COURSE DESCRIPTION GUIDE

Calvary Christian School

(Updated 3/24/04)

 

BIBLE I – (Grade 9 – full year – 1 credit – no prerequisite)

First semester of this course focuses on Bible Study Skills.  In the second semester, students read and discuss topics related to faith and discipleship – believing, counting the cost, living the Christian life, sharing one’s faith, serving, and relating to others. 

BIBLE II – (Grade 10 – full year – 1 credit – no prerequisite)

During the first semester, students study the attributes of God.  The second semester, the focus is on ethics.

BIBLE III – (Grade 11 – full year – 1 credit – no prerequisite)

In the first semester, students reflect on the reliability, authenticity and authority of the Bible.  During the second semester, students think about the talents and abilities that God has given them in preparation for career decisions..

BIBLE IV – (Grade 12 – full year – 1 credit – no prerequisite)

During the first semester, students study the four main models of western worldviews and study the way in which these world views interplay in our world.  In semester two, the book Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis is the focus for reading and discussion.

 


 

ENGLISH I - (Grade 9  - full year - 1 credit  - no prerequisite)

This course focuses on World Literature, major genres, and the elements of plot.  Writing skills are practiced with poetry, literary analysis, fiction and research.  Twenty vocabulary words will be studied each week.  Antigone, Julius Caesar, To Killa Mockingbird, Ruth, and one other novel will be read by the class.  A writing journal is required of all students, and a major poetry project is assigned in the winter quarter. 

ENGLISH II  -  (Grade 10 - full year  -  1 credit  - prerequisite English I)

This course focuses on British Literature from Beowulf through current times.  Pride and Prejudice, A Tale of Two Cities, Pygmalion and one other work are read.  Thirty vocabulary words will be studied each week.  Essays, mostly focused on literary analysis, are assigned periodically.  One research paper in conjunction with science class is assigned spring quarter. 

ENGLISH III – (Grade 11 – full year – 1 credit – prerequisite English II)

This course focuses on the development of American literature from pre-colonial times through the present.  Research papers include an 8-9 page paper Fall quarter on family origins and a literary analysis of one of the characters of Our Town.  Other books read include The Scarlet Letter and The Chosen.  A writing journal is required of all students.  Forty vocabulary words are studied each week with emphasis on S.A.T. preparation. 

ENGLISH IV – (Grade 12 – full year – 1 credit – prerequisite English III)

An intensive study of advanced composition.  This course covers all the forms of expository writing, and tightens up grammatical weaknesses, focusing on developing style.  Students are also required to read books and report on them.  The second semester requires public speaking.  Students practice the types of speeches during this course, culminating in an 18-20 page research paper.  An oral presentation of this paper is required as the final exam.

 


 

PRE-ALGEBRA  -  (Grade 9  -  full year  -  1 credit  - no prerequisite)

This course serves as a bridge between arithmetic and algebra.  Students will progress from working problems that are mostly numerical to solving those that require more advanced reasoning skills that require working with variables, or unknowns.  Topics covered include: integers, factors and fractions, one-step equations, rational numbers, proportions and percent, graphing equations, inequalities, and polynomials

APPLIED MATHEMATICS   ( by permission of Administration only   - full year  - 1 credit  - no prerequisite)

This course is designed for students who need to improve their fundamental skills in mathematics.  Skills will be learned through the applications of consumer-related mathematics and trade-related mathematics.

 

ALGEBRA I  -  (Grade 9-12  -  full year  -  1 credit - no prerequisite

This course aids the student in the ability to solve problems by manipulating algebraic expressions and equations.  Other topics include linear equations, polynomials, functions, simplifying rational expressions, real numbers, solving fractional equations, and coordinate geometry.   Honors section available to those students who received a B or higher average in previous mathematics course.

GEOMETRY  -  (Grade 10-12  -  full year  - 1 credit – prerequisite Algebra I)

A deductive treatment of Euclidean geometry focusing on proof and the attributes and relationships in shape, dimension, and space.  Honors section for qualified students. Honors section available to those students who received a B or higher average in previous mathematics course.

ALGEBRA II-(Grade 11-12, full year-1 credit – prerequisite Algebra I)

This course gives a thorough review of skills learned in Algebra I.  Then students go on to study radicals, solving and graphing quadratic relations and systems, logarithms, exponential functions, sequences and series. Honors section for qualified students. Honors section available to those students who received a B or higher average in previous mathematics course.

PRE-CALCULUS - (Grades 12 - full year - 1 credit – prerequisite  Algebra II)

Techniques and concepts of Algebra will be explored in greater detail.  Focus on elementary functions, graphing techniques and trigonometry.  Essential ideas of Calculus are introduced - continuity, limits, the derivative, integration.  TI graphing calculator required.

CALCULUS - (Grade 12 - full year - 1 credit - prerequisite Pre-Calculus)

Calculus of one variable covering continuity, limits, differention and integration.  Topics include curve sketching, maximum-minimum problems, related rates, and volumes of revolution.  TI graphing calculator required.  Students may opt to take this course for Advanced Placement.

 


 

PHYSICAL  SCIENCE - (Grade 9  -  full year  -  1 credit  -  no prerequisite. Lab fee)

This course stresses the fundamentals of science.  First semester is a survey of chemistry, while second semester surveys physics, including machines, electricity, and light.  Labs and demonstrations are an integral part of this course.

BIOLOGY  -  (Grade 10  -  full year  -  1 credit  -  no prerequisite. Lab fee)

Biology covers the scientific method, basic chemistry of living organisms, the cell, genetics, the creation/evolution debate, and a survey of the five kingdoms.  Labs include learning microscope techniques, and dissection of representative organisms from selected kingdoms.

CHEMISTRY-(Grade 11-12 - full year  -  1 credit  -  prerequisite Algebra I. Lab fee)

Chemistry surveys the concepts of the quantum model, periodic trends, chemical bonding and reactions, solutions, acids and bases, and stoichiometry.  Labs and lab report writing skills are an integral part of this course.

PHYSICS  -  (Grade 11-12  -  full year  -  1 credit  -  prerequisite Algebra II, experience with trigonometry needed. Lab fee)

Physics is the study of the fundamental laws governing nature such as those affecting objects at rest and in motion; those governing gravity, temperature effects, heat exchange, sound, light and electricity.  The influences of forces and the concepts of work, energy and power are covered in detail.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY  -   (Grade 11-12  -  full year  -  1 credit  - prerequisite Biology)

Intensively studies the structure and functions of the human body by system.  This also includes disease process with each system.

 


 

GEOGRAPHY  -  (Grade 9  -  ½ year  -  .5 credit  -  no prerequisite)

This course provides a close inspection of world regions.  Students will study  the people of those regions and their environments. Emphasis will be given to the topography, climate, agriculture, industry and major regional issues for each part of the world.  Students will become proficient with basic map skills.

ECONOMICS  (Grade 9  -  ½  year  -  .5 credit  -  no prerequisite, required)

This course provides an in depth look at the basic microeconomic and macroeconomic principles of the U.S. Economy.  Students will gain a greater appreciation of the free enterprise system and the formation, mechanics, and operations of business.  Attention will be given to broadening the student’s understanding of consumer financing and purchasing, career preparation, financial investments, and insurance so that they may be aware of the issues that they will face in today’s economic world.

 

WORLD HISTORY  -  (Grade 10  -  full year  -  1 credit  -  no prerequisite)

Surveys the history of man from creation to the present.  This approach presents failures and successes by using historic examples.

 

US HISTORY  - (Grade 11  -  full year  -  1 credit  - no prerequisite, required)

Surveys the history of the United States from the exploration period to the present.  The decisions of the past are examined and how those decisions affect our nation today.

CIVICS  -  (Grade 12  -  ½  year  -  .5 credit  -  no prerequisite, required)

This course emphasizes good citizenship.  It provides the student with practical information about our government and its influence in our daily lives.  The Constitution and all branches of government are studied in detail.

 


 

SPANISH I/FRENCH I -  (Grade 9-12  -  full year  -  1 credit  -  no prerequisite)

This course will begin to develop the student’s skills in the usage of a foreign language.  Speaking, listening, reading and writing; along with an in-depth study of grammar will be covered.  Students are introduced to the history and culture of Spanish/French speaking countries.

SPANISH II /FRENCH II-  (Grades 10-12  -  full year  -  1 credit  - prerequisite first year of same language)

This course continues developing skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing.  This course further strengthens both grammar and vocabulary as well as students understanding of  the history and culture of Spanish/French speaking countries.

SPANISH III/ FRENCH III -  (Grades 11-12  -  full year  -  1 credit  -  prerequisite C or better in 2nd year of same language)

A continuation of study in the principles of grammar and structure.  The history, culture, and some religious practices of Spanish/French-speaking people are studied.  An optional week-long trip to Spain and France is offered as an educational opportunity during the year.

SPANISH IV/ FRENCH IV – (Grade 12 – full year–1 credit – prerequisite C or better in 3rd year of the same language)

This course continues the study of grammar and structure and explores some advanced grammatical concepts.  Practical implementation and usage of all of the former levels of study becomes central, as students strive to become true communicators in both written and verbal forms of the language. 

 


 

COMPUTER I - (Grade 9 - 1 semester - . 5 credit - no prerequisite, required)

This course provides the high school student with an overview of computer concepts and the World Wide Web.  Students are introduced to Windows XP and Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook. 

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS  -  (Grades 9-12  -  full year  -  1 credit  -  prerequisite, Computer Literacy)

This course builds on content covered in Computer Literacy.   Students will continue to master the fundamentals and techniques of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.  Students will integrate the components in a complete document.  Also covered in the class is basic web page design.

 


 

ACCOUNTING I - (Grade 10-12 - full year  -  1 credit  -  prerequisite, Computer Lit.)

The course teaches the basic accounting cycle concepts.  Students are taught theory and how to accomplish these tasks.  Students receive instruction in both the handwritten and automated accounting methods.

ACCOUNTING II  -  (Grade 11-12  -  full year  -  1 credit  -  prerequisite,  Accounting I)

This class builds off the basic concepts taught in Accounting I.  Students learn how to produce and evaluate accounting records needed for proper management of a business.  With successful completion of this course, a student would be able to gain an entry level job in the accounting field.

ACCOUNTING III  -  (Grade 12  -  full year  -  1 credit  - prerequisite Accounting II)

This course finishes the advanced book and moves into some college accounting concepts.

 


 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION  -  (Grade 9-12  -  .5 credit per semester  -  no prerequisite.  Equipment fee)

A total of one credit is required during the high school career.  The course includes team sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball and some individual sports as well.  There is an emphasis on physical fitness and conditioning.  A semester of PE can be waived through participation in 2 varsity sports.

HEALTH – (Grade 10-12 - 1 semester course - .5 credit– required)

Covers CPR, body systems, and nutrition; as well as some mental health information.  First Aid is also covered.

SENIOR SEMINAR – (Grade 12 only – semester course - .5 credit – required)

Students have the opportunity to explore career and college topics such as the college application process, interviewing techniques, personality/relationships/vocation, and résumé writing.  The class will do one Christian Service project for the semester.


 

ART HISTORY  -  (Grade 11-12  - 1 semester course -  .5 credit  -  no prerequisite)

This course is a survey of the arts including painting, sculpture, architecture, photography and drawing.  Promotes the student’s creative talents as well as encouraging an appreciation of the arts.

ART  I   (Grades 9-12    semester    .5 credit    no prerequisite)

In this introductory course, the students will learn basic skills and techniques. Students will explore the elements of art while working with various media. Students will begin to build an art portfolio. Art fee of $10.

 

ART  II   (Grades 9-12    semester    .5 credit  –prerequisite Art I)

This course is a continuation of Art I and the exploration of the elements of art. Students will put the principles of art into practice with various projects and will continue to build an art portfolio. Art fee of $10.

 

MUSIC HISTORY - (Grade 11-12  - 1 semester course -  .5 credit - no prerequisite)

This course is a survey of classical music of the early church to the present.  It covers the basics of music and its structure.  A major emphasis is placed in the development of perceptive listening skills and understanding of music so that a greater appreciation for classical music is gained.

DRAMA  -  (Grade 9-12 – semester,  .5 credit – no prerequisite)

This introduction to drama focuses on origins and Greek drama fall quarter with Oedipus the King as the central work, Shakespeare second quarter with Measure for Measure and Henry IV, European theater in the winter with “The Apollo of Bellac”, “arms and the Man’, Faust, and other European plays, and in the spring American theater including Arsenic and Old Lace, and the American musical.  Students will write their own play and will have weekly quizzes. 

 

BAND  -  (Grade 9-12  -  full year  -  .6 credit  -  2 years on an instrument or conductor’s approval  -  meets three times per week.)

Band introduces the student to the fundamentals of playing an instrument.  This group plays off school grounds occasionally and tours in the spring for 3-5 days.  Emphasis is on music as a tool for ministry.

CHORUS-(Grade 9-12 - full year - .5 credit - no prerequisite -  meets twice per week)

Allows the student to practice and perform vocal music.  Basic music reading skills are taught in a graduated system.  Students are expected to master more difficult rhythmic and melodic singing skills each year.  Advanced students are used to tutor those with lower skill levels.

DRIVER EDUCATION  -  (Prerequisite must be 16 years old by end of  the course  -  no credit  -  class fee)

This course teaches the rules and laws of driving for the State of New Hampshire and driving instruction.  Offered after school day throughout year and during summer - times will be announced. Requirements:

30 class hours

10 driving hours

6 observation hours

 


 

COMMUNITY SERVICE – ( Grades 10-12 - .2 credit per year, required)

Sophomores, juniors and seniors must have 25 community service hours per year for a total of 75 hours equaling .6 credits.  High school students are to begin working on community service hours during the summer following their freshman year.