GRAND CANYON
HIGH SCHOOL
Twenty-Eight (28) credits are required for graduation. This can be
accomplished through one of two curricula.
General
Graduation Requirements: College
Preparatory Requirements:
COURSES
GCHS
COLLEGE
English
4
4
Social Studies
3
2
Mathematics
4
4
Lab Science
2
3
Phys. Education/Health
1
Fine Arts (music, art,
drama)
1
1
Career & Technical Ed.
*1
0
Foreign Language
2
Subtotal
16
Electives
**11
Total
27 *Three (3)
units of career and technical education classes are required for
students not planning to attend a university after graduation.
** Two (2)
units of a foreign language are required for college bound students.
These may be selected as electives that count toward graduation.
High School - Pupil Progress
In the
departmentalized program, grades 9 - 12, the pupil’s progress will be
determined by the number of subjects passed (credits earned), however,
there will be certain restrictions on the pattern of courses the student
may select.
Grade
System
A
five (5) point system of A, B, C, D and F is used at Grand Canyon High
School.
“A” is
used to indicated exceptional or superior work; “B” is above average;
“C” is average; a “D” is below average; and an “F” is a failing grade.
Grade Point Average
In
most courses Grade Points are given as follows:
“A”= 4
“B” = 3
“C” = 2
“D” = 1
“F” = 0
Honors
and Basic classes are weighted differently to reflect the difficulty of
the course content.
Grade
Points for Honors classes (indicated by * in the previous table) are
given as follows:
“A” = 5
“B” = 4
“C” = 3
“D” = 1
“F” = 0
Grade
Points for Basic classes (indicated by ** in the previous table) are
given as follows:
“A” = 3
“B” = 2
“C” = 1
“D” = .5
“F” = 0
Eligibility for Honors classes
is determined by past achievements. A score in the 85th
percentile or above on a standardized achievement test in the
appropriate subject area is required for admission, along with a grade
of “B” or better in the most recent class in the subject. Once enrolled
in an Honors class a student must maintain a minimum of a “B” to
continue Honors courses.
Students
with disabilities may be provided a modified curriculum in the regular
classroom. If the curriculum content is significantly altered from that
expected of students without disabilities, the course will be coded as
an Inclusion Class. This will allow students to be graded according to
their Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) while receiving
instruction with their peers.
Dual Enrollment and Concurrent
Enrollment in College or University Courses
With “Dual Enrollment” students
take a course at Grand Canyon High School or through distance learning,
and receive both high school and college credit for the course. These
courses are offered through Coconino Community College. Students may
need to pay for books and materials for these classes.
With
“Concurrent Enrollment” students enroll in classes through a college and
attend locations off site. There is no connection between the GCHS and
the college between these classes. Students are entirely responsible for
all fees involved in taking these classes.
The curriculum for these
courses are driven by the college, and course descriptions for courses
available each semester can be found on the website of the college or
university offering the class.
High
school students who are interested in Tech Prep can get a head start on
their career by taking Tech Prep courses. Tech Prep gives the students
who make a “B” or better in the Tech Prep classes (denoted by TP in this
guide) the opportunity to acquire advanced training and skills at the
high school level and to continue in a similar program at Coconino
Community College. Tech Prep students will each transfer credit for the
articulation courses. Articulated courses for 2005/2006 are
Culinary Arts I TP
& Culinary Arts
II TP.
For
further information on how students can earn credits at Coconino
Community College through Tech Prep, go to:
www.coconino,edu/techprep
If you move from Grand Canyon
it is very important that you complete a withdrawal form with the school
office. If proper withdrawal procedures are not followed, credits may be
lost when transferring to another school.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Course: English I - English and World literature
Course
Description: This course will enable students to develop their
communication skills as they experiment with various forms of writing,
including expressive, expository, functional, persuasive, literary
response and a final research paper on nutrition. Students will continue
to utilize the writing process and will hone their use of the 6 traits
of writing with emphasis on development of ideas and content. Students
will be exposed to a broad selection of literary and information tests,
and will engage in discussions and activities to deepen comprehension
and analytical capacity. They will continue and expand on the process of
making judgments and drawing conclusion about ideas in texts on the
basis of evidence. Some possible novel selections are Romeo and Juliet,
Farewell to Manzanar, Maus, Hamlet (H), I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,
Great Expectations, The Odyssey, Black Boy, A Separate Peace, Things
Fall Apart, The Miracle Worker, Animal Farm (H), and Of Mice and Men
(H). Students will explore a wide range of literary elements within the
literature selections, including theme, point of view, characterization,
setting, and plot. Students will also identify and explain devices of
figurative language, including simile, metaphor, personification,
symbolism, allusion, and imagery and will examine vocabulary concepts in
connection with the literature. Units of study will revolve around major
themes and topics, such as individual and society, oppression and
freedom, responsibility, love and war, with the literature representing
diverse areas in the world in the world from which the students can
identify and begin to evaluate the differences between cultures. Grammar
and conventions will be integrated with the literature and writing
activities throughout the year. Various resources include a world
literature anthology with integrated writing activities, novels, short
stories, poetry, plays, videos, and non-fiction and authentic materials.
Assessment will include, but is not limited to , processing journals,
group work/oral activities and various writing assignments including a
research paper on nutrition, subjective tests and an oral presentation.
Course: English II (10th Grade)
Description: Students will work on becoming thoughtful and
analytic readers, writers and speakers. A selection of poems, short
stories, novels, dramas and essays based on American, multicultural and
international literature are central to the course and are considered
for the light they may shine on our understanding of the human
condition. Students will develop language arts skills with an emphasis
on composition, correct grammar, vocabulary, research and formal and
informal oral communication. Writing will include: Daily journaling,
persuasive and narrative essays, a research paper and responses to
literature.
This
course should help students to: Read, analyze and critically discuss
selected works of literature, prepare well-developed paragraphs and
composition, develop an expanded vocabulary, practice correct grammar in
both written and oral expression, work cooperatively in small groups to
discuss literature and to revise compositions, present brief oral
reports, prepare an “I Search” research paper following APA guidelines,
prepare for standardized tests.
Course: English III
Description: This course is centered on American Literature.
Students will continue to practice skills from previous grades and will
learn to evaluate and interpret the author’s use of
literary elements and figurative language, including hyperbole, extended
metaphor and allegory with emphasis upon how the writer uses language to
evoke readers’ emotions. Students will analyze the way in which
themes represent a viewpoint, and examine and analyze a writer’s use of
irony, paradoxes, contradictions, flashbacks and foreshadowing. Poetry
will be examined for techniques used to create meaning. Units will be
divided into major time periods, including diverse genres of literature
from North and South America from each time period. Students will
closely examine the themes prevailing during those times and the
author’s intentions in writing the literary work. Students will build
expertise in the various forms of writing, including expressive,
expository, functional, in the form of a work-related document such as a
letter of application, persuasive, a literary analysis that closely
examines and author’s use of any of the above listed literary elements,
devices or themes, and a research paper focusing on a post-secondary
institution and its relevance to your future goals. Possible novel
selections are The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Scarlet Letter,
The Crucible, Selected Works of Emily Dickinson, Fahrenheit 451, Death
Be Not Proud and several works from the anthology. Various resources
include and anthology of American Literature with integrated writing
activities, novels and short stories, poetry, plays, videos and
non-fiction and authentic tests. Assessment will include processing
journals, group work, various writing assignments, subjective test, and
an oral presentation.
Course: English IIIH - American Literary Traditions
Prerequisite: English II with a “B” or better
Description: This course is centered on American Literature and will
include everything from the English III course description with a few
modifications. Honors students will be required to expand writing
experiences by experimenting with language, form and genres (poetry,
screenplays). They will extensively utilize sophisticated literary
devices and figurative language in their writing, including imagery,
foreshadowing, metaphors, symbolism and others. Possible novel
selections are The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the Scarlet Letter,
The Crucible, Selected Works of Emily Dickinson, Fahrenheit 451, Death
Be Not Proud, The Doll House, selected poems by Pablo Neruda, selected
works by South American authors and several works from the anthology.
Various resources include an anthology of American Literature with
integrated writing activities, novels, short stories, poetry, plays,
videos and non-fictional and authentic texts. Assessment will include
processing journals, group work, various writing assignments, subjective
test and an oral presentation.
Course: English IV - (12 Grade)
Description: Students will work on becoming thoughtful and
analytic readers, writers and speakers. A selection of poems, short
stores, novels, dramas and essays based on British, multicultural and
international literature are central to the course and are considered
for the light they may shine on our understanding of the human
condition. Students will study in depth Beowulf, The Canterbury
Tales, Macbeth and Frankenstein. Students will develop
language arts skills with an emphasis on composition for college
entrance and scholarships, evaluation of technical and workplace
documents, correct grammar, vocabulary and formal and informal oral
communication. Students will develop a portfolio of writings based on
college entrance, and scholarship essay questions for use in their
college and work careers. Additional writings will include: a formal
letter requesting a letter of recommendation, a memo to Santa Claus for
publication in the local newspaper, a persuasive essay with citations
and reference page based on APA style, and formal responses to
literature. This course should help students to: Read, analyze and
critically discuss selected works of English, multicultural and
international literature, prepare well-developed compositions with and
eye toward the workplace and college entrance, develop and expanded
vocabulary, practice correct grammar in both written and oral
expression, work cooperatively in small groups to discuss literature and
to revise compositions, present brief oral reports.
Course: Pre-Algebra
Description: This course is intended to continue the
mathematical educational process and prepare students for Algebra. This
class focuses on the fundamental concepts and vocabulary of Algebra.
Students will incorporate the use of manipulatives, calculators and
computers to further their studies. We will be working with integers,
variables, evaluating and simplifying variable expressions, solving
multi-step equations, extending problem solving skills, rational
expressions, ratios, probability, using proportions, solving decimal and
percent equations, data analysis, coordinate plane, points, slope and
lines. We will also work on functional relationships, domain and range,
translating English to algebra using word problems, simplifying square
and cube roots, finding area, volume and surface area of various
figures, finding the nth term of a pattern. Pythagorean applications,
polynomial, transformational geometry and communicating mathematically
will be stressed. Prerequisite for this class is to pass general
mathematics classes primarily in middle school.
Course: Algebra II
Description: This course is designed to meet the Arizona state
standards and the NCTM standards. The emphasis of this course is to
shift from doing manipulative algebra to using algebra. The graphing
calculator is used as an investigative tool and to aide students in
solving real-world problems. Students will use both recursions and
explicit formulas. They will use statistical methods to organize and
analyze data and interpret graphs. Discrete Math topics including graph
theory and matrices are taught. Students will solve, evaluate and graph
linear, quadratic and exponential equations. They will solve systems of
linear equations and inequalities, simplify expressions and solve
equation involving rational exponents and use general problem-solving
skills.
Course: Geometry
Description: This course is designed to meet the Arizona state
standards and the NCTM standards. Elements of Geometry including
geometric constructions, area and perimeter, surface area and volume of
solids, congruency and similarity of planed and 3-dimensional figures,
angle relationships, circle properties, and reasoning are taught.
Students investigate and conjecture, then use their conjectures as a
basis for problem-solving. Objectives are achieved using hands-on and
computer investigations, independently and in cooperative group
settings.
Course: Trigonometry
Description: This course is a comprehensive study of
trigonometry using a circular function approach. Students will use
definitions of the trigonometric functions to solve right triangles,
derive and use trigonometric identities and properties to solve
equations and perform trigonometric proofs, study periodic functions and
their inverses and transformation of trigonometric graphs. Students will
use the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines to solve problems. They will
study complex numbers in standard and polar forms. Problems dealing with
surveying, navigation, construction, electricity, sound and tides are
explored. The graphing calculator is used as a tool in achieving these
objectives.
Course: Pre-Calculus
Description: This course prepares students for Calculus.
Advanced algebra, coordinate geometry, higher-degree polynomials,
functions, logarithms, conic sections and limits are studied. The
graphing calculator and the computer are used as investigative tools and
aides in solving problems.
Course: Calculus
Description: This course is a study of limits. The derivative
and its applications are emphasized the second half. Every topic is
explored geometrically, numerically and algebraically. General results
for all topics are derived from practical problems. The content of this
course is equivalent to that of a first semester college calculus
course.
Course: Math Skills
Prerequisite: Unable to pass the AIMS test
Description: This course is designed to review mathematical
concepts in order for students to pass the AIMS test. The students will
use Buckle Down workbooks, take multiple practice AIMS tests and
evaluate their understanding of each concept. The students will NOT use
calculators or computers.
Course: United States History
Description: This is an 11th grade course which
fulfills the U.S. History credit and is a standards-driven curriculum
conforming to both state and federal guidelines. Topics will include the
use of both primary and secondary research sources; the geographic,
political, economic and cultural characteristics of indigenous American
civilizations and their effects upon later American Development; the
causes and effects of exploration, settlement and colonization that
shaped regional and national development; the American revolution’s
ideas and events; the creation and implementation of constitutional
democracy; westward expansion and the development of the nation; the
Civil War and Reconstruction; how economic, social and cultural changes
transformed the U.S. into a world power; the Great Depression and the
nation’s response; World War II and the emergent Cold War; and finally
contemporary American history. Learning activities will include
lectures, exams, videos, internet searches, position papers and research
papers when appropriate.
Course: American and Arizona Government:
Description: The purpose of this course is to educate and
prepare the student for the responsibilities they will assume as
citizens of both Arizona and the United States. The Standards-driven
curriculum is a 12th grade class and will fulfill ˝ Arizona and American
Government credit. The course will encompass the philosophical
foundations of both the Arizona and American governmental systems: the
structures of both systems; the creation of state systems; the rights,
protections, limits and freedoms encompassed in the Bill of Rights; the
initiative, referendum and recall processes; redistricting, voter
registration, and the primary systems; the duties and obligations of
state and federal government to other world systems; political beliefs
and behaviors of individuals in the political process; the roles played
by political parties, interest groups and the mass media; and state and
federal bureaucracies. Learning experiences will include lectures,
videos, internet searches, current events and position papers. A
comprehensive research paper is required for full and complete credit
for this class.
Course: Economics/Free Enterprise
Description: This course is designed to provide the student a
thorough grounding in the American economic system. It is a
standards-driven class, conforming to both state and federal guidelines.
Topics will include the implications behind the economic problem of
scarcity; the use of economic concepts, theories and principles to
analyze current events; how individuals and business are interdependent,
and how their relationship is affected by trade, exchange, money and
banking; the similarities and differences among global economic systems;
the basic microeconomic principles including supply and demand; the
American mixed-marked economy; the role of inflation, unemployment, and
gross domestic product statistics and their use in policy decisions; the
effects of international trade and globalism and personal finances. By
the end of the course the student will have a complete understanding of
economics at the college introductory level. Learning experiences will
include lectures, videos, Internet searches, current events, exams and
position papers.
CAREER
AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Course: Life Connections
Description: This is a level II class which feeds into the
Culinary Arts Career and Technical Education track. In this class,
students survey key careers and show how to develop job skills to
achieve success in any field. Students will also be looking at how work
impacts individuals and families. The following competencies are
covered:
Analyze
self-acceptance and respect for others; analyze factors that influence
human behavior; develop interpersonal relationship skills; demonstrate
effective communication skills; analyze growth and development of
humans; examine responsibility for personal wellness; integrate
strategies for life and career success; practice skill for teamwork and
leadership; evaluate balancing family , work and community; analyze
family units based on social, cultural, economic and psychological
factors; develop resource management skills; explore careers; develop
employability skills; explore careers and demonstrate job search skills.
The
culinary arts program is designed to prepare student to apply technical
knowledge and skill required for food production and service occupations
in institutional and commercial food establishments. Skills developed in
the program include food identification, food selection, food storage,
safety and sanitation, personal hygiene and use of commercial food
equipment. Nutrition, special diets and management of food
establishments will also be addressed. In addition, the students will
explore career opportunities in the field and develop critical thinking,
employability, applied academic and life management skills; these
include business, economic and leadership skills. Students will develop
communication, human relations and employability skills needed to be
successful in acquiring and holding a job. Both courses credits earned,
go towards a Career and Technical Education track and are Dual Enrolled
with Coconino Community College for HRM 140 and 240.
Course: Culinary Arts I
Description: This course prepares students to serve under the
supervision of food service professionals as kitchen support staff and
commercial food preparation workers. It includes instruction in kitchen
equipment, organization and operations, sanitation, quality control,
quantity food preparation and cooking skills.
Course: Culinary Arts II
Description: The course prepares students with advanced
application in kitchen equipment, organization and operations,
sanitation, quality control, quantity food preparation and cooking
skills.
Course: Culinary Arts III
Description: This course covers the following competencies:
Develop an individual career plan for the Culinary Arts profession;
prepare for employment in culinary arts; participate in Culinary Arts
work-base learning experiences; demonstrate oral and written
communication skills; evaluate the roll of culinary arts in the economy.
Students will also demonstrate business and financial management
practices needed for Culinary Arts Entrepreneurs; evaluate leadership
styles appropriate for the Culinary Arts profession; participate in
leadership activities such as those supported by Family, Career and
Community Leaders of America (FCCL). Students will also learn to apply
sanitation, safety and first aid procedures; identify and use large
commercial-grade equipment, identify and use small commercial wares and
equipment, apply food preparation skills, interpret recipes, demonstrate
proper use of seasoning, prepare hot and cold foods; prepare bakery and
pastry products, apply basic nutritional concepts, manage food
production inventory, perform front of house duties and demonstrate
marketing and merchandising of food products.
Course: Culinary Arts Cooperative Education
Description: This course utilizes a cooperative education
methodology to combine school based and supervised work-based learning
experiences directly related to the competencies identified the Culinary
Arts program.
Grand
Canyon School provides the opportunity for students to experience a
variety of arts which include visual, musical and theatrical for the
Middle Years Program (MYP), 6th to 10th grades,
and beyond into 11th and 12th. Students are
engaged in structured learning in the arts by having emphasis on the
creative process, reflection and performance. Students develop
receptiveness to varied art forms across time, place and cultures and
perceive the significance of these art forms as an integral part of
life. The visual arts encompass many types of artwork and are expressed
through drawing, painting, sculpture, craft and photography to name a
few. Visual arts not only use the creative production but also examine
the works of others and their cultures in the form of art history and
art appreciation. The visual arts courses comply with Arizona State
Standards 1AV, 2AV and 3AV.
The
musical arts may include but are not limited to band, choir, guitar and
music theory. Activities within these areas include: playing an
instrument, singing, listening to music, creating music as well as
performance and reflection in each area. Performance can range from the
sharing of works in progress to rehearsal and polished presentation in a
variety of setting in front of a range of audiences. Musical arts
courses comply with Arizona State Standards 1AM, 2AM and 3AM.
Course: Concert Band
Description: This is a full year course open to 9th
through 12th graders and requires students to have prior band
experience or Director’s approval. Students will develop a great
awareness of their instrument and musicianship through performance of
various styles of music. Students will also be involved in composing and
performing original songs and small-ensemble playing. All students are
expected to display and expand their performance skills on their
selected instrument through occasional playing exams; daytime and
evening concerts are required.
Course: Guitar I
Description: This one semester course is open to grades 9
through 12 and requires Director’s approval. Students will develop a
greater awareness of their instrument and musicianship through the study
of acoustic guitar. This course will be an introduction to the basic
music fundamentals and appreciation of guitar music using folk, pop,
classical and jazz tunes. Students will also be involved in composing
and performing original songs and small-ensemble playing. All students
are expected to display and expand their performance skills on guitar
through occasional playing exams.
Course: Music Theory
Description: This is a one semester course offered to grades 9
through 12 requiring some musical background or Director’s approval.
Students will explore, analyze and compose musical compositions with an
emphasis on the building blocks of song construction. This basic course
will stress harmony, melody, rhythm, ear-training and other basic theory
fundamentals. All students are expected to display and expand their
theory and composition skills using available computer and keyboard
technology.
Course: Art Exploration - Exploration in 2D Design
Description: This is 2 semester class, open to grades 9 through
12 using drawing, painting and graphic design. The course is designed to
explore the various mediums and techniques in the foundation of
two-dimensional (flat) art. Areas covered are basic drawing, painting,
perspective and composition with usage of elements and principles of
design. Examination of others artist’s works and styles will be analyzed
and reflected upon. Students will work with a variety of media including
pencil, pastels, paints, markers, collage and inks and will develop
their own styles through required design projects. They will help
themselves and others by evaluating and solving design problems using
the design cycle and utilizing design software programs. Prior computer
experience is necessary.
Course: Art II - 3D Design
Description: This full year class, open to grades 10 though 12,
requires a grade “C” or higher in Art I. The course is designed to
challenge visual art students with various three-dimensional design
problems and utilizes a hands-on approach in sculpture and crafts.
Students will learn a variety of techniques and will construct found
object projects, straw and paper sculptures in addition to working with
soft sculpture using sewing technique, beading, unusual jewelry and
batik. Students will examine personal growth through required and
individually designed projects.
Course: Art III - Advanced Art
Description: This is a full year class open to grades 10
through 12 which requires Instructor approval. The course is designed to
allow a student to work in the visual arts in depth. Each student in
required to complete assignments as well as develop a portfolio that
includes guided assignments and individual work indicating each
student’s style. Work demonstrating master of technique will be evident
in the portfolio. Students will work in areas of strength as well as
those areas that need development in a variety of mediums. At the
completion of this course the student will have an understanding on how
to compose, reflect and re-evaluate a quality portfolio with 2D and/or
3D pieces.
Course: Art IV - Portfolio Review
Description: This course is open to the 11th and 12
grades and requires Instructor approval. It is designed to allow
students to culminate their high school visual arts experience by
creating, collecting, reviewing and reworking pieces for final
presentation. Students will be working towards presenting their work in
a senior show that will include matting, framing and hanging the show.
An artist statement must be included in a written form and orally
presented. The student is expected to exhibit a breadth of work in a
variety of media including but not limited to painting, drawing and
sculpture. All students will prepare a final presentation to a mock
interview for either a college admission or job in the arts. A minimum
if 15 quality pieces is required and must be photographed in digital and
slide presentation.
Course: Photography - Film and Digital
Description: This course can be 1 or 2 semesters, is open to
grades 10 through 12 and requires Instructor approval. The course
approaches photography as on artistic and journalistic medium by looking
and understanding where and how photography has developed from light and
glass to film to memory cards. Students will use conventional cameras
then experience darkroom techniques and the chemical process of creating
a print. They will utilize technology and capture imagery via digital
and computer enhanced products. Some computer knowledge is necessary to
work the photo programs. Students can expect to spend some after school
and weekend time to complete assignments and should have access to or
own a conventional and/or digital camera.
Course: Film Studies Class
Description: Through viewing various films, this class will
help students analyze movies with precision and technical
sophistication. The class will pay special attention to the arrangement,
style or artistic elements (camera work, editing, lighting, story,
photography, music, etc.) used in creating meaning in a film with less
emphasis on content. An ongoing/final project would be an adapted or
original screenplay, with the possibility (time permitting) of
production and direction of one of the screenplays into a film. There
will be written assignments for this class.
Course: Newspaper
Description: We will begin the year learning about the first
amendment in schools, plagiarism and several different forms of
journalistic writing, including news writing, feature writing, sports
writing and editorial writing. We will also learn how to be critical
consumers of media and will focus on research-based news writing and
presenting a well-informed and balanced view of an issue. There will be
endless opportunities for opinion writing and cartoon drawing for those
who are interested. Students will be required to research, report and
write often.
Course: Yearbook
Description: Students will have the opportunity to design, edit
and create the yearbook for the entire school using an on-line program
designed by Lifetouch Photography. Following yearbook completion
students will publish an anthology of student work including poetry,
short stories, memoirs and other important events from Kindergarten to
12th grade.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
2005-2006
This curriculum offers a well-rounded program that meets the minimum
standards set by the Arizona Department of Education.
This sequence of study is designed to meet the needs of the graduate for
college or junior college as prescribed by the Grand Canyon Board of
Education, Arizona Department of Education and as recommended by the
Arizona Board of Regents.
Graduation
Requirements
PREP
