education, engineering, and computer science in college and for students who want to understand the statistics presented to citizens in the media. Recommended for juniors and seniors who are not taking precalculus or calculus. Prerequisites: Algebra II Grades: 11, 12 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PHYSICAL EDUCATION The student will participate in a variety of physical activities including individual sports, team sports, personal fitness, and weight training. The curriculum is designed to encourage each student to find an activity that he/she can do for life. The course is taught from a Christian perspective. The student is taught that the body is a gift from God to be cared for. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grade: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT PHYSICAL SCIENCE HEALTH BIOLOGY BOTANY * CHEMISTRY PHYSICS ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY *
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT CIVICS The student will examine the principle rights and responsibilities of a United States citizen, demonstrate understanding regarding the structure and functions of our national, state, and local governments, discover the major elements that make up the free enterprise and American legal systems, assess the relationships between the United States and other countries, and evaluate all topics using a Christian perspective that honors God as the author of all authority and truth. In order to provide a complete educational experience, students will be exposed to a variety of learning styles including: writing, reading, lectures, cooperative group activities, guest speakers, multi-media, and field trips. Prerequisite: High school enrollment Grade: 9 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
MODERN WORLD HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY (H) The student will experience the history of the world, with emphasis on the modern era, seeing the relationships among important political, scientific, and social and cultural events, and God’s hand in directing the course of history. This journey will begin with a survey of early civilizations, the Renaissance and Reformation, and the rise of empires. It will continue with the scientific, English, American, French, and industrial revolutions, leading to the Age of Imperialism. In the second semester students will study the World Wars, the Cold War, and contemporary challenges in the countries of the world. Students will be exposed to a variety of learning styles including writing, reading, lectures, cooperative group activities, guest speakers, multi-media, and field trips. The student will study the geography of the world to gain a Christian world perspective using the A Beka curriculum. This course encompasses both physical and political geography. Prerequisite: Civics Grade: 10 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
MODERN AMERICAN HISTORY The student will examine the history of our nation, focusing on the Civil War to the present time. Emphasis will be placed on the people of history, demonstrating that history is the story of all of God’s children. Through this course the student will see the past linked to the present, the unpredictable nature of history, and that real people have changed the course of history, inspiring them to use all of their God-given talents. The themes include government, economics, culture, and foreign relations. Students will focus on critical thinking, writing, reading, projects, and cooperative learning. Prerequisite: Modern World History Grade: 11 Length: 1 year Credit: 1 ECONOMICS The student will study the free enterprise system from a Christian perspective using the A Beka curriculum. Students will use writing, reading, and critical thinking. Several hands-on economics projects are a highlight of this course. Prerequisite: Modern American History Grade: 12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
U.S. CONSTITUTION AND CURRENT EVENTS This course is a senior level social studies class studying the U.S. Constitution’s history, development, and current relevancy to individual citizens. This class will study the nation’s fundamental laws, the basic structure of our national government, and the rights and liberties of the American people. This class will also include a study of the current events and cases relevant to the U.S. Constitution. Prerequisite: Modern American History Grade: 12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) UNITED STATES HISTORY * This rigorous honors course is designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college course in a high school setting. It is a year-long survey of American History from the Age of Exploration to the present. There will be an emphasis placed on critical thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Because of the advanced level of this course, a student may earn 5.0 points on the 4.0 grade point scale. Students taking the course are required to take the AP US History Exam. Prerequisite: Modern World History with a B or above and permission of the instructor Grade: 11 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT SPANISH I The student will learn the Spanish language using listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Practical vocabulary building and conversation skills will be emphasized. In the process, the student will experience the richness of the culture of Spain and the Hispanic countries. Prerequisite: Enrollment in 11th grade Grade: 11 Length: 1 year Credit: 1
SPANISH II The student will continue skill development in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This course further develops grammatical concepts and knowledge of the cultures of Spain and the Hispanic countries. Increased oral proficiency is emphasized. Prerequisite: Spanish I Grade: 12 Length: 1 year Credit: 1 TOUR of GERMANY The student will experience the culture, history, geography, and demographics of Germany as a country and as a people. The journey will begin with applying for and receiving a “Passport.” As the student tours Germany he or she will get their passport stamped at the various cities they visit with visas. Extensive use of crafts, maps, and common German dialogue will be used to familiarize the student with this country and language. This course is intended to help the ninth and tenth grade student decide on a foreign language for their eleventh and twelfth grade years. Grade: 9, 10 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
MISCELLANEOUS AIDE Develops skills in assisting the teacher or staff in classroom preparation, grading, filing, and preparation of teaching materials. May include assisting in reading to students or helping with learning activities. Emphasizes responsible behavior and interpersonal skills. A student may earn a maximum of one elective credit towards graduation as an aide.
Prerequisite: Teacher or administrator recommendation and High school enrollment Grade: 9-12 Length: 1 semester Credit: ½
Notes: (1) Courses using college level curriculum are annotated with an “*” (2) Courses offered with an honors option are annotated with an “(H)” |
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