COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Honors and Gifted / Advanced Academic classes teach the same Georgia Performance Standards as the intermediate
class; however, students will be required to work more independently, read more challenging material, and complete
critical thinking tasks.
ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS
Required Courses (Meets Graduation Requirements for English/Language Arts)
Ninth Grade Literature and Composition:
This course focuses on a study of literary genres; the students will develop initial
understanding of both the structure and the meaning of a literary work. The students will
explore the effect of the literary form in regards to interpretation. While the focus is technical
writing in ninth grade literature, the students will also demonstrate competency in a variety of
writing genres.
Tone of these courses is required. (EOCT course)
Ninth Grade Literature and Composition – Honors
Ninth Grade Literature and Composition –Gifted and Advanced Content
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MATHEMATICS
Required Courses for Students Entering Ninth (9th) Grade in Fall of 2008 and beyond (Meets
Graduation Requirements for Mathematics)
CCGPS Coordinate Algebra:
The fundamental purpose of Coordinate Algebra is to formalize and extend the mathematics learned in
middle grades. The critical areas, organized into units, deepen and extend understanding of linear
relationships, in part by contrasting them with exponential phenomena, and in part by applying linear
models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Coordinate Algebra uses Algebra to deepen and extend
understanding of geometric knowledge from prior grades. The final unit of the course ties together the
algebraic and geometric ideas studied. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each
course and, together with content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a
coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem
situations.
CCGPS Coordinate Algebra-GAC
Accelerated CCGPS Coordinate Algebra/Analytic Geometry A-Gifted and Advanced Content:
The fundamental purpose of Coordinate Algebra is to formalize and extend the mathematics learned in
middle grades. The critical areas, organized into units, deepen and extend understanding of linear
relationships, in part by contrasting them with exponential phenomena, and in part by applying linear
models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Coordinate Algebra uses Algebra to deepen and extend
understanding of geometric knowledge from prior grades. The final unit of the course ties together the
algebraic and geometric ideas studied. Transformations on the coordinate plane provide opportunities
for the formal study of congruence and similarity. The study of similarity leads to an understanding of
right triangle trigonometry and connects to quadratics through Pythagorean relationships. The study of
circles uses similarity and congruence to develop basic theorems relating circles and lines and rounds
out the course. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with
content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical
subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.
Accelerated CCGPS Analytic Geometry B/Advanced Algebra-Gifted and Advanced Content:
The focus of Accelerated CCGPS Analytic Geometry B/Advanced Algebra is organized into 10 critical
areas. The need for extending the set of rational numbers arises and real and complex numbers are
introduced so that all quadratic equations can be solved. Quadratic expressions, equations, and
functions are developed; comparing their characteristics and behavior to those of linear and
exponential relationships from Coordinate Algebra. Circles return with their quadratic algebraic
representations on the coordinate plane. The link between probability and data is explored through
conditional probability. They apply methods from probability and statistics to draw inferences and
conclusions from data. Students expand their repertoire of functions to include polynomial, rational,
and radical functions. They expand their study of right triangle trigonometry to model periodic
phenomena. And, finally, students bring together all of their experience with functions and geometry
to create models and solve contextual problems. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply
throughout each course and, together with content standards, prescribe that students experience
mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of
problem situations.
CCGPS Coordinate Algebra Support:
(Cannot be used to meet core graduation requirements for Math, but can fulfill elective credit)
The purpose of the Support class is to address the needs of students who have traditionally struggled
in mathematics by providing the additional time and attention they need in order to successfully
complete their regular grade-level mathematics course without failing. Mathematics Support is an
elective class that will be taught concurrently with a student’s regular mathematics class (CCGPS
Coordinate Algebra). Students are selected for this class based on district criteria.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SCIENCE
Required Courses for Students (Meet Graduation Requirements or Science)
Biology:
The Biology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations of the life sciences that began in
grades K-8 and provide students the necessary skills to be proficient in biology. This curriculum
includes more abstract concepts such as the interdependence of organisms, the relationship of matter,
energy, and organization in living systems, the behavior of organisms, and biological evolution.
Students will investigate biological concepts through experience in laboratories and field work using
the processes of inquiry. This course or Biology I-Honors or Biology I Gifted / Advanced Content can
fulfill a core graduation requirement.
Biology I – Honors:
Biology I – Gifted/Advanced Content:
Physics:
The Physics curriculum is designed to continue student investigations of the physical sciences that
began in grades K-8 and provide students the necessary skills to be proficient in physics. This
curriculum includes more abstract concepts such as interactions of matter and energy, velocity,
acceleration, force, energy, momentum, and charge. This course introduces the students to the study of the
correction to Newtonian physics given by quantum mechanics and relativity. Students investigate
physics concepts through experience in laboratories and field work using the processes of inquiry.
THIS COURSE MUST REFLECT THE GEORGIA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. Content from this course is
covered on the Georgia High School Graduation Test. This course or Physics I-Honors or Physics IGifted, Advanced Content can fulfill a core graduation requirement.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SOCIAL STUDIES
Advanced Placement Government/Politics: United States:
This course conforms to College Board topics for the Advanced Placement United States Government
and Politics Examination. Equivalent to introductory level college courses in Government and Politics.
This course covers federalism, separation of powers, influences on the formulation and adoption of
the Constitution, political beliefs, political parties and elections, interest groups, institutions and
policy processes and civil liberties and civil rights. Students must take the AP Exam.
*Only AP class offered for Freshmen.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Required Course for All Students (Meet Graduation Requirements for
Comprehensive Health and Physical Fitness)
Personal Fitness/Comprehensive Health:
This course (or three units in ROTC) must be passed to satisfy the state graduation requirement*.
The course allows the student to develop a lifetime fitness program based on a personal fitness
assessment and including the five fitness components-strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body
composition and cardiovascular endurance. The state required comprehensive health components are
included (ADAP, Family Life and HIV/AIDS) are also addressed as are health topics including health
and wellness, first aid and safety, consumerism, nutrition, emotional health and stress management.
*Three (3) units of credit in JROTC may be used to satisfy this requirement under certain conditions.
JROTC/Air Force:
Introduces the history of the military and the U.S. Air Force role in defense, beliefs and values in a
democracy, leadership styles and group interactions, communications processes, health, personal
hygiene, and first aid. Covers the Air Force ROTC mission and organization, and U.S. Air Force policies.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MUSIC, ORCHESTRA, CHORUS
Music, Chorus, Orchestra
Beginning Band:
Provides opportunities to develop performance skills on a wind or percussion instrument. Emphasizes
performance and production; may include analysis, historical and cultural influences, improvisation and
appreciation of music. Organizes objectives for self-paced progress through all four levels. Stresses
individual progress and group experiences. No previous experience required.
Intermediate Band:
Provides opportunities for intermediate-level performers to increase performance skills and precision on
a wind or percussion instrument. Includes performance and production, analysis and theoretical
studies, historical and cultural contributions and influences, creative aspects of music and appreciation
of music. Stresses individual progress and learning and group experiences; strengthens reading skills.
Director recommendation required.
Beginning Orchestra:
Provides opportunities to develop performance skills and precision on orchestral stringed instruments.
Emphasizes performance and production, analysis and theoretical studies, historical and cultural
contributions and influences, creative aspects of music and appreciation of music. Organizes objectives
for self-paced progress through all four levels. Stresses individual progress and ensemble experiences.
No previous experience required.
Intermediate Orchestra:
Provides opportunities for intermediate-level performers to increase performance skills and precision on
orchestral stringed instruments. Covers performance and production, analysis and theoretical studies,
historical and cultural contributions and influences, creative aspects of music and appreciation of music.
Organizes objectives for self-paced progress through all four levels. Stresses individual progress and
group experiences. Director placement and/or successful audition required.
Beginning Chorus:
Provides opportunities to develop performance skills and knowledge in mixed choral singing. Covers
performance and production, analysis and theoretical studies, historical and cultural contributions and
influences, creative aspects of music and appreciation of music. Organizes objectives for self-paced
progress through all four levels. Stresses individual progress and group experiences. No previous
experience required.
Intermediate Chorus:
Provides intermediate-level performers opportunities to increase performance skills and knowledge in
mixed choral singing. Covers performance and production, analysis and theoretical studies, historical
and cultural contributions and influences, creative aspects of music and appreciation of music.
Organizes objectives for self paced progress through all four levels. Stresses individual progress and
group experiences.
Music Appreciation:
Introduces production and performance; covers terminology and idioms, elements of music, perceptive
listening and attitudes and appreciation. Stresses the ability to become a literate consumer and the
ability to speak and write about music. Music Appreciation is essentially the history of western music.
We cover the years 1400 through the present. There is a strong emphasis on the historical aspect of the
course, including the memorization of many dates and facts relating to world history. Music listening,
both inside and outside of the classroom, will be an absolute necessity. Students who enjoy classical
music will enjoy this class. Students who enjoy history will enjoy this class. As there is no standard
county wide curriculum for this class, students who are highly organized and self motivated will tend to
be more successful.
The music appreciation textbook retails for $125, but includes all of the necessary listening software.
http://books.wwnorton.com/books/detail-features.aspx?ID=4294977603
*Required text, at student's expense, "The History of Western Music", Donald J. Grout.
Beginning Keyboard (Piano):
Introduces basic keyboard skills. No prior experience is necessary. A strong desire to become a
proficient reader of music is vital to the success of any student enrolling in the course. The ultimate goal
is the development of the individual both musically and personally for the lifelong pursuit and
enjoyment of music.
Georgia Performance Standards for Piano are arranged in four categories: Skills and
Techniques/Performance, Creation, Critical Analysis/Investigate, and Cultural and Historical Context.
*Students are required to purchase the method books for this course.
Beginning Guitar:
Introduces basic guitar techniques. Covers performance and production, analyses and theoretical
studies, historical and cultural contributions and influences, creative aspects of music and appreciation
of music.
*Required guitar, at student’s expense for class, and students are required to provide their own method
book.
Percussion (Drums):
No experience required. Introduces basic drum techniques.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
VISUAL ARTS
Visual Arts/Comprehensive:
Introduces art history, art criticism, aesthetic judgment and studio production. Emphasizes the ability
to understand and use elements and principles of design through a variety of media, processes and
resources.
AVID:
The objective of this elective course is aimed at directing students to a college-bound path. This will be
done by participating in tutorials, learning organizational skills, and developing the learned process
with critical thinking skills. College visits and team building help students to set future goals that can be
achieved.