Bible (one semester courses, .5 credit each)

Romans (Required 11th grade course) - The book of Romans unwraps the gospel and its power to change sinners. It is Paul's most structured presentation of the content and impact of the gospel in people's lives. During class students will read the book several times, memorizing several key passages from the book, and engage in discussions that span the practical components of the book. The course objective is for students to see the Gospel's revolutionary character, its contrast with the world's hopes, its diagnosis of and solution to the world's problems, and its prescriptions for living. An expositional paper may be assigned.

Apologetics (Required 12th grade course) - Apologetics is a one-semester required Bible course for seniors designed to equip students to think about the religious or “faith-based” nature of all knowledge or truth claims, and how the biblical gospel of the Lord Jesus can and should be both defended and commended. The course will begin by examining concepts that are foundational to debating intellectual issues while developing a working definition of apologetics. We will continue by defining the Gospel as Jesus’ (the Second Adam) fulfillment of God’s covenant established at creation and broken by the first Adam. We will examine the nature of God’s relationship to his creation and develop an understanding of humans as created in the image of God, to live in covenant with God, for the purpose of worshiping God. Encouraged by 1 Peter 3:15, considered to be the locus classicus for Christian Apologetics, students will study the Christian faith in relation to contemporary American society and its competing truth claims from the basis of the “worldview” concept.

Biblical Drama (Elective) - From the earliest days of Christianity, a variety of media from painting to music to the dramatic arts have been used to express biblical truth to the masses. In a culture where sound bites and music videos rule the airwaves, churches are turning to drama as an increasingly effective method of communicating the Gospel. In this course, students will learn how to identify biblical truth, how to write scripts that will accurately present that truth, and how to perform their work so that it will challenge the audience to encounter Jesus Christ as their Savior and to grow in the image of God's only Son. Class size will be limited; an application is required and is available in the Guidance Center.

Christian Family (Elective) - Christian Family is a one semester Bible elective for Juniors and Seniors designed to examine the family from a distinctly Christian perspective. In the beginning, we will examine the impact of personality types and cultural philosophies on the family and learn to develop problem solving techniques from a Biblical perspective by using practical Christian living situations. The second major unit will present a topical study of dating and sexuality with an emphasis on purity in personal relationships. The course will conclude by analyzing Biblical teaching regarding the roles of husbands and wives, parents and children, and the problems and challenges of the fragmented family.

Christian Theology Through the Centuries (Elective) - This course is designed to deepen the students' understanding of some of the more significant issues, people and events in the history of the Church. As we examine the development of Christian theology through the ages, we will better understand the theological and philosophical foundation for the Christian faith and trace the most important matters of Christian theology from the apostolic age to the present.

Contemporary Issues in Christianity (Elective) - This course is designed to help students examine the overused but often misunderstood biblical mantra to live “in the world” but not be “of the world.” Students will study the Christian’s call to cultural engagement in a biblical theological context and learn how to identify and discern the subtle messages and false promises with which our culture confronts them, particularly through the media.

Discipleship (Elective) – Discipleship is an opportunity for a small group of students (7 maximum) to work with a faculty member of the same gender, and be discipled for the semester. Each student will be challenged to grow in his/her faith with Jesus Christ by memorizing Scripture, keeping a prayer journal, and writing out and sharing their personal testimony. As the discipleship groups meet for prayer and for discussion, opportunities arise for the strengthening of one’s faith through the support and accountability provided by being committed to a group of fellow believers. An application is required and is available in the Guidance Center.

Revelation (Elective) - No other literary form in the Bible creates more speculation and debate than apocalyptic literature.  While God has revealed himself through time and history with increasing clarity the details of the future return of Christ are still shrouded in mystery and prophetic utterance.  With the dawn of the new millennium, both the church and the world have turned their attention to the end times with renewed vigor.  This course is designed to provide students with a framework through which to assess the signs of the times in which we live and to study the biblical teaching on the future return of Christ.  Because the book of Revelation is steeped in imagery from the references to the book of Daniel, both books will be examined during the course.  Parental permission is required; the form is available in the Guidance Center.

The Biblical World in Contemporary Context (Elective—An Eastern University dual-credit course.  Students will receive 3 college credits from Eastern University. There is an additional charge for tuition and books.) – This course provides a general introduction to the historical narrative, cultural background, literary structure, and theological concepts of the Bible, as well as essential Bible study techniques.

English (full year courses, 1 credit each)

English 11 (Required)(Honors and Regular) - Junior English introduces the student to the American experience, as reflected in literature from colonial to modern times. Students will be required to engage in independent reading and to respond to their reading clearly and specifically in both written and oral forms. A term paper is also required. In order to take Honors English 11, students must be recommended by their present English teacher and have approximately an 88 average in their current Honors English class or at least a 93 in their current Regular English 10 class to be considered for Honors. Generally, students must be making "A's" in English and working to their ability in order to take Honors the following year.

English 12 (Required)(Honors and Regular) - Senior English is a survey of classic British literature from Shakespeare through modern times. Students will be asked to analyze English literature through class discussion, critical essays, and a term paper. The course will also focus on college writing: students will write a variety of essays to prepare them for college courses and will review grammar and vocabulary to help them improve their writing. In order to take Honors English 12, students must be recommended by their current English teacher and have at least a 90 average in Honors English 11 or a 93 average in regular English 11. Generally, students should have solid writing skills and be working up to their ability in order to be considered for Honors English 12. This class is open only via special application and approval by the Honors 12 teacher.

AP English (12th Elective in place of English 12) – AP English is a college-level course designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Examination in English Literature and Composition. Extensive outside reading, analytical writing, and literary research are required. This class is open only via special application and approval by the AP teacher. Factors included in AP selection include grade average, score on a sample essay, and teacher recommendation. Students must also have a 90 average in Honors English 11 to be considered for AP English.

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

(All juniors are required to be enrolled in a full year of mathematics.  Seniors are required to be enrolled in mathematics only if a particular course is needed for graduation.  See the Math Course Sequence Chart or the student handbook for a full listing of graduation requirements.)

Geometry (1 credit) - 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).

Algebra II (1 credit) - This second year course in algebra continues the development of essential algebra concepts. It teaches students to solve and graph systems of linear equations and inequalities, to solve polynomial equations, and to simplify expressions involving complex numbers. Applications are stressed throughout, with a focus on word problems. Graphing calculators and computers are used to introduce, explore, and apply mathematics. Enrolling students must have completed Geometry. Required calculator: Texas Instruments TI-84+.

Algebra III/Trig (1 credit) – This final year of algebra focuses on the study of functions—polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric. Additional topics include conic sections, sequences and series, and probability. Emphasis is placed on real—world applications. Enrolling students must have completed Algebra II. Required calculator: Texas Instruments TI-84+.

Discrete Mathematics (1 credit) – This 12th grade course offers an introduction to modern mathematical applications. It covers a wide range of topics, including management science, graph theory, linear programming, probability, statistics, research design, coding, election theory, and apportionment. A statistics project and presentation are included in the first semester, while a research project and presentation are required in the second semester. Computers and graphing calculators are used extensively. Enrolling students must have completed Geometry and Honors Algebra II. Required calculator: Texas Instruments TI-83 or TI-84+.

Mathematical Analysis (1 credit) - This pre-calculus course is an overall study of functions--algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic. Emphasis is placed on discovering the similarities and differences among functions and investigating real world data to determine which function (if any) best models the data. Other topics include trigonometric identities and equations, complex numbers and polar coordinates, sequences and series, and probability. Enrolling students must have completed Honors Algebra II with at least an 80 average. Required calculator: Texas Instruments TI-84+.

Advanced Placement Calculus AB (1 credit) - The course syllabus follows the outline for the Advanced Placement course in Calculus AB as published by the College Board. Each concept is presented numerically, graphically, and analytically to give the student the broadest possible understanding. The concept of limit is used throughout the course to understand functional behavior, derivatives, and integrals. The concept of the derivative is developed and applied to curve sketching, finding maximum and minimum values, and rates of change. The concept of the integral is developed and applied to finding areas, total and average values, work, and volumes of solids. Differential equations are solved using Euler’s Method and slope fields. Students are required to do independent laboratory projects using computer software. All students in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Calculus AB Examination in May at their own expense. Enrolling students must have completed Mathematical Analysis with at least an 80 average. Required calculator: Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium.

Advanced Placement Calculus BC (1.4 credit) - Students in AP Calculus BC are simultaneously enrolled in AP Calculus AB. The BC class meets an extra two periods every week. Students will explore the convergence and divergence of a wide variety of series. They will apply the concepts of the derivative and the integral to parametric functions, polar functions, and vectors. Finally, they will learn additional techniques for evaluating limits and integrals. All students in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Calculus BC Examination in May at their own expense. Due to the rigor of the course and the level of student independence required to succeed in the course, enrolling students must have completed Mathematical Analysis with at least a 90 average and must obtain the permission of the department head. Required calculator: Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium.

Science (All students are required to complete 3 credits in science for graduation. These courses are all electives. One (1) credit courses are full year courses; one-half (½) credit courses are semester courses.)

AP Chemistry (1.2 credit) – This course is equivalent to a first year course in general chemistry at a major university, but without the depth of laboratory education that a university is equipped to provide. Everyone enrolled in the class is required to take the AP Chemistry test. Speak to the course instructor regarding what will be expected in the course and how it might benefit your college program. Requirements for admission: 88% average in both Honors Chemistry (92% in regular Chemistry) and accelerated or honors math; departmental approval based on unusually strong interest, motivation, and reasoning ability demonstrated in science and math. The course will have an extra lab period each week.

Honors Physics (1 credit) – This physics course is 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 appropriate for students who might pursue a college science major, although no such plans are required. Sound mathematical skills are assumed. Requirements for admission: grades that are close to those required for AP Physics; departmental approval based on strong interest, motivation, and reasoning ability demonstrated in science and math.

Physics: Mechanics (½ credit, first semester) – Physics is the study of how God makes matter and energy interact, aside from the chemical interactions studied in chemistry. This first semester course explores Newtonian mechanics (i.e., topics like how things move, what changes motion, momentum, circular motion, and gravity). This is a regular science course, designed for students who learn best from an approximately even mix of conceptual (abstract) explanations and examples/applications from life. Because God’s creation displays mathematical patterns, math is used as a tool to understand how objects behave. The 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. Requirements for admission: 80% average in both science and math; departmental approval.

Physics: Fluids, Waves, & Electricity (½ credit, second semester) – This second semester regular physics course is taught in the same way and has the same admission requirements as Physics: Mechanics, described above. A student does not have to take that first semester course before taking this one. This course explores topics like elasticity, buoyancy, pressure, sound, light, and electric circuits.

Chemistry (1 credit) – Chemistry is the study of matter and how it interacts—the structure of God’s creation on an amazingly small scale! This course explores atoms and molecules, the building blocks of what we see around us, and how they react with each other. Because God’s creation displays mathematical patterns, math is used as a tool to understand how atoms and molecules behave. 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. Completion of Algebra I is a prerequisite for this course.

Chemistry for Health Sciences (1 credit) – This course is designed for students who are thinking about entering a healthcare field, but who do not wish to take college chemistry (AP) in high school. The course prepares students for general chemistry in college by providing a more in-depth exploration of topics that were covered in Chemistry and Honors Chemistry. This is not an honors course, but due to the abstract nature of the subject, some students may find it more challenging than most regular science courses. Requirements for admission: 80% average in science (84% in Chem Survey); departmental approval.

Chemistry II/Biology II (1 credit) – This course is designed for student to extend their knowledge of chemistry and biology beyond the introductory level. Chemistry and biology affect every area of life, and this course is an opportunity to build a stronger background in these basic sciences. It is intended for students who have had regular or honors biology and chemistry.

Advanced Biology (1 credit) – This course if designed for students preparing to major in science or for students who have a strong desire to learn biology in more depth. This course includes considerable emphasis on molecular aspects of biology.

Environmental Issues (½ credit, first semester) – This course is designed for students interested in becoming more familiar with issues of the environment, such as global warming, landfills, drinking water and renewable energy. It is intended for students who have prior knowledge of biology and chemistry, but need not desire to major in science.

Microbiology: An Applied Approach (½ credit, second semester) – This course is a survey course designed for the hands-on learner. Through lecture and laboratory experience, the student will become acquainted with the microscopic living things that share our environment. In this course, the student will learn about the history of Microbiology, the characteristics of microorganisms, “good germs” and “bad germs”, and other topics. In the laboratory, the student will learn how to use a compound microscope, and will view actual microbes 1000 times their actual size! They will apply their newly obtained knowledge of the characteristics of bacteria in the lab to identify bacteria by shape and growth pattern. The students will even get the opportunity to grow non-disease causing species of microbes, and safely view disease-causing microorganisms microscopically.

Social Studies (One course is required in each year.) (full year courses, 1 credit each)

U.S. History - This 11th grade course will explore the history of the United States from the end of the Revolutionary War to the present. Major topics include the development of the United States Constitution, America in the 19th century, the Civil War, and major events of the twentieth century. Reading, critical thinking, discussion, and writing will be integral components of the course as students develop an appreciation for America’s heritage.

Honors U.S. History – This 11th grade course will cover the same topics as the regular U.S. History course. Through additional reading and writing assignments, students will be challenged to think more deeply about the events of America’s history and their impact on our society and the world. By the end of the course, students should be able to trace major themes in U.S. History and to clearly articulate their historical perspectives both in writing and in speech. Students need departmental approval to enter.

American Government / Economics – This 12th grade course is designed to provide students with an overview of the key ideas and concepts that have shaped the American political experience and to introduce the major sources of American constitutional development from the colonial period to the present. We will also be studying various economic disciplines stressing the philosophical foundations associated with free market economics. The desire is for the student to become better equipped to understand, evaluate, and participate in the American political process.

Honors American Government and Economics - This 12th grade course is designed for highly motivated students who are not only interested in learning about the American system of Government and Economics, but in an intensive study and analysis of these two institutional bedrocks of the United States. Course work will focus on reading, writing and a significant amount of class discussion as well as a few major projects. Honors American Government and Economics calls on all students who want to be challenged to think and to be equipped for effective engagement in the issues relevant to today’s economy and in the American political system. Students who wish to take the Honors course must apply and be approved by the department.

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.

Spanish III (Honors and Regular) – Emphasis in third year Spanish is on completing the study of tenses and moods for the purpose of communicating in speech and writing freely at an advanced intermediate level. Short selections from literature written by representative Spanish authors will be assigned. Historical and cultural information from Spanish-speaking nations supplement course materials.

Spanish IV (Honors and Regular) - A general review of tense and mood begins the fourth year course. Emphasis centers on clarity in speech and writing and a high degree of comprehension when reading and listening. Excerpts of major literary works will be read and analyzed.

Advanced Placement Spanish - Extra listening comprehension exercises on CD will be provided for the AP student. This course addresses advanced grammatical concepts and requires a synthesis of all four skill areas (speaking, writing, reading, and listening) at an advanced level.  The AP student will need to be independently motivated beyond regular classroom assignments. Students are expected to take the AP exam.  Instructor's permission required prior to registration for this course.

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

German II (Honors or 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.

German III (Honors and Regular) – German III is designed to complete students’ knowledge of basic German grammar, to improve listening and writing skills, to improve confidence in speaking German, and to expand students’ German vocabulary. Students will be exposed to children’s literature.

German IV Honors – German IV is designed to increase confidence in writing and speaking German, in understanding spoken and written German, and to expose students to idiomatic expressions. Students will systematically review grammar. Students are expected to speak exclusively in German.  Film will supplement the text. Students are exposed to a variety of literary genres. It is taught to juniors and seniors.

Electives

English | Mathematics | Computer Science | Social Studies | Fine Arts-Drama | Fine Arts-Music | Fine Arts-Writing | Fine Arts-Visual | Miscellaneous | Physical Ed.

English

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.

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.

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 Mathematical League, and the American Mathematics Competition. The local meets are held after school 6 times during the school year. Club members are expects 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).

Computer Programming IIA and IIB in C++.net (.3 credit each, 1 semester each) – (Pre-requisite: completion of Computer Programming IB with a C or better and teacher recommendation) – The purpose of the course is to extend the student’s knowledge of programming and problem solving through the study of a second structured programming language. Topics of study will include a review of fundamentals with an emphasis on program design and development. . 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 (IIA) and obtain teacher permission to be permitted to register for the second semester course (IIB).

Social Studies

Psychology (.6 credit, full year) - This course provides a general introduction to psychology, which is defined as the study of mental processes and behavior. Major units will include human development, learning, personality, and motivation. Students will develop a basic understanding of the fields of psychology, incorporating a biblical worldview. Course requirements will include reading assignments and projects related to the field of psychology.

Introduction to Leadership (.5 credit, 1 semester, an Eastern University dual-credit course.  Students will receive 3 college credits from Eastern University. There is an additional charge for tuition and books.) – A course designed to provide the academic and experiential knowledge of leadership theory and practice.  Each participant will understand the use of her or his own leadership style and be able to identify and analyze leadership issues as they are played out within groups.

Contemporary Social Problems (.5 credit, 1 semester, an Eastern University dual-credit course.  Students will receive 3 college credits from Eastern University. There is an additional charge for tuition and books.) – Selected social problems such as poverty, ethnic relations, the population explosion and pollution are examined.  How sociological insights can inform Christian value judgments concerning social structural conditions will be emphasized.  This is an online course.

Fine Arts-Drama

Drama I (.4 credit, full year) – In this course students will discover the art of improvisation. The students will be challenged through theater exercises to develop the necessary skills for acting. Vocal production and freedom of movement will be emphasized. The students also will be asked to keep a journal to observe their individual progress.

Drama II (.4 credit, full year) – Pre-requisite: at least one drama course and must be an upper-classman. This course teaches students to apply their acting skills to performing texts. The students will learn to prepare and perform monologues and scenes from plays, while also improving their improvisational skills.

Drama III (.4 credit, full year) – Pre-requisite: This class is only for seniors who have taken two of the drama classes offered. This challenging course will allow the students to refine their acting skills as they explore acting styles past and present. Text work will include Shakespeare and Chekhov. Students will perform advanced scenes and monologues for an invited audience.

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.

Music Theory (.3 credit, full year, independent study) – Seniors interested in a music major or minor who require knowledge of the basics of Music Theory—notation, rhythm, scale construction, intervals, basic piano knowledge—may elect to work through a workbook series and computer program with faculty guidance. Students must spend two periods a week working on their project in the music suite. Limited availability. Interested students must receive permission from Mrs. Limpert to enroll.

Fine Arts-Writing

Yearbook (1 credit, full year) – This course produces the school's yearbook, Initium. Students are required to responsibly meet deadlines and utilize the principles of layout and copy writing. Considerable time outside of class will be required to prepare the yearbook for publication. An application is required; see Mrs. McFarland in HS Room 102.

Journalism (.6 credit, full year) – This course produces the four issues of the school's paper, Knightline. General journalistic principles are taught and applied throughout the year. Students are expected to be responsible in order to meet deadlines, to fulfill article assignments and to utilize the principles of layout and news writing. Time outside of class may be required to prepare the paper for publication.

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) – 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

Film (.2 credit, 1 semester) – Film is an elective course open to students in Grades 10-12. In the class, students learn how to interpret a film and how to create a film sequence. Using the method employed by professional film producers, students will be taught to accentuate the tone and theme of their works by viewing and discussing a variety of films – silent, animated, and modern. The class will focus on frozen frame and multi-frame analysis.

Fine Art I (.6 credit, full year) – In this course, students are introduced to a wide variety of processes, media and ways of generating ideas. The course covers a broad spectrum including drawing, painting, 3-dimensional work, fibers, graphic design, print-making and an art appreciation section.

Fine Art II (1 credit, full year) – (pre-requisite 9th Art Elective or Fine Art I) This course instills a strong basic vocabulary of techniques, terms, and materials upon which students build their further studies. Basic drawing skills are stressed with emphasis on eye-hand coordination. The curriculum builds towards more conceptual and sophisticated projects that encourage flexible source materials and personal style.

Fine Art III (1 credit, full year) – (pre-requisite 2 years of high school art) The program is designed to serve as a transition from a structured program to one which immerses the students in the process of making decisions. The intent is to develop self-discipline and the ability to structure and evaluate the art processes. Students focus on problem-solving in two and three dimensional media. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the form and content of the student's work.

Honors Fine Art III (1 credit, full year) – This course is for students with exceptional abilities, motivation, and skills and are recommended by the instructor. Honors includes portfolio preparation.

Photography Intro (0 credit, 1 semester) – This course is designed to introduce the student to the basics of picture taking and picture making. The course will include camera design (knowledge and operation), camera exposure (aperture and shutter), processing and printing black and white film and paper, applying elements of composition/art, and preparing a portfolio of photographs. Students must have a 35 mm camera. Approximately 4 rolls of black and white film and 25-35 sheets of 8” x 10” Kodak Polycontrast RC paper will be needed which may be purchased through the school.

Photography I, II, III (.4 or 1 credit, full year) – Pre-requisite: Students must have completed either the General Photography course or the Intro to Photography unit in an art course. This course introduces a student to all the basics of camera usage, composition and the processes of developing and printmaking. Exploration and experimentation are part of the course. A 35 mm manual, not automatic, camera is required. Enrollment is limited.

Computer Graphics I, II, III (.4 or 1 credit, full year) – Pre-requisite: two years of previous high school art courses and basic computer skills. This course will expose students to 3D animation, architectural design, 3D modeling, visual computer layouts and other computer art experiences. Enrollment is limited.

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

Elementary Teacher Aide (credit varies, 1 semester or full year) - This elective provides an opportunity for a student to experience an elementary classroom. Activities include working one-to-one with students, teaching small groups, grading papers and doing bulletin boards or other teacher-directed tasks. Assignments include journal writing, a term paper and a classroom project. A double study hall is necessary to schedule this elective. Final placement is dependent upon an application process, teacher availability and transportation arrangements.

Peer Tutoring (credit varies, full year) – Tutors spend one or more periods per cycle working with students enrolled in the high school or middle school resource room. Tutors learn to work with students one-on-one or in small groups emphasizing organizational and time management, homework completion, test preparation, academic skills, and successful study methods. Students taking this course must keep a record of their daily tutoring sessions and will receive a Pass/Fail grade.

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.

Tech Crew (.25 credit each, 1 semester each) – This option is available to students who cannot commit to the time demands of the .5 credit option. Students in both options will work together, although .25 credit students are generally not required to attend outside of 7:30am to 5pm.

Hi-Q (.5 credit, full year) – Hi-Q is an academic quiz team that competes against twenty area Delaware County Schools, both private and public. Criteria for selection to the team include preliminary testing, personal interview, and faculty recommendation. Summer research and participation in Saturday morning practices (Oct. – March) are required. Spring try-outs are open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; freshmen may try out via advisor’s invitation only.

Physical Education

Physical Education Elective (.2 credit, 1 semester each) – This course is designed to build upon the foundation laid in the required physical education courses. Course objectives will enable students to: develop motor skills necessary for participation in a variety of physical activities with an emphasis in life-time sports; acquire an appropriate level of physical fitness; understand the components of movement and fitness; learn social skills necessary for recreation; develop an appreciation for the way God has created each individual with unique abilities. The fall semester course includes tennis and bowling. The spring semester course includes swimming and introduction to life-saving and rescue. Approval by the instructor is required for registration in this class. Criteria for approval is based on previous physical education performance.

Strength Training and Conditioning (.3 credit, 1 semester) - This course will seek to develop and enhance the student athlete’s preparation for success in athletics and lifetime fitness activities. Topics will include but are not limited to: plyometrics, weight training and conditioning, core training, agility and speed training, proper nutrition, and aerobic exercises. Godly stewardship of the body and talents will be examined and will be the central focus. Students must demonstrate a sincere desire to increase their levels of physical fitness and athletic performance and perform well in the freshmen and sophomore physical education classes as a prerequisite for this course.

Health and Guidance

Health (Required, .3 credit, 1 semester) – The 11th grade health course is designed to address both the personal and interpersonal aspects of health – the physical, social, emotional and spiritual factors that contribute to wellness.  The purpose of this course is threefold: 1) to develop an awareness of health as a combination of physical, emotional, social and spiritual factors; 2) to develop an understanding of the importance of healthful lifestyle practices and provide practical information for implementing these practices; 3) to encourage students to view their bodies as temples of God’s Holy Spirit and to make lifestyle decisions based on Biblical principles.  Topics may include: nutrition, stress and decision-making skills, first aid, non-infectious diseases and disabilities, drugs, sexually transmitted diseases, loss and the grief process.

Career Stewardship Seminar (Required, .1 credit, 1 semester) - In this 11th grade seminar, the focus will be upon decision-making and life and college planning topics such as the will of God, occupational thinking, differences in colleges, recommendations, essays, how to do college research, college visits, the DC application timetable, SAT I and II matters, financial aid basics, scholarship and college searches, and other related topics of student interest.

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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