HS Course Catalog

High School

HS Course Catalog

HS Course Catalog

AP Seminar	CREDIT: .5
AP Capstone was developed in response to feedback from higher education. The two AP Capstone courses - AP Seminar and AP Research, with their associated performance tasks, assessments, and application of research methodology, complement the rigor of AP courses and exams by equipping students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments: analyze topics through multiple lenses to construct meaning or gain understanding; plan and conduct a study or investigation; propose solutions to real-world problems; plan and produce communication in various forms; collaborate to solve a problem; integrate, synthesize, and make cross-curricular connections.
Restrictions: Class estimate: 15		Open to grade(s): 11 and 12	Co-enrollment: AP English Language and Composition (for juniors)

AP LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION	CREDIT: 1.00
As an AP-designed class, this rigorous introductory university-level course, aims at following the objectives laid out by the College Board, namely: “[to] enable students to read complex texts with understanding and [to] write prose of sufficient richness and complexity [so as] to communicate effectively with mature readers.” Henceforth, independent reading, thinking and copious writing would be asked of student-participants, on a regular (weekly) basis, both within and without the classroom. Though texts will vary in subject, form, tonalities, audience, as well as purpose, all readings included in the course’s selection have been assigned with a key guiding principle in mind, namely, to provide students with a spectrum of varied and varying perspectives and rhetorical strategies. Taking cue from the academic calendar at NOVA Schools, this AP Course commissions a rather similar layout, outlining a division into four units. At the same time, student-participants will receive ample preparation time for the rigors of the AP English Language exam that awaits them in the May testing session (Multiple Choice and Free Response Sections).
Restrictions: Class estimate: 15		Pre-requisite(s): Diagnostic TEST (9 graders, with a teacher's recommendation, may also opt to sit for the diagnostic)	Open to grade(s): 11 and 12	Co-enrollment: AP Seminar (starting with Fall 2015)

AP LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION	CREDIT: 1.00
As an AP level class, English Literature and Composition has been devised to resemble an arduous college-level course. The amount and the type of reading which has been assigned is quite challenging; the amount and the kind of writing rather frequent and one which does require the workings of an independent intellect. Namely, the class participants, students and teacher alike, are to converse with each other as a body of learners. Each class member will have his or her voice heard; writings will be read aloud, individual thoughts, ideas, observations shared so that collaborative (and thus conclusive) learning may take place. Taking cue from the academic calendar at NOVA Schools, which has been fashioned out into four distinct quarter terms, this AP Course commissions a rather similar layout, pursuing the study of four distinct ‘overarching’ questions, each encapsulating a particular element of literary study and analysis, whence searching for new contextual answers (sometimes in form of more questions), regarding the nature/nurture of fiction, as studied in a classroom setting. Moreover, students are expected to research and write out two major papers, a Fall Semester Research Paper and a Spring Semester Position Paper. At the same time, student-participants will receive ample preparation time for the rigors of the AP English Literature exam that awaits them in the May testing session (Multiple Choice and Free Response Sections).
Restrictions: Class estimate: 15		Pre-requisite(s): Diagnostic TEST	Open to grade(s): 11 and 12

EARLY ELD	CREDIT: 1.00
This intensive program is designed for newcomer students who are in their first year of school. It includes daily instruction in English language development, an introduction to literature, and core course instruction in language arts, social studies, and science. The goal is to equip students with the appropriate vocabulary, skills, and knowledge to succeed both in their English classes and other core subjects.
Restrictions: Class estimate: 15		Pre-requisite(s): MAP score	Open to grade(s): 9, 10	Co-enrollment: 4 sections of ELD

ENGLISH 10 R	CREDIT: 1.00
The analysis and study of world literature continues as the students further develop and hone their skills in the interpretation of a variety of accomplished works in literature, including short stories, novels, poetry, drama and nonfiction. Greater focus is placed on developing active/close reading strategies and understanding the function of language in conveying effect and meaning. Grammar skills are used to improve both written and verbal communication. Writing and composition instruction reinforce previously learned skills, with a special emphasis on the development of an individual style.
Restrictions: Class estimate: 20		Pre-requisite(s): ENGLISH 9	Open to grade(s): 10	Co-enrollment: Writing Workshop 10

ENGLISH 10 HONORS/PRE-AP/IB ENGLISH	CREDIT: 1.00
The English Literature (Pre IB/AP) 10 Honors course is an intense, full-year course designed to prepare students for pursuing both the IB and the AP track in the language arts by providing them with the necessary analysis skills and research methodology. It focuses on developing and honing active reading strategies in approaching literary works in various genres (fiction and nonfiction), developing critical thinking skills, acquiring practical knowledge of the requirements of academic research and writing, and understanding the function of language in conveying effect and meaning.By critically reading and examining a variety of examples of good writing in diverse genres and rhetorical modes, and by actively practicing writing themselves, students will become more aware of what good writing constitutes of, in terms of techniques, forms, and ideas.
Restrictions: Class estimate: 20		Pre-requisite(s): ENGLISH 9 and Teacher Approval	Open to grade(s): 10	Co-enrollment: Writing Workshop 10

ENGLISH 11	CREDIT: 1.00
This course is designed and devoted to an in-depth study of the American experience as captured in the seminal works of masters of American literature since the early 19th century. It considers a range of texts including novels, stories, poetry, and essays and exposing the students to the various periods of American literature and the ideas and forces that shaped the writing of those times. Students are challenged to study how various genres of writing and speaking transformed over time and contributed towards defining the notion of American identity. The course focuses on historical as well as literary themes through reading, writing, listening/viewing, and speaking. The analysis, interpretation and appreciation of the many aspects of American literature is emphasized throughout the course. By the end of this course students will have developed an intimate familiarity with the American literary scene while also acquiring a firm grasp on the ways in which ideas can be communicated.
Restrictions: Class estimate: 20		Pre-requisite(s): ENGLISH 10	Open to grade(s): 11	Co-enrollment: None

ENGLISH 10 HONORS/PRE-AP/IB ENGLISH	CREDIT: 1.00
The English Literature (Pre IB/AP) 10 Honors course is an intense, full-year course designed to prepare students for pursuing both the IB and the AP track in the language arts by providing them with the necessary analysis skills and research methodology. It focuses on developing and honing active reading strategies in approaching literary works in various genres (fiction and nonfiction), developing critical thinking skills, acquiring practical knowledge of the requirements of academic research and writing, and understanding the function of language in conveying effect and meaning.By critically reading and examining a variety of examples of good writing in diverse genres and rhetorical modes, and by actively practicing writing themselves, students will become more aware of what good writing constitutes of, in terms of techniques, forms, and ideas.
Restrictions: Class estimate: 20		Pre-requisite(s): ENGLISH 9 and Teacher Approval	Open to grade(s): 10	Co-enrollment: Writing Workshop 10

ENGLISH 12 R	CREDIT: 1.00
Senior-year English is devoted to the study of the great works of world literature, both classics and contemporary. Emphasis through writing and discussion is placed on insights derived from reading. Students analyze poetry, drama, prose, and nonfiction. Firmly embedded into the course is preparation for TOEFL Internet Based test, an intensive English skills development endeavor that focuses on teaching standardized test taking strategies for the TOEFL iBT while strengthening students’ main skills of English learning: reading, speaking, listening, and writing. Hence, the students will not only improve their TOEFL iBT score, but also prepare for University-level course-work – develop independence and self-study skills - and, ultimately, fine-tune their English communication for use in academic and professional settings. The writing component is focused on the analytical essays and creative pieces. Practice in writing is designed to lessen anxiety and facilitate unique student expression, which is also going to be enhanced through ongoing individual oral presentations.
Restrictions: Class estimate: 20		Pre-requisite(s): ENGLISH 11	Open to grade(s): 12	Co-enrollment: None

ENGLISH 12 HONORS	CREDIT: 1.00
The selection of seniors for this level is based on their aptitude, language skills, enthusiasm and love for the language, as appraised by the teacher. The course presents the students’ final development stage of sophistication in written and oral communication, proficiency in critically analyzing various literary genres, and refinement of analytical, evaluative, objective, and imaginative skills. It also prepares students for the rigors of a college education, especially those determined to develop a Literature and Composition college orientation.
Restrictions: Class estimate: 20		Pre-requisite(s): ENGLISH 11 and Teacher Approval	Open to grade(s): 12	Co-enrollment: None

ENGLISH 9 R	CREDIT: 1.00
Students are introduced to a broad view of world literature; this includes a variety of genres, which cover novels, poetry, drama, and the essay. Formal grammar includes basic parts of speech and extends to more complex usage. Vocabulary study and development are integral parts of the curriculum. The writing component of the class is expository in nature and builds from the sentence and paragraph to include the five-paragraph, thesis, the research paper, and the use of academic citation.
Restrictions: Class estimate: 20		Pre-requisite(s): MAP score	Open to grade(s): 9	Co-enrollment: None

ENGLISH 9 HONORS	CREDIT: 1.00
This course is designed to introduce students to the main literary genres and their inherent features, literary devices used by authors to enhance those features, writing techniques, and grammatical principles. The students are also prompted to read extensively and respond to various topics in writing. In addition to the mastery of the language, students are induced to develop a love for reading and literature, to use critical and creative thinking skills, and develop personal sense of elegance in both writing and speaking.
Restrictions: Class estimate: 20		Pre-requisite(s): MAP score and Essay scores	Open to grade(s): 9	Co-enrollment: Writing Workshop 9

STUDENT TUTORIALS
Students may be recommended for a semester-long individualized remedial instruction in various academic disciplines. Classes are conducted by peers, or by professionals on a one-to-one or reduced student / teacher ratio. There is an additional tutorial fee associated with this course when conducted by a profess
Restrictions: Class estimate:		Open to grade(s): ALL

WRITING WORKSHOP 9	CREDIT: 1.0
The writing workshop is designed to aid students in writing assignments they will do during their study at NOVA and equip students encountering writing for the first time with the basic tools they will need to write, as well as build on the previous experience of students who have already been exposed to writing tasks. The workshop will draw from core subjects at the school: English, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and the Humanities. Additionally, the workshop will provide students with a structured atmosphere in which they will learn various rhetorical modes and purposes.
Pre-requisite(s): MAP and Essay scores	Open to grade(s): 9

WRITING WORKSHOP 10	CREDIT: 1.0	COURSE NO: 20
As a craft, academic writing can be learned, and with time and practice, become refined and stylized. On that note, the principal goal behind this continuation course (from Writing Workshop 9) is to give students the necessary contact time, within and without the classroom environment, for improving on the effectiveness of their written skill and allowing for a greater understanding of what they, as academic writers, need to focus on in their personal development as writers. The Writing Workshop 10 entails the textual analysis essay, the contextual analysis essay, the cultural analysis essay and the position paper. In addition, each student is required to produce a formal, mentor-based research paper at the end of the course.
Pre-requisite(s): ENGLISH 9 and Teacher Approval	Open to grade(s): 10	Co-enrollment: English 10

IB ENGLISH A Lit HL/SL	CREDIT: 1.0	COURSE NO: 20
In this IB English A: Literature course, the focus is directed toward developing an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism and promoting the ability to form independent literary judgments. Furthermore, this course is designed to support future academic study by developing a high social aesthetic and cultural literacy, as well as effective communication skills. The course is built on the assumption that literature is concerned with our conceptions, interpretations, and experiences of the world. The study of literature can therefore be seen as an exploration of the way it represents the complex pursuits, anxieties, joys, and fears to which human beings are exposed in the daily business of living. It enables an exploration of one of the more enduring fields of human creativity, and provides opportunities for encouraging independent, original, critical and clear thinking.
Pre-requisite(s): ENGLISH 10 and Teacher Approval	Open to grade(s): 11 and 12

IB ENGLISH B HL/SL	CREDIT: 1.0	COURSE NO: 20
Language B is a language-acquisition course designed to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where the language studied is spoken. This process encourages the learner to go beyond the confines of the classroom, expanding an awareness of the world and fostering respect for cultural diversity. Language B is an additional language-learning course designed for students with some previous learning of that language. It may be studied at either SL or HL. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and development of language skills. These language skills should be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material. Such material will extend from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts, and should be related to the culture(s) concerned.
Pre-requisite(s): ENGLISH 10	Open to grade(s): 11 and 12

Intermediate ELD	CREDIT: 1.00
The goal is to improve students’ knowledge of reading, writing, listening, and speaking English. This course's goal is to further boost students' English skills gained in the previous year through English language development, literature, and core course instruction in language arts, social studies, and science. The course is designed to meet the proficiency benchmarks, so that students can succeed in integrating into regular courses.
Restrictions: Class estimate: 15		Pre-requisite(s): MAP score	Open to grade(s): 10,11	Co-enrollment: 2 sections of ELD and Basic Science

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