Bible

Life with Christ (Required, 1 credit) - The foundation of this full year course is an in depth study of the life of Christ using the Gospel of Mark as the primary text. As students study about the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus they will learn to develop and employ sound principles and practices of biblical interpretation. The course will also stress personal application of the teachings of Christ in the life of each student. Special attention will be given to discerning one’s place in the Kingdom of God and how each student may begin to identify and to pursue God’s calling in his or her life.

English

English 10 (Required, 1 credit, full year)(Honors and Regular) - This foundational English class builds on the ninth grade curriculum, preparing students for an in-depth look at literature and composition in eleventh and twelfth grades. The class stresses expository writing skills, themes in literature, basic public speaking skills, vocabulary development, research, and an introduction to drama. This class also includes an overview of English literature. In order to take Honors English, students must be recommended by their current teacher, have at least an 88 average in their current regular English 9 class or at least a 93 in their current English 9 class. In addition, students must pass a grammar test before being considered for Honors 10. Generally, students must be making "A's" in English and working to their ability in order to take Honors the following year.

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.)

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).

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+.

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+.

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+.

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

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.

Honors Chemistry (1 credit) – Please read the description of Chemistry, above. This chemistry 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 an appropriate first chemistry course for students who might pursue a college science major, although no such plans are required. Students are selected for Honors Chemistry based on their academic performance, responsibility, and motivation to learn, as demonstrated in their present science and math courses.

World History

World History II (Required, 1 credit)(Honors and Regular) – This one-year course is designed to acquaint the student with the major political, economic, social, and religious developments of western man since 1500. Integrated with these topics is the effect of the rest of the world upon western man’s development. Students are required to keep abreast of current events, to fulfill bi-weekly assignments. Students will also complete a major independent project of their choosing. Students who wish to take the Honors class 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.

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.

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 Mathematical 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).

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).

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, and students will be asked to keep a journal to observe their individual progress.

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

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 annual 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 newspaper 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) – 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

Film (.2 credit, 1 semester) – Film is an elective course open to high school 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.

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 (.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 (.4 or 1 credit, full year) – Prerequisite: basic computer skills and 9th Art Elective or Fine Art I. 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

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. There is a particular need for peer tutors who could assist students taking Spanish I or II. Students taking this course must keep a record of their daily tutoring sessions and will receive a Pass/Fail grade.

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.

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

10th Physical Education (Required, .4 credit) – 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 options and considerations related to lifelong fitness activities and facility options.

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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