Great Oaks Charter High School Course Selection Book

 The information contained within this booklet is designed to assist students and their parents in making course selections for the next school year. The information should be read carefully, and students should engage in dialogue about required, pathway, and elective courses with parents, teachers and counselors. When choosing courses, students, parents, and counselors should evaluate current grades, test scores, career goals and interests, as these important decisions are made. 

Course Matrix

English Language Arts & The Arts

English 9 1.0 Credit

The ninth grade course of study serves as an introduction to the high school English program. Aligned to the Common Core Standards, English 9 incorporates literary, non-fiction, informative, and technical texts. A cohesive writing component, along with presentation and discourse, is integrated throughout the course to develop student’s communication skills. Students refine their grammar, vocabulary, and standardized test practice and study skills throughout the year. 

English 10 1.0 Credit

Aligned to the Common Core Standards, English 10 is the continuation in this course of study. Literary, non-fiction, informative, and technical texts are further explored, and focus is placed with a student’s ability to integrate information across texts and themes. A cohesive writing component, along with presentation and discourse is integrated throughout the course to develop student’s communication skills. Students refine their grammar, vocabulary, and standardized test practice and study skills throughout the year. 

English 11 1.0 Credit

At the eleventh grade level, students will be reading various texts, including short stories, novels, and non-fiction articles. Students will use critical thinking, collaboration, and writing to interact with the texts to ensure each student is college and career ready. The writing component concentrates on the organization and development of the informational and argumentative essay. In addition, students will continue to be exposed to types of compositions such as the descriptive, compare-contrast, and expository.

AP Language & Composition 1.0 Credit

The AP English Language and Composition will be offered to 11th grade students that were in Honors courses for the previous two years. This course aligns to the introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods. 

English 12 1.0 Credit

The senior English course combines critical writing, reading and thinking; and review of elements of grammar, punctuation, and essay development in addition to critical analyses of literature and completing various performance tasks based on the 12th grade units of study. Special emphasis is given to the following skills: argumentative writing, analyzing, informative texts, taking notes from written material, improving reading comprehension, and critical writing, thinking, reading, vocabulary development and discussion. Major works of English/World Literature are also surveyed. 

AP Literature & Composition 1.0 Credit

The AP English Literature and Composition will be offered to 12th grade students that were in Honors courses for the previous three years. Students are exposed to the art of rhetoric as they annotate and analyze a variety of complex texts. Students will write analytical essays in various forms including narrative, expository, and argumentative. Major assignments include critical thinking activities and practice tests that prepare students to excel on the AP Literature and Composition Exam. A recommendation from your previous ELA teacher and successful completion of the previous year with a B+ or higher is required prior to enrollment.

Creative Writing (Elective) 0.5 Credit

This course provides students with opportunities to develop their literary talents. It includes a study of varied forms of writing including flash fiction writing, creating their own short stories, a twisted fairy-tale, horror/suspense writing and creating a short screenplay based off of a self-created short story.

Music Appreciation I (Elective) 0.5 Credit

In Music Appreciation, students will recognize the development of music from a historical and cultural perspective. Students will study the fundamentals of music and discover basic music terminology, tempo, rhythm, form and meter. These elements will then be used throughout the course as a foundation for discussion of music throughout history. Students will also research different styles of music from hip hop to blues to latin to rock and present to classmates. Students will gain an understanding of the context in which music was created by recognizing and aurally identifying style characteristics, genres, and representative masterworks from various periods.

Mathematics

Algebra 1 1.0 Credit

This course is designed to emphasize the study of multiple representations of linear and nonlinear functions.  It includes mathematical concepts for working with rational numbers, various expressions, analyzing and solving linear equations & inequalities, data analysis, probability, statistics, and polynomials.  Students will use hands-on materials and calculators when needed in solving problems where the algebra concepts are applied.

Algebra 2 1.0 Credit

Fundamental skills of mathematics will be applied to such topics as functions, equations and inequalities, probability and statistics, logarithmic and exponential relationships, quadratic and polynomial equations, and matrices. Technology will be used to introduce and expand upon the areas of study listed above. Use of computers and graphing calculators will be incorporated into each chapter.

Geometry 1.0 Credit

The Geometry course includes an in-depth analysis of plane, solid, and coordinate geometry as they relate to both abstract mathematical concepts as well as real-world problem situations. Topics include logic and proof, parallel lines and polygons, perimeter and area analysis, volume and surface area analysis, similarity and congruence, trigonometry, and analytic geometry. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills as they relate to logical reasoning and argument. Students will be required to use different technological tools and manipulatives to discover and explain much of the course content.

Pre-Calculus 1.0 Credit

This course introduces the student to a variety of topics in advanced algebra and analytic geometry, including algebraic, exponential and logarithmic function. Students build upon concepts learned in past years including solving linear inequalities with variables x, y, and z to solve inequalities involving three different variables. They also use matrices to solve those problems with more than 3 variables. In addition, they learn about the third dimension of the coordinate plane and even perform translations of shapes in all 3 dimensions. Students will also get a head-start on Calculus by discovering and proving basic derivative rules and their anti-derivative equivalent. They even practice the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus with several real-world applications. Lastly, they also have exposure to advanced statistics in the context of understanding election polls. The use of a graphing calculator (TI83 or similar) is an integral part of the course. 

Personal Finance (Elective) 0.5 Credit

Students will receive a foundation in financial planning including money management, budgeting, filing taxes, saving and investing, and risk protection. In the second half of the course, students will explore how economic systems work and how quality of life is impacted by broad social goals.

Science

Physical Science 1.0 Credit

Through a strong focus on the nature and process of science, students will explore fundamental topics in biology, chemistry, physics, Earth science, and environmental sciences situated in real-world issues. Applying an integrated approach, students will use, hone, or learn knowledge from biology, chemistry, physics, Earth science, and environmental science to explore large problems facing scientists and society through an inquiry-based and student-centered approach. 

Biology 1.0 Credit

This is a college preparatory course that approaches biology with the goal of helping all students understand and enjoy science by presenting lessons in an investigative approach that places students in the role of scientist. Many hands-on labs and group activities are used to encourage interactions with the material and one another. Concepts presented include: cell biology, genetics, and ecology. 

Chemistry 1.0 Credit

The goal of the course is to prepare students for college science placement. Chemical theories and calculations are presented. Laboratory experiments will help to clarify some of the theories. Through an inquiry-based and student centered approach, students will study major concepts in chemistry, including studies of atoms and their interactions, properties of materials, and changes in matter, study of the periodic table, bonding, molecular geometry, the mole equation balancing, stoichiometry, solids, liquids, gasses, physical and chemical properties of matter, energy changes and the gas laws. 

Introduction to Anatomy (Elective) 0.5 Credit

This course is designed for students who are interested in going into the health related programs such as medicine, health services, sports medicine, or physical therapy.  This course is the perfect foundation for students wanting to expand their vocabularies and learn about the body and its levels of organization, as well as the cooperation required between those levels. 

History

Civics & Geography 1.0 Credit

During the first half of the course, students will investigate and analyze the historical roots of our political system and examine how the public institutions and laws evolved throughout the generations. The second half of the course is dedicated to geography where students will apply analytical tools of mapping, human geography, and physical geography to study how humans interact based on location and available resources. 

US History 1.0 Credit

This course will begin with the Industrial Revolution in the United States. Students will build on their historical analysis skills including data analysis, research, interpretation and historical perspective. Students will integrate civics, economics, and geography disciplines along with their exploration of major political, economic, social and cultural developments in U.S. History since the Industrial Revolution. 

World History 1.0 Credit

World History examines the roots of modern global society through the study of social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental developments through time in a thematic approach to history. Major topics of study will range from the development of the earliest Homo sapiens society to the modern era. Students will use primary and secondary sources to explore the development of World History with focus on the connection between various civilizations across time and space and their impact on one another.

African American Studies (Elective) 0.5 Credit

This African American studies course is designed to develop an understanding of the causes, character, and consequences of the African American experience and its influence on the world, the United States, and the African American community. Beginning with a historical, geographical, social, political, economic, and cultural understanding of the African continent, the course will provide a descriptive and corrective overview which will introduce the student to the study of the African and African American experiences.

Foreign Language

Spanish 1 1.0 Credit

Spanish I is an introduction to the language and cultures with the use of stories. The course focuses on topics familiar to high school students – school, friends, family, hobbies, etc. Over the course of the year, students will learn about cultural practices and make comparisons between their own culture and those studied. The class is student centered and conducted in both Spanish and English. At year end, students can expect to speak and understand simple sentences on familiar topics in the target Language.

Spanish 2 1.0 Credit

Spanish II continues the development of proficiency in Spanish. Pronunciation, vocabulary, idioms and grammar are expanded to support oral and written communication and reading comprehension. Students write short paragraphs and engage in conversation on a regular basis. The class is student centered and primarily conducted in the target language. Teacher and student use of the target language is emphasized with a goal toward developing total immersion.

Spanish 3 1.0 Credit

Spanish III furthers the development of communicative skills in the target language with the practice of expanded, sustained oral and written communication. Students engage the language in realistic, authentic situations in order to connect with the language while developing cultural perspectives. The class is student centered and conducted entirely in the target language.

Career Pathway: K-12 Teaching Academy

Level 1: Human Growth & Development

Human Development is the first level in several career pathways here at Great Oaks High School:  Early Childhood Teacher Academy. This course is designed to teach students how people grow and develop in 5 specific developmental domains: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, & Social in children prenatal through adolescence.  This course is designed to increase the student’s knowledge of how children grow and develop from birth-adolescence.  Students will be able to apply that knowledge to their own families as well as to provide support to children and their families in early childhood programs.

Level 2: Teaching as a Profession

Teaching as a Professional is the second level in the Teacher Academy career pathway designed to teach students using hands-on learning through tasks and projects, allowing students to apply knowledge and skills in real-world educational situations across various settings. It is designed to prepare individuals for a rewarding and impactful career dedicated to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional growth of K-12 students. 

Level 3: Foundations of Instruction

Foundations of Instruction course for K12 education explores the principles, practices, and theories behind effective teaching and learning methods. It examines how to design and implement engaging learning experiences for diverse student populations. This includes analyzing learning theories, instructional strategies, assessment methods, and the role of technology in education.

Physical Education/ Health/ Driver’s Education/ Test Prep

Physical Education 0.5 Credit

Fitness for life, working towards personal best and collaborative team work will be the focus for Physical Education. Lifetime activities may include tennis, golf, badminton, jogging, walking, dance, yoga and Frisbee golf. Skills, strategies and teamwork will be emphasized for each sport and lifetime activity. Interaction among peers, specifically sportsmanship, teamwork and self discipline, are highlighted. Physical fitness activities will also be included as part of the daily routine.

Health 0.5 Credit

Physical, social and emotional wellness is the focus for health class. The following topics will be discussed: mental and emotional health; healthy versus unhealthy relationships; family life and human sexuality; diseases and disorders, which include STD’s, HIV and AIDS; tobacco, alcohol and other drugs; nutrition, physical activity and fitness for life, which will include the development of a personal health plan; and injury prevention and basic first aid. Students will be expected to identify the barriers which can hinder healthy decision-making and the factors that influence the formation of a healthy lifestyle. The utilization of expert guest speakers and focus on timely topics affecting adolescents helps students apply their learning to their own decision making process. 

Driver’s Education 0.25 Credit

Driver Education is a course designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of the fundamentals of driving. The course promotes responsible attitudes and behaviors. This course is not a requirement for graduation but is a privilege provided by the State of Delaware. Students will complete the classroom portion of instruction early in the year and will be scheduled to drive in priority of their birthdate. Driver Education teaches safe driving skills through both the in-class and in-car phase of practical instruction. Student must be assigned to grade 10

SAT Prep. 0.25 or 0.5 Credit

Students have the opportunity for individually paced review and practice of skills necessary for success on standardized testing.

Workforce Development 0.5 Credit

This course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully enter and thrive in the workforce. This includes developing both technical skills and “soft skills” like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, alongside career exploration and preparation for the job search process.