Transcription
Upper SchoolCurriculum Guide2021-2022
Mission StatementThe Northwest School offers afaculty who engage each studentin sequential, cross-disciplinarystudy in the Humanities, Sciences,and the Arts.We are a diverse community ofpeople who challenge each otherto learn in a healthy, creative,and collaborative atmosphere ofrespect for ourselves, others, andthe environment.We graduate students withhistorical, scientific, artistic, andglobal perspective, enabling themto think and act with integrity,believing they have a positiveimpact on the world.2
Table of ContentsGraduation Requirements and Curriculum Overview. 49th Grade Curriculum. 610th Grade Curriculum. 811th Grade Curriculum. 1012th Grade Curriculum. 12Humanities 9. 15Humanities 10. 15Humanities 11. 1612th Grade Humanities (Two single-credit courses). 16Mathematics. 17Algebra I. 17Geometry. 17Algebra II. 17Math Analysis. . . 17Pre-Calculus. 17Calculus. 17Statistics. 17Mathematical Modeling. 18Advanced Calculus. 18Computer Science. 18Computer Science Principles. 18Programming 1. . . 18Science. . . . . . . 189th Grade Physical Science . 1810th Grade Biology . . . 1911th Grade Chemistry . 1912th GradeAdvanced Chemistry . . 19Advanced Topics in Biology . . . 20Physics . 20Lab Assistant . 20Modern Languages. 20ChineseChinese I. 20Chinese II. 20Chinese III. 21Chinese IV. 211
ContentsEnglish (as a Second Language)Beginning Grammar/Writing – ELL. 21Intermediate Grammar/Writing – ELL. 21English Composition & Advanced Grammar – ELL. 21Advanced English Composition. . . 21FrenchFrench I. 22French II. 22French III. 22French IV. 22SpanishSpanish I. . . 23Spanish II. . . 23Spanish III (Grade 9). 23Spanish III (Grade 10-11). 23Spanish IV. . . 23Spanish V. . . 24Spanish VI. . . 24Physical Education/Health. 249th Grade Fitness, Health, and Wellness. 24Interscholastic Athletic Teams. . . 25Fit Club/Strength and Conditioning. . . 26Outdoor Education. 26Additional Electives. . . 26Advanced English Composition (Grade 12). 26Computer Science Principles (Grades 9-12). 26Programming 1 (Grades 10-12). 27Journalism (Grades 9-12). 27Peer Mentoring (Grades 11-12). 27Arts Curriculum. 28DanceBlack Social Dance (Grades 11-12). 28Creative Dance (Grades 9-12). 28Jazz and Theater Dance (Grades 9-12). 28Latin Social Dance (Grades 11-12). 29Line Dance and Lindy Hop (Grades 9-12). . 29Performing Dance Ensemble/PDE (Grades 9-12). 292
ContentsMusicPopular Music Ensemble/House Band (Grades 9-12). . . 30Popular Musics (Grades 11-12). 30Upper School Choir (Grades 9-12). 30Upper School Concert Band (Grades 9-12). 30Upper School Jazz Band (Grades 9-12). 30Upper School Orchestra (Grades 9-12). 31Varsity Voices (Grades 9-12). 31Vocal Collective (Grades 9-12). 31Theatre ArtsActing for the Stage (Grades 9-12). 31Advanced Theatre Production (Grades 9-12). 31Improv Theatre (Grades 9-12). 32Physical Theatre (Grades 9-10). 32Spoken Word (Grades 11-12). . . 32Stagecraft: Design & Technology (Grades 9-12). 32Theatre as Communication (ELL 9). 32Theatre for Social Justice (Grades 10-12). . . 33Visual ArtsAdvanced Photography (Grade 12). 33Animation (Grades 9-10). 33Ceramics (Grades 9-12). 33Drawing I (Grades 9-12). . 33Drawing II (Grades 11-12). 34Film and Video Art (Grades 9-12). 34Graphic Design (Grades 9-12). 34Mixed Media (Grade 12). 34New Media Art (Grades 9-12). 34Painting and Printmaking (Grades 9-12). 34Photography (Grades 10-12). 34Sculpture and Materials Exploration (Grades 9-12). 35Watercolor and Related Media (Grades 9-12). . . 36Yearbook and Publication Design (Grades 9-12). 363
Graduation Requirements Curriculum OverviewThe Northwest School requires the following minimum course of study in the Upper School:Humanities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 years (English & History)Mathematics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 or 4 years*Science. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 or 4 years*Modern Languages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 or 4 years*Visual & Performing Arts. . . . . . . . 4 yearsPhysical Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 years*Most seniors take a fourth year of study in Modern Language, Math, and Science.All seniors must take a fourth year of study in two of the three: Modern Languages,Math, or guagePlacementdetermined 10th11th12thHumanities 9Humanities 9 – ELLHumanities 10Humanities 10 – ELLHumanities 11Humanities 11 –TransitionalHumanities 12Comparative LiteratureWriting SeminarGeometryAlgebra IIPrecalculusAlgebra IIPrecalculusCalculusAlgebra IIMath AnalysisPrecalculusCalculusAdvanced CalculusMath ModelingStatisticsPrecalculusCalculusAdvanced CalculusPhysical ScienceBiologyChemistryAdvanced ChemistryAdv. Topics in BiologyPhysicsChineseFrenchSpanishBeg. Grammar/Writing – ELLChineseFrenchSpanishInt. Grammar/Writing – ELLChineseFrenchSpanishAdvanced SpanishEng. Comp & Adv.Grammar – ELLChineseFrenchSpanishAdvanced EnglishCompositionTwo full-year arts courses are taken each year. A minimum of six arts courses must be taken tograduate. To fulfill the arts distribution requirement, students must take at least one course ineach of the four departments: Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Students who choose anon-arts elective (e.g., Computer Science, Journalism, Peer Mentoring) for a given year musttake at least one art course in that year.The two-year physical education requirement may be fulfilled by P.E. classes, outdoor education,dance, fitness, or team sports. It is recommended that students fulfill the requirement throughparticipation in a variety of these activities. Partial fulfillment of the P.E. requirement and theentire health requirement will be accomplished in the 9th grade year.Four years of satisfactory work in the Environment Program are required.
Curriculum Overview for International StudentsInternational students who receive ELL support are gradually integrated into more courses withdomestic students each year. Physical Education/Health, arts courses, sports teams, class trips,the Environment Program, and the Outdoor Program offer additional chances for interaction.9th GradeHumanities 9 – ELLPhysical ScienceBeginning Grammar/Writing – ELLTheatre as Communication – ELL*9th grade students share Math, Physical Science, P.E., and an art course with domestic students.10th GradeHumanities 10 – ELLIntermediate Grammar/Writing – ELL*10th grade students share Math, Biology, and two arts courses with domestic students.11th GradeHumanities 11 – TransitionalEnglish Composition and Advanced Grammar – ELL*11th grade students share Math, Chemistry, and two arts courses with domestic students.12th GradeInternational students follow the full 12th grade curriculum. In addition, they take Advanced EnglishComposition to further strengthen their English language and writing skills.Protocol for Early Transition from Humanities ELL to Domestic Humanities:Students who enter the school receiving ELL support must join the full domestic curriculum by12th grade. An earlier transition into the domestic Humanities program is possible under specificcircumstances. ELL students in good standing with a TOEFL iBT score of 90, a cumulative GPA of 3.33,and Humanities grades of A- or higher during the two immediately prior trimesters, may petitionto enroll in a domestic Humanities section before senior year. An institutional, paper based TOEFLscore of 600 may substitute for an iBT score of 90. A letter of support from a Northwest SchoolHumanities faculty member may also initiate replace one or more of the academic requirements.Questions concerning the early transition process should be directed to the Upper School Director.5
9th Grade CurriculumThe Northwest School’s 9th grade program consists of a minimum of eight courses plus Environment:Humanities 9Humanities 9 – ELLCourse combining English and History (counts as two of eight)MathGeometryAlgebra IIPrecalculusSciencePhysical ScienceModern LanguagesLanguage placementdetermined by faculty.ChineseFrenchSpanishBeginning Grammar/Writing – ELLArts/ElectivesStudents take two arts/elective courses. A minimum of six artscourses are required to graduate. Most arts are full-year courses.Physical Education/HealthFull-year course. Meets state requirements for health.EnvironmentThree times each week, cross-graded teams, led by seniors, work asstewards of our buildings and grounds.Physical Education/Health Requirements:All students in the 9th grade will be enrolled in a required Physical Education class and will completehalf of the two-year P.E. requirement through this class. Additional P.E. credit can be earned throughenrollment in dance courses, outdoor education, fitness, or participation on an interscholasticsports team. Fulfills state requirements for Health. See Physical Education/Health description.Arts Distribution Requirements:To fulfill the arts distribution requirement, students must take at least one course in each of the fourdepartments: Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. A minimum of six arts courses must be taken tograduate. Students are encouraged to complete three of the four arts distribution requirements bythe end of the sophomore year. By the end of junior year, students should plan to complete all fourof the arts distribution requirements, thus enabling them to take the additional arts of their choicein senior year. Please select arts courses with this in mind when filling out the Registration requestform. (For example, do not request courses all from the same department for 9thgrade.)Arts Courses available for 9th grade students:Ninth grade students are enrolled in two arts courses, one in Art Block D and one in Art Block F. Artcourses available to 9th graders listed here are arranged by Art Block. For course descriptions, seethe Arts Curriculum portion of this packet. Beginning Photography is not open to 9th grade students.Arts Courses available for 9th grade ELL students:ELL students take an art class in Art Block D as well as a theatre class called Theatre asCommunication – ELL. For course description, see Theatre Arts in the Arts Curriculum section.6
Arts/Elective Courses available to 9th Grade StudentsSee Arts Curriculum section for course descriptions.Art Block DDanceJazz and Theater Dance**DancePerforming Dance Ensemble*MusicPME/House Band*MusicUpper School Beginning ChoirMusicUpper School Jazz Band*MusicUpper School Orchestra*TheatreAdvanced Theatre Production*TheatreImprov TheatreTheatreStage Design and TechnologyVisualCeramicsVisualFilm and Video ArtVisualPainting and PrintmakingVisualSculpture and Materials ExplorationVisualWatercolor and Experimental DrawingVisualYearbook and Publication Design*Audition or Faculty Approval Required**Prerequisite or Faculty Approval RequiredArt Block ETheatreTheatre as Communication (ELL)Art Block FDanceCreative DanceDanceLine Dance and Lindy HopMusicUpper School Concert BandMusicVarsity Voices (Intermediate Choir)*TheatreActing for the StageTheatrePhysical TheatreVisualAnimationVisualCeramicsVisualDrawing 1VisualGraphic DesignElectivesBlock DJournalismBlock FComputer Science Principles7
10th Grade CurriculumThe Northwest School’s 10th grade program consists of a minimum of seven courses plus Environment:Humanities 10Humanities 10 – ELLCourse combining English and History (counts as two of seven)MathAlgebra IIPrecalculusCalculusScienceBiologyModern LanguagesLanguage placementdetermined by faculty.ChineseFrenchSpanishIntermediate Grammar/Writing – ELLArts/ElectivesStudents take two arts/elective courses.A minimum of six arts courses are required to graduate.Most arts are full-year courses.EnvironmentThree times each week, cross-graded teams, led by seniors,work as stewards of our buildings and grounds.Physical Education Requirements:To work towards completion of the two-year Physical Education requirement, 10th graders shouldregister for a course that earns Physical Education credit. P.E. credit can be earned throughenrollment in dance courses, outdoor education, fitness, or participation on an interscholasticsports team. See Physical Education description.Arts Distribution Requirements:To fulfill the arts distribution requirements, students must take at least one course in each of thefour Art Departments: Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. A minimum of six arts courses isrequired for graduation. It is recommended that 10th graders sign up for arts courses that will allowthem to complete all four of the arts distribution requirements by the end of the junior year, andenable them to take the additional arts of their choice during senior year. Students should attemptto meet at least three of the arts distributions by the end of the 10th grade year.Study abroad opportunity during Trimester 3 of 10th grade:The Northwest School has agreements for reciprocal short-term student exchanges with ouroverseas partner schools: Affiliated High School to National Cheng Chi University, Taipei, Taiwan Centro Docente María, Seville, Spain Lycée Emmanuel Mounier, Angers, FranceThere is an application process for this program as there are a limited number of spots at eachpartner school. The Northwest School offers credit for the study abroad experience and acceptsthis for completion of 10th grade requirements. For more information about this program, contact theUpper School Director.8
Arts/Elective Courses available to 10th Grade StudentsSee Arts Curriculum section for course descriptions.Art Block DArt Block FDanceJazz and Theater Dance**DanceCreative DanceDancePerforming Dance Ensemble*DanceLine Dance and Lindy HopMusicPME/House Band*MusicUpper School Concert BandMusicUpper School Beginning ChoirMusicVarsity Voices (Intermediate Choir)*MusicUpper School Jazz Band*TheatreActing for the StageMusicUpper School Orchestra*TheatrePhysical TheatreTheatreAdvanced Theatre Production*TheatreTheatre for Social JusticeTheatreImprov TheatreVisualAnimationTheatreStage Design and g 1VisualFilm and Video ArtVisualGraphic DesignVisualPainting and PrintmakingVisualPhotographyVisualSculpture and Materials ExplorationVisualWatercolor and Experimental DrawingVisualYearbook and Publication Design*Audition or Faculty Approval Required**Prerequisite or Faculty Approval RequiredElectivesBlock FComputer Science PrinciplesBlock DJournalismBlock DProgramming 19
11th Grade CurriculumThe Northwest School’s 11th grade program consists of a minimum of seven courses plus Environment:Humanities 11Humanities 11 – TransitionalCourse combining English and History (counts as two of seven)MathAlgebra IIMath AnalysisPrecalculusCalculusAdvanced CalculusScienceChemistryModern LanguagesLanguage placementdetermined by faculty.ChineseFrenchSpanishEnglish Composition & Advanced Grammar – ELLArts/ElectivesStudents take two arts/elective courses. A minimum of six artscourses are required to graduate. Most arts are full-year courses.EnvironmentThree times each week, cross-graded teams, led by seniors,work as stewards of our buildings and grounds.Physical Education Requirements:All 11th graders who have not yet completed the two-year Physical Education requirement shouldregister for a course that earns Physical Education credit. P.E. credit can be earned throughenrollment in dance courses, outdoor education, fitness, or participation on an interscholasticsports team. See Physical Education description.Arts Distribution Requirements:To fulfill the arts distribution requirement, students must take at least one course in each of thefour Art Departments: Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. A minimum of six arts courses mustbe taken to graduate. Juniors should complete the four arts distribution requirements by the end of11th grade. This allows students to take additional arts of their choice during the senior year.10
Arts/Elective Courses available to 11th Grade StudentsSee Arts Curriculum section for course descriptions.Art Block DArt Block FDanceJazz and Theater Dance**DanceCreative DanceDancePerforming Dance Ensemble*DanceLine Dance and Lindy HopMusicPME/House Band*MusicUpper School Concert BandMusicUpper School Beginning ChoirMusicVarsity Voices (Intermediate Choir)*MusicUpper School Jazz Band*TheatreActing for the StageMusicUpper School Orchestra*TheatreAdvanced Theatre Production*TheatreTheatre for Social JusticeTheatreImprov TheatreVisualCeramicsTheatreStage Design and TechnologyVisualDrawing 1VisualCeramicsVisualGraphic DesignVisualFilm and Video ArtVisualPhotographyVisualPainting and PrintmakingArt Block GVisualSculpture and Materials ExplorationVisualWatercolor and Experimental DrawingVisualYearbook and Publication DesignElectivesDanceBlack Social DanceDanceLatin Social DanceMusicPopular MusicsMusicVocal Collective*TheatreSpoken WordBlock FComputer Science PrinciplesVisualWatercolor and Experimental DrawingBlock DJournalismVisualPhotographyBlock GPeer Mentoring*Block DProgramming 1*Audition or Faculty Approval Required**Prerequisite or Faculty Approval Required11
12th Grade CurriculumThe Northwest School’s 12th grade program consists of a minimum of six courses plus Environment:Humanities 12:Social StudiesFull-year course. Meets state requirements for U.S.Government and History Elective. Students will choose from: Humanities 12: Social Studies (Various Options)Humanities 12:EnglishFull-year course. Meets state requirements for English.Students will choose from: Comparative Literature Writing SeminarMathStatisticsPrecalculusCalculusAdvanced CalculusMathematical ModelingScienceAdvanced ChemistryAdvanced Topics in BiologyPhysicsModern LanguagesLanguage placementdetermined by faculty.12ChineseFrenchSpanishAdvanced English CompositionArts/ElectivesTaking two arts/electives courses is the normal expectation.A minimum of six arts courses must be taken to graduate. Tofulfill the arts distribution requirement, students need to havecompleted at least one course in each of the four departments:Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. If the arts distributionrequirement has been met, it is possible for seniors to elect totake only one art and five academic classes.EnvironmentFull-year satisfactory participation in a leadership positionis required.
12th Grade Requirements:Course Load:Enrollment in a minimum of six courses is required. This can be four academics and two arts, orfive academics and one art if all arts distribution requirements have been met. Enrollment in sixacademic courses is not allowed. Typically, seniors take five academic courses and two arts.Humanities:One course from Humanities 12 and one course from Humanities Electives.Math, Science, and Modern Languages:At least two courses, and no more than three, from the Math, Science, and Modern LanguagesDepartments if all 9–11th grade requirements have been met. In individual cases, specific coursesmay be required. International students must be enrolled in Advanced English Composition, which isconsidered one of their academic courses.Arts:Students must be enrolled in at least one art course during the senior year. Computer Science,Journalism, and Peer Mentoring are electives offered during Art Blocks, but are not art courses.Students enrolled in any of these electives must still enroll in at least one art course. Studentselecting to take only one art must have completed the arts distribution requirement (one course inDance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts) and be enrolled in five academic courses. Seniors have fourArt Blocks available in their schedules, including two senior-only courses. See Arts Block Tables.Environment:Seniors are responsible to lead and evaluate cross-graded groups of students, with facultyassistance, that act as stewards of our buildings and grounds.Senior Meeting:Attendance is required at this weekly planning meeting. Topics include: planning the MLK Daycelebration, leadership and social opportunities within
Upper School Beginning Choir. Music: Upper School Jazz Band* Music: Upper School Orchestra* Theatre: Advanced Theatre Production* Theatre: Improv Theatre. Theatre: Stage Design and Technology. Visual: Ceramics. Visual: Film and Video Art. Visual: Painting and Printmaking. Visual: Sculpture and Materials Exploration. Visual: Watercolor and .
