DESCRIPTION OF 9th GRADE
COURSES AT HELIX HIGH SCHOOL
2002-2003
ART DEPARTMENT
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.
TECH FOUNDATIONS
Business Tech and
Tech Discoveries are both Division 1 Graduation Requirements.
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 and spreadsheets.
Students will start folders on computer to use as a reference for later
projects. 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.
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
English 1/2 and English 3/4 are both Division 1 Graduation Requirements. English 5/6 and Senior English are both Division 2 Graduation Requirements.
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.
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. Summer assignment is required. See Department Chair.
Writing Fundamentals 1:
This Summer 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/reading
assessment and SAT 9 scores, teacher/counselor recommendations from feeder
school.) Elective credit.
English as a Second
Language:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spanish for
Spanish-Speakers 1/2C: 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.
Russian 1/2C:
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.
Russian for Russian
Speakers 1/2C: This is a 2 quarter course for those who
have native speaking and comprehension proficiency in Russian, but are not proficient
in reading and writing Russian.
Successful completion allows the student to go into Russian for Russian
Speakers 3-4C, Russian Honors or to Russian Seminar.
Sign Language I: A 2 quarter college
preparatory class designed to develop an understanding of the three different
methods of manual communication most commonly used by the deaf. This course will emphasis speaking,
comprehension, interpretation and the deaf culture.
HOME ECONOMICS
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.
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
Graphics: (9-12) This is a 2
quarter course in offset and screen process printing techniques.
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.
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).
MATHEMATICS
Geometry is the Division 1 Graduation
Requirement. An additional year of Math
is required for Division 2.
PLACEMENT IN MATH COURSES
IS DETERMINED BY THE MATH ASSESSMENT EXAM ADMINISTERED AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
Sheltered Math 1S: This 2 quarter course covers basic math
skills for students who are limited
English proficient.
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.
Basic Algebra 1S: A 2 quarter introductory algebra course
designed to prepare freshmen students for successful completion of
Algebra 1C. Candidates would have done
poorly in middle school algebra or basic algebra. Also, candidates would not be good at doing quick mental
multiplication of one digit whole numbers or adding/subtracting/multiplying/dividing
simple positive and negative numbers.
Other indicators are poor skills with fractions, decimals and
percents. The course covers these
arithmetic skills and various basic algebra topics such as solving equations
and graphing lines. This course is
only available to freshmen students.
Algebra 1C: This is a 2 quarter course in Algebra for
college bound students emphasizing problem solving, equations and
graphing. Candidates would have done
well in a middle school basic algebra course, preferably getting an A or B
grade and performed well on the GUHSD Basic Algebra end-of-course assessment,
70% or higher. They would have the
ability to do quick mental multiplication of one digit whole numbers and
operations with positive and negative numbers.
Other indicators are good skills with fractions, decimals and
percents. This course meets the UC/CSU
“C” requirements.
Honors Math Prep: (Summer)
This is a 2 week preparatory course for incoming freshmen offered during
summer school designed to prepare students for Geometry 1H, our introductory
honors level math class. The course
covers the most significant topics from algebra at a sophisticated level. Algebra has been recognized in the
California State Mathematics Framework as the foundation of all high school
math courses. Historically, this
preparatory course has improved students’ performance in our honors level math
sequence.
Geometry 1C:
This is a 2 quarter course in Euclidean Geometry for college bound
students emphasizing problem solving, plane geometry and proof. Candidates from middle school would have
done well in a full algebra 1 course and scored well on the GUHSD Algebra 1C
end-of-course assessment, 70% or higher.
Candidates from high school would have passes Algebra 1C with a grade of
“C” or better. This course meets the
UC/CSU “C” requirements.
Geometry 1H:
This is a 2 quarter course in Euclidian Geometry for the student with
excellent math skills. The course
emphasizes proofs in plane geometry, relationships in plane and solid geometry,
and trigonometry. Candidates from
middle school should have completed a full algebra 1 course with excellent
grades, a teacher recommendation and have a high score on the GUHSD Algebra 1C
end-of-course assessment, above 85%. We
also recommend that all middle school candidates attend our summer honors
preparation course. Candidates from
high school should have completed Algebra 1C with a grade of “A” and be
recommended for honors math by your teacher. This course meets the
UC/CSU “C” requirements.
PERFORMING ARTS
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: PERFORMANCE ATTIRE (EXCEPT FOR THE MARCHING BAND UNIFORM), AN ASB CARD AND AN
INSTRUMENTAL DEPARTMENT FEE.
Concert Band: (9-12)
All incoming ninth grade band students are enrolled in this year long
(A/B) course. 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. Students enrolled in this
class must also enroll in Marching P.E. in the fall term.
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. Students enrolled in this class must also
enroll in Marching P.E. in the fall term.
Participation in after school, evening, and weekend rehearsals and
performances is required.
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.
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.
Intermediate 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.
Marching Physical Education:
(First Term A/B) This is a companion course for all band classes and
ensemble so outdoor rehearsal can take place with all groups together. Stretching, warming up and aerobic exorcise
through marching and playing musical instruments are the principle
activities. Per school policy, credit
is given to 10th and 11th grade only. And credit for these two terms is applied to
the second year P.E. graduation requirement.
9th and 12th graders still must take this course
and receive credit for being in their band class.
VOCAL MUSIC REQUIREMENTS
INCLUDE: PERFORMANCE ATTIRE, AN A.S.B.
CARD AND A CHORAL DEPARTMENT FEE.
Bass Clef Choir/Treble
Choir: (9-12) This year long (A/B) course is open to all
students, regardless of musical experience or ability level. This is a traditional choral group. Emphasis is on basic vocal/choral technique
and musicianship. Required
performances include Winter Concert and Spring Pops Concert. Prerequisite: Middle school music, high school music, or director
approval. Beginners are accepted with
director approval.
Introduction to Music 1: A
2 quarter course open to all students with or without a musical
background. Students will learn basic
music theory and gain an understanding and appreciation of all styles of music.
Electronic Music: In this course, students “learn by doing” on
Imac Computers and electronic piano keyboards.
Students receive an introduction to music theory for basic knowledge,
and learn recording studio technology, piano keyboard skills and music
composition.
Drama 1: (9-12)
This 2 quarter (A/B) 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.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education 9 and Team Sports are
Division 1 Graduation Requirements. An
additional year of Physical Education is required for Division 2.
ALL PHYSICAL EDUCATION
CLASSES INCLUDE CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS ACTIVITIES.
Physical Education: (9)
This 1 quarter course for freshmen includes swimming, soccer,
volleyball, physical fitness and first aid.
This course meets the Division 1 requirements for PE and is a prerequisite
for all other PE courses.
Team Sports: (9) This 1 quarter course includes football,
basketball and lightning ball. This
course along with Physical Education meets half the Division 1 requirement for
PE.
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.
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
Geography 1-2C: (9)
All freshmen are required to take this 2 quarter course which consists
of Geography and Study Skills. Included
in this course is the “Connections Unit” which is designed to connect students
to Helix. This course satisfies the
Geography graduation requirements.
Geography 1-2H: (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. 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.
Geography (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.
Honors Geography Prep:
(9) This summer session is designed
to prepare incoming 9th grade students for the rigors of Honors
courses. Any student interested in
taking Honors is strongly recommended to enroll in this 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 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 completion of the Honors Geography Summer Assignment.
Student Government (ASB):
(9-12) This A/B 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
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.
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.
Highlander Camp (Summer
School): (9) This is an award-winning program, much
different than traditional summer school.
It is open to all in-coming Helix students. The program focuses on 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.
Mind and Body Connection: (9-12) This
is an elective course which focuses on the students’ individual growth in the
areas of physical flexibility and stamina, improved personal relationships,
increased ability to focus and concentrate, and improved academic
performance. This practice includes a
technique called Brain Respiration, a modernized version of an ancient Korean
practice, which combines elements of tai-chi, yoga and meditation. Students will also keep factual logs and
reflective journals of their progress and growth as they become more proficient
and skilled and as they meet their own self-identified goals.
Guidance: Course Description 9th 02.03 lb
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