Bible | English | Mathematics | Science | World History |
World Languages | Electives | Physical Education | Guidance | Other |
Honors & AP Criteria

Bible

Doctrine (Required, 1 credit) - Bible Doctrine is a full-year course designed to provide students with a foundational knowledge of the major doctrines of the Christian Faith. The course begins with a study of the doctrine of the Bible and its role in revealing God to mankind. The Bible, especially Genesis 1 – 22, will then provide the framework for our study of God, creation, man, and sin. Special attention will be given to God’s use of covenants from creation, through the flood, and in the life of Abraham. The final quarter will focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ in bringing about God’s twofold response to sin, judgment, and redemption. A major goal of the course is to assist students in developing an understanding of what has become a distinctly "Christian" vocabulary. Each student will write a Statement of Faith expressing his or her own beliefs concerning the doctrines covered in the class.

English

English 9 (Required, 1 credit, full year course)(Honors and Regular) - Freshman English reviews the basic skills taught in middle school: recognition of the distinguishing characteristics of literary genres, reading comprehension, written expression, vocabulary development, and grammar skills. In addition, students will be exposed more intensely to the expository essay and the literary analysis paper.

Students in 8th grade who wish to apply for Honors English 9 must have an A- average for the year in English 8, be recommended by their 8th grade English teacher, and show strong verbal skills on standardized tests. Students also must have been working up to their ability.

Mathematics (full year courses, 1 credit each) --click here to see the Calculator Guide; click here to see the Math Course Sequence Chart

(One of these courses is required. Students will be placed in the course by the high school mathematics department in consultation with the middle school mathematics faculty.)

Algebra IB –This is the second course of a two-year sequence in which students will complete the study of Algebra I. Students in this course will have the opportunity to view each topic from a variety of perspectives and to engage in hands-on activities that build understanding and increase retention. Topics include linear functions, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, properties of exponents, operations with polynomials, factoring, and introductory quadratic equations. Required calculator:  Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView scientific calculator.

Algebra I – Algebra I forms the foundation for the study of mathematics in high school. Students develop an understanding of fundamental algebraic properties and constantly review the operations of the real number system. Students develop good problem solving and communication skills as they learn to separate a difficult problem into manageable steps using clear mathematical language and notation. The first semester is a thorough treatment of linear functions, while in the second semester quadratic and other polynomials are addressed. Computers and calculators are used as tools to explore the world of mathematics. Required calculator:  Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView scientific calculator.

Geometry - The focus of geometry is the properties of plane geometric figures: triangles, circles, parallelograms, and other polygons. Formulas for areas and volumes of geometric figures are developed and applied. Emphasis is placed on the discovery of geometric relationships in the physical world and their use in practical situations. Students will use geometry computer software and graphing calculator apps as an aid in discovering and conjecturing about geometric relationships. Though formal proof is not emphasized, students will learn to write simple proofs involving congruence and similarity. An introduction to classical constructions is also included.  A mathematical research project, including a written report, oral presentation, and visual exhibit, is required. Enrolling students must have completed Algebra I. Required calculator:  Texas Instruments TI-Nspire  (not TI-Nspire CAS).

Honors Geometry –The Honors Geometry course provides a rigorous study of Euclidean and non-Euclidean Geometries using algebra and logic. The course emphasizes deductive reasoning and proof, as well as coordinate geometry and algebraic verification. After learning the basic definitions, students study parallel lines, triangles, polygons, circles, and polyhedra. Also included are studies in congruence, similarity, area and volume, and classical constructions. Students will use geometry computer software and graphing calculator apps as an aid in discovering and conjecturing about geometric relationships. A mathematical research project, including a written report, computer demonstration, and visual exhibit, is required. Enrolling students must have completed Honors Algebra I with at least an average of 80%. Required calculator:  Texas Instruments TI-Nspire  (not TI-Nspire CAS).

Honors Algebra II –After a brief review of the first year algebra concepts, the course moves to the study of more advanced topics that include quadratics, polynomials, matrices, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, and an introduction to trigonometry. Emphasis is placed on understanding algebraic concepts from a graphical approach. Enrolling students must have completed Honors Geometry with at least a C average. Required calculator: Texas Instruments TI-84+.

Science (One of these two full year courses is required.)

Biology (1 credit) – Biology is the study of living things—God’s most complex creations! The course examines the molecules, genetics, cells, and organ systems of living creatures, and their relationships with each other and their surroundings. Students also explore the relationship between Christianity and biology. This course is good preparation for students who do not expect to major in science but who wish to be prepared for one or more required science courses in college, or who might enter a technical career that uses science to help people. Because we believe that wise and humane use of animals in the classroom constitutes good stewardship and contributes to excellent education, participation in labs involving animals (e.g., dissection) are a required part of all freshman biology courses at DCCS.

Honors Biology (1 credit) – Please read the description of Biology, above. Honors Biology is designed for students who enjoy science and learn easily from conceptual explanations. These are students who want to know why things work the way they do, and who quickly understand most teacher explanations. The course is an appropriate first biology course for students who might pursue a college science major, although no such plans are required. Students are selected for Honors Biology based on their academic performance, responsibility, and motivation to learn, as demonstrated in eighth grade science and math.

World History

World History I(Required, 1 credit) (Honors and Regular)- This 9th grade course focuses on the formation of societies from the ancient world to the Renaissance in the 1500’s. The first semester will cover the ancient and classic civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome among others. The second semester will focus on the non-western cultures of Asia, Africa, India and the early Americas, as well as the European Middle Ages. Students will attend classes in the library and computer lab as supplements to regular class work. Through portfolios, current events, class assignments and creative projects students will participate in writing, interactive discussion, research, and critical analysis. Honors students will be expected to interact on a basic level with selected excerpts from primary sources as well as additional writing and class discussion responsibilities. Students who desire to take honors must apply and be approved by the department chair.

World Languages (full year courses, 1 credit each)

(Students are required to complete through Level III of one Modern Language during high school.)

Spanish I (Regular) - Students in Spanish I speak in Spanish daily and accompany the learning of this skill with listening, reading, and writing. The culture of Spanish speaking countries is highlighted during the first year course.

Spanish II (Honors and Regular) – Ninth through twelfth grade students continue conversation practice, as well as listening and writing. Reading of short articles, dialogs, and survival reading provide students with intermediate level abilities. Students use present tense, past tenses, and commands. Selected cultures outside of Spain will be highlighted.

German I – German I is designed to teach basic reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in German. Students are motivated in a variety of ways to speak in German. Familiarity with German grammar is stressed. Students also become acquainted with the cultures of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

German II (Honors and Regular) – German II is designed to expand upon what has been learned in German I, to increase students’ understanding of the German-speaking world, and to provide a sound basis in German as it is written and spoken today.

Electives

English | Mathematics | Computer Science | Fine Arts-Drama | Fine Arts-Music | Fine Arts-Writing | Fine Arts-Visual | Miscellaneous

English

Debate (.2 credit, 1 semester) -This elective is designed to help students better think through and discuss contemporary issues, as well as participate more effectively in classroom discussions. Students will learn the structure of debate: how to gather information, how to organize their thoughts, and how to speak clearly and logically. Student will also be involved in class debates.

Writing Skills (.2 credit, 1 semester) – This class is designed for students who would like to strengthen their basic writing skills. All work will be done in class (no homework). This class will be required for students who earned a final grade of less than a C in their previous year’s English class, but any student may sign up for Writing Skills as an elective.

ESL Support (no credit, full year) – ESL Support is scheduled in place of study halls and meets three periods per cycle. Small group instruction and individualized help is given for students whose first language is not English and who need additional help in organization, note-taking, study skills and language skills in their core subjects.

Mathematics

Mathematics Club (.4 credit, full year) - The Mathematics Club is open to honors or accelerated mathematics students in grades 9 through 12 who enjoy mathematics and are interested in improving their problem solving skills. Students will work individually, and in groups, on problems at many different levels of difficulty. Time will also be spent preparing for mathematics competitions. Club members will participate in the Pennsylvania Mathematics League, the local It’s Mathematics League, and the American Mathematics Competition. The local meets are held after school 6 times during the school year. Club members are expected to attend unless they have an unavoidable conflict.

Computer Science

Computer Programming IA and IB in Visual Basic.net (.3 credit each, 1 semester each) – (Pre-requisite: completion of Algebra I (or Honors Algebra I) with a C or better and completion of Geometry (or Honors Geometry) with a C or better) - The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the nature of programming through a structured programming language. Topics include branching, looping, simple arrays, and program development. The course does not presuppose any previous knowledge in programming. Students will have assignments to complete on a computer outside of class. They may do so by loading a school-provided program on their home computer or by using a school computer during a study hall. Students may complete the full year for 0.6 credit or complete only the first semester for 0.3 credit. Students must earn a C or better in the first semester course (IA) and obtain teacher permission to be permitted to register for the second semester course (IB).

Fine Arts - Drama

Drama Elective (.4 credit, full year) - This introductory course is designed to introduce students to the joy of stage acting. Through hands-on exercises the students gain confidence while learning the basic tools of acting in an ensemble atmosphere.

Fine Arts - Music

Concert Choir (.6 credit, full year) – Concert Choir is a performance-based group comprised of students in Grades 9-12. Auditions are held each spring. Concert Choir members should have the technical ability to perform music with accuracy and proper stylization, sight reading ability to learn music for performance and reading skill to learn music independently. Concert Choir tours each spring and performs at school concerts, All-School chapels, choral competitions and festivals.

Concert Band (.6 credit, full year) - Students in grades 9-12 who play brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments may join the concert band, provided they meet course prerequisites in reading rhythm, making characteristic tone on their instruments, scale knowledge and technical facility on their instrument. Auditions are required for new students to DC and may be requested of students currently enrolled at DC. Private instruction may be required for remedial students. The band tours in the spring and performs at school concerts, All-School chapels, and adjudicated festivals. Students selecting band must have the ability and desire to learn their assigned parts. It is possible that such learning will require work outside the classroom.

Vocal Workshop (.4 credit, full year) Vocal Workshop is a training choir designed to prepare any student (grade 9-12) for Concert Choir while providing rewarding performance experiences. Areas of study and evaluation include vocal technique, sight-reading, ear-training and choral technique. Students will sing at the HS Christmas Concert and the Spring HS Choral Concert.

Knight Tones (.5 credit, full year) – Knightones is a performance-based chamber-sized group that specializes in the performance of advanced a cappella literature. Auditions are held each spring. Members must sing in Concert Choir and excel in all required musical skills.

Fine Arts - Writing/Publishing

Creative Writing I (.2 credit, 1 semester)- Students will learn how to write their own original poetry and fiction through studying outstanding works of each type, interacting with the teacher (himself a published writer), and exchanging feedback with fellow students. Each student will develop a portfolio over the course of the semester that will consist of both finished pieces and work in process. Class members will be encouraged to pursue the publication of their finished pieces, both in class and in written publications.

Creative Writing II (.2 credit, 1 semester) – In this course, students will participate in a workshop-style setting in which they write fiction, poetry, and drama and engage in peer editing with both the teacher and fellow students. Continued emphasis will be placed upon creating a working portfolio, as well as finding opportunities for publication. This course will be offered during the spring semester with enrollment limited to 12-15 eligible students. Prerequisite: Creative Writing I. (Note: Students who successfully complete Creative Writing I in the fall semester will be eligible to take Creative Writing II in the spring semester.)

Fine Arts - Visual

Art Elective (.6 credit, full year) - This course is designed to give freshmen experience with basic tools and materials. The emphasis is on processes and techniques. The class includes drawing , painting, sculpture, fibers, and graphic design.

Sewing (.2 credit, 1 semester) –This course will introduce students to practical sewing as well as decorative sewing. Students will learn the safe operation of a sewing machine and basic sewing machine maintenance. They will learn how to select a pattern, how to read and follow pattern directions, fabric selection, pattern layout, steps for project assembly, and final touches to finish a project. Requirements: Students must purchase their own patterns, fabric, and sewing notions (scissors, thread, pins, needles, and seam ripper).

Miscellaneous

Tech Crew (.5 credit each, 1 semester each) – Tech Crew is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 who enjoy working on a team and desire a leadership role. Students will learn various sound and lighting techniques and provide these services to all three divisions (ES, MS, and HS) for various evening and weekend meetings. High profile functions include plays, musicals, chapels, and concerts. Students will be placed in teams and a schedule will be created so that all students are not required to attend every function. Grading will be based on attendance to the functions s/he is assigned, professionalism, leadership, and a willingness to serve.

Physical Education

Physical Education (Required, .6 credit, full year) – The purpose of this course is to encourage, enable, and empower students to be good stewards of their physical bodies. This is accomplished primarily by providing students with the opportunity to learn the skills, knowledge, and strategy necessary to participate in a variety of team sports and fitness activities. Students are challenged to form healthy lifestyle habits by participating in physical fitness activities outside of the classroom. Special emphasis is placed on exploring the health benefits of regular physical activity as well as developing a Christian perspective on stewardship of the body.

Guidance

Freshman Seminar (Required, .1 credit, 1 semester) – A first semester course for all 9th grade students, the Freshman Seminar will orient these new underclassmen to high school basics and relevant high school study skills. The Seminar is required of all 9th grade students and is graded as a pass/fail course. The class content will be incorporated into the 9th grade Bible, English, Science, and History curriculums in the first weeks of school.

Other

Resource Room – (no credit) Resource Room is scheduled in place of study halls and meets two to four periods per week.. Small group instruction and individualized help is given in organization, note-taking, study skills and thinking skills. Students are assisted through reinforcement of new concepts and test review. Students receive assistance with establishing short and long-term goals, planning for long-term assignments, test preparation and organization of time and materials. This service is available at an additional cost. For more information about the resource room, contact the Discovery Center Director at 610-353-6522, ext. 2290.

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