2008/2009
Highland Academy Handbook
COURSE INFORMATION

 

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INTEGRATED CLASSES

English II/World History

20 Units

This is an intermediate course in written and spoken English with an emphasis on essay writing, vocabulary development, grammar review and a general approach to literature. English II is combined with World History to enhance the learning of both subjects. In the study of History, we explore the religion, language, art, music, politics and economics of various peoples in an effort to determine what each has contributed to society. Special emphasis is given to the correlation of history and Bible prophecy.

 

English III/American History

20 Units

This is an advanced course in written and spoken English with an emphasis on a historical study of American literature combined with American History, essay writing and vocabulary development. The time frame follows the major trends and developments in American life from Colonial days to the present.

 

Bible IV/Economics (LifeSkills)

15 Units

This course is a study of the Christian philosophy of life, career choices, relationships and witnessing. In studying the Christian philosophy of life, including health principles and finance, emphasis is given to value clarification, identity, decision-making and conflict resolution. By investigating career choices, the student explores the options for careers and obtains advice on the choice of a college. Relationships are studied in order to help the student gain a Christian philosophy of love, courtship, engagement, marriage and child-rearing. The study of witnessing encourages the student to become active in sharing the love of Christ in the family, neighborhood and at work.


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EXPRESSWAYS TO LEARNING
A dynamic class that provides extra reinforcement in Math and/or Reading . Learning is made easy by using multi-media computer technology and printed lesson materials. The class meets 50 minutes/day, five days/ week. The key to this program is retraining the brain to remember what has been seen and heard.

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COMMUNICATION ARTS

English I

10 Units

This is a basic course in written and spoken English with an emphasis on grammar, spelling, vocabulary development, paragraph writing, use of the library and a thematic approach to literature.


English II - See Integrated Classes

10 Units

 


English III - See Integrated Classes

10 Units

 


English IV

10 Units

This is an advanced course in written and spoken English with an emphasis on a historical study of British literature, preparation for college entrance exams, research writing, spelling and vocabulary development.


English Comp 101 & 102

10 Units

Prerequisite: Cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or better, no English grades lower than a “B”, and an ACT score in English of at least 21, or curriculum approval.
This is a college level class, with college credit, which also takes the place of academy senior English. Comp 101 (1 st Semester) consists of an analysis of essays and literary works with an emphasis on synthesis of ideas, rhetorical modes, documentation skills and revision. Comp 102 (2 nd Semester) consists of writing argumentative compositions based on issues raised in essays and literary works with an emphasis on research skills, support and revision. The main goal of both courses is to ensure that students develop effective written communication skills. Students making lower than a “B” at the 1 st semester in English Comp will be moved to English IV for second semester.

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FINE ARTS

Intro to Art

10 Units

This course is designed as a hands-on class featuring beginning techniques in pencil drawing, colored pencil, ink, opaque wash, basic color, charcoal, form, figure, perspective, three-dimensional art, and computer art. Out of class work and some research into artists from different time periods will be required. There will be a lab fee and student are expected to provide basic art tools such as pencils, rulers, erasers, and scissors.


Advanced Art

10 Units

Prerequisite: Introduction to Art or at discretion of the instructor.
This course is designed to challenge the advanced art student in his/her choice of one or two distinct areas of art and an in-depth study of the historic background of that particular area of art. Out of class work will be required. There will be a lab fee and students are expected to provide basic art tools such as pencils, rulers, erasers, and scissors.


Bell Choir

<Tour Group >
10 Units

Bell choir is a performing organization in which students learn the technique of ringing the handbells and how to read music. The bell choir schedules performances both on and off campus throughout the year. Uniforms may need to be purchased.


Concert Band

<Tour Group >
10 Units

This course is open to any student with some proficiency on a wind or percussion instrument. Emphasis is placed upon ensemble techniques appropriate to each instrument and of the performance of the best band repertoire. Many sacred and secular concerts at Highland and on tours are given throughout the year. Admission is by audition/invitation, and uniforms will be required for performances.


Choir

5 Units

Choir is a performing vocal ensemble designed to study choral music and to develop the art of ensemble singing and vocal technique. The choir performs in the Highland SDA Church and also performs several concerts a year at other locations.


Sole Voce

<Tour Group >
5 Units

This vocal ensemble is designed to challenge those who are capable of and interested in studying more advanced choral literature. Music, both sacred and secular, of many periods of choral music history is studied and performed. Membership is obtained through audition and invitation of the director and selected from members of the choir. Tuxedos and formal dresses are required each year as performance attire. The group is scheduled for both on and off campus performances each year.


Private Lessons

5 Units

Private lessons are offered to both advanced students interested in developing skills in music and beginning students who wish to learn to play an instrument or sing for the first time. Lessons are available in the areas of keyboard, band instruments and voice. Lessons are held weekly and require independent daily practice. (For lesson charges, see Private Lessons under the “Financial Information” section.)


Stamping

5 Units

This is a one-semester art course designed to introduce the student to rubber-stamping. Students will stamp cards, gift bags, tags, plaques, glass and tiles using rubber stamps mounted on wood and using foam stamps. They will learn to use different mediums for applying color, such as colored pencils, wet pencils, wet crayons, acrylic paints and chalks.


Photography

5 Units

This is a basic photography class of how to use film, digital and video cameras, how they function, the uses of different films and light conditions. This class supports the Highland Chimes (Yearbook). There is a lab fee for film cost and processing.

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MATHEMATICS

General Math, Pre-Algebra and Intro to Algebra will be accepted only as Freshman math credit. Business Math and Consumer Math do not meet graduation math requirements and will be treated as elective credit.

Introduction to Algebra

10 Units

This program is for students who, by maturity of their mathematical backgrounds, can learn algebra more efficiently by having it presented at a slower pace. It provides a study of basic algebra to be able to better succeed in algebra.


Math I (Algebra I)

10 Units

Prerequisite: C or better in Introduction to Algebra or satisfactory score on placement test
This course is designed for students who score well on an aptitude/placement test indicating a good background in mathematics. It stresses both the structure of algebra and the development of computational skills. This course provides an excellent preparation for further studies in math and science.


Math II (Algebra II)

10 Units

Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra I
A more extensive study of relations and functions including linear, quadratic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions.


Math III (Geometry)

10 Units

A study of plane as well as space geometry based on the properties of real numbers is considered in this class. The student acquires an understanding of the need for precise language, and grows in the ability to use the deductive method.


Pre-Calculus

10 Units

Prerequisite: At discretion of the instructor
This is an advanced math class intended for college-bound students interested in math, science, engineering, etc.


MATH SEQUENCE:
Freshmen will do a two-week math orientation with a review of basic math concepts and testing to establish general proficiency. Based on the test results, students will be recommended to follow a college prep sequence, i.e., Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry…(Pre-Cal). Otherwise, they would follow the regular sequence of Intro to Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry…(Algebra II). Exceptions to either of these programs will need approval from the Curriculum Committee.

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MODERN LANGUAGE

Spanish I

10 Units

This introductory Spanish course emphasizes speaking, reading and writing a foreign language. A study of grammar and the culture of Spanish-speaking people enriches the students' understanding of this language.


Spanish II

10 Units

Prerequisite: Spanish I
The second year of Spanish is the continuation of Spanish I with further emphasis on the three basics – speaking, reading and writing.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION and HEALTH

Wellness

10 Units

This course is designed to develop knowledge, understanding, attitudes and desirable practices related to personal and community health. The Bible and writings of Ellen White are emphasized. (5 units P.E. / 5 units Health)


Gymnastics

<Tour Group >
10 Units

Five classes per week for 36 weeks.
This class emphasizes acrosports, cheerleading, stunts and basic ground tumbling. Skill will be developed for performance on public relations trips. Team members are selected by tryouts.


Senior P.E.

5 Units

The focus of this class is to give the students opportunities to learn skills that can be used throughout their lives to maintain an active lifestyle. The subjects are Badminton, Golf and Weight Training.


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PRACTICAL ARTS

Accounting

10 Units

This course is a career-oriented approach to basic accounting principles and their application to common business situations. Emphasis is placed on understanding the accounting cycle, organizing and preparing financial statements and doing the bookkeeping involved. Certain problems are done on the computer to simulate real office practice.


Auto Mechanics

10 Units

A course designed to acquaint the student with the following basic automotive areas: power sources, fuel and electrical systems, power train, brakes and chassis and preventative maintenance and repair.


Woodworking

10 Units

This is a beginning class exploring the growth of a tree, how boards are cut from a log and how this relates to the students’ projects. Students will learn how to safely use the table saw, jointer, planer, band saw and other woodshop equipment. Anticipated projects are: Girls – a hope chest / Guys – a grandfather clock, minus the works. Note: These are not kit projects. There will be a lab fee plus the cost of building the project.

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RELIGION

Religion I

10 Units

This course is a study of the Bible as divine literature. It covers creation, the origin of sin and family relationships in conjunction with the complete book of Genesis. It is also a study of the life of Jesus Christ leading up to His crucifixion, as well as how to develop a personal relationship with Him as seen through the book of Matthew and in the writings of Ellen White.


Religion II

10 Units

This course is a study of God's called-out people and the developing of Christian standards through the Intertestamental Period, I and II Corinthians and denominational history from the Millerite Movement through the early 1900's. Emphasis is placed on developing a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


Religion III

10 Units

This course is a study of the theology of the Christian church. Emphasis will be placed upon the theology of salvation and the student's daily Christian experience. Christian witnessing and the unique doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are also examined.


Religion IV - See Integrated Classes

10 Units

 

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SCIENCE

To fulfill the thirty (30) credit units required in Science for Graduation, the student can include only one (1) general (introductory) science class. The other two classes must be lab-based science classes such as Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry or Physics.

Physical Science

10 Units

This is an introductory course which concentrates on the study of matter and energy, including topics in chemistry and physics.


Biology

10 Units

This is an introductory life science class. This course guides the student in the study of the life functions and processes of cells, tissues, organs, systems and organisms. A variety of laboratory activities are included.


Chemistry

10 Units

Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra I - Algebra II recommended or taking concurrently
Through classroom interaction, research, problem solving and laboratory experiences, this course leads
the student in the discovery of the major concepts of chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the thinking and problem-solving processes of science.


Physics

10 Units

Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra II and Chemistry
This course examines the concepts of general physics through the use of mathematical models and practical everyday examples. Emphasis is placed on the problem-solving processes of science and mathematics. Lab experience is included.


Anatomy & Physiology

10 Units

Prerequisite: Biology/Chemistry recommended, at discretion of the instructor
A&P is a non-medical approach to the structure and function of the human body.

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SOCIAL STUDIES

World History - See Integrated Classes

10 Units

 


American History - See Integrated Classes

10 Units

 


Economics - See Integrated Classes

5 Units

 


Government

5 Units

This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of the American political system, its roots and its workings today. It includes a study of the Constitution with its principles, implied and explicit rights and the system of checks and balances. The relationship of the U.S. to other nations and its foreign policies are studied along with current affairs, both on the local level and on the national level. The class is designed to discover where information on governmental actions and issues can be found and to encourage thoughtful and educated opinions. Students will have a clear understanding of the rights and responsibilities required for good citizenship.

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TECHNOLOGY

Computer Applications & Keyboarding

10 Units

This course is designed to give the student skills in the following areas: keyboarding (formerly typing), word processing, and an introduction to graphics, spreadsheet and internet use. Emphasis is placed on gaining accuracy, speed and skills that can be used in job productions.


Computer Literacy

5 Units

Prerequisite: Accredited high school class in keyboarding or typing
This course is designed as an introductory course in computer science and information technology. We will expose the student to an integrated approach to word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, database and internet compilation. They include an overview of the history and development of the computer and the software applications. The student will use a hands-on approach in this class.

 

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