Course Descriptions - Electives
ART - As we study various works of art from history, students may encounter pieces that contain mature content. Parents who would like to view these pieces in advance or who would like to request alternate assignments for their students are encouraged to meet with the teacher early in the semester so that each student's art experience is relevant and enriching.
Art I: Art Foundations – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)
Art Foundations emphasizes the development of abilities to recognize visual arts content, concepts, and skills to create, discuss, and understand original works of art. The standards represent a thematic approach to visual communication and production, cultural context and art history, judgment and criticism and aesthetics through which students will develop understanding and appreciation for the visual arts. At this level, studio production involves beginning experiences utilizing a variety of media.
Art II: Intermediate – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Art I: Art Foundations)
This course extends and refines abilities to investigate and respond to the visual arts. The standards emphasize the importance of content, concepts, and skills involved in the creation of original works of art. The standards introduce a chronological approach to visual communication and production, cultural context and art history, judgment and criticism, and aesthetics that enhance student understanding of the ways in which art functions within a multicultural society. Areas covered are drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, printing and various crafts. Students are encouraged to develop self-expression through their individual works.
Art III: Advanced Intermediate – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Art II: Intermediate)
Advanced Intermediate Art continues the emphasis on development of abilities to organize and analyze visual arts content, concepts, and skills in creating works of art. The focus on art history, critical evaluation and aesthetics is increased, and includes cultural and stylistic issues and creative problem solving. At the advanced level, previous understandings and skills are further emphasized and developed while the students are allowed and encouraged to pursue individual projects and to plan and execute creative products by using a variety of techniques and visual concepts.
Art IV: Advanced – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Art III: Advanced Intermediate)
Advanced Art reinforces competence and confidence in skills of analysis evaluation, and creation of works of art. Content and concepts associated with art criticism and aesthetics are central to the refinement of art production skills, and the student-directed approach at this level richly enhances personal expressive abilities. Visual communication and production, cultural context and art history, judgment and criticism, and aesthetics remain the foundation areas of standards. Students pursue independent projects that allow them to expand their unique talents and interests. Students conduct research that is related to their studio production and are given opportunities to exhibit and develop portfolios for college or employment review.
Studio Art – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Art I, Art II, Art III, and Art IV)
Studio art is a course for advanced art students who want to study areas of art in depth. There is a continued emphasis upon aesthetic knowledge, visual problem-solving, creative growth, and the use of media skills for personal expression. Students are allowed more time for pursuing individual projects, for exploration of art media and techniques, and for developing art skills. The students are allowed to choose areas in which they want to work. Along with the teacher, the student chooses media and subject matter. This may include any area of art such as sculpture, painting, graphics, drawing or crafts. This course may be taken more than once for further knowledge and experience.
Graphic Design I – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Art I: Art Foundations)
Graphic Design allows students to study foundation skills and explore the potential of computer image making and video. Students will use the computer’s most complex creativity tools and the industry standard in digital imaging. They may include, but are not limited to, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. They will work independently on computer tutorials with the help of the instructor. Students will explore common production requirements faced by graphic designers.
Graphic Design II – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Graphic Design I)
Students will continue to use the computer’s most complex creativity tools and the industry standard in digital imaging and web design. This class provides a working knowledge of web page design and construction. Students will learn how to create a web site by focusing on full web development software and HTML, the code that builds web sites. Emphasis is on project planning and management; content organization; visual design, approach, and navigation; and the technology of launching a successful site on the Internet. The course features lectures, systematic class assignments, and opportunity for individual projects. Students will work independently on computer tutorials with the help of the instructor. They will explore common production requirements faced by web designers.
Music
Beginning Chorus – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)
This course emphasizes fundamental vocal development, traditional notation, and the introduction to ensemble singing. It requires performance, creativity, and investigation at a fundamental level. Opportunities are provided for students to explore ways in which the content of the various disciplines, within and outside the arts, are interrelated with those of music.
Intermediate Chorus – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus)
This course is designed for students who have achieved competency in beginning vocal/choral skills. Emphasis is placed on the continuing development of vocal production techniques and ensemble participation. Opportunities to explore the relationship between music and the arts and disciplines outside of the arts are continued.
Advanced Chorus – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Beginning and/or Intermediate Chorus)
This course emphasizes proficiency in ensemble singing and will begin to develop competency in individual performance. Singing with refined expressive qualities, the student will perform vocal/choral selections and sight-reading material at increased levels of difficulty. Students will demonstrate an expanded ability in performance, creativity, and analytical investigation and will also gain experiential knowledge of leadership and evaluative skills in group and in individual settings. Opportunity for students to explore the relationship between music and other disciplines continues to be provided.
Select Vocal Ensemble – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Prior choral participation preferred, but not necessary)
This course is open to students through audition only. The choir studies a varied repertoire of music and emphasis is on performance. Students are required to perform at various special school events and functions throughout the community.
Hand Bells – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Middle School Band, Hand Bells or prior music reading skill)
This course provides students the opportunity to extend their skills in hand bell performance and reading music. Participation in school and community concerts and performances are mandatory. This course is offered for one term only.
Music Theory/History Review (Prerequisite: None)
This course provides students with the necessary tools to work with music from creative and performance viewpoints. The basic fundamentals of music reading are stressed with emphasis on scales, intervals, chords, four-part writing and form analysis. Ear training and basic music composition skills will be stressed. Students will also be introduced to the understanding of music in western civilization, correlated with political, religious, and sociological occurrences that shaped music. Study will also include the study of rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, form and color.
Performance Ensemble – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)
This performance-oriented band participates in concert appearances. Students continue the in-depth mastery of basic fundamentals of music while preparing pieces for performances. Students in this class expand their knowledge and skills of instrumental techniques, tone production, musical interpretation, and ensemble/solo performance to an advanced level. Students at the advanced level should be able to perform at Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association Selective List for solo repertoire levels 2-5. Performances and rehearsals outside school hours are required.
Advanced Band - 1 credit (Prerequisite: Performance Ensemble)
This course stresses learning and performing on a band instrument. It is a continued study designed to promote technical proficiency on the techniques of ensemble and full band performances by participating regularly in a band setting. Students at the advanced level should be able to perform at Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association Selective List for solo repertoire levels 5-6. The fundamentals of music are continued and extended to broaden knowledge of all major and chromatic scales (the Standard 26 American Drum Rudiments for Percussion), selected minor scales, keys, rhythm patterns, and basic expression symbols. Instrumental techniques are improved with a study of intonation, tone quality, breath control (including vibrato), extensions of range, auxiliary fingering, alternate positions, basic improvisational skills, articulation, phrasing, and execution of trills. Percussion students will become more proficient in the use of mallet instruments, keyboard, and timpani. Emphasis is placed on the proper balance and function of the various instrumental choirs of the band. Students are expected to have the ability to discuss musical concepts, cultures, styles, composers and historical periods. A broad range of musical literature is studied in order to acquaint the students with musical styles. Marching band is a part of this program.
Percussion Ensemble – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)
This class is designed to develop all percussion skills used for marching band, concert band, indoor drum line and percussion ensemble. It is designed for students interested in learning proper percussion technique. Emphasis will be placed on snare drum, tenor drum, and bass drum techniques used for marching band as well as keyboard and accessory percussion technique. The level, instrumentation, and performance opportunities will be left to the discretion of the instructor. This is a performance-oriented course that includes extracurricular activities. Students must be willing and able to perform with the marching band and other scheduled performances.
Visual Ensemble – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Successful Audition)
These ensembles are designed to meet specific needs and/or interests. Content includes study of appropriate ensemble literature and rehearsal and performance techniques from the various areas of musical composition. After-school performances and rehearsals, both in and out of school, may be required. Students will do routines set to music. Routines will include dance and use of equipment such as flags and rifles. Students in the course will participate in marching band as part of the color guard.
Theatre
Film/TV Production - 1 elective credit (Prerequisite: None)
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to participate in a variety of film projects, from creating commercials to creating an episode for a television sitcom. All coursework is created to help students gain an understanding of the film-making process. Topics include, but are not limited to, film creation, film etiquette, roles and jobs in front of and behind the camera.
Introduction to Speech Communication and Theatre – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)
This challenging course is for ninth through twelfth grade students who have a serious interest in developing their speaking and acting skills. Students will be exposed to the dynamics of speech and the categories of speech (forensics) competition. This course is also designed to provide students with a survey of the theatre arts, allowing opportunities to participate in the creative processes of oral interpretation, performance and production. This course provides the theatrical and speech opportunities that enable students to determine personal areas of interest.
Theatre I – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)
Theatre I explores both theory and practice of theatre arts. Students will be enabled to participate in creative processes of developing, refining, producing, and performing theatre. Throughout this course, students will gain an appreciation for the theatre artist and their process through analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating dramatic literature and theatrical works. The course emphasizes foundational concepts, ensemble work, and skill development and provides opportunities for students to apply these skills to areas of personal interest.
Theatre II – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Theatre I)
Theatre II builds upon concepts and skills acquired in Theatre I. Students will investigate dramatic literature, theatrical styles, and historical periods. They will experience and respond to a variety of theatrical performances that refine their communicative, collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. Students expand their artistic abilities by examining a variety of creative and technical roles in performance and production.
Theatre III – 1 credit each course (Prerequisite: Theatre I and Theatre II)
Students will develop advanced acting concepts and build upon skills acquired in Theatre II. Students will investigate acting styles and explore the process of playwriting, which includes research, character development, and creation of dramatic structure, conflict, and resolution. Students study and respond to a variety of theatrical works in relation to the historical and cultural influences present in the work. They continue to cultivate and refine their artistic abilities and creative choices for performance and production.
Theatre IV – 1 credit each course (Prerequisites: Theatre I, II, & III)
Students will refine the concepts learned and skills acquired in Theatre III while reinforcing the principles learned in Theatre I and II. Through research and inquiry of theatre topics of personal interest, students develop and refine creative choices for performance, production, and direction. They study and respond to a variety of theatrical experiences, applying their critical thinking skills. Students develop and showcase leadership skills involving communication, problem solving, and collaboration to achieve unified productions.
Technical Theatre – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)
This course offers students the opportunity to gain expertise in all elements of technical theatre. Students study scenic design, theatre management, sound design, stagecraft, makeup, masks, costume design and construction, scenery painting, stage management, lighting design, theatre spaces, scenic painting, props, and special effects.
Health and Physical Education - NOTE: Students may earn, in any combination, no more than two elective credits from the following courses: Advanced Physical Education I, Advanced Physical Education II, Physical Training I and Physical Training II.
Health and Physical Education 9 – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)
In grade 9, students complete the transition from modified versions of movement forms to more complex applications across all types of physical activities. Activities include games, sports, dances, and recreational pursuits. Students demonstrate the ability to use basic skills, strategies, and tactics as they show more specialized knowledge in identifying and applying key movement concepts and principles. Students develop and assess a personal physical activity program aimed at improving their skill performance. Students demonstrate the ability to plan and improve components of fitness to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of personal fitness. Physical fitness testing occurs twice each semester.
Health education includes information concerning alcohol and other drugs, consumer health, disease prevention and control, personal health, growth and wellness, mental health, nutrition, and family life education. Additionally, all students must participate and successfully complete CPR/First Aid and AED training in order to complete graduation requirements.
Health and Physical Education 10 – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Health and Physical Education 9)
In grade 10, students are proficient in all fundamental movement skills. Students self-select physical activities that they are likely to participate in throughout life. Students understand and apply key movement and fitness principles and concepts for activities in which they demonstrate competence. Students develop the ability to understand and anticipate how physical activity interests and abilities change across a lifetime. Students must demonstrate a level of competency in at least three lifetime physical activities and implement, self-assess, and modify a personal fitness plan. Physical fitness testing occurs twice each semester.
Classroom instruction mostly consists of driver education but includes lessons on nutrition and family life education as well. Classroom and in-car driver education focus on safe driving attitudes, time, space, and distance perception, skill development, and recognition of appropriate response to hazards in the ever-changing driving environment. Students apply basic driving skills in low-to-moderate traffic situations and progress to demonstration of skill proficiency in more complex traffic situations. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on extensive supervised practice with a licensed parent or guardian to develop precision in the use of skills, processes, and responsibilities.
Advanced Physical Education I – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Health & P.E. 9 and Health & P.E. 10 - successful completion) Only Junior/Senior Students)
This course provides students opportunities to expand the scope of their skills in physical education to include officiating, orienteering, coaching, and teaching. An additional goal is to foster lifetime fitness. Emphasis is placed on the five health-related components of fitness including cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body fat control. Individual student fitness levels are assessed. Instruction includes emphasis on health risk factors related to lifestyles and how nutrition affects wellness. Activities include weight training and conditioning, outdoor recreation, fundamentals of officiating, fundamentals of coaching and teaching, flag football, softball, tennis, golf, badminton, soccer, archery, basketball and volleyball. Physical fitness testing occurs twice each semester. Throughout this course, student fitness levels will be monitored with the use of individual records that incorporate charts and graphs.
Advanced Physical Education II– 1 credit (Prerequisite: Advanced Physical Education I)
This course provides students opportunities to expand the scope of their skills in physical education to include officiating, orienteering, coaching, and teaching. An additional goal is to foster lifetime fitness. Emphasis is placed on the five health-related components of fitness including cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body fat control. Individual student fitness levels are assessed. Instruction includes emphasis on health risk factors related to lifestyles and how nutrition affects wellness. Selected movement activities may include archery, soccer, weight training, orienteering, ultimate Frisbee, softball, golf, badminton, tennis, volleyball, basketball, team handball, flag football, and fitness testing. Many of these activities are extensions of those offered in Advanced Physical Education I. Physical fitness testing occurs twice each semester. Throughout this course, student fitness levels will be monitored with the use of individual records that incorporate charts and graphs.
Physical Training I – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Health & P.E. 9 and Health & P.E. 10 - successful completion) Only Junior/Senior Students)
This course provides students opportunities to expand the scope of their skills in strength training. It teaches appropriate use of weight training equipment. The objectives of this course are to introduce the student to methods and techniques for improving muscular strength and endurance through program design. Methods of training include machines, free weights, and training without apparatus. Physical fitness testing occurs twice each semester.
Physical Training II – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Physical Training I)
This course provides students opportunities to expand the scope of their skills in strength training. It teaches appropriate use of weight training equipment. The objectives of this course are to expound on advanced methods and techniques for improving muscular strength and endurance through program design. Methods of training include machines, free weights, and training without apparatus. Students will develop and utilize a personalized sport specific or lifestyle specific training program. Physical fitness testing occurs twice each semester.
Sports Exercise and Health I-A– 1 credit
This course is designed for students interested in the medical profession and athletics. The material presented will combine medical principles with the athletic setting. Specific topics will include human anatomy, injury prevention and identification, medical documentation, record keeping, preventive taping, equipment fitting, first aid, rehabilitation guidelines, and career options. Special topics/current issues in health care will also be discussed. Students will participate in hands-on learning activities and be expected to perform practical skills.
Sports Exercise and Health I-B– 1 credit (Prerequisite – Sports Medicine –I-A)
Students will increase their skills learned in Sports Medicine I. Mastery of the material in this course would provide students with a strong background should they wish to pursue certification in areas such as first aid, CPR, AED, and/or personal trainer.
Sports Exercise and Health II-A – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Sports Medicine I-A and I-B)
This course is designed as an advanced look at the treatment, evaluation, and rehabilitation of athletic related injuries. Topics include medical documentation, record keeping, preventive taping, equipment fitting and professional considerations. Instruction will include advanced first aid and life support techniques.
Sports Exercise and Health II-B– 1 credit (Prerequisite – Sports Medicine –II-A)
Students study basic human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, legal and ethical issues in sports medicine, and career preparation. Mastery of the material in this course would provide students with a strong background should they wish to pursue certification in areas such as first aid, CPR, AED, and/or personal trainer.
World Languages
French I – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)
Level I French focuses on students’ communicative competence in French and their understanding of the cultures of French-speaking countries. In level I French classes, students learn to communicate in real-life contexts about topics that are meaningful to them. French I concentrates on the development of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the use of French in the classroom and on the use of authentic materials to learn about the language and the culture. An important component of French classes is the use of the French language beyond the classroom in order to apply knowledge of the language in the real world. In many cases, this is accomplished through the integration of technology in the classroom.
French II – 1 credit (Prerequisite: French I or its equivalent)
In French II, students continue to develop their proficiency in the three modes of communicative competence: interacting with other speakers of French, understanding oral and written messages in French, and making oral and written presentations. They are exposed to more complex features of the French language. They continue to focus on communicating about their immediate world and daily life. Emphasis continues to be placed on the use of French in the classroom as well as on the use of authentic materials to learn about the culture.
French III – 1 credit (Prerequisite: French II or its equivalent)
In French III, students continue to develop their proficiency in the three modes of communicative competence. They communicate using more complex structures in French on a variety of topics, including some of an abstract nature, such as social rights and responsibilities. They comprehend the main ideas of authentic materials that they read and hear and are able to identify significant details when the topics are familiar. French is used almost exclusively in the class as students develop the ability to discuss topics related to historical and contemporary events and issues.
French IV – 1 credit (Prerequisite: French III or its equivalent)
In French IV, students continue to develop their communicative and cultural competence, understanding oral and written texts, and making oral and written presentations in French. They are able to exchange and support opinions on a variety of topics related to historical and contemporary events. They comprehend spoken and written French texts from a variety of authentic sources as well as produce compositions containing well-developed ideas on various topics. Students compare and contrast everyday situations with those of our own culture. Additional emphasis is placed on appropriate verbal and non-verbal behaviors. Students will focus on global understanding of the language, increase accuracy and appropriateness of oral communication with emphasis on creativity, examine authentic materials and explore various literary genres, and refine their creative expression. Students are strongly encouraged to explore individual interest areas in depth and share these interests with the class.
AP French V – 1 credit (Prerequisite: French IV)
In this course students prepare for the AP French Language Exam and develop a strong command of the French language with proficiency in integrating language skills and synthesizing written and aural materials, centered on the six cultural themes outlined in the AP curricular requirements: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. Students master the formal writing process and aural comprehension skills, as well as develop extensive interpersonal and presentational speaking and writing practice. Upon completion of the course, students will be expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam.
Spanish I – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None)
Level I Spanish focuses on students’ communicative competence in Spanish and their understanding of the cultures of Spain and other Hispanic countries. In level I Spanish classes, students learn to communicate in real-life contexts about topics that are meaningful to them. Spanish I concentrates on the development of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on use of Spanish in the classroom and on use of authentic materials to learn about the language and culture. An important component of Spanish classes is the use of the Spanish language beyond the classroom in order to apply knowledge of the language in the real world. In many cases, this is accomplished through the integration of technology into the classroom.
Spanish II – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Spanish I or its equivalent)
In Spanish II, students continue to develop their proficiency in the three modes of communicative competence; interacting with other speakers of Spanish, understanding oral and written messages in Spanish, and making oral and written presentations. They are exposed to more complex features of the Spanish language. They continue to focus on communicating about their immediate world and daily life. Emphasis continues to be placed on the use of Spanish in the classroom as well as on the use of authentic materials to learn about the culture.
Spanish III – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Spanish II or its equivalent)
In Spanish III, students continue to develop their proficiency in the three modes of communicative competence. They communicate using more complex structures in Spanish on a variety of topics, including some of an abstract nature. They comprehend the main ideas of authentic materials that they read and hear and are able to identify significant details when the topics are familiar. Spanish is used almost exclusively in the class as students develop the ability to discuss topics related to historical and contemporary events and issues.
Spanish IV – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Spanish III or its equivalent)
In Spanish IV, students continue to develop their communicative and cultural competence, understanding oral and written texts, and making oral and written presentations in Spanish. They are able to exchange and support opinions on a variety of topics related to historical and contemporary events. They comprehend spoken and written Spanish texts from a variety of authentic sources as well as produce compositions containing well-developed ideas on various topics. Students compare and contrast everyday situations with those of our own culture. Additional emphasis is placed on appropriate verbal and non-verbal behaviors. Students will focus on global understanding of the language, increase accuracy and appropriateness of oral communication with emphasis on creativity, examine authentic materials and explore various literary genres, and refine their creative expression. Students are strongly encouraged to explore individual interest areas in-depth and share these interests with the class.
AP Spanish V – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Spanish IV or its equivalent)
In this course students prepare for the AP Spanish Language Exam and develop a strong command of the Spanish language with proficiency in integrating language skills and synthesizing written and aural materials, centered on the six cultural themes outlined in the AP curricular requirements: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. Students master the formal writing process and aural comprehension skills, as well as develop extensive interpersonal and presentational speaking and writing practice. Upon completion of the course, students will be expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam.
Spanish for Fluent Speakers – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Placement Test)
Spanish for Fluent Speakers is designed to meet the needs of students whose primary language is Spanish but who have had little or no formal education in Spanish, and who are proficient in understanding and speaking Spanish. The course will build on existing listening and speaking skills, and focus on the acquisition of comparable competencies in reading and writing, with an emphasis on grammatical concepts.
English Learners
EL Level I – 1 credit
Students engage in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English through an integrated language arts curriculum. Building both on their prior knowledge and on newly introduced material, they are provided support through a cohesive program. Placement is made following assessment. The goal is to help students build the Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and vocabulary necessary for Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP).
EL Level II – 1 credit
Students continue to engage in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English needed for building BICS and CALP. Placement is made following assessment.