DESCRIPTION OF 9th GRADE
COURSES AT HELIX HIGH SCHOOL
2001-2002
ART DEPARTMENT
B010 Art 1: (9-12)
Hold on to your hats folks, during this 2 quarter course you will
experience art making as it should be, intense and fun! We will explore the ins and outs of various
art media including: pastel, watercolor, paper mache, calligraphy, collage, pen
and ink, printmaking, assemblage sculpture, digital imagery, and whatever else
we can cram into the time together. Oh
yeah, there is some art history too, so you will know whether you are an
expressionist, impressionist, cubist, romanticist or surrealist. This course meets the GUHSD graduation
requirement for Fine Arts. Prerequisite: An open mind.
BUSINESS EDUCATION and TECHNOLOGY
C530 Business
Tech/Keyboarding 1S: (9-12) In this 1 quarter course
students develop abilities related to the use of computers and technology which
they are then able to use to communicate their ideas into other classes, homes, communities, and future work
places. Students will learn to keyboard
by touch; they will gain skills in using word processing, spreadsheets, and
databases. Students will also be
starting a folder, which is kept in the Helix Career Center dealing with their
future career interests and abilities.
This class is open to students of all grade levels, but recommended
during the freshman year. This course,
in conjunction with Tech Discoveries and meets the technology foundations
graduation requirement.
K700 Tech Discoveries
1: (9-12)
The curriculum of this 1 quarter course is designed so that students
will be exposed to various technological concepts and career paths. The format for this course entails modular
stations. Students will complete a
minimum of 7 instructional modules from offerings presently totaling 20. Three required modules are computer
technology, word processing, and keyboarding.
This course, in conjunction with
Business Tech/Keyboarding, meets the technology foundations graduation
requirement and Division 1 requirement.
ENGLISH
E014 English 1C: (9)
This is a 2 quarter course in reading and writing for the college bound
9th grader who will also receive intensive instruction in grammar, vocabulary
building, literary analysis, and research techniques. CORE Literature and
California Learning Assessment (CLAS) writing styles are addressed.
E016 English 1H: (9)
This is an honors A/B course teamed with honors geography for those who
have demonstrated high ability and achievement in English. Selection
is based on teacher recommendations, and contract commitment.
E520 Writing Fundamentals
1: This prerequisite course addresses the needs
of 9th grade students whose literacy skills are below grade
level. It is designed to prepare
students for the 9th grade core curriculum in English and geography
through essential skill development in reading, writing, and speaking, as well
as extensive instruction and support in organization, time management, and
study skills. Upon successful
completion of this course, students will be enrolled in 9th grade
English and geography, (Placement
determined by writing assessment, portfolio, and teacher/counselor
recommendations) This course may be
taken in summer school.
English as a Second
Language:
E640 Transitional
English: (9-12) This is a year long course for
limited-English-proficient students who have successfully completed the ESL/ELD
sequence. Primary emphasis will be
placed on improving English writing skills and raising reading comprehension
levels. After successful completion of
this course, students are ready to take Helix college-prep level English
courses.
E660/E665 ESL/ELD -
Beginning: (9-12) This 4 quarter sequence of courses provides
9th - 12th grade beginning level English-as-a-Second-Language and English
Language Development instruction for the non-English-speaking student. Emphasis is placed on basic communication
skills in English.
E670/E675 ESL/ELD -
Intermediate: (9-12) This 4 quarter sequence of courses provides
intermediate level English-as-a-Second-Language and English Language Development
instruction for the limited-English-speaking student. Speaking, listening, reading and writing skills are developed.
E680/E685 ESL/ELD -
Advanced: (9-12) This 4 quarter sequence of courses provides
advanced level English-as-a-Second-Language and English Language Development
instruction for the limited-English speaker.
Speaking, listening, reading and writing skills are further developed.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
PLACEMENT IN SECOND YEAR LANGUAGE COURSES IS BASED ON THE
LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT EXAM ADMINISTERED AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
G011 French 1C/2C: This is a 2 quarter college preparatory course emphasizing
beginning conversation, simple reading, writing, and French culture. Recommended
for students who earned a "C" or better in their most recent English
class.
G271 Spanish 1C/2C:
This is a 2 quarter college preparatory course emphasizing listening,
speaking, reading, writing, and Hispanic culture. Recommended for students
who earned a "C" or better in their most recent English class.
G330 Spanish for
Spanish-Speakers 1C: This is a 2 quarter course for those who
have native speaking and comprehension proficiency in Spanish, but are
not proficient in reading and writing Spanish. Successful completion allows the student to
go into Spanish for Spanish-Speakers 3-4C or AP Spanish Language.
G201 Russian 1C:
This a 2 quarter college preparatory course emphasizing beginning
conversation, simple reading and writing skills, and Russian culture. The class is conducted primarily in Russian.
G875 Japanese 1C/2C:
This is a 2 quarter college preparatory course with emphasis on
communicative aspects of the Japanese language. Students will comprehend everyday spoken Japanese and learn fundamental
grammar, idiomatic expressions, and hiragana and katakana symbols, as well as
the culture. A "C" grade in eighth or ninth grade English is
recommended.
HOME ECONOMICS
J140 Housing and Interior
Design 1S: (9-12)
This is a 2 quarter course open to all students who will learn to create
desirable environments by experimenting with color, fabrics, furniture
arrangement and accessories. This
hands-on course, filled with craft activities and projects, is open to all
grades and meets the 1 year Fine Arts graduation requirement. Males are encouraged to participate.
J160 Child Development
1S: (9-12) This is a 2 quarter course which covers
relationships, conception, prenatal development, the newborn, toddlers, and
parenting skills. Students will learn
to appreciate children as individuals and gain experience through our on-site 3
week preschool. Career opportunities in
child development and related fields will be explored. Open to All
students grades 9-12. Males are
encouraged to participate - parenting is a two person responsibility.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
K154 Graphics:
(9-12) This is a 2 quarter course in offset and
screen process printing techniques.
K315 Construction Tech
Woodworking: (9-12)
This 2 quarter course provides basic technical information and
laboratory experiences related to current practices in the construction
industry. Students gain exposure to
tools, materials, and processes:
framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting finish
carpentry, and common home repairs.
There is no prerequisite or fee.
K680 Drafting: (9-12) This
is a 2 quarter course covering basic drafting.
Instruction in drafting instruments, lettering, line value, multiview
drawing, pictorials, and auxiliaries are some of the topics covered. (Competency
in basic math fundamentals is recommended).
PERFORMING ARTS
ALL PERFORMANCE CLASSES
ARE A/B.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: PERFORMANCE ATTIRE (EXCEPT FOR THE MARCHING BAND UNIFORM), AN ASB CARD AND AN
INSTRUMENTAL DEPARTMENT FEE.
L020 Concert Band: (9-12)
Year long (A/B) This group of wind
instrumentalists is a part of the marching band in the fall and participates in
concerts, a tour, and festivals in the spring.
Participation in after school, evening, and weekend rehearsals and
performances is required. Some
instruments may be furnished by the school.
Emphasis in this band is placed on learning and developing basic music
skills and techniques through the performance of quality wind band
literature.
L025 Cadet Band: (9)
Year long (A/B) All incoming
ninth grade band students are enrolled in Cadet Band. The band made up of wind instrumentalists is a part of the
marching band in the fall and participates in concerts, a tour, and festivals
in the spring. Participation in
after school, evening, and weekend performances is required. Some instruments may be furnished by the
school. This band focuses on
fundamentals.
L060 Introduction to
Music 1: A 1 term course open to all students with or
without a musical background. An
understanding of the interrelations of melody, harmony and rhythm in music will
lead the class toward a more thorough aesthetic appreciation of the great music
to be found in all ages and idioms.
L120 Orchestra (String): (9-12)
This is a year long (A/B) class
for string instruments only. Emphasis
is upon the development of correct bowing techniques, hand positions, and
studies of advanced phases of performance.
School and public performances are given during the year. (The brass, woodwind, and percussion players
from band combine with the strings for after school rehearsals and
performances.) Participation in after school, evening, and weekend
rehearsals and performances is required.
L140 Bagpipes: (9-12) (By audition only) This is a year long
(A/B) class for any student interested in playing bagpipes and carrying out the
Scottish theme of Helix. Individual
instruction is given in the pipes or drums.
During the year these students are a part of the marching band, and have
the same responsibilities and requirements.
During the spring, the pipe band performs at special events and
concerts, and travels to Scottish Games in Southern California.
L240 Beginning
Guitar: (9-12) This class offers instruction in basic
techniques and music fundamentals related to classical guitar performance. Note reading, fingering and positions are
presented as they pertain to classical guitar performance. Students must provide their own guitars.
L280 Percussion Ensemble:
(9-12) This is a year long (A/B) course for
percussionists only which is a part of the marching band in the fall, and
students from this class make up the percussion sections of the bands and
orchestra in the spring. Percussion
instruments are furnished by the school.
Students are expected to become proficient at playing multiple
percussion instruments and apply that proficiency in performance. Participation in after school, evening,
and weekend rehearsals and performances is required.
L290 Drama 1: (9-12)
This 2 quarter course is a beginning study in drama that is open to all
grade levels and covers pantomime, oral interpretation, acting, theater
history, and technical theater.
L299 Drama Production
Workshop: (9-12) This
2 quarter course is open to all students through audition. The major thrust of this course is to stage
the productions for the season. Because
of the performance nature of the class, participation in rehearsals and
performances during and after the regular school day will be expected.
L145 Colorguard: (By audition only) (Year long A/B)
Students in this course become members of Helix Color Guard and perform
routines which use tall flags, rifles, and letters. In the fall Color Guard performs with the marching band in
parades and field shows, and in the spring performs as a unit in the
Winterguard circuit in gymnasiums through out Southern California. Participation in after school, evening,
and weekend rehearsals and performances is required.
VOCAL MUSIC REQUIREMENTS
INCLUDE: AUDITIONS, ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION IN PERFORMANCES AND EXTRA
REHEARSALS, ACQUIRING THE SELECTED PERFORMANCE ATTIRE, AN A.S.B. CARD, AND A
CHORAL FEE. AUDITION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE CHORAL DIRECTOR.
L180 Glee Treble Clef 1
(Harmony): (9-12) This year long (A/B) course is for alto and
soprano voices with little or Middle School choral experience. In the fall/winter the group will have
emphasis on traditional music. In the
spring, pop and musical theatre are the emphasis. All members need to have flexible schedules. Prerequisite:
Middle school music, beginning high school music, or director approval.
L190 Concert Choir:
(9-12) This year long (A/B) course consists of a
group of 50-75 men and women rehearsing traditional/classical music in
Fall/Winter, and Pop music in the Spring.
Concert Choir will perform during the holiday season and at the final
Department Pops Concert, with possible additional concerts in the spring. The emphasis of this group is on choral
technique and musicianship. The class
teaches understanding of vocal music concepts in preparation for future musical
endeavors. Concert Choir is excellent
for busy students who still want to participate in music on campus. (Beginners are accepted with teacher
approval).
L200 Ensemble: (9-12) This is a year long (A/B) advanced group of 20-30 women. In the Fall/Winter, the group performs
mainly traditional and classical music.
In the Spring, Pop and Musical Theater are the emphasis. Women's Ensemble has outside rehearsals and
performances throughout the year, and possibly will compete in festivals in the
Spring. This group teaches responsibility
and cooperation within a tight-knit choral family. Singing and dancing experience are a plus, but not necessary to
be in Women's Ensemble. All members
need to have flexible schedules.
MATHEMATICS
PLACEMENT IN MATH COURSES
IS DETERMINED BY THE MATH ASSESSMENT EXAM ADMINISTERED AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
M148 Sheltered Math 1S: This 2 quarter course covers basic math
skills for students who are limited
English proficient.
M948 Sheltered Math Lab:
This sequence of 2 quarter courses is for the student who is limited English proficient and who is
not yet ready for a mainstream math course.
All work will be done independently and cover material including Math A,
Basic Algebra, Algebra 1C, Algebra 2C, or higher.
M302, M312 Basic Algebra
1S, 3S: A 4 quarter
Algebra course designed to cover the same content as Algebra 1C, a 2 quarter
course. The slower pace of Basic
Algebra allows students more time to master the Algebra concepts they will need
in subsequent math classes. Students
who do especially well in Basic Algebra 1/2S should be directed back into
Algebra 1C to get used to the pace of the college preparatory sequence. Students should get C’s or better in
Basic Algebra 1S to progress on to Basic Algebra 3S. Completion of 1S–4S meets the UC/CSU “C”
requirements.
M400 Algebra 1C: This is a 2 quarter course in Algebra
emphasizing problem solving, equations, and graphing. It is for the college bound student. To
take this course you should have good ability in math, C's or better in math,
and a readiness to work. This course meets the UC/CSU “C”
requirements.
M410 Algebra 1H:
(2 quarter/also summer) This
course covers the material of Algebra 1C and more. Topics are covered with a mathematical rigor much beyond that of
Algebra 1C. To take this course you should be mathematically talented and have an
excellent grade record in math. This
course meets the UC/CSU “C” requirements.
M322, M332 Basic Geometry
1S, 3S: A 4 quarter Geometry course designed to
cover the same content as Geometry 1C, a 2 quarter course. The slower pace of Basic Geometry allows
students more time to master the Geometry concepts they will need in subsequent
math classes. Students who do especially
well in Basic Geometry 1/2S should be directed back into Geometry 1C to get
used to the pace of the college preparatory sequence. Prerequisite: Completion of Basic Algebra 1S–4S or Algebra 1C
with low grades. Students with good
grades in these courses should be directed into Geometry 1C. Completion of 1S–4S meets the UC/CSU “C”
requirements.
M420 Geometry 1C:
This is a 2 quarter course in geometry emphasizing problem solving for
college bound students. To take this course you should have passed
Algebra 1 with C's or better. This
course meets the UC/CSU “C” requirements.
M430 Geometry 1H:
This is a traditional 2 quarter course in Euclidian Geometry for
motivated students having above average math skills. Proof, standard two and three dimensional relationships,
coordinate geometry, and introductory trigonometry are emphasized. To
take this course you should be mathematically talented and have an excellent
grade record in math and teacher recommendation. This course meets the
UC/CSU “C” requirements.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
ALL PHYSICAL EDUCATION
CLASSES INCLUDE CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS ACTIVITIES.
P109 Physical Education:
(9) This 2 quarter course for freshmen includes
swimming, football, soccer, volleyball, lightning ball, basketball, physical
fitness and first aid. This course
meets the Division 1 requirements for PE and is a prerequisite for all other PE
courses.
SCIENCE
All of the courses offered in the Science Department are UC
approved college prep, honors or advanced placement courses. Most colleges give a higher priority to
students who have completed 3 years of science. First year science students will choose from one of the following
options to complete the two-year science core graduation requirement.
1. Honors or
College Prep. Coordinated Science 1/2
and 3/4
Note:
3/4 students will choose an Environmental or Marine emphasis
Or
2. Honors Biology
and Honors Physics
Or
3. Honors Biology
and Honors Chemistry
Successful completion of 1 of the above 3 options, is required
before taking additional science courses.
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th year
science students have open access to all courses in the department.
R045 Coordinated Science
1C/1H: (9-11) This 2 quarter college prep course will
cover basic science skills, concepts and processes: Laboratory techniques, scientific method, inquiry problem solving,
safety, cell structure and function, genetics, health, basic chemistry and
ecology/environment, properties of matter, calculations, measurement, math
tools for problem solving, observation, attitudes and behaviors for working in
cooperation with others. Students
taking Honors Coordinated Science 1/2 will be in an honors/college prep
combination class and will be required to turn in a higher quality of
work. Open to all first year science students.
R065 Coordinated Science
1S (Sheltered): (9-12)
This 2 quarter college prep course for
limited English proficient students will cover basic science skills, concepts
and processes: Laboratory techniques,
scientific method, inquiry problem solving, safety, cell structure and
function, genetics, health, basic chemistry and ecology/environment, properties
of matter, calculations, measurement, math tools for problem solving,
observation, attitudes and behaviors for working in cooperation with
others. Open to all 1st year sheltered science students.
R201 Biology 1H: (9-12)
This advanced science 2 quarter course will focus on exploring living
systems through extensive lab work, including hands on activities. You'll discover how ecologists tab and track
animals, and why oil spills can't be cleaned up. You'll also learn advanced lab skills such as microscopy,
bacteriology, electrophoresis, micropipeting, and more. We'll learn about the structures of proteins
and carbohydrates and the workings of the master molecule DNA. We'll study genetics in depth and genetic
engineering by cutting DNA in the lab.
We'll also study the chemistry of life and human body systems. Were the dinosaurs warm blooded? Will humans become extinct, or will we be
the last species left? This class is
intended for the academically motivated student who wants to know more about
life. Prerequisite: Science
teacher/counselor recommendation. 9th
grade students must be concurrently enrolled in Honors Algebra or Honors
Geometry. 10th grade students must have
B or better in Algebra 1C.
SOCIAL SCIENCE
THE FOLLOWING COURSES ARE
REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION: FAMILY STUDIES
AND GEOGRAPHY; WORLD HISTORY, U.S. HISTORY; POLITICAL SCIENCE/ECONOMICS.
The following Sheltered Class is offered to students who are
limited English proficient: Geography/Life
Management.
S004 Geography/Life Management 1H: (9) Honors Geography
is offered as both a yearlong (A/B) course or as a one term course. This course satisfies the graduation
requirement for Geography/Family Studies.
Emphasis is placed on preparing students for AP European History, which
would be taken in the student’s Sophomore year. Summer
Assignment is required. See Department
Chair.
S007 Geography/Life Management (Sheltered): (9-12) Sheltered
Geography is a one term course for limited English speaking students. A specially trained instructor and an aide
use instructional techniques that will enable students to improve their English
skills while completing their geography curriculum. This course satisfies the graduation requirement for
Geography/Life Management.
S268 Geography/Life
Management/Study Skills: (9) All freshmen are required
to take this 2 quarter course which consists of 12 weeks of Geography and Study
Skills and 6 weeks of Life Management.
This course satisfies the Geography/Life Management graduation
requirements.
S095 Honors Prep
Seminar/AP Prep: (9-10) This summer session is designed to prepare
incoming 9th grade students and future AP students for the rigors of
Honors and AP courses. Any student
interested in taking Honors or AP is strongly recommended to enroll in this 3 ½
week summer course. Students in this
course are exposed to a rapid pace of coursework that focuses on the skills
needed to be successful in the Honors/AP program. Research techniques, speed reading, SKIM/SCAN, note-taking,
writing skills, computer skills, presentation skills and other reading and
social studies skills are covered.
Successful completion of this course satisfies a portion of the Honors
Geography/Honors English Summer Assignment.
S315 Student Government
(ASB): (9-12) This course begins Term 2 (quarters 3 and 4)
and is completed Term 1 (quarters 1 and 2) of the following year. The course is for elected and appointed
student leaders. The class
concentration is on leadership training.
A wide variety of students are sought to better represent the entire
Helix student body. Advisor approval required.
NON-DEPARTMENTAL CLASSES
Y130 Library Assistant:
(9-12) (5 credits) (1 quarter) A Library Assistant learns the
"job" of working in a library.
In this experience the Library Assistant learns Dewey Decimal filing
using both decimal numbers and the alphabet.
Each Assistant is responsible for an area of the Library and keeps the
books orderly and dusted. Assistants
learn how to troubleshoot computer problems, how to research a variety of
current and historical topics, how to use all equipment in the Library, and how
to work with others on the job.
Initiative and a willingness to work are necessary requirements for this
class. (Students who earn “A”s and “B”s
will receive letters of recommendation for employment beyond Helix). Must
have the approval of instructor.
Y241 Extended Learning
(ExL): (9-10) (No Credit)
This course allows ninth and tenth grade students time to study and
complete homework, research projects, and read for pleasure under the
supervision of an adult tutor. Students
will have the opportunity to practice a variety of learning skills, which will
be useful in all class settings.
Students will be expected to maintain a calendar or assignment sheet of
all class work. All students assigned
to ExL will remain in the program until the student has achieved and can
maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above, this will be checked at the progress report
time or close of the quarter. At this
time the student, all current teachers, counselor and parents must agree on
this release. No letter grade is given
for this non-credit course. However,
students do earn a conduct grade.
Y365 Sign Language:
(9-12) A 2 quarter course designed to develop an
understanding of the three different methods of manual communication most
commonly used by the deaf. Teacher recommendation required.
Y485 AVID (Advancement
via Individual Determination): AVID is a four-year college preparatory program for under-served
students with academic potential. The
goal of AVID is to prepare students for university admission. Class time balances between study groups and
curriculum. College students assist
AVID groups with review of academic studies.
Students learn about colleges and college careers via guest speakers and
college visitations. Students receive
assistance in applying for college admission and financial aid. AVID enrollment is not restricted by the
20-credit limit for Non-Departmental (Y) courses. Prerequisite: Students
must qualify and meet teacher's selection for program criteria. Must have the approval of instructor.
Y490 Highlander Camp (Summer School): (9)
This is an award-winning program, much different than traditional summer
school. Incoming 9th
graders, identified by teachers, counselors, or parents as needing additional
academic support or who have experienced difficulty with reading, writing, or
math during the middle school years, may attend this 10-day camp. Students may earn 5 credits if they are in
attendance all 10 days and all requirements are met.
Guidance: Course Description 9th 01.02 lb
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