BIBLE: The Inner Man (Positive Action for Christ)
"Though what one does and knows are important, God's greatest concern is what one is. "
The purpose of this study is to develop character and maturity in "the inner man." (Eph. 3:16) The goal is not mere conformity or outward compulsion but rather inward purity and strong Christian character. Both result only from the supernatural work of God in the human heart." In the combined Bible 11/12 class, students are challenged daily to be open with themselves about their true state in Christ. Honest evaluation of personal standards of conduct, relationships, and thought life is crucial to developing strong Christian character. This emphasis applies to the student who has already benefited from Biblical teachings at home and at church, as well as those who are more spiritually immature. The student is brought systematically through the Bible's teachings on leadership in a prayerful effort to produce a mature Christian youth, regardless of his starting point, who is ready and willing to serve God every day.
ENGLISH 12 - Handbook of Grammar and Composition and Workbook (A Beka); English Literature for Christian Schools (Bob Jones Press); The Pilgrim's Progress (John Bunyan); Vocabulary Workshop G (Sadlier-Oxford)
This English 12 class provides a thorough review of fundamental grammar skills such as parts of speech, sentence patterns, phrases, and clauses. Graduated writing assignments allow for practice of grammar skills. The writing assignments range from the basic five paragraph essay to a major ten page research project. Students practice using the MLA documentation style. The course emphasizes vocabulary development using weekly word lists in preparation for the SAT. In addition, reading comprehension is further developed through the study of British literature from the Anglo-Saxton period to the Stuart Period (450-1688). Both individual and group literary teaching presentations promote cooperation and reinforce skills for public speaking. Students present both oral and written book reports from biography, fiction, and non-fiction.
ENGLISH 12 HONORS - Handbook of Grammar and Composition (A Beka); English Literature for Christian Schools (Bob Jones Press); Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte); Macbeth (William Shakespeare); Pilgrim's Progress (John Bunyan); Vocabulary Workshop G (Sadlier-Oxford)
The English 12 Honors class includes the refinement of skills in grammar usage and mechanics. It also emphasizes vocabulary development in preparation for the reading comprehension section of the SAT. In addition, reading comprehension and analytical skills are developed through the study of British literature from Anglo-Saxon period to the present. Independent and group projects develop critical thinking skills. Students become proficient in MLA formatting through writing assignments such as compare/contrast, argumentative, and literary analysis. Creativity is encouraged with student-directed topics. Students present both oral and written book reports from biography, fiction, and non-fiction.
AP CALCULUS
Advanced Placement Calculus is taught as a college level course meant to challenge those students who have completed Pre-calculus. Students begin with a study of limits motivated by the need to find instantaneous rates of change, and then they advance to derivatives. Most of the first semester is spent discovering the relationship between derivatives, rates of change, tangent lines and graphs of functions. Second semester begins with estimating finite sums which leads to the development of the definite integral and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course ends with many applications of integration derived from graphs and data. Every student enrolled in Calculus must also take a calculus lab. This extra fifty minutes is used to complete calculator labs, carry out explorations and answer questions on homework. Most tests are divided into two parts. In order to receive college credit, students must achieve at least a 3 out of a possible 5 points on the national AP Calculus exam in May.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS AND MODELING: Algebra and Trigonometry (Prentice Hall)
Advanced Functions and Modeling is a course with three main objectives: to help students acquire a solid foundation in algebra and trigonometry; to show how math can model real-life situations; and to foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills. During the first semester, students learn the fundamentals of trigonometry and conics necessary for success in college mathematics. The semester ends with a study of probability and sequencing, with a focus on real-life situations, such as determining the value of an annuity. Second semester is a thorough review of Algebra II principles, but with a strong emphasis upon problem solving and real-world modeling. Students review linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
HONORS ANATOMY
The Honors Anatomy course, which includes labs and dissections, is an advanced study of the human body. The class begins with a review of cellular structure and respiration. The focus then shifts to human anatomy and physiology. Students are continually reminded that they are learning about God’s handiwork, not an accident of nature. Information about medical careers, nutrition, injuries, and first aid supplements the course work. Discussion of course-related current events and bio-ethical issues is encouraged. The year ends with an in-depth study of creationism and its defense before an unbelieving world.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
Forensic science is a tool for practicing science as inquiry. For every piece of physical evidence brought in for analysis, the student must apply the scientific method. The student must observe, collect and classify data while looking for relationships and form a hypothesis. The student must then test the hypothesis and advance to a conclusion. Students must then be prepared to defend conclusions based on their own empirical evidence.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: American Government (A Beka Books)
This fall semester course introduces students to concepts of government through biblical principles. They study American Government from its beginning in1789 to the present. Emphasis is placed on the historical background with its roots in European government and the study of the United States Constitution. Students learn the three branches of the Federal Government, state and local government, elections. There is a unit on law, courtroom proceedings, and politics. Students put their knowledge to use by participating in a mock trial.
ECONOMICS: Economics (Bob Jones Press) and Dave Ramsey's materials
In the spring semester students are introduced to economic principles including capitalism and investing. Students are taught to develop proper stewardship of all God has given us, making wise decisions, and avoiding the trap of materialism. The semester is divided between studying microeconomics and macroeconomics. Focus is placed on personal budgeting, including paying bills, maintaining a balanced budget, and establishing savings. Students learn to write checks and maintain a balanced checkbook.