High School Course Descriptions
English
English I
This course is designed to challenge students to comprehend and analyze literary texts. Students read several works of world literature as well as poetry and shorter works of fiction and nonfiction. Writing assignments develop students' critical thinking skills and creative expression. The course also provides a study of grammar, mechanics, usage, and vocabulary (students will take an end-of-year test in this class). NRCA's summer reading program is optional for this course.
English II
This college-preparatory course focuses on the development of complex thought processes and creative expression through discussion and writing assignments. This course is designed to challenge students to comprehend and analyze literary texts. Students will ready several major works of world literature as well as poetry and shorter works of fiction and nonfiction. Writing assignments develop students' critical thinking skills and creative expression. Time for practicing the new essay portion of the SAT test is also allocated. NRCA's summer reading program is optional for this course.
Honors English I
The course is designed for highly academically advanced, highly motivated students who are capable of reading complex literature and analyzing it in terms of themes, character motivation, and cultural and philosophical contexts. Students read works of world literature as well as poetry and many shorter works of fiction and nonfiction. Through frequent writing assignments, students develop the skills of close textual analysis, critical thinking skills, and creative expression. The course provides a study of grammar, mechanics, usage, and vocabulary and is reading/writing intensive (students will also take an end-of-course test in this class). NRCA's summer reading program is mandatory for this course.
Honors English II
This course is designed for highly academically advanced, highly motivated students who are capable of reading complex literature independently and analyzing it in terms of themes, character motivation, and cultural and philosophical contexts. Students will read several major works of world literature as well as poetry and many shorter works of fiction and nonfiction. Frequent writing assignments will develop students' critical thinking skills and creative expression. The course provides a study of grammar, mechanics, usage, and vocabulary and is reading/writing intensive. Time for practicing the new essay portion of the SAT test is also allocated. NRCA's summer reading program is mandatory for this course.
Math
Algebra II
This is a study of the use of advanced algebra skills and concepts in the set of real and complex numbers. Through problem solving strategies they study real numbers in equations and inequalities, functions and graphs. They study systems of equations and inequalities, using matrices, determinants and a graphing calculator
Geometry
Geometry is the study of geometrical shapes using deductive reasoning. Undefined terms, postulates and theorems will be used to solve 2 and 3 dimensional figures. Parallelism, congruent triangles, inequalities in triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles, circles, construction, area, area and volume of solids and coordinate geometry will be the topics discussed. Algebraic skills involving quadratic equations, systems of equations, radicals and trigonometry will be used in calculating geometry problems. A completion of Algebra I is the prerequisite.
Honors Algebra II
This is a study of the use of advanced algebra skills and concepts in the set of real and complex numbers. Through problem solving strategies they study exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, real numbers in equations and inequalities, functions and graphs. They study systems of equations and inequalities, using matrices, determinants and a graphing calculator. The study of functions focuses on quadratic functions as well as polynomial functions. Conic sections are graphed and equations are written. Trigonometric functions, graphs, identities and equations complete the topical items in the course. The prerequisite for this class is an A in Geometry.
Honors Geometry
Students will be asked to cover the same topics as the College Prep Geometry Course but in more depth. Honors Geometry covers the concepts at a faster pace and will problem solve at a more difficult level. An A in Algebra I is required for admittance to this course.
Electives
AP Computer Science
AP Computer Science emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in Computer Science. It also includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction. Due to the nature of the course, students must have strong analytical and problem solving skills, as well as excellent performance in math and science courses.
Art I
Art I is designed to extend artistic and critical thinking skills, and conceptual development through creating and producing two and three dimensional artworks in a variety of media, techniques, and processes. Students will develop a working understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design that will underscore their work as they develop as artists.
Art II & III
Advanced Drawing and Painting: Students will be expected to complete drawing and painting projects utilizing elements and principles learned in Art I and apply them with higher level thinking skills and refined artistic skills.
Sculpture and Ceramics: Students will apply elements and principles of art to the projects required in three dimensional artwork. Design principles in 3D are added to the artistic arsenal to provide the students with more refined skills and concepts.
Broadcast Production
This elective focuses on media broadcasts and film making. The students learn the fundamentals of creating films and television broadcasts. The class is responsible for the creation of a weekly news broadcast to the entire student body.
Honors Computer Science
Honors Computer Science provides a foundation in structured and object-oriented programming methodology with a high level language. Special emphasis will be on decision and looping structures, subprograms, and objects used in the development of computer programs. A focus on algorithm development and a variety of applications provides a basis for more advanced courses. The programming language for this course is Python.
Honors Competitive Speech and Debate
Competitive Speech and Debate will focus on the preparation for and competition in the National Forensic League. Self-motivated students who have met course prerequisites will, after exploring the various areas of forensic competition, choose an area of interest and prepare for interscholastic competition. These events include Policy Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Congressional Congress, Original Oratory, Dramatic and Humorous Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Impromptu Speaking, and Poetry and Prose Interpretation. Tournaments will involve Saturday commitments (approximately four to five a year) and an occasional school-related class absence. Class enrollment is by interview only.
Honors Creative Writing
Honors Creative Writing gives student authors the opportunity to hone their craft in a workshop setting. Students will produce one main literary piece and several smaller pieces each quarter. Genres include poetry (narrative and lyrical), short stories, and drama. Skills include descriptive technique, narrative style, vocabulary, and syntax, as well as adapting writing style to different audiences. Students interested in generating longer works, such as novels, will have the chance to receive feedback during the class. Exploring options for publication rounds out the course, with students learning how to research different publishing venues, write query letters, and submit literary works for publication.
Honors iPhone OS Programming
The goal of Honors iPhone OS Programming is to teach you how to write object-oriented applications for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, using the Cocoa Touch framework on Mac OS X. We will start off with a basic overview of the C programming language before jumping into the Cocoa Touch frameworks and the Objective-C language. Throughout the course we will create several simple iPhone OS applications as we work our way through all the exciting aspects of the Cocoa Touch framework. While you do not need an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad for the class, you will be required to have a recent Intel-based Mac laptop.
Honors Philosophy
Honors Philosophy is a systematic study of the history of ideas and worldviews. Specific attention is paid to the relationship between Christian theology and philosophy. Areas of focus will include faith and reason, the existence of God, science and faith, the problem of evil, the theory of knowledge, and postmodern philosophy. The course is also designed to sharpen the students' logic and critical thinking skills through class discussion and examination of primary sources.
Honors Production & Film
The Honors Production & Film course is an advanced course in the art and mechanics of producing high quality video productions. Honors Production & Film emphasizes in-depth training and experimentation with some of the industries leading software based production tools, specifically the FinalCut Studio suite. It also includes the study of historic and current film for use in learning better composition as well as editing technique. Some of the goals for the class will include writing, shooting, directing, and editing several projects, which can include documentaries, shot films, long format films, community PSAs, etc.
Journalism/Graphic Design
This course is two classes, one that focuses on the skill of writing and one that focuses on the production of journalism. Student in this course will develop the scholastic publications of NRCA. They will learn the production process from selecting content to writing articles to designing layouts for publication. The writing element will expose students to a variety of journalistic writing with a focus on accuracy in reporting and excellence in writing skills. The graphic design element will introduce three industry design programs (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop). This will develop the visual media skills of students. Prerequisites for the course are students who are 10-12 grades and had an A or B in English and an A or B in Computer Applications.
Vocational Education: Athletic Training
Students will learn about the history of and challenges to athletic training, employment options available, and educational requirements for becoming an athletic trainer. Students will learn basic skills for injury prevention, first aid, and treatment of common sports injuries. Topics such as drugs, nutrition, and sport psychology will also be incorporated into the class as it relates to the athlete. Basic anatomy and medical terminology will be integrated into the course. In order to pass the class, students will have to complete 6 hours of practice/game coverage, providing first aid services; this will allow students to apply classroom concepts to the clinical setting. Students will become certified in First Aid and CPR as part of the course curriculum.
Vocational Education: Domestic Arts
This course is an elective to learn the art of managing and maintaining a Christian household. The class meets five days a week. Students will learn meal planning and food preparation; basic sewing and clothes construction; interior design and space planning; proper etiquette and hospitality; budgeting and investing; child care and development; and family, professional and social relationships.
Vocational Education: Honors Allied Sciences II
Allied Health Science II is a course designed to prepare potential health care workers to be effective and efficient multi-skilled health team members. Emphasis is placed on the development of proficiency in health care systems, client communications, employability skills, legal and ethical responsibilities, safety practices, infection controlled, emergency care skills, diagnostic skills, nutrition and diet therapy, dental and pharmacy skills, nursing skills, therapy and sports medicine, information services and environmental and medical careers. It is a work-based learning strategy with 60-90 clinical internship hours with 45 of those hours in a long-term care facility. Upon completion of the course with a B or higher, the student may take the Certified Nursing Assistant certification exam. A mentorship component is offered to any student choosing not to take the CAN exam.
Vocational Education: Honors Computer Engineering
This course introduces the fundamentals of implementing, securing, troubleshooting, and maintaining personal computer and network systems. Also emphasized is the communication and professionalism expected of an Information Technology professional. The scope of this course will be to prepare students to take the CompTIA A+ IT Technician certification exam.
Vocational Education: On-the-Job Training
This course affords juniors and seniors who are in the general track or seniors who have early dismissal academic credit for on-the-job training. Three criteria are required for academic credit: (1) scheduled work Monday-Friday, (2) minimum of 15 hours of employment per week, and (3) willingness of employer to provide timecards and work performance evaluations.
Vocational Education: Trades & Shop
This course combines trades and industrial arts shop into one class. Students will develop basic skills in shop equipment. Guest lecturers from various trades will speak, demonstrate, and conduct hands-on labs in areas like mechanics, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, management, etc. Students will learn the vocabulary, properties and characteristics of wood, machines and tools in the shop, and develop skill in using various tools. Through presentation, discussion, and hands-on exercises, students will learn skill and safety techniques while working with power tools to complete a course project. Along with basic woodworking skills and projects, the students will be asked to conceptually design and build sets for NRCA's Fall and Spring play.
