Biology (Life Science) is the scientific study of life and living organisms. This course aims to develop students into scientifically literate citizens who have mastered the critical thinking skills that will allow them to make informed decisions in a world increasingly impacted by scientific discovery. This course also aims to develop in students an appreciation for the natural world and our role in its stewardship. Units of study in this course include evolutionary biology, genetics, heredity, cell structure and function, human reproduction, and ecology.
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Introduction to Ethnic Studies challenges students to frame their individual identity, their family history, and their community history through the lenses of race, ethnicity, gender, nationality and culture. Students will examine case studies that identify problems and analyze causes of systemic inequality through historical and contemporary contexts. This course will also focus on developing reading, writing, notetaking and dialogue skills necessary to create and present well-organized arguments. The semester-ending project will focus on the history and the work of a social movement. By the end of this course, students should have an understanding of what it means to live responsibly and ethically as men and women with and for others.
Advanced Science Research Project
(Physical or Life Science) Students perform one or more additional independent science or engineering research projects, beyond those completed in the first semester Science Research Project course, or perform a substantial extension of a project completed in the previous course. This is an independent study course, with flexible meeting times that will be arranged to fit the schedules of the students. This course is taken in addition to the science requirement for graduation. Enrollment in Advanced Science Research does not qualify a student for a study period during the regular academic day.
*Taken as an independent study with the guidance of science teacher
Product Design 1-Mechanical Design & Development
This course offers students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the maturity and self-discipline required to perform independent scientific research. Students perform one or more independent science or engineering research projects, in laboratory or field settings, on topics of their own choice. The meeting times are flexible and will be arranged to fit the schedule of the student. Areas of study include any area of science or engineering, including: quantum physics, astronomy, robotics, electronics, biotechnology, geology, meteorology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, oceanography, marine biology, psychology, sociology, economics, political science, statistics, etc., as well as traditional areas of biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. Students will gain direct experience in research methodologies used by professional scientists and engineers in industry and academia. This course is taken in addition to the science requirement for graduation. Enrollment in Product Design 1-Mechanical Design does not qualify a student for a study period during the regular academic day.
*Taken as an independent study with the guidance of science teacher
Orchestra C
This is the symphonic orchestra for which an audition is required to participate. Auditions are held at the beginning of Fall Semester, and again in December for the following Spring Semester. Students develop technical mastery in all aspects of ensemble playing, including tone production, intonation, rhythmic execution and musicianship. Orchestra performs works from the baroque, classical, romantic and 20th century repertoire from MENC grades 4-5, and will perform at the CMEA festival in the spring.
This course is offered outside of the 9:00 am – 2:45 pm school day. Meets 1 evening per week, plus performances. (Fall: Mondays 2:45-5:00-pm/Spring: Mondays 6:00-8:30pm)
First Semester Taken: Orchestra A (6521)
Second Semester Taken: Orchestra B (6522)
Subsequent Semesters Taken: Orchestra C (9803)
Orchestra 1B
An audition is required to participate. Auditions are held at the beginning of Fall Semester, and again in December for the following Spring Semester. Students develop technical mastery in all aspects of ensemble playing, including tone production, intonation, rhythmic execution and musicianship. Orchestra performs works from the baroque, classical, romantic and 20th century repertoire from MENC grades 4-5, and will perform at the CMEA festival in the spring.
This course is offered outside of the 9:00 am – 2:45 pm school day, offered after school/evenings ONLY. Meets 1 evening per week, plus performances.
First Semester Taken: Orchestra A (6521)
Second Semester Taken: Orchestra B (6522)
Subsequent Semesters Taken: Orchestra C (9803)
Chamber Singers C
This course is a mixed singing ensemble intended for singers of advanced ability and specializes in performance of challenging literature of diverse genre. Students will read music notation in treble and bass clefs, demonstrate understanding of more complex notation, demonstrate knowledge of terminology pertinent to the performance of choral music, demonstrate and understand correct singing technique, and demonstrate appropriate rehearsal discipline and performance skills. Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals, performances and choral festivals. The class generally meets before school in the morning.
First Semester Taken: Chamber Singers A (6546)
Second Semester Taken: Chamber Singers B (6547)
Subsequent Semesters Taken: Chamber Singers C (9863)
This course is offered outside of the 9:00 am – 2:45 pm school day. Meets 2-3 mornings per week, plus performances.
Chamber Singers 1B
This course is a mixed singing ensemble intended for singers of advanced ability and specializes in performance of challenging literature of diverse genre. Students will read music notation in treble and bass clefs, demonstrate understanding of more complex notation, demonstrate knowledge of terminology pertinent to the performance of choral music, demonstrate and understand correct singing technique, and demonstrate appropriate rehearsal discipline and performance skills. Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals, performances and choral festivals. The class generally meets before school in the morning.
First Semester Taken: Chamber Singers A (6546)
Second Semester Taken: Chamber Singers B (6547)
Subsequent Semesters Taken: Chamber Singers C (9863)
This course is offered outside of the 9:00 am – 2:45 pm school day. Meets 2-3 mornings per week, plus performances.
Chamber Singers 1A
This course is a mixed singing ensemble intended for singers of advanced ability and specializes in performance of challenging literature of diverse genre. Students will read music notation in treble and bass clefs, demonstrate understanding of more complex notation, demonstrate knowledge of terminology pertinent to the performance of choral music, demonstrate and understand correct singing technique, and demonstrate appropriate rehearsal discipline and performance skills. Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals, performances and choral festivals. The class generally meets before school in the morning.
First Semester Taken: Chamber Singers A (6546)
Second Semester Taken: Chamber Singers B (6547)
Subsequent Semesters Taken: Chamber Singers C (9863)
This course is offered outside of the 9:00 am – 2:45 pm school day. Meets 2-3 mornings per week, plus performances.
Video Editing and Production (SITV 101)
The Video Editing and Production (SITV 101) course is a full-year UC approved Visual/Performing Arts F course that takes place once per week on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 227, except for holidays and other special events. The course will provide students with a deeper understanding of video editing skills for professional and social media use, video camera skills for creative imagery and real-world use, foundational knowledge of equipment such as professional Sony cameras, drones, gimbals, lights, microphones, tripods, etc.
Students will develop an array of video editing and production techniques essential for high quality video content, pivotal for many industries in today’s media landscape. Students will develop an arsenal of industry-grade production tools that will assist their pursuits in potential film, video creation and social media careers. By getting hands-on experience with premium gear and software, students will take leaps toward mastery of such elements and elevate their creative ideas. Lessons in pre and post production will break down how students can turn their ideas into fulfilling pieces of work. Students will explore different types of production, such as montages / reels, short films, and branded story videos. Students will learn techniques to produce high quality video material and the steps necessary in pre and post production to satisfy goals. By the end of the year, students will be fully equipped to blueprint, produce, and market their own top-end videos.
Students will meet 1 evening per week (usually Mondays unless there are special circumstances like Holidays) for 3 hours of face-to-face instruction.
First Year Taken: Video Editing and Production (SITV) (9430) – 8th period. This course counts as a UC Approved F Visual/Performing Arts Course.
Second and Subsequent Year Taken: Advanced Video Production and Editing (SITV) (9435) – 8th period. This course is NOT UC approved and does NOT count in the GPA but appears on the transcript as an advanced level course.
This course is offered outside of the 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. school day.