PWHS Course Catalog

3D ANIMATION 1 (Grades 9-12)
(EDI6609)

This course will introduce students to the exciting and growing field of 3D Animation. Through the use of animation and movie making software, students enrolled in 3D Animation and Digital Media 1 will have the opportunity to use their creativity to develop and produce 3D animations similar to those in video games, special effects, advertising, and animated movies. Included in the course is the creation and publication of 2D and 3D digital stills and multimedia animations. A broad array of software will be utilized throughout the semester, including (but not limited to 3D Studio Max, Photoshop and Movie Maker.

GRAPHIC DESIGN 1 - Milestone Yearbook (Grades 10-12) 
(EDI6016)

This course is an introduction to graphic design with an emphasis on applying design principles toward the creation of the high school yearbook, The Milestone. Basic principles of design through composition and color theory will be the class focus. Emphasis on visual communication of ideas in a studio environment. In addition to art materials, students will use Photoshop, Illustrator and In-design. Pre-requisite: Art Studio 1 or Photography 1 with a grader of “B” or better. 

GRAPHIC DESIGN 2 (Grades 10-12) 
(EDI6023)

Students in this second level class will work through not only the creation of the visual component of publication, but the organizing, advertising, and production of the high school yearbook, The Milestone. Emphasis placed on a studio environment, with branding and distribution in mind, while analyzing strategies and utilizing next level software applications.  Pre-requisite: Graphic Design 1 with a grader of “B” or better and/or teacher recommendation.

HONORS ART HISTORY (Grades 10-12) 
(EDI6014)

This course investigates the most important achievements in art, sculpture and architecture from pre-historic art to present.  Classes are presented seminar style with a variety of assessments including essays, reports, multiple choice/essay tests and a research paper. Trips to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art will promote student learning. This course is recommended as a pre-requisite for AP Art History

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART HISTORY (Grades 11-12) 
(EDI6015)

This course prepares students to earn college credit by taking the Educational Testing Service Advanced Placement Exam. The course covers the history of art from Pre-Historic to Contemporary Art, with an emphasis on European Art. Using reproductions of significant artwork, students will compare and analyze works of art that appropriately represent each period. Classes will be conducted seminar style. A research paper will be required. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Recommended: Teacher recommendation and a grade of “B” or higher in Honors Art History.

ART STUDIO 1 (Grades 9-12)
(EDI6000)

This course is a foundation and an exploratory course for students considering careers in the fine arts, architecture, interior design, graphic design, digital arts, ceramics, photography, animation and other fields related to art. The course focuses on developing observational drawing skills, the elements and principles of design, aesthetic awareness, and creative problem solving. This will be done while acquiring technical skills in drawing, painting, and graphic design and sculpture. Research and reflective analysis of their own work and works created by historically significant artists will enhance students’ awareness of their relationship to the history of art. Completion of this course is required by the end of sophomore year for students who plan to enroll in the Art Major program.

HONORS ART STUDIO 2 (Grades 10-12)
(EDI6001)

This is an essential course in the fine arts sequence leading to Art Major and preparation of a college entrance portfolio.  Developing skills in the areas of drawing, design, color theory and three dimensional designs are the goals of this course. Traditional subjects such as landscape, still life and the figure are studied with references to relevant styles and periods of art history.  Homework assignments will require a sketchbook and about 90 minutes a week. Prerequisite:  Art Studio 1 with a grade of “B” or better and teacher recommendation.

PRE-AP VISUAL ARTS (Grades 11-12)
(EDI6001) 

Pre-AP Visual Arts is the level 3 art drawing class, which will use the elements and principles of design to explore advanced techniques in drawing. This course is designed for students who have further interest in art and may be pursuing AP Drawing or AP Art History courses their senior year. This course will encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and production. All of this combined will lead to a portfolio with a variety of quality work, which can be used for the AP Art & Design portfolio. Prerequisite:  Honors Art Studio 2 with a grade of “B” or Higher and teacher recommendation. This is a Lev 1 IB Career Programme Course.

HONORS ART MAJOR (S1), HONORS ART MAJOR (S2) (Grade 11) 
(EDI6002, EDI6003)

Honors Art Major (S1) is a portfolio class in which students are expected to prepare a body of work for admission to art colleges. Minimum of eight hours of drawing homework weekly is expected. Focus on drawing and painting from observation although printmaking, sculpture, computer graphics and understanding of two and three dimensional designs are explored. Prerequisite: Honors Art Studio 3

Honors Art Major (S2) builds on students finalizing a portfolio with a personal vision. Subject matter for projects will focus on personal and societal experiences. This course will challenge students to use skills and techniques learned in other courses. This is also considered the second semester of AP Studio Art Drawing for students who will finish their AP portfolio.  Prerequisite:  Honors Art Major S1 with a grade of “B” or higher and teacher recommendation for Honors Art Major S2.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT DRAWING (Grades 12) 
(EDI6004) (2 credits – Full year course)

Students can prepare for the AP Portfolio review to attain advanced placement credit by developing a three part fine arts portfolio that meets the CEEB guidelines. A summer project is required. Students must show their portfolio in the spring of their junior year to be admitted to program.  Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Prerequisite: Honors Art Major S2 with a grade of “B” or higher and teacher recommendation. 

APPLIED CERAMICS TECHNOLOGY 1 (Grades 9-12)
(EDI6010)

This course focuses not only on the processes for hand building and wheel-thrown ceramic as students will learn and understand how clay translates into form and how the various states of clay affect the hand building process by creating multiple pieces that center around clay states and innovation. Students will learn and understand how to throw on the wheel and alter the vessel to create a unique form. Students will also learn the chemical components of glazes as well as various glazing techniques by glazing finished pieces to suit their own personal aesthetic. Students will research historical and modern ceramic artists and apply their skills to create unique works of art influenced by their research.

HONORS APPLIED CERAMICS TECHNOLOGY 2 (Grades 10-12) 
(EDI6019)

This honors level course will have students advancing their knowledge and skillset of hand building and wheel-thrown ceramic works while incorporating additional 3D technologies. Students will continue to explore and conceptualize ceramic works throughout history, creating pieces for purpose. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and innovation. Students will be expected to maintain a sketchbook either digital or paper, as well as a digital portfolio.  Prerequisite:  Applied Ceramics Technology 1 with a minimum grade of “B” or teacher recommendation.

JEWELRY & FINE METALS 1 (Grades 9-12)
(EDI6011)

This introductory level course will have students working with nonferrous metals using basic hand tools and three dimensional design concepts. Students will be introduced to the elements of principles of art and design and gain an understanding of how to translate a two-dimensional design to a three-dimensional product using Adobe Illustrator. Techniques covered will include, designing, sawing, filing, piercing, hammering, riveting and finishing. Students will conceptualize and then create jewelry and small metal sculptural pieces while being exposed to and exploring metalwork throughout history. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and innovation.

HONORS JEWELRY & FINE METALS 2 (Grades 10-12)
(EDI6018)

This honors level course will have students expanding on their work with nonferrous metals using hand tools and three dimensional design software & concepts. Students will learn more advanced techniques including 3D design software, soldering, casting, and stone setting. Students will continue to conceptualize throughout history. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and innovation. Students will be expected to maintain a sketchbook either digital or paper, as well as a digital portfolio.  Prerequisite:  Fine Metals 1 with a minimum grade of “B” and/or teacher recommendation.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT 3D ART & DESIGN (Grades 11-12)
(EDI6012, EDI6013) (2 credits – Full year course) 

The Advanced Placement 3-D Design Portfolio is a rigorous class which is appropriate for the serious 3D art student seeking to earn college credit. Students will develop a portfolio including all 3D works of art and it must meet the standards of the evaluation as described in the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Three sections of a portfolio need to be completed: Concentration, Breadth and Quality pieces. Students are asked to demonstrate mastery through any three-dimensional approach including, but not limited to, figurative or nonfigurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, and three-dimensional fiber arts. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course.  Prerequisite: Applied Ceramics 2 or Fine Metals 2 with a “B” or higher.  A teacher recommendation is also required.

PHOTOGRAPHY 1 (Grades 9-12) 
(EDI6005)

In Photography 1 students will learn how to take fine art photographs; they will enhance digital photographs using Photoshop CS6. Students will learn how to use the modes and settings on their cameras and smart phones. They will learn about the importance of composition, and the difference between a fine art photograph and a snap shot. The history of photography, famous photographers will be used as inspiration for projects and students will learn how to critique photographs. In addition to photography projects, students will print and mat color photographs, make collages and do a research project for a final exam project. 

HONORS PHOTOGRAPHY 2 (Grades 10-12) 
(EDI6006)

Students will continue to study and do research projects to learn and be inspired as to how photography applies to the careers in photography and art. They will learn that photography relates to careers such as fine art photography, graphic design, visual communications and advertising. Students work with editing digital photographs and learn more technical processes with Photoshop and Illustrator in the digital lab. A final project that focuses on the careers in photography will be shot with digital fine art photographs and students will create a portfolio, a business card, a handmade book and a website.  Prerequisite:  Photography 1 with a grade of a “B” or higher or a teacher recommendation. 

HONORS PHOTO MAJOR: ADVANCED PHOTO/DIGITAL IMAGING (Grades 11-12) 
(EDI6007)

Photo Major follows Photography 2. This course and is for serious photography students. Students will study digital photography in-depth with Photoshop to build a college entrance photography portfolio. Students will learn alternative processes, special effects, and alternative printing techniques. Subjects such as self-portraiture, multiples and collectives, surrealism, social commentary and developing a visual photo resume will be taught. Students will study contemporary photographers to better understand the field of photography and where it is going today. Digital storytelling will be taught for creating visual installations for a final digital portfolio and resume project. Prerequisite:  Honors Photo 2 with a grade of a “B” or higher or teacher recommendation 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT 2D ART & DESIGN (Grades 11-12)
(EDI6008, EDI6009) (2 credits – Full year course) 

Advanced Placement 2D Studio (AP Photography) is an all year course. It is a rigorous class which is appropriate for the serious photography student seeking to earn college credit. Students will develop a portfolio including 12 Concentration images, 12 Breadth images and 5 Quality images. Portfolios consist of fine art photography, digital imaging, collage, alternative processes, graphic design and illustration. Students must meet the standards of the evaluation as described in the College Board Advanced Placement Program.  The actual portfolio submitted to the College Board for assessment consists of 24 images of the student’s artwork and 5 quality photographs. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Prerequisite: Photo 2 and teacher recommendation.

 

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INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (Grades 9-12)
(EDI6216)

This is the introductory business course for students and the prerequisite for Accounting 1, Marketing, Legal Systems and Sports Management designed for students potentially interested in a business career pathway. Students will gain an understanding of the main concepts behind accounting, business law, finance, management, marketing, entrepreneurship and technology used in the business setting.  Students will also be introduced to the many business-related clubs that are offered at the high school (DECA, FBLA, Mock Trial, etc.). Upon completion of the course (Grade of “C” or better), students will be able to select a specific business pathway. 

ACCOUNTING 1 (Grades 10-12)   
(EDI6200)

Accounting 1 will provide students with a thorough background in the basic accounting procedures used to operate a business.  The accounting procedures presented will also serve as a sound background for employment in office jobs and preparation for studying business in college.  The software, QuickBooks Pro, is integrated into the course activities. Prerequisite:  Completion of Introduction to Business with a minimum grade of “C” or better, or teacher recommendation.

HONORS ACCOUNTING 2 (Grades 11-12)
DUAL ENROLLMENT (ACC 105)        
(EDI6201)

The Accounting 2 course builds on the foundation of Accounting 1.  The course includes principles and practices, accounting systems for recording business transactions, an overview of the accounting cycle for service and merchandising enterprises, inventory systems, basic financial statements and cash control, receivables, and long-lived assets.  Prerequisite: Accounting 1 with a “B” or better. *Students who choose to pursue the dual enrollment option will earn 3 college credits from Gwynedd Mercy University. This is a Level 1 International Baccalaureate Career Programme Course.

LEGAL SYSTEMS (Grades 10-12)
(EDI6210)

This course is designed as a general introduction to various areas of law.  Foundations of the law will be discussed, criminal and civil cases will be reviewed, and business law (specifically contract law) will be emphasized.  A field trip to the Montgomery County Courthouse and the Montgomery County Correctional Facility is planned to enhance the learning of the course material. Guest speakers (attorneys, police officers, and other members of the legal discipline) will share their experiences as guest speakers.  Additionally, students will participate in a mock trial case as part of the course curriculum. Prerequisite:  Completion of Introduction to Business with a minimum grade of “C” or above, or teacher recommendation.

MARKETING (Grades 10-12)
(EDI6211)

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of marketing and takes an integrated approach to learning key marketing concepts.  Marketing functions are not presented as independent activities, but rather as a set of skills that is combined with economics, finance, and career planning.  Students will be exposed to marketing strategy and will develop their own marketing plan as part of an ongoing project throughout the semester. Communication and critical thinking skills are fostered through class discussion, presentations, group collaboration, and application of theories to real-life scenarios and case studies.  Students will have the opportunity to represent our school in DECA (an Association of Marketing Students) and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) competitions. Prerequisite:  Completion of Introduction to Business with a minimum grade of “C” or above, or teacher recommendation.

HONORS MARKETING 2 (Grade 11-12)
(EDI6223)

Digital marketing knowledge continues to be one of the most in-demand skill sets in today’s workplace.  This course expands upon the fundamental concepts presented in Marketing, by teaching students how to build an integrated digital marketing strategy for a business or organization.  This includes search, display, and video advertising, as well as email and social media marketing. Students will have the opportunity to become Google Ads certified, as they demonstrate mastery of building and optimizing Google Search campaigns.  Students will also become qualified in Google Analytics as they learn how intelligent data collection and analysis can help a business grow and meet their organizational objectives. In the end, students will have the unique opportunity to get real-world experience creating and executing an online marketing campaign for a nonprofit organization through the Google Ad Grants program, which supports digital skill development and drives positive change in our local communities. Prerequisite:  Marketing 1 with a grade of “B” or Higher and/or teacher recommendation. This is a Level 1 International Baccalaureate Career Programme Course.

CAREER PROGRAMME ENTREPRENEURSHIP (Grade 12) 
DUAL ENROLLMENT (ENTR101) 

This IBCP (IB weighted) course is a Capstone Course that is intended for those students who wish to take their ideas, projects, and business skills to the next level. Students enrolled in the class will not only learn the personal attributes needed to be a successful entrepreneur, but they will identify the skills necessary for the formation and survival of a new business. Students will build on the various concepts they have learned throughout the multiple business courses they have taken (small business management and related accounting, financing, human resource, legal and marketing concepts). Students will begin to think of themselves as employers rather than employees in the market, which will enable them to identify with the important issues that need to be considered as part of developing a business plan. Students will not just be developing a business plan, but they will be expected to run, operate and manage an actual business or real-world project for a business. At the conclusion of the course, the students will deliver a presentation of their work to the class, administration and other community partners and/or mentors. Prerequisite: Completion of H Marketing 2 or H Accounting 2 with a minimum grade of “B” or above, in addition to a teacher recommendation. *Students who choose to pursue the dual enrollment option will earn 3 college credits from The University of Delaware. This is a Level 2 IB Career Programme Course.

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MANAGEMENT (Grades 10-12)
(EDI6212)

In this course students will discover that management is the process of accomplishing the goals of an organization through the effective use of people and appropriate resources.  The curriculum is designed to offer a comprehensive view of the management procedures and operations in the Sports and Entertainment Industry. Students will utilize skills and processes that the 21st Century manager needs to become successful.  The class will engage in case studies and problem solving activities that will simulate decision making opportunities typically found by managers. Prerequisite:  Completion of Introduction to Business with a minimum grade of “C” or above, or teacher recommendation.

CAREER AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (Grades 10-12)
(EDI6203)

The goal of this course is to provide every PW student with assistance in exploring career paths that best suit their needs, along with teaching them the skills necessary to manage their own personal finances and maximize their earnings potential. Students will explore various career paths, looking at job/industry outlook and requirements, along with various workplace laws and responsibilities.  Students will also develop a career portfolio (resume, cover letter, references, interview techniques, etc.) and will complete a Job Shadow that aligns with their chosen career pathway.  As students start to imagine their salaries in their future careers, they will then develop strategies for budgeting and managing their financial resources.  They will learn about banking, taxation and credit management, and gain insight into the various strategies for investing their money in order to provide for a more secure financial future.  This course serves as a prerequisite to Internship and work-based learning experiences.

In addition to Internship opportunities, PWHS works within Pennsylvania’s Career and Future Ready framework to offer additional work-based learning opportunities such as Co-Op, Career Mentorship, Apprenticeship and Service Learning.  Prerequisite: Career and Financial Management and/or teacher recommendation. Students must have personal transportation and is not provided by CSD.

HONORS CAREER AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (Grades 10-12)
DUAL ENROLLMENT (ARTSC 0112)

The honors level class mirrors the Career and Financial Management curriculum and extends student knowledge of investments in the stock market, retirement plans, social security benefits, insurance policies, and income tax management. Prerequisite:  Must have successfully completed an Honors Math course. *Students who choose to pursue the dual enrollment option will earn 1 college credit from the University of Pittsburgh.

INTERNSHIP (Grade 12) 
DUAL ENROLLMENT (EDU 100)
(EDI6206, EDI6207; EDI6208)

The INTERNSHIP-CAREER PATHWAYS course combines classroom study with a planned, supervised, practical work experience designed to develop the essential skills related to a career pathway.  Students choosing to enroll in the internship program will be placed in unpaid, professional locations in order to explore or expand upon a field of interest.  Interns are released from class four days per week to learn about the industry and the post-secondary training necessary to be successful. Interns will remain in class one day per week to reinforce personal growth, communication skills, and address any problems and/or potential conflicts.  Students will receive assistance finding placements or they can find one on their own. This course is designed to meet the needs of students who will be seeking careers in professional or skilled areas requiring a 2 or 4-year college degree. Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Career and Financial Management with a grade of “C” or better and teacher recommendation. Students must have personal transportation and is not provided by PW.

The INTERNSHIP-EDUCATION course examines educational thoughts and practice with an emphasis on present-day problems and issues. This program allows 12th grade students to be placed in an elementary school (or at the high school) in the Colonial School District to work with a cooperating teacher for a semester.  Each intern travels to his/her host school three days a week and acts as an assistant to the regular classroom teacher, learning the ins and outs of the education field.  Two days a week the interns explore the many facets of the teaching profession at PW. Transportation is not provided by the school district. Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Career and Financial Management with a grade of “C” or better and teacher recommendation. Students MUST have personal transportation and is not provided by PW. Students must have personal transportation and is not provided by CSD. *Students who choose to pursue dual enrollment, will earn three college credits from Montgomery County Community College.

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COMPUTER SCIENCE 1: WEB DESIGN AND ANIMATION (Grades 9-12)  
DUAL ENROLLMENT (CIS 114)    
(EDI6400)

This project-based introductory level course teaches students the fundamentals of computer science and programming while allowing them to use their creativity to design and develop web sites and 2D animation.  The course is aimed at students with little or no programming experience who wish to develop their creative expression skills in conjunction with professional-level software development techniques. Students will learn the basics of HTML, CSS, JavaScript and image editing through the development of well designed, highly functional web sites and creative and fun images and animations. *Dual Enrollment: Students who choose to pursue this option will earn three college credits from MCCC.

HONORS COMPUTER SCIENCE 2: WEB APPS AND GAMES (Grades 9-12)  
DUAL ENROLLMENT (CIS 140)    
(EDI6401)

This second level honors course is designed to build on the HTML, CSS, JavaScript and general programming knowledge gained in CS1.   Students in this course will learn how to develop dynamic web applications and web based games. In addition, students will learn about server side scripting languages and basic data storage.  Finally, students will learn how to prepare their games and apps to be delivered in both a browser based and stand-alone environment on a variety of platforms and devices. Prerequisite: Completion of Computer Science 1 with a minimum grade of “B” or recommendation of Computer Science Teacher. *Dual Enrollment: Students who choose to pursue this option will earn 3 college credits from MCCC.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE A – S2 (Grades 10-12)      
DUAL ENROLLMENT (CIS111, CIS 111B)(EDI6402)

This course follows the Advanced Placement course of study.  The programming language Java is utilized. Topics studied include program design and definition, input/output, data types, algorithm development, modularization, methods, arrays, sorting and searching.  A main focus of the curriculum is object oriented design and development. At the conclusion of the course, students will apply their programming knowledge to develop Xbox games via the XNA framework. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Prerequisite: Honors Computer Science 2 with a minimum grade of “B” or recommendation of Computer Science Teacher. *Dual Enrollment: Students who choose to pursue this option will earn 6 college credits from MCCC.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (Grades 11-12)
DUAL ENROLLMENT (CIS 241)  
(2 credits – Full Year Course)
(EDI6408, EDI6409)

Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions. Students will explore emerging technologies, management and processing of large data sets, and advanced concepts in computer science.  A major part of the course will be a team based project where students will build a data driven, robust web-based application or game to solve a real world problem. A significant amount of time will be spent on the development process including team roles, documentation, and iterative development.  The final will be an oral presentation of their problem, solution, process and product. Students can choose to take this course at the AP or Honors level. Students taking the AP option will be required to put together a portfolio for submission to the College Board. Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A with a minimum grade of “C” or recommendation of Computer Science Teacher. *Dual Enrollment: Students who choose to pursue this option will earn 3 college credits from MCCC (3 per semester).

GAME DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT (Grades 9-12)
(EDI6405) 

Gaming is known for video games, but it doesn’t just mean video games.  Gamers also play board games, card games, simulations and participate in interactive stories.  This course is two parts: the first breaks down the process of creating physical games. The second part introduces students to making mobile and computer games.  Students will end the course by making playable board and mobile games. This is an introductory level course and the pre-requisite for GameMaker Programming.

GAMEMAKER PROGRAMMING (Grades 9-12)
(EDI6406)

This course has students focusing on concepts taught in a college‐level “Programming 101” course, but all of the projects are games! Students will receive an introduction to basic programming by building two dimensional (2D) games. GameMaker is a 2d game engine based on a scripting language that builds techniques that can be transferred to any other programming language such as Python, Java and C++. Students will finish complete stand‐alone executable games that can be played with friends and added to your digital portfolio. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Game Design & Development. 

ROBOTICS 1: DESIGN, BUILD AND PROGRAM (Grades 9-12)  
(EDI6608)  

Robotics Design, Build and Program is an introductory hands on course where students gain real world experiences in the exciting field of robotics.  Utilizing VEX robots, students will work individually and collaboratively to complete robotic challenges provided by the instructor. A variety of skills and techniques will be introduced and exercised in order to design, build and program autonomous and remote controlled robots to complete various tasks.

HONORS ROBOTICS 2: ADVANCED APPLICATIONS (Grades 10-12)  
(EDI6615)  

The essential purpose of the Advanced Robotic Applications course is to expose students to applications of higher level programming, complex structural systems and high tech robotic sensors.  Students will experience advanced programming concepts through the creation of functions or subroutines, pseudocode and program troubleshooting practices. Structural systems will include lifting mechanisms, linear motion and high torque drive systems. The inner workings and application of sensors such as integrated motor encoders, potentiometers and gyroscopes will also be experienced.  Throughout the course, students will work in small groups to complete projects where they must utilize their experiences and knowledge to complete challenges related to real world experiences. Prerequisite: Completion of Robotics Design, Build & Program with a “B” or better.

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HONORS ENGINEERING 1: INTRODUCTION (Grades 9-12)
(EDI6612)  

Engineering is the creative application of mathematical and scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, or manufacturing processes.  This course will introduce students to the engineering profession. Students will learn to think like engineers as they take on various challenges through project based learning.  Possible projects include balsa bridge or tower design, mousetrap powered vehicles, and model rocketry. Throughout each project, students will be introduced to engineering and experimental design principles while developing project management, technical writing/drawing and problem solving skills. Math Prerequisite: Honors Integrated Math 2 Concurrently or Completed  

HONORS ENGINEERING 2: PRINCIPLES (Grades 10-12)
(EDI6604) 

The second course in the honors engineering sequence, this course builds on the skills introduced in the H Introduction to Engineering course through a continued progression of project based learning.  Throughout each project, students will utilize engineering and experimental design principles while continuing to build project management, technical writing/drawing and problem solving skills. This course provides additional emphasis on fabrication, analysis, collaboration and leadership as design tasks become more challenging.  Prerequisite: Completion of Honors Engineering 1 AND teacher recommendation

PRE-ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGINEERING (*PILOT*) (Grades 11-12) 
(EDI6618, EDI6619)                                                                              

In association with the E4USA (Engineering For US All) initiative which is a national pilot focused on elevating high school engineering curriculum, Pre-AP Engineering applies engineering sciences to the design of a system, component or process.  This course is a yearlong course and carries AP weight. This is intended for students pursuing a career pathway in engineering and/or science and mathematical fields and involves students in a collaborative design project. Students will frame a design problem, explore solutions, and engineer a prototype to implement a solution. Prerequisite: Completion of Honors Engineering 2 with a minimum grade of “B” and/or teacher recommendation. *Dual Enrollment: Students who choose to pursue this option will earn 3 college credits (at no cost) from any of the participating universities; Arizona State University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech.

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING AND DESIGN 1 (Grades 9-12)
(EDI6600)  

This course is designed to explore the world of architectural drawing and design.  Through manual drawing techniques and computer-aided drafting software (CAD), the student will develop an understanding of the various processes employed to create and to communicate with geometry.  Students will work through a series of design problems, while developing working drawings for residential construction. The language CAD stations using the lasts 2D and 3-D software packages. The entire course is built around the importance of communicating between the design phase and the production and/or the construction phase.

HONORS ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING 2: SUSTAINABLE BUILDING (Grades 10-12)
(EDI6613)  

This course will provide students with the opportunity to explore and learn about, advanced building materials and practices centered on sustainable design and construction (green) that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of building/construction on the environment and occupants. There are five broad areas that are generally accepted as green building. These five areas are: Sustainable site planning, Safeguarding water and water efficiency, Energy efficiency and renewable energy, Conservation materials and resources, and Indoor environmental quality. We will look at the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in some detail.  Students will utilize a 2D / 3-Dimensional software platform to create solutions to their designs. Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Architectural Drawing and Design and teacher recommendation.

PRODUCT DESIGN 1 (Grades 9-12)
(EDI6606)  

Product Design combines the fields of art, business, and engineering to design the products that people use every day.  This course will provide an overview of the design and problem solving process through fun and innovative hands-on activities.  Students will gain experiences using all types of technology throughout the semester including the use of our state-of-the-art prototyping facility.  Student should get excited by the opportunities to create models on computers and then make them a reality through use of 3D printers, laser cutter and CNC rapid prototyping machinery.  Traditional production tools are also available to create and fabricate solutions to all types of design problems. If you enjoy working with your hands and want to bring your imagination to life, this is the class for you.

HONORS PRODUCT DESIGN 2 (Grades 11-12) 
(EDI6607)  

Product Design II is intended for students who enjoyed their experiences in Product Design I and want to build upon their previous learning and skills.  A more in depth study of topics in design and manufacturing will be explored through the creation of advanced devices used to solve real world problems.   Investigation of the process for production will be experienced through various technologies including CAD, Inventor, CNC machinery, 3D printing, and traditional manufacturing methods. Prerequisite:  Product Design 1, or Honors Engineering 1 and teacher recommendation. This is a Level 1 International Baccalaureate Career Programme Course.

COMPUTER AIDED DRAWING AND DESIGN (CADD) 1 (Grades 9-12)
(EDI6601)  

This course is designed to explore the world of drafting and design.  Through manual drawing techniques and computer aided drafting software (cad) the student will learn different ways to create and communicate with geometry.  The students will be using the latest in 2D and 3D solid modeling CADD software to complete a series of design problems. The design problems will cover geometric construction, orthographic projection, pictorial drawings, and 3 Dimensional solid modeling. The entire course is built around the importance of communicating precise, accurate messages between the design and production phase of industry.  If you are interested in the areas of Engineering, Architecture, and or Construction this course is a great place to start. 

HONORS COMPUTER AIDED DRAWING AND DESIGN (CADD) 2 (Grades 11-12) 
(EDI6602)  

This course is designed to further explore the world of drafting and design, covering three-dimensional (3D) drawing fundamentals.  It examines the 3D capabilities of the latest and most sophisticated release of Autodesk products to date. For many years designers have been taught to think spatially yet have only been trained to draw two-dimensionally.  With 3D CADD software, this is no longer the case. Specific topics include an overview of UCS, 3D drawing and editing, and constructing wire frames. The course teaches commands needed to produce construction planes, 3D faces, 3D solid models and multiple 3D views. Additional discussions include using blocks, layers, mouse and keyboard editing for 3D geometric creation.  Prerequisite: CADD 1 and teacher recommendation. This is a Level 1 International Baccalaureate Career Programme Course.

CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME INNOVATION STUDIO (Grade 12)
(EDI6611)  

This IBCP (AP weighted) course is a Capstone Course that will provide students the opportunity to develop their creative and innovative skills by applying the concept of “design thinking” — a human-centered, prototype-driven process. Students will apply their design and fabrication skills to solve real world problems through a design community approach (entire class and small groups) working collaboratively to create solutions.  The studio design prompts and topics will be determined each semester by the needs of the school and local community. Students will be given assignments and participate in weekly critiques of the projects by faculty, classmates and external stakeholders. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Product Design 2, Honors Computer Aided Drawing 2, Honors Engineering 2, or Honors Architecture and Design 2. This is a Level 2 International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme Course.

CAREER CENTER (Grades 9-12)
Bonus Block / After School

The Career Center provides students with information in career exploration, career/job skills (job applications, interviewing, and dress), job search, and shadow day connections.  The PWHS Career Center, located in Counseling Center, has resources available to assist students in exploring career choice, making community and business connections and posted job opportunities from local businesses. 

VISUAL ARTS DESIGN CENTER (Grades 9-12)  
Bonus Block

The Visual Arts Design Center (VADC) is a mentor-based center for students at PWHS that takes place during Bonus Block in the EDI Wing.  The center is open for students interested in working with design coaches to improve independent projects. Student design coaches have opportunities to assist fellow peers on how to design more artistic and successful and visuals for school projects. Those interested in becoming a design coach must complete an application consisting of a portfolio, and written prompts.

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Honors Requirement: All students currently enrolled in an Honors class must maintain a minimum of a B average (85% or higher) to be recommended for Honors the following year. Students interested in moving into Honors level courses are required to have an A average (at least 90%) and teacher recommendation.

ENGLISH 1, HONORS ENGLISH 1 (Grade 9)
(ENG1000, ENG1001)

This required course offered in the fall of students’ freshman year provides a foundation for all incoming freshmen to meet the challenges within the Language Arts curriculum as well as the other disciplines. Coursework will center on fiction/non-fiction analysis. The principal focus of the literature study will be on reading and writing as they relate to the different literary genres.  Literature coursework will center on analysis of techniques and ideas highlighted in the various genres. Vocabulary skills and word acquisition as well as grammar development will be a focus. The principal focus of composition will center on paragraph structure. Students will develop writing skills as they relate to the texts they will encounter throughout their high school experience and beyond.

The Honors level course will follow the general structure of the 9th grade course; however, additional pieces of challenging literature and writing will be included.  Selections and evaluation will reflect a higher degree of difficulty and sophistication. 

ENGLISH 2, HONORS ENGLISH 2 (Grade 9)
(ENG1002, ENG1003)

This required course offered in the spring of students’ freshmen year builds upon the reading and writing skills introduced in English 1. The principal focus of the literature will be on reading and writing as they relate to the different literary genres. Students will develop writing skills as they relate to the different genres they will encounter throughout their high school experience and beyond. The principal focus of composition will center on analytical writing.  Vocabulary skills and word acquisition as well as grammar development will be a focus.  Prerequisite:  English 1, Honors English 1

The Honors level course will follow the general structure of the 9th grade course; however, additional pieces of challenging literature and writing will be included.  Selections and evaluation will reflect a higher degree of difficulty and sophistication. 

ENGLISH 3, HONORS ENGLISH 3 (Grade 10)
(ENG1004, ENG1005)

This course includes literature, writing, speech, and listening development.  Literature includes the reading, understanding, and analysis of novels, short stories, nonfiction, plays, and poetry.  The writing program, which emphasizes a process approach, includes a wide variety of expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive writing.  Oral presentations and essays are also an important part of the language experience.  Vocabulary study is a course-long activity.

The Honors level classes follow the 10th grade course but work is done in greater depth and breadth.  As a result, the students need to have the time, motivation, and ability to deal with the extra work.  A strong background in reading, writing, and classroom discussion is required. Prerequisite:  English 2, Honors English 2

ENGLISH 4, HONORS ENGLISH 4 (Grade 11)                                                 
(ENG1006, ENG1007)

The eleventh grade English course entails a study of world literature through an exploration of self-identity.  The course uses a thematic approach to teach students about the study of literature while helping them understand the impact of internal and external conflicts, cultural identity, personal relationships, and the exploration of self through the study of: Lord of the Flies, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Alchemist, The Other Wes Moore, and other selected short stories and poetry. Students will also be engaged in a variety of speaking, listening and writing assignments. Formal writing assignments will include MLA-based article reviews, research-based papers, as well as informational and creative pieces. 

The Honors level classes follow the 11th grade course but skills and concepts are explored in greater depth and breadth. Students will also study a dramatic work by Shakespeare (Othello or Macbeth). As a result, students are expected to have the time, motivation, and ability to manage the extra work.  They also need a strong background in reading, writing, and classroom discussion. Prerequisite:  English 3, Honors English 3

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE
(2 credits – Full year course in place of HONORS ENGLISH 4/Grade 11)
(ENG1038, ENG1039)

AP English Language and Composition is a college level course focusing on the close study of language, rhetoric, and analysis.  The curriculum uses primarily non-fiction texts from a diverse variety of periods, along with a variety of essays, articles, and current events, to help students understand the complex relationship between writer, subject, and audience.  Students will be tasked with researching in-depth, mature topics (such as politics) and synthesizing large chunks of information.  Because the expectations of this course match those of a first-year college course, students must be highly motivated, independent learners who can handle heavy amounts of reading and writing.  Additionally, the course assumes students have sharp control of written stylistic conventions and usage. Prerequisite: Honors English 3 and teacher recommendation. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignment are required.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE
(2 credits – Full year course in place of H ENGLISH 5/Grade 12)
(ENG1013, ENG1014)

AP English Literature is a college level course and designed to give students a critical and scholarly perspective in the analysis of challenging literature, specifically by examining concurrent themes in a selection of American, British, and European literature.  Recommendations of students to this course are made by teachers on the basis of grades, classroom performance, and quality of work.  The course is designed for the student who wishes to gain skill in reading literature and writing about it analytically on the college level.  Literature, drawn mainly from the classics, is approached through seminar-style study.  Included in the course are representative British and World literature works, outside readings, analytical essays often incorporating a research component, and exercises in preparation for the national AP Examination in English Literature and Composition. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Prerequisite: AP Language and Composition or Honors English 4 and teacher recommendation. Summer assignments are required.

ENGLISH 5 (Grade 12)
(ENG1008) 

This course integrates the study of reading, writing, listening and speaking.  The literature in the twelfth grade program focuses on the important voices in American Literature from the Colonial Period through the 20th Century. Readings also include contemporary essays that evaluate the ironies and paradoxes in American society. The writing component, which includes a variety of personal writing, also presents a series of formal composition assignments: prose analyses, poetry analyses, the expository essay, and creative response pieces. A primary focus of grade 12 English is to reinforce those skills considered most important for success with college-level work. Prerequisite: English 4

HONORS ENGLISH 5: AMERICAN LITERATURE (Grade 12)
(ENG1009) 

This Honors level course follows the English 12 curriculum focusing on the important voices in American Literature from the Colonial Period through the 20th Century. Work in this honors course is done in greater depth and breadth than the academic equivalent.  As a result, the students need to have the time, motivation, and ability to manage extra work.  Students should need/possess a strong background in reading, writing, and classroom discussion. Prerequisite: Honors English 4

HONORS ENGLISH 5: CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE (Grade 12)
(ENG1010) 

This Honors level course has students critically evaluating contemporary American literature with the purpose of exploring contemporary universal truths.  Students will read a variety of works of fiction, non-fiction, plays, and short stories. Additionally, material will be supplemented with works of classic authors as well as popular periodicals, essays, film, fine art, and other relevant mediums.  This rigorous English reading and writing skills-based course assigns multiple research-based and literary analysis writings. Similarly, students will be required to create engaging, well-researched, technology-based presentations.  Students need to have the time, motivation, and ability to manage the depth and quantity of required work.  It is expected that students come to this course prepared with a strong background in reading, writing, motivation, and classroom discussion. Prerequisite: Honors English 4

HONORS WRITING FELLOWS (Grade 12)
(ENG1011) 

The Writing Fellows Program is designed for highly motivated, independent 12th grade students interested in writing and communication. A Writing Fellow recognizes the importance of voice, expression, and style associated with writing and other forms of communication in all disciplines.  This student leadership opportunity prepares candidates to serve as collaborative peer tutors in the PW Writing Center while autonomously developing their own skills in research, composition, speaking, and listening.  Prerequisite:  Honors English 4, AP English Literature, or AP English Language. Prior to course selection, students must have already submitted the application, which includes: a writing sample, a letter of recommendation, and interview with Writing Center Faculty.  

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ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS ELECTIVES

ADVANCED PLACEMENT SEMINAR (Grade 10-12)
(2 credits - Full year course)                                       
(ENG1052, ENG 1053) 

AP Seminar is an interdisciplinary, college level course that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking, collaboration, and academic research skills on topics of the student's choosing. Students will develop and practice the skill sin research, collaboration, and communication needed in any academic discipline. Students will investigate topics in a variety of subject areas, write research-based essays, and design and give presentation both individually and as part of a team. Successful completion of this course provides students the opportunity to pursue the AP Seminar & Research Certificate or AP Capstone Diploma. Prerequisite: Teacher or Counselor recommendations required AND successful completion of Honors or AP course in the content areas of English, Science or Social Studies. See Mr. Adams for details.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT RESEARCH (Grade 11-12)
(2 credits - Full year course)                                       
(ENG1054, ENG 1055) 

AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, enables students to thoroughly explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper and a presentation with an oral defense. This course is an elective and does not fulfill an English requirement. Prerequisite AP SEMINAR. 

CREATIVE WRITING (Grades 10-12)
(ENG1015) 

Maybe you’re interested in storytelling.  Perhaps you’re looking for an outlet for your imagination.  Or you might just want to find ways to jumpstart your creativity.  No matter the case, creative writing can meet your needs.  Creative writing is a project-based course that explores three major modes of free expression: prose, poetry, and drama.  Students learn to tap into their creativity to invent characters, establish conflicts, and build worlds through time-tested exercises, innovative activities, and a close study of published pieces.  Students serious about creative writing beyond academia will also have an opportunity to learn the publishing process; work-shopping and critiquing play an important role.  This course is suitable for students of all writing abilities; however, it is work-intensive and students must make strict deadlines on projects.

FILM APPRECIATION: ANALYZING AMAZING FILMS (Grades 10-12)
(ENG1028) 

This course is designed for 10th through 12th graders who have ever wondered how an amazing TV show &/or film was made to be amazing.  Modeled after a college level film studies program, students will develop the visual literacy skills necessary to investigate the ways in which motion pictures are created, experienced and understood by viewers, analyzed by critics, studied in academia, and valued in our culture.  As part of the course’s deep viewing experience, critical thinking and major film theory criticisms will be major components of the course’s writing requirement.  The culminating experience for the course requires students to write a screenplay, direct and film their screenplay, market their movies as a final product, and finally present and critique their short films in a film festival format. 

HIP HOP STUDIES: HIP-HOP'S SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS (Grades 11-12)
(ENG1040) 

We will begin to understand the art, culture, and politics of hip-hop by looking at the social movements and politics that inspired the birth of hip-hop as a form of art and music. From there, we will examine how hip-hop speaks about oppression, violence, identity, culture, and power. The course objectives center on examining: How has hip-hop been shaped by the experiences of Black/African Americans and other historically marginalized groups in the U.S.?  How can we appreciate the cultural, political, and artistic value of hip-hop (including verse, music, performance, & visual art)? What are some critiques of hip-hop culture? How has hip-hop served as a medium for artists and those who often feel invisible to express grievances about social conditions? This course is designed for hardcore hip-hop fans as well as those who don't know much about the genre but just enjoy music with a message.

H LAW, LITERATURE & FILM SEMINAR (Grades 10-12)
(ENG1029) 

How do law and literature influence or reflect one another? What lessons about justice can be drawn from literature and law? This honors-level English elective explores the literary depiction and treatment of crime and punishment by examining contemporary and historical nonfiction works (e.g. court records and opinions; documentaries; etc) and their connections to literary treatments and themes (novels, short stories, poems, songs, film adaptations). During the course, students will explore, synthesize, evaluate, and debate the ideas of fairness and justice, moral codes of right and wrong, and punishments meted out from breaking laws. In this SEMINAR course, readings take place outside of class with in-class time dedicated to Socratic discussion and reflection. Prerequisite: English 1H & 2H or “B” in English 1 & 2; H- US History or “B” in US History. Career Pathways in law recommended.

HONORS PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS (Grades 11-12)
(ENG1016) 

What is a good life, person, society, or government?  What is the basis of reality and the cosmos?  How do we know what we know?  What is the source of ethics and morality? The honor elective “Philosophy and Ethics” poses a plethora of questions in search of divergent answers.  The class follows a chronological path through the history of Western philosophy while examining ethical issues across the board.  Outside reading will include both classic and modern selections.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
(Grades 11-12)
(ENG1050, ENG1051) 

The overall aims of this personal and professional skills course are for the students to develop as reflective and lifelong learners who can adapt to diverse situations, recognize personal strengths and identify ways to overcome challenges, be aware of and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas, value diversity of cultures and perspectives and demonstrate the ten attributes of the IB learner profile. In this course the emphasis is on skills development for the workplace, as these are transferable and can be applied in a range of situations. Other qualities the course encourages include: responsibility, perseverance, resilience, self-esteem and academic honesty. This course holds International Baccalaureate weight and is a mandatory International Baccalaurate Career Programme Course in grades 11 and 12. Prerequisite: Approved application to a Career Programme cohort in either Design Technology or Business.

INTRO TO THEATRE (Grades 9-12)
(ENG1027) 

Theater I is an introductory course open to students in grades 9-12 designed to familiarize students with an array of theater-related experiences and to increase their appreciation, critical perception, and understanding of the skills required to mount a theatrical production. Students will begin the course with a study of the craft of improvisation, acting technique, monologue analysis. Students will examine the role and function of theater, musical theater, and performance art in our society. The course will also explore technical theater craft such as lighting, set, and costume design as well as stage management. Students will be required to perform in front of peers, to contribute time to a school production outside of class time, to attend productions outside of the school day, and to participate in a final project wherein they will perform and/or contribute to a performance piece.

PRE-AP THEATER  (Grades 10-12)
(ENG1036) 

Pre-AP Theatre is a level 2 performing arts class in alignment with the CollegeBoard PreAP offering. This performance-intensive course is designed for students who have further interest in pursuing a career in theatre or studying theatre in greater depth.  Students will develop a repertoire of materials that reflect a diversity of performance styles. The Pre-AP Theatre Arts areas of focus are vertically aligned to the practices embedded in high school and college arts courses; observe, investigate, and emphasize the process of producing creative works and performances while engaging in structured conversations with peers to share ideas and critique artistic works. Prerequisite: Intro to Theatre OR performances in at least 2 PWHS musical productions.

MONSTERS & MADNESS: A LITERARY PERSPECTIVE (Grades 10-12)
(ENG1037) 

Monsters have always lurked on the fringes of society, arousing our curiosity, representing our deepest fears, and exploiting human monstrosities.  Explore the fascination with monsters through a literary and cultural lens. Seek to understand what makes the monstrous “monstrous?? Why do monsters create fear and fascination? What does it mean to be human? And, what separates man from monster?  Gain a greater understanding of the cultural relevancy of these archetypes and how their development over time contributes to self-reflection.

MASS MEDIA PRODUCTION 1 (Grades 9-12)
(Eng1100) 

Students in this course will focus on audio production, social media and video production. Using these mediums, students will learn to create efficient and effective communication. Students will learn copywriting, newswriting, public speaking, scriptwriting, on camera performance, and audio and video editing through a variety of fun and creative projects like creating dramatic scenes, podcasts and commercials. Additionally, students will investigate the technical aspects of audio and video production using cameras, audio interfaces, microphones, lighting and editing software.

MASS MEDIA PRODUCTION 2 (Grades 10-12)
(ENG1101)

This second level course to Mass Media 1 has students create an authentic bi-weekly show to be aired for the PWHS community on CITV and during bonus block. Students will utilize newswriting, scriptwriting, copywriting, camera work, audio and video editing, public speaking and on-air performance to create compelling video segments and news pieces. Students will add new skills to their repertoires like on-air direction, production, news casting and on-location reporting for a well-rounded and complete media experience. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Mass Media Communications 1 with a “C” or better.

HONORS MASS MEDIA PRODUCTION 3 (Grades 11-12)
(ENG1102) 

This course offers students the opportunity to assume leadership roles in the production and direction of an authentic bi-weekly TV show that will be featured on CITV and in school broadcasts. Serving as executive producers or directors students will oversee all of the factors that go into creating a successful segment based show including conceptualizing segments, copywriting, scriptwriting, video and audio production, graphics, organizing and directing students as they create content. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Mass Media Communications 2 and teacher recommendation.

HONORS THEORIES OF LEADERSHIP (ENG1056)   
DUAL ENROLLMENT (LDRSHIP 1100)

This course is designed to acquaint students with multiple theories and practices associated with effective leadership, answering the question, “What is leadership?” The course examines such theories as situational, participative, transformational, and servant leadership. Consideration is given to issues of followership and the many roles we play in life. The class also addresses those leadership and administrative skills and practices usually associated with effective professional management. Prerequisite: English 3.  *Students who pursue the dual enrollment option will earn 3 college credits from the University of Pittsburgh. 

UNRULY: AN EXPLORATON OF WOMEN IN LITERATURE (ENG1059)

The goal of the course is to represent and explore voices of women who have challenged social norms and empowered themselves and others to break free from traditional roles. Through the study of literature, essays, and film, students will explore the historical context and current contemporary issues of gender roles, power, resistance, human rights, social justice, and relationships. Selections will represent diverse female writers and characters to illuminate how authentic female perspectives have often been discounted, fueling necessary and noteworthy change. Prerequisite: English 2

PUBLICATION 1: WRITING, EDITING, & DESIGN (Grades 10-12)
(ENG1017) 

Students in this class will work through the creation, design, and publication of the high school yearbook, the "Milestone". Students will learn to write for the publication, capture and edit digital images in Adobe Photoshop while designing layouts using Adobe InDesign and Josten’s online software. Students will work as a team to cover events within strict deadlines by taking photographs, interviewing individuals, and writing stories.  Students will advertise, sell, and distribute the finished publication.

PUBLICATION 2: WRITING, PROMOTION, & MARKETING (Grades 11-12)
(ENG1018) 

Students in this class will work through the organizing, advertising, and promotion of the high school yearbook, the "Milestone". Students will continue to write for the publication and apply principles of design from Publications 1. Students will work as a team to cover events within strict deadlines by taking photographs, interviewing individuals, and writing stories.  They will use multiple avenues to promote the book through social media (teacher guided), in-school locations, and at PW Events. Students will advertise, sell, and distribute the finished publication with an emphasis on encouraging involvement from the entire study body. 

WRITING CENTER (Grades 9-12)
Daily (Block 4) - Lunch

The Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Writing Center, located in room C32, provides writing support across the content areas to students in an individualized and/or small group environment. The goals of the Writing Center are to build confident and competent writers and thinkers, enhance communication skills in a collaborative environment, and create a community of learners that are future ready.

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Calculator Policy:  The mathematics curriculum at PWHS relies on the theme of mathematics as “sense making”. Each year the curriculum features the four strands of mathematics: algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete. To enhance these strands, the department supports the use of graphing calculators and other forms of technology to facilitate student learning. Therefore, a TI-84 or TI-84+ graphing calculator is required. More information will be provided in the syllabus and by the teacher for each class.

INTEGRATED MATH 1 
(MAT2010)

This is the first course in the regular college preparatory program. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. It begins the integrated math sequence of the high school curriculum as it builds upon the middle school experience. Emphasis is placed on the development of linear, exponential, and radical functions, systems of equations, absolute value equations and inequalities, domain and range, and function notation. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. A graphing calculator is a necessary tool for this course, and will need to be purchased if the student does not have one. 

INTEGRATED MATH 1M 
(MAT2029M)

This is the first course in the modified program. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. This course will be co-taught to ensure student understanding and will focus on the major topics found in Integrated Math 1 Academic, however, topics will be covered at a slower pace to provide additional practice and processing time. Emphasis is placed on the development of linear, exponential, and radical functions, systems of equations, absolute value equations and inequalities, domain and range, and function notation. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. Students are provided with a graphing calculator for use throughout the semester.  

INTEGRATED MATH 2
(MAT2011)

This is the second course in the regular college preparatory program. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. It continues the integrated math sequence of the high school curriculum as it builds upon the Integrated Math 1 Academic course. Emphasis is placed on the development of solving systems of equations and inequalities, properties of parallel lines, properties of exponents, factoring, operations with polynomials, and probability. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. A graphing calculator is a necessary tool for this course, and will need to be purchased if the student does not have one.  Prerequisite:  Integrated Math 1

INTEGRATED MATH 2M 
(MAT2030M)

This is the second course in the modified program. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. This course will be co-taught to ensure student understanding and will focus on the major topics found in Integrated Math 2 Academic; however, topics will be covered at a slower pace to provide additional practice and processing time. Emphasis is placed on the development of solving systems of equations and inequalities, properties of parallel lines, properties of exponents, factoring, operations with polynomials, and probability. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. Students are provided with graphing calculators for use throughout the semester. Prerequisite: Integrated Math 1M

HONORS INTEGRATED MATH 2
(MAT2012)                 

This is the first course in the high school honors program. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. It begins the integrated math sequence of the high school honors curriculum as it builds upon the middle school experience. Emphasis is placed on the development of solving systems of equations and inequalities, properties of parallel lines, properties of exponents, factoring, operations with polynomials, probability, and congruent and similar triangles. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. A graphing calculator is a necessary tool for this course, and will need to be purchased if the student does not have one.  Prerequisite: CMS Math 8 Advanced with a minimum grade of “B” and recommendation of the teacher or Integrated Math 1 with a minimum grade of 95%, placement test and recommendation of the teacher

INTEGRATED MATH 3
(MAT2042)

This is the third course in the regular college preparatory program. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. It continues the integrated math sequence of the high school curriculum as it builds upon the Integrated Math 2 Academic course. Emphasis is placed on the development of congruent and similar triangles and other polygons, factoring and solving quadratic functions, families of functions, and sequences and series. This course will also place emphasis on mathematical problem solving in preparation for the Keystone Exam. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. A graphing calculator is a necessary tool for this course, and will need to be purchased if the student does not have one.  Prerequisite: Integrated Math 2

INTEGRATED MATH 3M (S1)
(MAT2044M)

This is the third course in the modified program. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. This course will be co-taught to ensure student understanding and will focus on some of the major topics found in Integrated Math 3 Academic; however, topics will be covered at a slower pace to provide additional practice and processing time. Emphasis is placed on the development of identifying and analyzing congruent and similar figures, and modeling and solving quadratic functions. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. Students are provided with a graphing calculator for use throughout the semester.  Prerequisite: Integrated Math 2M

INTEGRATED MATH 3M (S2)
(MAT2050M)

This is the fourth course in the modified program and is a continuation of Integrated Math 3M (S1). It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. This course will be co-taught to ensure student understanding and will focus on some of the major topics found in Integrated Math 3 Academic; however, topics will be covered at a slower pace to provide additional practice and processing time. Emphasis is placed on linear and exponential regression, characteristics of families of functions, and arithmetic and geometric sequences and series. This course will also place emphasis on mathematical problem solving in preparation for the Keystone Exam.  Prerequisite: Integrated Math 3M-S1

HONORS INTEGRATED MATH 3
(MAT2043)

This is the second course in the high school honors program. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. It continues the integrated math sequence of the high school honors curriculum as it builds upon the Integrated Math 2 Honors course. Emphasis is placed on factoring and solving quadratic functions, families of functions, sequences and series, properties of quadrilaterals, right triangles and trigonometry. This course will also place emphasis on mathematical problem solving in preparation for the Keystone Exam. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques.  Prerequisite: Honors Integrated Math 2 with a minimum grade of “B” and teacher recommendation.

INTEGRATED MATH 4
(MAT2045)

This is the fourth course in the regular college preparatory program. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. It continues the integrated math sequence of the high school curriculum as it builds upon the Integrated Math 3 Academic course. Emphasis is placed on the development of properties of quadrilaterals, right triangles and trigonometry, properties of circles, and surface area and volume. Prerequisite: Integrated Math 3

INTEGRATED MATH 4M
(MAT2047M)

This is the fifth course in the modified program. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. This course will be co-taught to ensure student understanding and will focus on the major topics found in Integrated Math 4 Academic; however, topics will be covered at a slower pace to provide additional practice and processing time. Emphasis is placed on the development of proving theorems about quadrilaterals, right triangles and trigonometry, properties of circles, and surface area and volume. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills. Prerequisite: Integrated Math 3M-S2

HONORS INTEGRATED MATH 4
(MAT2046)

This is the third course in the high school honors program.  It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. It continues the integrated math sequence of the high school honors curriculum as it builds upon the Honors Integrated Math 3 course.  Emphasis is placed on the development of properties of circles, surface area and volume, conditional probability, radical expressions, and quadratic, polynomial and radical functions. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. Prerequisite: Honors Integrated Math 3 with a minimum grade of “B” and recommendation of the teacher.

INTEGRATED MATH 5
(MAT2051)

This is the fifth course in the regular college preparatory program. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. It continues the integrated math sequence of the high school curriculum as it builds upon the Integrated Math 4 Academic course. Emphasis is placed on conditional probability, radical expressions, and quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and radical functions. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. Prerequisite: Integrated Math 4

HONORS INTEGRATED MATH 5
(MAT2052)

This is the fourth course in the high school honors program.  It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics.  It continues the integrated math sequence of the high school honors curriculum as it builds upon the Honors Integrated Math 4 course.  Emphasis is placed on the analysis of exponential, logarithmic, rational and trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, and conic sections. Upon completion, students will be prepared for Honors Calculus, Pre-AP Calculus BC, or AP Calculus AB. Prerequisite: Honors Integrated Math 4 with a minimum grade of “B” and recommendation of the teacher.

PRE-ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS BC (Grade 11 – Spring Semester) 
(MAT2021)

This is the first semester of the AP Calculus (BC) curriculum and therefore carries AP weight.  Topics include review of linear, polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions, limits, continuity, techniques of differentiation, and applications of the derivative.  To facilitate understanding of the topics, much of the learning will be aided by the use of the graphing calculator. Prerequisite: Honors Integrated Math 5 and recommendation of the teacher.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB (Grade 12)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(MAT2023, MAT2024)     

This is an AP level course by which students may earn college credit by successfully completing the AP Calculus AB examination authored by the Educational Testing Service. Topics studied include coordinates and functions, the derivative, techniques of differentiation, applications of the derivative, the integral, techniques and applications of integration, and the definite integral and its applications. The graphing calculator is an integral part of this course. Students enrolled in this course agree to take the AP Calculus AB examination. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required. Prerequisite: Honors Integrated Math 5 and recommendation of the teacher.

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MATHEMATICS ELECTIVES

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS BC (Grade 12)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(MAT2025, MAT2026)

This is an AP level course by which students may earn college credit by successfully completing the AP Calculus BC examination authored by the Educational Testing Service. Differential and Integral Calculus are studied using a highly rigorous approach. Topics studied include differentiation and integration of polynomial and rational functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric and inverse functions, parametric, polar, and vector functions, infinite sequences and series, power, Taylor, and Maclaurin series.  The graphing calculator is an integral part of this course. Students enrolled in this course agree to take the AP Calculus BC examination. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required. Prerequisite: Pre-AP Calculus BC w/ recommendation of the teacher.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS   (Grades 10-12)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(MAT2027, MAT2028)

AP Statistics is not a traditional math class and involves a considerable amount of writing. Conceptual understanding and communication of ideas are equally as important as using formulas and statistical methods to arrive at numerical answers - being able to draw conclusions and justify answers in an organized and meaningful way is an integral part of the curriculum. The AP Statistics content can be extremely challenging for students and a very strong work ethic is required to succeed. Students enrolled in this course agree to take the AP Statistics examination. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignment is required and collected on the first day. Prerequisite: Completion of H Integrated Math 2 with a minimum of a “B” and or Integrated Math 2 with a minimum of a “B+” and recommendation of the teacher.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ANALYSIS & APPROACHES SL (Grade 12) 
(2 credits – Full year course)
(MAT2057, MAT2058) 

In the course Analysis and Approaches, students will understand the value of systematic approaches, analyze complex real-world contexts, communicate concisely and precisely implications of mathematic conclusions. The course encourages the development of strong written, verbal, and graphical communication skills; critical and complex thinking; and moral and ethical considerations influenced by mathematics that will assist students in preparing for the future global workplace. This course holds IB weight and is a mandatory IB Career Programme Course in grade 12. Prerequisite: Integrated Math 5 or PreCalculus or H PreCalculus and an approved application to a Career Programme cohort in either Design Technology or Business & Finance.

PRE-CALCULUS (Grades 11-12)
(MAT2019)

This is an 11th or 12th grade elective course providing advanced algebra and trigonometric concepts. College bound Integrated Math 5 students are candidates for this course. Topics include conic sections, rational functions, trigonometric functions, and analytic trigonometry. Prerequisite:  Integrated Math 5 with a minimum grade of “B-” and teacher recommendation.

HONORS CALCULUS (Grades 11-12)
(MAT2022)                                                                                                                 

This course is an honors level calculus course. Topics include functions and their graphs, limits and continuity, techniques of differentiation, derivatives of various function families, applications of the derivative, graphs of the derivative, and techniques and applications of integration. To facilitate understanding of the topics, learning will be enhanced with the use of the graphing calculator and MathXL. MathXL is an online study plan directly linked to the H Calculus curriculum that provides practice, testing, and diagnosis of individual student progress. Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus with a minimum grade of “B+” and recommendation of the teacher or Honors Integrated Math 5 with a minimum grade of “B” and recommendation of the teacher.

HONORS PRE-CALCULUS (Grades 11-12)
(MAT2020)                                                                                         

This elective course will continue to explore the mathematical strands of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics using the collaborative, investigative approach. The following topics are studied: logarithmic and exponential functions, the complex number set, trigonometric identities, and conic sections. Upon completion with an A or B+, students will be prepared for Honors Calculus. Summer Assignment may be required. Prerequisite: Integrated Math 5 with a minimum grade of “A” and recommendation of the teacher.

CALCULUS (Grade 12)
(MAT2049)

This is an academic level calculus course. This course will begin with an in depth review of the important concepts in algebra needed to pursue the study of calculus. In addition to strengthening algebra skills, this course introduces fundamentals of calculus at a college entry level. Review topics will include solving algebraic equations and inequalities, exponents, radicals, polynomials, factoring and rational expressions. Calculus concepts introduced include rates of change, limits and continuity, the derivative, and applications of the derivative. To facilitate understanding of topics, learning will be enhanced through the use of a graphing calculator. Prerequisite: Honors Integrated Math 5, Honors Pre-Calculus, or Pre-Calculus with a “B” or better and teacher recommendation.

HONORS COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS IN PYTHON (Grades 11-12)
DUAL ENROLLMENT (CIS 1101) 
(MAT2048)

This unique honors level course is specifically tailored for career-minded students who have an adeptness for mathematics as well as an interest in computer programming. Students who feel naturally drawn to these two disciplines will explore concepts and careers in this mathematical programming course. Ultimately, the goal is for students to investigate possible mathematics careers for their future, and this course emphasizes two lucrative career fields: computational finance and investing and actuarial science. Python will be introduced in this course as a way to use computers and programming to solve mathematical problems. No prior programming experience is necessary. Prerequisite: Integrated Math 4 with a minimum grade of “B”, or Honors Integrated Math 4.

PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS (Grades 10-12)  
(MAT2034)

This course will develop a students’ ability to analyze data, draw conclusions and make predictions. Students will gather and interpret data and create multiple displays in the context of real world applications. Analyzing graphical displays to create function models through the use of the graphing calculator will be a focus of the course. Other topics include standard deviation, the normal curve, calculating probabilities of dependent and independent events, and identifying mutually exclusive events. Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math 2 with a minimum of a “B” and serious interest on the part of the student in learning the main principles of statistics.

PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES (Grades 9-12)
(MAT2035)

Finding the solution to a problem is only one part of the challenge. In this course, students learn that there are many valid ways to solve a problem, not just one best way. This course will foster the students' understanding that mathematics is a blend of identifying, solving and generalizing mathematical processes. Through collaboration and presentations, students recognize the value of multiple viewpoints. Strategies include drawing diagrams, making systematic lists, eliminating possibilities, matrix logic, looking for patterns, guess and check, sub-problems, unit analysis, solving an easier related problem, physical representations, working backwards, and Venn diagrams. This course also has a large focus on writing as students improve their writing skills while valuing the process of problem solving. At the conclusion of the course, students will take a final examination which focuses on a variety of strategies learned throughout the course. Prerequisite or concurrent:  Integrated Math 2M, Integrated Math 2, Honors Integrated Math 2. 

SAT/ACT PREPARATION (Grades 10-12) (PASS/FAIL – NO GRADE ASSIGNED)
(ENG1019)

The ACT/SAT Prep course is a PASS/FAIL course designed to help students prepare for and increase their score on the ACT/SAT.  Students will be encouraged to work interactively with released ACT/SAT tests and practice questions.  Much of the class time will be devoted to identifying and analyzing students’ weaknesses in order to work toward improving the students’ overall test scores. Students should be aware of the challenging nature of the ACT/SAT content and have solid problem-solving and reading comprehension skills prior to entering the class. Additionally, students will complete a college research project in order to gain an understanding of the academic requirements (GPA & SAT/ACT score) and financial cost of institutions they may be interested in attending.  Students will rotate on a weekly basis between the verbal and math classrooms. A graphing calculator is required. This is a dual taught with the English department and is also listed in the English-Language Arts section. 

COLLEGE PREPARATORY TRANSITION MATH (Grade 12)
(MAT2038) 

This course will lay the foundation for students interested in taking post-secondary math courses.  In addition to expanding concepts in linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, students will refine mathematical skills developed in previous courses. Other topics of study include systems of equations and inequalities, piecewise functions, polynomials of a higher degree and algebraic techniques seen in geometric applications. Prerequisite:  Integrated 4M or Integrated Math 5.

MATH TUTORING CENTER (Grades 9-12) 
LUNCH – BLOCK 4

The PWHS Math Tutoring Center (MTC), located in room C9, provides academic support in an open atmosphere for students who would like to improve their problem solving skills and achieve mastery of the topics found in their current mathematics course. The goal of the MTC is to increase a student’s understanding of solution techniques and math strategies while providing assistance with homework, long term assignments, and review of a lesson.

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HEALTH & FITNESS 1: HEALTH/FITNESS/SWIMMING (Grades 9 or 10)
(HPE7004, HPE7005, HPE7006)   

This fitness based course is required by all students to be taken either in 9th or 10th grade. The students will alternate classes between health, fitness, and swimming. This course provides students with classroom instruction dealing with a variety of current health related issues.  Topics will include physical fitness, body systems, wellness, drugs/alcohol and tobacco, and variety of fitness activities, including muscular strength and endurance training, circuit training, and cardiovascular endurance training. The swimming section of the course is based upon skill level and geared toward aquatic safety, stroke development, and/or refinement.  Please refer to the chart below to help aide in deciding which course is most appropriate for course selection. The health component for all three swimming levels is the same.     

1. LEVEL 1 (BEG SWIM)

   • Limited/no prior swimming experience
   • Needs/requires a floatation device to swim/float in the deep end
   • Focused primarily on basic stroke development and survival swimming

2. LEVEL 2 (INT SWIM)

   • Can comfortably swim four widths of freestyle and backstroke in the shallow and deep ends without a flotation device
   • Focused primarily on stroke technique and refinement
   • Students will gain additional survival swimming skills

3. LEVEL 3 (ADV SWIM)

   • Potential high school swim team member
   • Advanced in swimming freestyle, backstroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, and breaststroke
   • Focused primarily on fitness based aquatic skills         
   • Students will gain the skills to prepare them for the lifeguarding course.

HEALTH AND FITNESS 2: HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Grades 10 or 11)
(HPE7007) 

This required course provides students with classroom instruction on current and diverse topics such as fitness and nutrition, wellness and mental health, family relationships, and human development.  The physical education portion of this course emphasizes skill development and the participation in a variety of individual and team sports. A strong emphasis is placed on each student receiving a positive fitness experience, displaying good sportsmanship and cooperating with others in a large-group setting.  The physical education curriculum includes the following individual and team activities that are taught in units throughout the semester: Fitness, Conditioning, Circuit Training, Cooperative Activities and Net-Games.

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HEALTH and PHYSICAL EDUCATION ELECTIVES

ADVANCED PHYSICAL EDUCATION 1 (Grades 10-12)
(HPE7001) 

This elective course consists of complex and specialized activities which will expand the mastery of personal development of individual skill, teamwork, and competitive game strategies. This high energy course will challenge students through team sports, individual fitness programs/assessment, and weight training. Instructors will utilize a variety of team games to develop teamwork, competition, fair play and individual student goals. Assessment will be based on daily participation. Prerequisite: Health & Fitness 2.

ADVANCED PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2 (Grades 11-12)
(HPE7002) 

This elective course is directed toward the refinement of skills and techniques learned in Advanced PE 1, coupled with an introduction of advanced skills sets and strategies.  The sports/activities have been chosen to encourage students to participate in higher level physical activity, which includes a variety of competitive individual and team activities.  Assessment will be based on daily participation. Prerequisites: Health & Fitness 2, Advanced Physical Education 1.

ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Grades 9-12)
(HPE7016) 

This course provides physical education to those students who, because of physical, psychological or other important reasons, are unable to participate in the regular physical education program. Each student will participate in an individualized program modified according to the recommendation of the student’s physician. Necessary accommodations will be made within the framework of the regular physical education curriculum.

BODY WORKS 1 (Grades 10-12)
(HPE7003) 

This elective course is designed for students who want to enhance their strength, flexibility, endurance and overall fitness levels. The course will emphasize the five fitness components (flexibility, cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and body composition). Activities may include, but are not limited to: yoga, pilates, core strengthening, circuit training, spinning, aerobics, cardio-kickboxing, muscle toning, and total body conditioning.  Students will assess their current fitness level, identify areas for improvement and set goals for achievement. Assessment will be based on daily participation.

BODY WORKS 2: ADVANCED SCULPTING (Grades 10-12)
(HPE7000) 

Advanced Bodyworks provides additional opportunities to redefine overall health and wellness through a variety of exercises.  Weight training, conditioning exercises and proper nutrition training will be explored to improve muscle tone, muscle definition, and total body conditioning. This class is an advanced version of body works, so please plan accordingly.  Students will assess their current fitness level, identify areas for improvement and set goals for achievement. Assessment will be based on daily participation. Prerequisite: Body Works 1, Health and Fitness 1.

LIFEGUARDING (Grades 10-12)
(HPE7008) 

This elective course is a prerequisite for any student wishing to select the W.E.T. program as a junior or senior. This course offers students the opportunity to earn American Red Cross certification in First Aid, Professional Rescuer CPR/AED, and Lifeguarding. The course will provide the student with the knowledge of instructional techniques for teaching aquatic lessons. The course will cover aquatic fitness, personal fitness, water sports, water games, and activities outside of the pool. Each student is provided a textbook, a one-way CPR mask, and their certification cards (upon completion of the course). The total cost of the class is $70. Prerequisites: Health & Fitness 1. Students must be at 15 years old.

LIFETIME FITNESS (Grades 10-12)
(HPE7009) 

One focus of this elective course is to allow students to experience a variety of activities in the fitness world.  These activities will range in many areas that help promote lifelong individual physical fitness. Students will gain experience with weight room, participate in specific type fitness classes and develop cardio endurance.  Another focus for lifetime fitness will be participating in many different net games.  This will emphasize learning opportunities for valuable life skills, such as cooperation, leadership and sportsmanship.  All activities will help lead to a positive experience and promote the importance of lifelong physical activity and fitness. Prerequisites: Health & Fitness 1.

PRINCIPLES OF COACHING (Grades 10-12)
(HPE7010)

This elective course provides interested students with the proper education and training to prepare for the responsibilities associated with being a coach. The course will explore the roles coaches play in developing young athletes. Major topics will include game rules, practice planning, practice implementation, game strategy, skill assessment, player discipline, and game management. Students should expect to improve their leadership and public speaking. Prerequisites: Health & Fitness 2

SPORTS MEDICINE (Grades 10-12)
(HPE7012)

This elective course explores the domains of athletic training, sports psychology, coaching and exercise physiology. The majority of the course will focus on athletic training with regards to relevant anatomy, injury assessment, injury treatment, and rehabilitation. This course is an excellent introduction for any student interested in pre-medicine, physical therapy, athletic training, or coaching. The setting for this physical education elective is the classroom. Prerequisites: Health & Fitness 1

SPEED: STRENGTH-POWER-ENDURANCE-EXERCISE-DEVELOPMENT (Grades 10-12)
(HPE7011) 

Designed for students interested in improving their physical fitness through strength training, this course will concentrate on strength training in a safety-first environment. Students will learn physiology of muscle development and anatomy of the body. Conditioning activities are included on a regular basis to increase students’ cardio respiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition.  Students will assess their individual fitness level and use the results to develop a goal-oriented fitness program to follow throughout the semester.  Students are expected to improve their level of fitness through participation in strength training and conditioning exercises on a daily basis.  Ongoing assessment includes written and performance-based skill evaluations. Prerequisites: Health & Fitness 1.

WET: WATER EDUCATION TRAINING (Grades 11-12)
(HPE7013) 

This elective course permits skilled 11th and 12th grade students who are lifeguard certified to assist with water skills instruction for the W.E.T. program. A student taking this course will work with 4th grade students from the Colonial School District and assist in teaching them basic water safety, water games, and the Red Cross stroke advancement skills from the Pre-beginner level through the Advanced level. Students electing this course will be re-certified as a lifeguard, in first aid, and professional rescuers CPR. Prerequisites: Health & Fitness 2, Lifeguarding. Must be 15 years old and have Lifeguarding Certification. 

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CHORUS, H CHORUS (1 credit – Full year/Alternating BLUE days)
(MUS8011, MUS8012)

Chorus provides students with the opportunity to improve basic musicianship skills and to perform chorus literature of different time periods and styles.  Students improve their music reading skills and vocal techniques by exploring solo/duet literature during sectional lessons. Sectional lessons are provided on a rotating schedule during the school day. Evening performances are required.

Honors Chorus accelerates the musical performance skills of gifted and talented students. The honors sections will exist within the performance ensembles and will receive weighted credit towards graduation. The student must meet at least three of the following criteria (see instructor for more detailed list):  practice at least five days per week for 45 minutes per day; perform appropriate solo repertoire; participate in music festivals such as Districts; take weekly private lessons; participate in an extracurricular or community music organization. Prerequisite: Audition with at least two members of the PW music faculty, recommendation of a music instructor and participation in Mixed Chorus.

BAND, H CONCERT BAND (1 credit – Full year/alternating BLUE days)
(MUS8005, MUS8006)

Concert Band provides students with the opportunity to improve basic musicianship skills and to perform concert band literature of different time periods and styles on standard concert band instruments.  Folk, classical, pop, march and contemporary music is prepared for the winter, and spring concerts.  Evening performances are required.  Sectional lessons are provided on a rotating schedule during the day.

Honors Concert Band accelerates the musical performance skills of gifted and talented students. The honors sections will exist within the performance ensembles and will receive weighted credit toward graduation. The student must meet a least three of the following criteria (see instructor for more detailed list): practice at least five days per week for 45 minutes per day; perform appropriate solo repertoire; participate in music festivals such as Montco or Districts; take weekly private lessons; participate in an extracurricular or community music organization. Prerequisite: Audition with at least two members of the PW music faculty, recommendation of a music instructor and participation in Concert Band.

ORCHESTRA, H ORCHESTRA (1 credit – Full year/alternating BLUE days)
(MUS8017, MUS8018)

Orchestra provides students with the opportunity to improve basic musicianship skills and to perform orchestra literature of different time periods and styles on standard orchestra instruments.  Folk, classical, pop, march and contemporary music is prepared for the winter and spring concerts.  Evening performances are required.  Sectional lessons are provided on a rotating schedule during the day.

Honors Orchestra accelerates the musical performance skills of gifted and talented students. The honors sections will exist within the performance ensembles and will receive weighted credit towards graduation.  Some after school practice is required. The student must meet at least three of the following criteria (see instructor for more detailed list): Practice at least five days per week for 45 minutes per day; perform appropriate solo repertoire; participate in music festivals such as Districts; weekly private lessons; participate in an extracurricular or community music organization. Prerequisite: Audition with at least two members of the PW music faculty, recommendation of a music instructor and participation in Orchestra.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY (Grades 10-12)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(MUS8019, MUS8020)

This course uses music technology as a vehicle to teach advanced concepts in music theory.  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music through a variety of assignments, sight-singing, keyboard, computer applications and listening activities.  Exercises will focus on analysis and study of various historical and contemporary styles.  Students will take the Advanced Placement Music Examination published by the Educational Testing Service. Prerequisite: Music Theory 1. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course.

BLUES, JAZZ and MODERN BAND (Grades 9-12)
(MUS8022)

This course will teach students to read lead sheets and improvise over the chord changes while building a foundation of the roots of Blues and Jazz music, which then extends to the Modern Band genre. Students will work with their instrumental/vocal backgrounds to create in-class collaborative ensembles. Prerequisite: Students must have an instrumental/vocal background either through the learnings in a school offered ensemble course (concert band orchestra, chorus, CMS guitar class or keyboard & chords) OR outside private instruction (i.e piano students).

DIGIBEATS FACTORY (Grades 9-12)
(MUS8051)

Utilizing school issued one to one devices, and no musical background or instrumental requirement;
students will turn their laptops into digital audio workstations (DAWs) and dive into the concepts of music production, loops, beats, copyright laws, commercial music, music synchronization, music publishing, midi keys as well as the creation and composition of digital music. Students will leave with a basic understanding of the music industry and a portfolio featuring collaborative student created works. Projects created in this course will be part of a larger CSD community stock audio folder, which will be available to our media productions class and CITV to use for sweeps, and other needed audio.

HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL (Grades 9-12)
(MUS8024)

This course provides an overview of the history and development of rock and roll music.  Students discuss and learn the elements of music that contribute to the rock style as well as the important historical and political events that influenced artists and their music.  The course begins with the emergence of rock and roll and chronologically addresses rock music through the present.  Styles of rock music include Fifties, Sixties, British Invasion, Folk, Soul, Motown, San Francisco, Art, Jazz, Seventies, Eighties and current trends.

KEYBOARDS & CHORDS: READING MUSIC THROUGH THE PIANO (Grades 9-12)
(MUS8052)

This course is a survey of music history that begins with those works that convey the artistic trends, innovations, and compositional techniques representative of their time. The historical context, composer, musical significance, and compositional design of key works by Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and more, will be studied and brought to life by audio or video recordings as well as live performances. The program will stress techniques of listening and evaluation will be emphasized.

MUSIC THEORY 1 (Grades 9-12)
(MUS8025)

This course provides a study of rhythmic and melodic dictation, ear training, sight-singing, key signatures, scales, triads and chords.   Students will be exposed to specific music software. This course is designed for students with a background in music.

SONGWRITERS COLLECTIVE (Grades 9-12)
(MUS8053)

Students will explore the process, skills, format, fundamental ingredients and techniques of songwriting. Students will begin by analyzing a wide range of genres then work to create their own. We will utilize basic piano, guitar, digital instruments and vocal skills while working on our projects and the culmination of the class will have a student created collection of songs with a performance/showcase opportunity. Students will also learn to cover the topics of writer's block, creativity stimulation, performance anxiety, rhyming, publishing, copyright, demo production, computer aids for the songwriter and collaboration. Students should be open to performing and have an interest in the subject of music.

STRING LAB (Grades 9-12)
(MUS8054)

In this semester long class, students will work together to deepen their string/orchestral skills and engage in the following: Self driven project based learning goals (festival participation, all states and districts), the inner game of music/anxiety workshops, college audition package creation, concert performances, technique enhancement, score reading, minor repair training, and alternate string instrument exploration. Students will explore how to create revenue beyond PW by exploring what it takes to become a private instructor (strings tutor) and will be a part of the larger semester performance (ex: winter concert/spring concert). This class is offered to all Orchestra students PAST, present and beginner and differentiated based on enrollment. Students must have access to an instrument, their own or rented.

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APPLIED PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Grade 9)
(SCI3000) 

This course is designed to emphasize conceptual understanding of introductory physics and chemistry through laboratory and project based learning.  Science literacy and practical applications of the physical sciences will be a focus of the course.  Problem solving, scientific method, technology integration, organizational, reading and writing strategies are emphasized in this course.

APPLIED BIOLOGY (Grade 10)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(SCI3002, SCI3003)

This course is designed to assist students in developing an understanding of the life processes of living things and the scientific method.  Laboratory investigations are used to help make the basic concepts more understandable and to apply biological models to problem situations.  Skills that will be reinforced include experimental procedure, laboratory safety, data collection, and problem solving.  Topics that will be addressed include the scientific method, cell biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution.  Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, activities, and to develop lab reports.

BIOLOGY, HONORS BIOLOGY (Grade 9)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(SCI3004, SCI3005; SCI3006, SCI3007)

Biology places an emphasis on the life processes of living things through a study of the biochemical and physiological processes involved and the systems which carry them out.  Laboratory investigations are used to help make the basic concepts more understandable and to apply biological models to problem situations.  The content is adjusted to the learning aptitudes and achievement levels of the students.  This is a college preparatory class; however, the activities are more teacher-directed than in Honors Biology. Students may need more academic support than the Honors Biology student.

Honors Biology places an emphasis on the life processes of living things through a study of the biochemical and physiological processes involved and the systems which carry them out.  Laboratory investigations are used to help make the basic concepts more understandable and to apply biological models to problem situations.  The content is adjusted to the learning aptitudes and achievement levels of the students.  It requires higher level thinking skills and the ability to understand abstract concepts. There will be higher expectations for students as they work in cooperative learning groups. This course will require high level writing and critical reading skills and a high degree of self-motivation.  Prerequisite: Recommendation from the 8th grade science teacher. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE   (Grades 11-12)
(SCI3025)        

This course addresses the physical factors which affect the quality of life for plants and animals (particularly for man) as they interact in a shared environment.  The participants in the course will examine the effect of their own attitudes and those of others deals with how each organism (particularly man) attempts to meet its needs and how those attempts have an impact on other organisms. Science Prerequisite: Completion of Biology or Applied Biology.

CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY   (Grade 10-12)
(SCI3008)        

Chemistry in the Community is a course designed for students considering a variety of post-secondary options. Topics include experimental design, properties of matter, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and energy, with an emphasis on practical applications. Abstract concepts will be minimal and the necessary mathematical skills will be developed in class. This course is not recommended for students planning to be a science major in college. Science Prerequisite: Completion of Biology or Applied Biology.  Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math 2 or equivalent class with a minimum grade of a “C”.

CHEMISTRY, HONORS CHEMISTRY (Grade 10)
(SCI3009, SCI3010)

Chemistry is a course designed for college-bound students. Topics include properties of matter, atomic theory, chemical periodicity, chemical reactions, stoichiometry and gas laws. The course is supplemented with laboratory experiences.  Science Prerequisite:         Completion of Biology with a minimum grade of a “B-” / Math Prerequisite:     Completion of Integrated Math 2 with a minimum grade of a “B”

Honors Chemistry is a rigorous course designed for students exploring a potential career in science. Topics include properties of matter, atomic theory, chemical periodicity, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermodynamics, kinetics and equilibrium. The course is supplemented with laboratory experiences. These topics are covered in greater depth and with a more mathematical approach than in Chemistry.  Recommendation of teacher required along with the following content prerequisites; Science Prerequisite: Completion of Honors Biology with a minimum grade of a “B” or Biology with a minimum grade of an “A” / Math Prerequisite: Completion of Honors Integrated Math 2 with a minimum grade of “B” or Integrated Math 3 with a minimum grade of “A”.

PHYSICS, HONORS PHYSICS (Grade 10-12)
(SCI3011, SCI3012)  

The study of Physics includes developing a detailed knowledge and understanding of the basic laws and principles which govern our universe. This course will focus specifically on Newtonian mechanics, or how and why things move.  Skills such as problem solving, scientific reasoning, and technical writing will be emphasized in this course.  This course will use computer interface equipment to collect and analyze data to illustrate principles learned in the course.  Students will be evaluated on their laboratory performance and use of appropriate laboratory technology. Science Prerequisite: Completion of Biology / Math Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math 3 with a minimum grade of a “B-“                                                                                                                       

Honors Physics includes developing a detailed knowledge and understanding of the basic laws and principles which govern our universe. This course will focus specifically on Newtonian mechanics, or how and why things move.  Skills such as problem solving, scientific reasoning, and technical writing will be emphasized in this course.  This course will use computer interface equipment to collect and analyze data to illustrate principles learned in the course.  Students will cover course content in greater depth and scope than is covered in physics classes. Students will be evaluated on their laboratory performance and use of appropriate laboratory technology.  This course is recommended for students planning to pursue professional careers in science, engineering, and/or medicine.  Recommendation of teacher required. Science Prerequisite:  Completion of Chemistry with a minimum grade of an “A” or Honors Chemistry / Math Prerequisites: Completion of Honors Integrated Math 4 or H Integrated Math 4H concurrently having received an “A” in Honors Integrated Math 3H.

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SCIENCE ELECTIVES                

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (Grades 11-12)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(SCI3013, SCI3014) 

This course is equivalent to a college introductory biology course taken by biology majors during their first year. The labs done by AP students are equivalent to those done by college students. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills. The course emphasizes developing a detailed understanding of biological concepts. The topics covered fall into three general areas: Molecules and Cells, Heredity and Evolution, and Organisms and Populations. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required and students will be tested in the fall. Science Prerequisites: Completion of H Biology and H Chemistry with a minimum grade of a “B”. Teacher recommendation required.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY (Grades 11-12)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(SCI3015, SCI3016) 
 

The Advanced Placement Chemistry course focuses on topics in inorganic chemistry including stoichiometry, states of matter, aqueous and non-aqueous solutions, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium and electrochemistry. The AP Chemistry curriculum also includes intensive laboratory experiences. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required and students will be tested in the fall. Science Prerequisite: H Chemistry with a minimum grade of a “B” / Math Prerequisite: H Integrated Math 3 with a minimum grade of “B”. Teacher recommendation required.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Grades 11-12)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(SCI3019, SCI3020) 

The Advanced Placement Environmental Science course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required. Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry with a minimum grade of a “B”.  Math Prerequisite: Honors Integrated Math 3 with a grade of “B” or better. Teacher recommendation required. Recommendation of teacher required.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C - MECHANICS (Grades 11-12)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(SCI3017, SCI3018) 
DUAL ENROLLMENT (PHYS0174)

The Advanced Placement Physics C course focuses on the topics of Newtonian mechanics and electricity and magnetism.  These topics are explored in great depth and at a very technical level.  The use of calculus in problem solving and in derivations is expected to increase as the course progresses.  This course is recommended for students interested in pursuing careers in science and engineering.  Advanced Placement Physics C is an excellent complement to an AP Calculus course. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments are required. Science Prerequisite: H Chemistry with a grade of “B” / Math Prerequisite: Completed 4H Calculus with a "B" or better and concurrently enrolled in 5H OR completed H PreCalculus with a "B". Teacher recommendation required. *Students who choose to pursue the dual enrollment option will earn 4 college credits from the University of Pittsburgh.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (Grades 10-12)
(SCI3021)        

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth study of human anatomy (structure) and physiology (function).  It is strongly recommended for students who have an interest in medicine, nursing, or other health careers.  Emphasis is placed on the systems of the body, tissue types, blood, the heart, bones, and muscles. Students will describe the systems and compare patterns found in anatomy.  Laboratory work will include various dissections and microscopic studies of tissues.  Students will use appropriate methods for communicating in verbally and in writing, the processes and results of anatomical investigations.  Students are encouraged to work cooperatively in laboratory situations and take an active role in their learning. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of a “B” in Chemistry and teacher recommendation.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY 2 (Grades 11-12)
(SCI3035)        

This course is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology 1 so that students can delve further into the study of the human body. It is strongly recommended for students who have an interest in health science careers. Emphasis is placed on the systems of the body not studied in Anatomy and Physiology 1 such as the Muscular, Nervous, Digestive, Respiratory, Endocrine, Urinary, and Lymphatic. Somatic and special senses are also covered.  Laboratory work is a vital aspect of this course and the dissections help students gain a real life picture of the structure and function of organisms. Laboratory work will include various dissections and microscopic studies of tissues. Students will use appropriate methods for communicating verbally and in writing, the processes and results of anatomical investigations. Students will be encouraged to work cooperatively in laboratory situations and take an active role in their learning. Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology 1 and recommendation of teacher.

ASTRONOMY 1 (Grades 9-12)
(SCI3023)        

This course introduces the science of modern astronomy with a concentration on the solar system and its energy sources. Emphasis is placed on the history and physics of astronomy and an introduction to the solar system, including the planets, comets, and stars. This course focuses on engaging philosophic group discussions on topics such as “where does one fit in the universe” and “life on other planets”. No prerequisites exist for this elective class.

ASTRONOMY  2: STELLAR EVOLUTION, GALAXIES and COSMOLOGY (Grades 10-12)
(SCI3034)        

This second course in Astronomy is a survey of topics in cosmology and will begin with modern studies of the Sun which are the foundations for proper investigations of the universe based on modern physics; specifically, stellar evolution, neutron stars and black holes as well as the overall structure of the galaxy. Prerequisites: Personal interest in science and successful completion of Astronomy 1 with the grade of “B” or better.

ELECTRONICS (Grades 9-12)
(SCI3024) 

Science and technology fields often require individuals to have a working understanding of electrical components and their function. Students who are curious about how electrical circuits may be used to accomplish simple and even complex tasks will be introduced to the principles of analog and digital electronics beginning at the most basic level.  As the course progresses, more and more sophisticated circuits will be introduced as new concepts are mastered.  Ultimately, the student will combine several of the circuit elements presented to construct and test a culminating project. Prerequisites: Completion of biology or currently enrolled in Biology or Applied Biology.

FORENSIC SCIENCE (Grades 10-12)
(SCI3028)        

Forensic science is an interdisciplinary course. It relates various sciences to the legal system. This course will use concepts and lab analysis techniques from the fields of chemistry, biology, physical science, and earth science. Technology such as chromatography, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and fiber analysis will be utilized to analyze mock crime scenes. Students are expected to investigate, record, and present data from case studies and mock crime scenes. They will make use of critical thinking skills to evaluate a situation, apply appropriate technology to gather data, and assimilate important data in order to solve problems. Science Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Chemistry with a minimum grade of a “C” or Completion of Chemistry in the Community with a minimum grade of a “B”

HONORS MICROBIOLOGY (Grades10-12)                      
(SCI3029)         

This course provides a stimulating environment for students as they prepare for careers in academics, government, pharmaceutical or biotech research, and the health sciences. The course provides a basis of fundamental concepts in immunology and microbiology.  The role of the immune system in infections, controls on cancers, transplant rejection, allergies and autoimmune disorders will be covered in addition to vaccine development and new immunological treatments.  Includes formal lessons and many exciting lab experiments that mimic what occurs in the Biotech Industry.  The course uses college textbook, assessments and labs. Students that are self-directed and interested in life science in college or as a career should consider taking this course.  Prerequisites: Completion of Honors Biology with a minimum grade of a “B-“or Biology with a minimum of a “B” and teacher recommendation.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES (Grades 10-12)
(SCI3031) 

This course will cover the many aspects concerning the increasing number of infectious diseases such as Ebola, MRSA, STD’s, and the re-emergence of diseases such as measles that are occurring throughout the world.  Students will focus on infectious diseases that are caused by bacterial, viral, and fungal agents. The course will cover aspects of epidemiology (spread of disease) and factors that have led to their occurrence such as antibiotic resistance, genetic mutations, and natural occurrences.  Additional topics will include Bio-warfare and bioethics.  The course will include many labs, research, case studies, and presentations on infectious diseases.   Also, the necessary skills to seek career opportunities in government and the health sciences such as pharmacy, medicine, and biotechnology will be developed. Prerequisites: Completion of Biology with a minimum grade of a “B” or Honors Biology with a minimum grade of a “C”

FOOD CHEMISTRY (Grades 11-12)
(SCI3027) 

This course will examine how the principles of biology and chemistry apply to cooking, food, and food ingredients.  The relationship between the molecular structure and the function of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats will be examined. Other topics will include chemical reactions during cooking, diets, vitamins, and food additives. This course is supplemented with laboratory experiences. Food Chemistry is designed for college bound students and/or students interested in pursuing careers relating to healthcare, nutrition, or food services.  Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Chemistry or Chemistry in the Community with a minimum grade of a “B-”.

MARINE SCIENCE (Grades 10-12)
(SCI3036) 

Marine Science will examine the geological, physical, chemical components of the ocean and how those aspects have shaped and continue to shape the biological aspects.  An emphasis will be placed on understanding the marine biology and ecology of the ocean, its’ beauty and importance to humans.  Humans impact on the ocean and its’ impact on us will be woven throughout the units of study.  Laboratory experiences along with observational experiences will be a part of this course.  Marine Science is designed for any student with an interest in the oceans along with students interested in pursuing a possible marine based career. Science Prerequisites: Successful completion/passing grade in academic, honors or applied biology.

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Honors Requirement: All students currently enrolled in an Honors class must maintain a minimum of a B average (80% or higher) to be recommended for Honors the following year. For students in Academic courses who are interested in moving into Honors, they are required to have an A average (at least 90%) and teacher recommendation.

UNITED STATES HISTORY, HONORS UNITED STATES HISTORY (Grade 9)                                     
(SOC4000, SOC4001)

This course includes historical development of the United States from the year 1900 to topics relevant in present day.  Political, economic and social history will be the major focus of content while 21st century skills are embedded in the curriculum.  Immigration, expansion, foreign policy, civil rights, conflict and economics make up part of the major themes of the course.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY (Grade 9)
(2 credits – Full year course in place of HONORS US HISTORY)
(SOC4015, SOC4016)

This course is designed to present a college-level survey of American History from Native Americans to the present.  Students will be exposed to both facts and controversies in American History. The course requires: (a) an understanding of the principles in United States history; (b) an awareness of the consequences of American relations with the rest of the world; and (c) an ability to analyze historical evidence especially through the use of primary sources.  The course is writing and reading intensive with essays and document-based questions at the core of study. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required. *Please note that you CANNOT take this course in lieu of the Global Studies Course.

GLOBAL STUDIES, HONORS GLOBAL STUDIES (Grade 10)                                                              
(SOC4004, SOC4005)

In Global Studies (Academic), students will explore several regions of the developing world (sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia). The content is focused on: geographic conditions and resulting considerations on the people of the region; cultural, religious, and historical influences on society; economic characteristics and their effect on standard of living; and the present day political impacts for citizens.  In this course, students will strengthen their existing skills by analyzing texts with support, improving organizational and time management skills, creating solutions to present-day problems, developing and supporting opinions using evidence, conducting research, writing clearly and accurately, and effectively utilizing technological tools.  Students will gain a greater understanding of current issues in the developing world and acquire an appreciation for the great diversity of human beliefs and activities.

In Global Studies (Honors), student will explore global issues in a thematic way. The content is focused on: geographic conditions and resulting considerations on the people of the region; cultural, religious, and historical influences on society; economic characteristics and their effect on standard of living; and the present day political impacts for citizens.  In this course, students will strengthen their existing skills by independently analyzing complex and detailed texts, creating solutions to difficult problems, developing and supporting opinions using evidence, conducting extensive research, writing clearly and accurately, and effectively utilizing technological tools.  

ADVANCED PLACEMENT HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (Grade 10)
(2 credits – Full year course in place of H GLOBAL STUDIES)
(SOC4017, SOC4018)

The Advanced Placement Human Geography course is a full year, college level course in which students will explore and analyze a variety of cultural topics in a thematic format. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:  impact of geography, population characteristics, health and disease, migration, development and impact of language and religion, race, ethnicity, gender, impacts of political systems, urbanization, and economic activities.  In this course, students will strengthen their existing skills by independently analyzing complex and detailed texts, creating solutions to difficult problems, developing and supporting opinions using evidence, conducting extensive research, writing clearly and accurately, and effectively utilizing technological tools.  This course is reading and writing intensive, including essays and document-based questions at the core of study. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required.

MODERN WORLD HISTORY (Grade 11)
(SOC4045)

Modern World History will evaluate the concept of modernity and explore the themes of Conflict and Cooperation, Globalization, and Human Rights in the world during the 20th century and beyond. Students will compare and analyze how our world is changing in areas where change is complete and in places where the change is just underway. In this course, students will enhance their existing skills by independently analyzing complex and detailed texts, creating solutions to difficult problems, developing and supporting opinions using evidence, conducting extensive research, writing clearly and accurately, and effectively utilizing technological tools in the quest to gain a greater understanding of current world challenges.

HONORS WESTERN CIVILIZATION (Grade 11)   
(SOC4009) 

In Western Civilization, students will explore the development of religion, democracy, and economic freedom in Europe from the Renaissance to present day. The content is focused on the birth of western ideas, the conflict of religious and secular philosophies, the emergence of industrial nations, and Europe’s ability to meet the challenges that threaten democracy. Students will strengthen their existing skills by independently analyzing complex and detailed texts, creating solutions to difficult problems, developing and supporting opinions using evidence, conducting extensive research, writing clearly and accurately, and effectively utilizing technological tools. Students will gain a greater understanding of current world challenges, develop an appreciation for American heritage.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY (Grade 11)
(2 credits – Full year course in place of H WESTERN CIVILIZATION)
(SOC4028, SOC4029)

This course is designed to build on the student’s knowledge of the factual narrative: (a) an understanding of some of the principle themes in modern European history; (b) an awareness of the consequences of European contacts with other areas of the world; and (c) an ability to analyze historical evidence. This college-level survey course examines in detail the social, political, religious, intellectual, technological and economic themes in Europe from the Renaissance to present day. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS, HONORS US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS (Grade 12)                             
(SOC4011, SOC4012)

This course provides opportunities for students to gain an understanding of the functions of the national and state governments in preparation for assuming responsible roles in the political process. The major units of study include Constitutional underpinnings, political participation, institutions and policy, and civil liberties and civil rights. Contemporary issues confronting the United States are discussed.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT US GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (Grade 12)
(2 credits – Full year course in place of H US GOVERNMENT)
(SOC4020, SOC4021)                 

The course is designed to give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States.  The course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific examples.  It will focus on the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. The major units of the course include Constitutional underpinnings of the United States Government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties and interest groups, institutions and policy processes of the national government, and civil rights and civil liberties in America.  Additionally, the course will explore the dynamics of both fiscal and monetary policy to include such topics as production, employment, business cycles, inflation, taxation, government spending, interest rates, and the workings of the Federal Reserve. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required. 

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SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES

ADVANCED PLACEMENT MACROECONOMICS (Grades 10-12)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(SOC4022, SOC4023)                 

Macroeconomics focuses on principles of economics that apply to the economic system as a whole.Throughout Macroeconomics, students will study economic performance measures, the financial sector, economic growth and international economics with a particular emphasis on national income and overall price levels. In doing so, students will learn to use graphs, read charts and analyze data to identify and describe these fundamental economic concepts. To succeed in this course, students should have a prior understanding of basic algebraic concepts. As an Advanced Placement (AP) course, AP Macroeconomics corresponds with one semester of an introductory college course. Please review the Advanced Placement Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT MICROECONOMICS (Grades 10-12)
(2 credits – Full year course) (SOC4039, SOC4040)                 

Microeconomics focuses on principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers(consumers and businesses) within the economic system. Throughout Microeconomics, students will build on their knowledge of Macroeconomics to further develop their familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distribution of income and market failure as well as the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students will learn to use graphs, read charts and analyze data to identify and describe advanced economic concepts. Students enrolling in this course should be proficient in algebra and be comfortable with the content covered in AP Macroeconomics. As an Advanced Placement (AP) course, AP Microeconomics corresponds with one semester of an introductory college course. Prerequisite: Students are required to have a teacher recommendation and have taken AP Macroeconomics to enroll in this course.Please review the Advanced Placement Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY   (Grades 11-12)                      
(2 credits – Full year course)
(SOC4024, SOC4025)                                                 

This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of humans and other animals.  Students will be exposed to psychological facts and principles associated with the major subfields of psychology.  They will learn the methods that psychologists use in conducting and reporting on research.  This challenging course will be presented as an entry-level college course in psychology. Prerequisite: Students must have scored Advanced in the PA Literature Keystone Exam. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required.

BLACK AND AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES: A SOCIOCULTURAL EXPLORATION (Grades 10-12)
(SOC4050)

This course seeks to provide an understanding of not only the struggle of African Americans for freedom but also their fight to be acknowledged as full citizens of the United States introducing students to major themes and issues that have occurred in African American history from the origins of Africa to present day; with an emphasis on current issues. African American Studies focuses on the historical, cultural, legal, economic and societal barriers that have promoted the inequities of African Americans within the United States of America. Students will be investigate and discuss significant contributions that African Americans, and other historically marginalized groups, have made to American society.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES (Grades 10-12) 
(2 credits - Full year course)
(SOC4052, SOC 4053)

AP African American Studies is an approved “pilot” college-level course and examination offered to a limited number of high school students in the United States through the College Board's Advanced Placement program. The course will be dedicated solely to learning about and researching the African diaspora and is designed to elevate African-American history and education by looking at achievements, politics, arts, culture, and economics of North American people of African descent. Please review the AP Section in the tab above entitled "Course Levels and Prerequisites" before selecting this course. Summer assignments may be required.

CONFLICTS AND CONNECTIONS (Grades 10-12)
(SOC4026)

This course is an analysis of conflict as an inescapable part of our daily lives.  The examination of global, national, and personal conflict scenarios will enable students to draw connections and facilitate successful solutions.  This course is designed for students seeking such solutions and for those interested in this field as a career possibility.  This course contains both academic and project-based learning components.

GENDER & IDENTITY: AN UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN HISTORY (Grades 10-12)
(SOC4051)

The study of political, social, and cultural movements has been woven into the fabric of the American story. A nation founded upon ideals of justice, equality, and freedom have for many come only after waves of monumental struggle. These changes have been forged through the bravery of movement leaders, dedicated organizations, and countless ordinary heroes and allies, whose bravery opened doors to future generations. The LGBTQ experience is one of those often untold stories. This Gender and Identity course will help students understand concepts of gender identity, sexual orientation, the LGBTQ Movement, and current issues facing intersectional communities.

GENOCIDE STUDIES (Grades 10-12)
(SOC4037)

This course serves as a forum for understanding history and human nature.  By integrating the study of history, psychology, sociology, and other social sciences, the student will develop an understanding and awareness of the events that led to the atrocities of genocide over the course of human history, specifically that of the Nazi Holocaust of 1933-1945.  Students will be provided with a historical account of this injustice as compared to other historical accounts, supplemented with social science lessons in order to better understand the behavior that allowed such violations of human rights to occur.  A research project is required.  Prerequisite:  Minimum grade of “B” in their last core Social Studies class. 

HONORS ECONOMICS (Grades 10-12)
(SOC4038)

This course is designed to deepen an understanding of the American economic system and fundamental economic principles. Emphasis is also placed on the economic institutions in the United States, the international marketplace , and comparative economic systems. Students will gain a greater understanding of economics from the viewpoint of the individual consumer in a global economy. An outside book is part of the curriculum.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE SOCIAL & CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (Grades 11-12)                                                   
(SOC4047, SOC4048)

Social and Cultural Anthropology is the comparative study of culture and human societies with the ultimate goal of understanding humankind in all its diversity. In studying this course students will come to appreciate how anthropology as a discipline contributes to an understanding of contemporary issues, such as war and conflict, the environment, poverty, injustice, inequality and human and cultural rights. The study of social and cultural anthropology offers critical insight into the continuities as well as dynamics of social change and the development of societies, and challenges cultural assumptions. This course holds International Baccalaureate weight and is a mandatory International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme Course in grades 11 & 12. Prerequisite: Application and admittance to a Career-Related Programme cohort in either Design Technology or Business.

PSYCHOLOGY (Grades 10-12)
(SOC4030)        

Psychology provides students with a practical knowledge of the basic psychological concepts necessary to help understand human behavior.  These concepts will be further applied to the thinking process, the learning process and problems of society. The scientific approach to the study of human behavior allows students to examine numerous forms of human behavior in an objective arena.  A research project is required.

SERVICE LEARNING (Grade 12)
(SOC4034)

Service Learning focuses on community service as a vehicle for learning and civic responsibility. Through service, students will develop and apply personal and social skills and gain experience in teamwork, decision‐making and problem‐solving. Student will have opportunities to show initiative and take responsibility while applying knowledge and skills to meet an identified and authentic community need. Prerequisite: Career and Financial Management and teacher recommendation. Students MUST have personal transportation and is not provided by CSD.

SOCIOLOGY (Grades 9-12)
(SOC4034)

This course introduces basic concepts and principles of social interaction and social institutions such as the family, the schools, the church and government.  Contemporary problems concerning these interactions and institutions will be explored.

TOPICS IN PA HISTORY (Grades 9-12)
(SOC4041)

Pennsylvania is a remarkable state with a remarkable history that helped create the great nation of America.  The course uses PA History as a basis for understanding current state policies, economic dynamics and cultural phenomenon.  Students will experience history through the words of the people who lived it through the use of primary documents and film/video.  Pennsylvania geography will be studied as it helped and continues to shape the development of the state. This project-based course has students spending a large portion of the class working collaboratively to achieve stated goals.

WAR AND SPORTS: US IN CONFLICT AND COMPETITION   (Grades 9-12) 
(SOC4035)

This will be an in-depth study of continuity and change in 20th and 21st Century America through the lenses of conflict and sports.  The course will follow a chronological sequence of the last century.  Students will learn and then evaluate US actions during major wars going into depth of events and personalities beyond their studies in US History.  In addition to studying war, students will also evaluate social trends of different eras through the investigation of American sports and how those sports represent our culture then and today.

WOMEN’S STUDIES (Grades 10-12)
(SOC4036)

There are many ways to examine the history of the United States— this course will put women at the center of the story. The course traces a number of different interrelated themes from the 19th century to the present.  The course will consider which ideas and assumptions within American culture have changed and which have stayed the same.  Students will gain an understanding of significant events in modern women’s lives, the ways in which gender is and has been constructed, and the major interpretive issues shaping women’s history.  

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Special Education courses are reserved for students in grades 9-12 who have special needs and are eligible for special education classes as a result of the IEP process. 

INTEGRATED MATH 1L, INTEGRATED MATH 2L 
(SPE2900, SPE2901) 

Integrated Math 1L focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. This course will focus on the major topics found in Integrated Math 1 in the regular education environment; however, topics will be covered at a slower pace to provide additional practice and processing time. Emphasis is placed on the development of linear, exponential, and radical functions, systems of equations, absolute value equations and inequalities, domain and range, and function notation. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. Students are provided with a graphing calculator for use throughout the semester. 

Integrated Math 2L focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics. This course will focus on the major topics found in Integrated Math 2 in the regular education environment, however, topics will be covered at a slower pace to provide additional practice and processing time. Emphasis is placed on the development of solving systems of equations and inequalities, properties of parallel lines, properties of exponents, factoring, operations with polynomials, and probability. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. Students are provided with a graphing calculator for use throughout the semester.  Prerequisite:  Integrated Math 1L

INTEGRATED MATH 3L (S1), INTEGRATED MATH 3L (S2)
(SPE2912, SPE2913)   

This is the third and fourth course in the Learning support Math sequence. It focuses on the building of skills connected with the core concepts of algebra and geometry. This course is a self-contained course taught by a Special Education teacher to ensure student understanding and will focus on the major topics found in the other regular education Integrated Math 3 courses. The topics will be covered at a slower pace to provide additional practice and processing time. Emphasis is placed on the development of basic algebraic concepts along with identifying and analyzing congruent and similar figures, modeling and solving quadratic functions, linear and exponential regression, characteristics of families of functions, and arithmetic and geometric sequences and series. The TI graphing calculator is used to enrich problem solving skills and to develop graphing techniques. Students are provided with a graphing calculator for the semester.  

FOUNDATIONS - WORK MATH
(SPE2918) 

Work Math provides comprehensive instruction that students need for independent living as an adult. The course focuses on giving students the opportunity to learn and practice mathematics as it relates to their everyday lives. This course covers basic math concepts and skills before exploring the more specific topics. Clear explanations are followed by ample practice. This highly relevant course explores a wide range of topics, such as: basic math review, real-life problem solving, using bank accounts, managing credit cards, and trade and profession related math skills. Students eligible for this course need to be recommended by their IEP team and current math teacher.

FOUNDATIONS - LIVING MATH
(SPE2919)

This course provides comprehensive instruction that students need for independent living as an adult. The course focuses on giving students the opportunity to learn and practice mathematics as it relates to their everyday lives. This course covers basic math concepts and skills before exploring the more specific topics. Clear explanations are followed by ample practice. This highly relevant course explores a wide range of topics, such as: filing income tax returns, budgeting household expenses, renting and obtaining a mortgage, investing in stocks, bonds, and buying insurance. Students eligible for this course need to be recommended by their IEP team and current math teacher.

FOUNDATIONS – CONSUMER MATH
(SPE2916)

This course focuses on the math associated with buying, saving and spending money.  Students will learn how to read a paycheck stub and a checking account statement.  Students will learn how to make wise purchases when you shop for groceries, clothes, or furniture.  As the courses progresses, students will learn about loans and interest, credit cards and insurance.   

FOUNDATIONS – REAL WORLD MATH
(SPE2917)

This course begins by building a solid foundation of math skills including rounding, using basic math operations with the support of a calculator and converting decimals, fractions and percents.  A primary focus throughout the course is to calculate total wages and total expenses.  Elements of Algebra and Geometry are woven into the course to help solve everyday problems.  Students will be asked to solve a proportion, create an algebraic equation from a scenario, calculate perimeter and area, and convert units of measurement.  After a foundation of skills is built, students will apply to real-world situations like calculating tip, bill, taxes paid, gross pay and converting units of measurement.  

APPLIED PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Grade 9)
(SCI3000) 

This course is designed to emphasize conceptual understanding of introductory physics and chemistry through laboratory and project based learning.  Science literacy and practical applications of the physical sciences will be a focus of the course.  Problem solving, scientific method, technology integration, organizational, reading and writing strategies are emphasized in this course.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE L (Grade 9)
(SPE3900) 

The foundation of this course is designed to emphasize the process skills of science and build science literacy skills through content area reading and laboratory activities.  The course content emphasizes the essential understandings of topics in Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Methods for the measurement, collection, analysis and interpretation of data are an important focus of this course through teacher-directed activities. Literacy and writing are supported through the development of scientific explanations and conclusions.

APPLIED BIOLOGY (Grade 10)
(2 credits – Full year course)
(SCI3002, SCI3003)

This course is designed to assist students in developing an understanding of the life processes of living things and the scientific method.  Laboratory investigations are used to help make the basic concepts more understandable and to apply biological models to problem situations.  Skills that will be reinforced include experimental procedure, laboratory safety, data collection, and problem solving.  Topics that will be addressed include the scientific method, cell biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution.  Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, activities, and to develop lab reports. 

READING FOR SUCCESS: COMPREHENSION (Grades 9-12)
(SPE1911) 

This course is appropriate for students with demonstrated needs in comprehension. Students will learn and apply fiction and nonfiction reading strategies, note-making, and close reading through engaging and challenging materials. Instruction for word study and fluency will be incorporated as needed.  A variety of technology will be used.    PA Core Released Tasks and assignments will be used to prepare students for the rigor of reading in the content area.

FOUNDATIONS OF READING: DECODING and COMPREHENSION (Grades 9-12)
(SPE1908) 

This course utilizes multi-sensory, structured language techniques to teach students how to fluently and accurately decode words. Through balanced use of whole and small group instruction students will receive instruction throughout the semester designed to improve skills and techniques targeting comprehension and fluency.

US HISTORY L (Grade 9)
(SPE4901) 

This course focuses on the development of the United States during 20th century. Students will explore America’s political, economic, and social history as they continue to develop skills in reading comprehension and written expression. Major units of study include: Industrialization, WWI, the 1920s & The Great Depression, and WWII, and the Generation of Change.

GLOBAL STUDIES L (Grade 10/11)
(SPE4902) 

Today's students live in a global society composed of widely diverse cultures across the globe. Therefore, this course is designed to allow students to explore a variety of economic systems, geography, belief and political systems, and cultural traditions. Students will understand our rapidly changing world and their role in its development as they continue to develop skills in reading comprehension and written expression. Major units of study include: World Geography, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia. 

US GOVERNMENT L (Grade 12)
(SPE4900) 

This course is designed to introduce students to American government and politics.  Students explore the workings and importance of civics as they continue to develop skills in reading comprehension and written expression. Major units of study include: the Role of Government, the Constitution, the Federal Government, Political Parties, Voting, and the Presidential Election Process. 

ENGLISH 1L, ENGLISH 2L
(SPE1900, SPE1901) 

Language Arts 9 (S1) is offered in the fall and designed to give freshmen fundamental writing skills in the five domains (focus, content development, organization, style and conventions).  The writing curriculum focuses on grammar, vocabulary, and on sentence and paragraph construction.  The reading component of this course addresses elements of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.  Students enrolled in this course are expected to take Language Arts 9: Part 2 the following semester.

Language Arts 9 (S2) is offered in the spring and designed to assist freshmen in refining their skills in the five writing domains (focus, content development, organization, style and conventions).  The writing curriculum includes research fundamentals and incorporating quotes from literature into an essay.  The reading component of the curriculum focuses on examining reading materials and creating arguments that can be supported using quotes from the text.  Prerequisite: Language Arts 9 (S1)

ENGLISH 3L (S1), ENGLISH 3L (S2)
(SPE1902, SPE1903) 

Language Arts 10 (S1) is offered in the fall and designed to assist sophomores in writing skills, emphasizing a process approach which includes persuasive and expository writing.  Oral presentations and vocabulary development is a semester-long activity.  The literature component of this course includes the reading, understanding, and analysis of novels, short stories, nonfiction, fiction, plays, and poetry.  Students enrolled in this course are expected to take Language Arts 10: Part 2 during the following semester.

Language Arts 10 (S2) is offered in the spring and designed to assist sophomores in refining their writing skills, which emphasizes a process approach, and includes descriptive and narrative writing.  Oral presentations, projects, and vocabulary development is a semester-long activity.  The literature component of this course includes the reading, understanding, and analysis of novels, short stories, nonfiction, fiction, plays, and poetry.  Prerequisite: Language Arts 10 (S1)

ENGLISH 4L
(SPE1904) 

Selected pieces of both literature and non-fiction are used to increase and refine student literacy. Students employ various reading strategies including context clues, generalizations and making inferences, and they identify and evaluate figurative language, tone, theme and style in literary works.  A major research paper is also completed as part of this course. 

ENGLISH 5L
(SPE1905) 

Emphasis is placed on increasing practical English skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing while critical reading comprehension is refined using nonfiction texts.  Job applications and job interviews are practiced. 

EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS (S1), EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS (S2)
(SPE6903, SPE6904) 

The Educational Success Course is a placement that must be recommended by a student’s Individual Education Plan Team.  This course provides support for students who have emotional and behavioral needs that impede academic success in the classroom.  Students will learn new behavioral strategies to help them find success in the classroom, school, and community.  In addition to the affective and behavioral curriculum, students will be provided support with coursework from their other academic and elective environments.  Classes may be repeated for additional credit.

LEARNING SKILLS FOR SUCCESS (Grades 9-12)

The Learning Skills for Success program is designed for students in grades 9-12, and participation is determined by the IEP process.  The program utilizes a functional academic curriculum in language arts and mathematics which also targets social skills, living skills and work readiness.  Students participate in an annual rotation of community-based instructional activities, and work training experiences to provide them with opportunities to develop and improve employment skills.  The program emphasizes transition skills and making connections with post-secondary agencies to assist students after graduation from PWHS.

SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES
(SPE1915) 

Students with specific diagnoses can be enrolled in this course through the IEP process.  It is part of a program designed to provide these students with explicit instruction in social thinking and related social skills.  It gives students tools and practice to enable them to think about how they interact with others and to consider the impact of their behaviors on those around them in different social contexts.  One credit is granted for each semester, but grade is pass/fail. Classes may be repeated for credits.

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MODIFIED ELECTIVES

7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE TEENS
(SPE1913) 

Sean Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teen’s” will be the centerpiece of this course. Students will learn about the timeless principles outlined in the book and apply them to the tough issues and life changing decisions teens face. This course will focus on helping teens improve self-image, build friendships, resist peer pressure, achieve their goals, get along with their parents, and much more. Activities will support an understanding of each of the ‘7 Habits’ allowing students to apply those habits into their daily lives. Students will be expected to demonstrate their learning and understanding through collaboration in group activities, engaging in group discussions, creating presentations, participating in writing activities, and taking unit tests.   

COMMUNITY BASED WORK PROGRAM (Grade 12)
(SPE6920, SPE6921)

The Community Based Work Program (CPWP) experience is a school-to-work transition program with the intent of providing students paid/on-the-job training as determined by a student's IEP. Placements are considered an extension of the classroom and comply directly with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws. CBWP students are assigned to the PW Transition Coordinator who will oversee the experience, conduct visits and communicate with the receiving organization; student progress is monitored and evaluated by the school liaison and employer on a continual basis. Duration in the field will depend on credits earned through grade 12, and be determined by building administration. Students are responsible to acquire approved placement prior to enrollment or visit the Career Center during Bonus Block for assistance. 

EXPLORING COMPUTER SCIENCE (Grades 9-12)
(SPE6407)

Exploring Computer Science (ECS) is an introductory course designed to engage students in computational thinking and practice. A major aim of ECS is attracting students who might not think of themselves as “typical” candidates for computer science. Students successful in this course should consider Game Design and/or Robotics 1 as a next level course.

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SEQUENCING AND AGE APPROPRIATENESS

The World Languages curriculum establishes what students will be able to do at designated benchmarks, Levels 1A through Advanced Placement, throughout their middle and/or high school career.

In order to enroll in a course, students must either have successfully completed the previous level of instruction or have demonstrated the required proficiency designated in the course description.  Because students may begin formal language learning at various stages of development, content and vocabulary may be adjusted to reflect age appropriate interests.

Course levels do not correspond to a student’s grade level.  Any student may begin study of a world language at any point in their academic career.  Course levels offered at the middle school and the high school are sequential. Therefore if a student successfully completes a course at the middle school, that student should enroll in the next course in sequence at the high school.  In the case of block scheduling, students may study two course levels within one academic year if they choose to take a world language in both the fall and spring semester. 

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WORLD LANGUAGES COURSE ACCELERATION

Students may accelerate their world language enrollment through formal study of the language in another structured setting, residence/study abroad or approved language immersion experience.  In order to advance to a language level without taking the prerequisite course(s), a student must demonstrate proficiency on departmental assessments and obtain approval from the department head.

ROMANCE CULTURES   (Grade 10-12)
(WLA5037) 

This course will provide students with an overarching cultural and linguistic comparative analysis through all three Romance languages offered at PWHS. Specifically it will provide students an opportunity to meaningfully interact with literary exemplars from the target culture in students’ first language and critically compare products, practices, and perspectives across cultures.  Prerequisite: Completion of French 2, Spanish 2 or Latin 2 with a “B-“or better.

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MODERN LANGUAGES (FRENCH & SPANISH)

The study of modern world languages can foster the ability of students to do these tasks:

• communicate and interact with people in the target language
• improve their understanding, and sensitivity, to cultural similarities and differences
• develop an appreciation for cultural difference
• succeed in an ever-changing and competitive global community
• enter into a diverse workplace and/or continued education
• improve critical thinking and problem solving skills
• engage in life-long learning
• participate in the local, national and world communities

The philosophy, therefore, in teaching modern world languages is developing communicative and cultural competence.  Students should be able to communicate in the three communicative modes of target language (interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational), and should develop proficiency as they progress through the curriculum.  Since the curriculum is proficiency based, each course has as a benchmark the achievement of a certain level of proficiency as described by the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines.

ACCELERATED FRENCH FOR BEGINNERS   (Grade 10-12)
(WLA5034) 

The purpose of this course is provide students with previous successful language experience to study introductory French at an accelerated pace. Since students will have already demonstrated mastery of the basic mechanics of language in previous Spanish and/or Latin classes, more time will be devoted to the application of skills and development of communicative competencies instead of the mechanical skills themselves. By the end of Accelerated French for Beginners, students will exhibit at least Novice High proficiency according to ACTFL proficiency guidelines and be able to seamlessly transition to French 2. Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish 2 and/or Latin 2.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
(2 credits – Full year course)
(WLA5030, WLA5031) 

This course is the equivalent of a third-year college course in advanced French writing and conversation.  It encompasses aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar, and composition.  Students taking this course, emphasizing the use of French for active communication, have the following objectives:

1.       the ability to comprehend formal and informal spoken French;

2.       the acquisition of vocabulary and a grasp of structure to allow the easy, accurate reading of newspaper and magazine articles, as well as of modern literature in French;

3.       the ability to compose expository passages; and

4.       the ability to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency.

All students who enroll in this course are required to take the AP exam to receive full weighted credit. Students who do not intend to sit for the AP Exam will not receive AP credit. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors French 4, demonstrated proficiency in all four language skill areas appropriate to this level, and teacher recommendation.

FRENCH 1A, FRENCH 1B
(WLA5000, WLA5001) 

French 1A focuses on the development of communicative competence in the French language and understanding of the culture of French speaking people.  It assumes that the students have minimal or no prior knowledge of the language and culture. The major means of communication between students and instructors will be in the target language.  Completion of Level 1A = Novice Mid-level proficiency per ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.

French 1B focuses on the development of communicative competence in the French language and understanding of the culture of French speaking people.  The major means of communication between students and instructors will be in the target language.  Completion of Level 1B = Novice High level proficiency per ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.

FRENCH 2
(WLA5002) 

The Level 2 French course focuses on the development of communicative competence in the French language and understanding of the culture of French speaking people. Students begin to show a greater level of accuracy when using basic language structures and when exposed to more complex features of the language. They continue to focus on communicating about their immediate world and daily life activities, read material on familiar topics, and write short, directed compositions. The major means of communication between students and instructors will be in the target language.  Completion of Level 2 = Intermediate-Low level proficiency per ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. Prerequisite: Successful completion of a Level 1 course and/or are at a Novice-High level of proficiency.

FRENCH CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE 3
(WLA5003) 

The purpose of this class is to allow students interested in the study of French to continue their studies in a class focusing in large part on the language and cultures of the Francophone world.  This course serves as an alternative to the AP/Honors French track and will culminate in French Civilization and Culture 4.  The French Civilization and Culture 3 course will enable students to continue to develop listening and speaking proficiency with a focus on culture proficiency at a higher level.  Students will explore what it means to be Francophone (French speaking) including history and cultural practices of French speaking communities.  Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 2 and/or proficiency level of Intermediate Low.

HONORS FRENCH 3                     
(WLA5005) 

This course focuses on the development of communicative competence in the French language and understanding of the culture of French speaking people. Students use basic language structures with accuracy and recombine learned material to express their thoughts. They are exposed to more complex features of the language, moving from concrete to some abstract concepts. It assumes that the students have successfully completed a Level 2 course and/or are at an Intermediate-Low level of proficiency. The major means of communication between students and instructors will be in the target language.  Completion of Level 3 = Intermediate-Mid level proficiency per ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. Prerequisite:  Successful completion of French 2 and/or proficiency level of Intermediate Low

FRENCH CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE 4
(WLA5004) 

This course is offered as an alternate course of study for those students of French interested in pursuing an interest in the language and cultures of the Francophone world.  This course runs parallel to the AP/Honors French track and will develop speaking and listening proficiency while expanding students’ cultural proficiency.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of French 3 and/or proficiency level Intermediate-Mid.

HONORS FRENCH 4
(WLA5006) 

The Level 4 French course focuses on the development of communicative competence in the French language and understanding of the culture of French speaking people. During this course, most students should move into the Intermediate-High level of proficiency. They gain confidence in recombining learned material of the language, creating in the language to express their own thoughts, interacting with other speakers of the language, understanding oral and written messages in the foreign language, and making oral and written presentations in the target language. They are exposed to more complex features of the language, moving from concrete to more abstract concepts.

Students are able to understand material presented on a variety of topics related to contemporary events and issues in the target culture(s). It assumes that the students have successfully completed a Level 3 course and/or are at an Intermediate-Mid level of proficiency.  The major means of communication between students and instructors will be in the target language.  In addition to classroom communication, students will be expected to utilize the resources of the language laboratory to improve their speaking and listening skills. By the end of Level 4, students will exhibit Intermediate-High level proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. Prerequisite:  Successful completion of French Honors 3 and/or proficiency level of Intermediate Mid.

FRENCH CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE 5
(WLA5009) 

The purpose of this class is to allow students interested in the study of French to continue their studies in a class focusing primarily on the language and cultures of the Francophone world.  This course serves as an alternative to the AP/Honors French track. The French 5 Civilization and Culture course will enable students to develop and refine listening and speaking proficiencies with a focus on cultural competence.  Students will explore a variety of themes relevant to the Francophone world outside of France, including the history and cultural practices of the selected French speaking communities.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of French Honors 4 or French Civilization and Culture 4 and a proficiency level of Intermediate Mid.

HONORS FRENCH 5
(WLA5007) 

Honors French 5 is specifically for students who want to continue with advanced studies of French but do not desire to take the AP exam. This course is presented as identical to the first semester of AP French Language and Culture without any modifications. Students taking H French 5 are not expected to continue into the second semester nor take the AP French Language and Culture exam. Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Honors French 4, demonstrated proficiency in all four language skill areas appropriate to this level, and teacher recommendation.

SPANISH 1A, SPANISH 1B
(WLA5010, WLA5011) 

The Level 1A Spanish course focuses on the development of communicative competence in the Spanish language and understanding of the culture of Spanish speaking people.  It assumes that the students have minimal or no prior knowledge of the language and culture. The major means of communication between students and instructors will be in the target language.  In addition to classroom communication, students will be expected to utilize the resources of the language laboratory to improve their speaking and listening skills. By the end of Level 1A, students will exhibit Novice Mid level proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.

The Level 1B Spanish course focuses on the development of communicative competence in the Spanish language and understanding of the culture of Spanish speaking people.  It is expected that students have completed Spanish 1A or have had some previous study of the language. The major means of communication between students and instructors will be in the target language.  In addition to classroom communication, students will be expected to utilize the resources of the language laboratory to improve their speaking and listening skills. By the end of Level 1B, students will exhibit Novice High level proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.

SPANISH 2
(WLA5012) 

The Level 2 Spanish course focuses on the development of communicative competence in the Spanish language and understanding of the culture of Spanish speaking people. Students begin to show a greater level of accuracy when using basic language structures, and they are exposed to more complex features of the language. They continue to focus on communicating about their immediate world and daily life activities, read material on familiar topics, and write short, directed compositions. It assumes that the students have successfully completed a Level 1 course and/or are at a Novice-High level of proficiency. The major means of communication between students and instructors will be in the target language.  In addition to classroom communication, students will be expected to utilize the resources of the language laboratory to improve their speaking and listening skills. By the end of Level 2, students will exhibit Novice-High to Intermediate-Low level proficiency in the three modes of communication according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.

SPANISH 3, HONORS SPANISH 3     
(WLA5013, WLA5015) 

With over 34 million people speaking Spanish in the United States, students can expect to encounter the language in a variety of work environments after graduation.  SPANISH 3 will enable students to continue to reinforce communicative proficiency. This course is an alternative to the AP curriculum that continues with H Spanish 3 or Spanish 4.  By the end of this course, students can expect to use Spanish in a variety of settings.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Spanish 2 and/or a proficiency level of Novice-High to Intermediate Low.

Honors Spanish 3 focuses on the development of communicative competence in the Spanish language and understanding of the culture of Spanish speaking people. Students use basic language structures with accuracy and recombine learned material to express their thoughts. They are exposed to more complex features of the language, moving from concrete to some abstract concepts. It assumes that the students have successfully completed a Level 2 course and/or are at a Novice-High to Intermediate-Low level of proficiency. The major means of communication between students and instructors will be in the target language.  In addition to classroom communication, students will be expected to utilize the resources outside of the classroom to improve their speaking and listening skills. By the end of Level 3, students will exhibit at least Intermediate-Low level proficiency in the three modes of communication according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Spanish 2 and/or a proficiency level of Novice-High to Intermediate Low.

SPANISH 4, HONORS SPANISH 4                  
(WLA5014, WLA5016) 

Spanish 4 will build upon students’ communicative proficiency. The Spanish 4 course is an alternative to the AP curriculum.  By the end of this course, students can expect to be prepared to use basic, but functional Spanish in a variety of everyday communicative settings.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Spanish 3, H Spanish 3, or a demonstrated proficiency level of Intermediate-Low.

Honors Spanish 4 focuses on the development of communicative competence in the Spanish language and understanding of the culture of Spanish speaking people. Students will gain confidence by recombining learned material of the language, creating in the language in order to express their own thoughts, interacting with other speakers of the language, understanding oral and written messages in the foreign language, and making oral and written presentations in the target language. Students are exposed to more complex features of the language, moving from concrete to more abstract concepts. Students are able to understand material presented on a variety of topics related to contemporary events and issues in the target culture(s) as presented through a variety of authentic sources such as film, music, literature, audio clips and news articles. By the end of Level 4H, students will exhibit Intermediate-Mid level proficiency in the three modes of communication according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Honors 3 and a proficiency level of Intermediate-Low.

HONORS SPANISH 5
(WLA5017) 

Honors Spanish 5 focuses on the development of communicative competence in the Spanish language and understanding of the culture of Spanish speaking people. Students will gain confidence by recombining learned material of the language, creating in the language in order to express their own thoughts, interacting with other speakers of the language, understanding oral and written messages in the foreign language, and making oral and written presentations in the target language. Students are exposed to more complex features of the language, moving from concrete to more abstract concepts. Students are able to understand material presented on a variety of topics related to contemporary events and issues in the target culture(s) as presented through a variety of authentic sources such as film, music, literature, audio clips and news articles.  By the end of Level 5H, students will exhibit Intermediate-Mid to Intermediate High levels of proficiency in the three communicative modes according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Honors Spanish 4 and/or a proficiency level of Intermediate-Mid.

H SPANISH 6
(WLA5018) 

Honors Spanish 6 focuses on the development of communicative competence in the Spanish language and understanding of the culture of Spanish speaking people. This course is designed to be either a course parallel to – or in the place of – the AP Spanish Language and Culture course. For some students that have the desire and the availability in their schedule, this course can be used as an additional semester of development prior to the AP Spanish Language and Culture course.

Honors Spanish 6 leverages the themes of the AP Spanish Language and Culture, such as personal and private identity, migration, beauty/aesthetics, etc. This course provides a highly communicative context in which students will interact with a wide variety of authentic texts, discuss their reactions and opinions in class, and conclude their thoughts following an academic process that prepares students for success in the next level of their academic tenure. By the end of Level 6H, students are expected to exhibit Intermediate High levels of proficiency in the three communicative modes according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of H Spanish 5 and/or a proficiency level of Intermediate-Mid.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
(2 credits – Full year course)                        
(WLA5019, WLA5020)           

This course covers the equivalent of a third-year college course in advanced Spanish writing and conversation.  It encompasses aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar, and composition.  Students taking this course, emphasizing the use of Spanish for active communication, have the following objectives:

1.       the ability to comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish;

2.       the acquisition of vocabulary and a grasp of structure to allow the easy, accurate reading of authentic texts both in print and electronic media, as well as of modern literature in Spanish;

3.       the ability to compose expository passages; and

4.       the ability to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency.

Prerequisite: H SPANISH 5. Only students who have demonstrated proficiency in the three modes of communication advance to this level. Only students with a teacher recommendation will be admitted to AP Spanish Language.  All students who enroll in this course are required to take the AP exam to receive full weighted credit.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LITERATURE – INDEPENDENT STUDY
(1 credit / 1 semester)                      
(WLA5028, WLA5029)           

This course is intended to be the equivalent of a third-year college Introduction to Latin American or Peninsular Literature course, covering selected works from the literatures of Spain and Spanish America.   The function of the AP Spanish Literature course is to prepare students:

1.       demonstrated proficiency with Spanish lecture and discussion

2.       to do a close reading of literary texts of all genres in Spanish; and

3.       to analyze critically the form and content of literary works (including poetry) orally and in writing using appropriate terminology.

This course is run as an independent study for students who have demonstrated proficiency in all four language skill areas appropriate to this level, and have demonstrated success in AP Spanish Language. Prerequisite: AP SPANISH LANGUAGE with teacher recommendation. All students who enroll in this course are required to take the AP exam to receive full weighted credit.

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CLASSICAL LANGUAGES (LATIN)

The study of classical world languages:

• gives access to two of the world’s great literatures and cultures, Greek and Roman
• radically improves English vocabulary, since 2/3 of modern English is Latin-based and modern technical vocabularies are derived from Greek and Latin
• helps students learn the structure of English grammar while improving written & spoken  communication

Classical world language curriculum, unlike its modern counterpart, is not proficiency oriented.  Those who study a classical language try to communicate less orally with each other and more with the ancient authors and cultures, primarily through reading.  While the emphasis is on reading, both traditional and newer teaching methods stress pronunciation, reading aloud, recitation and short spoken dialogues as important aids to learning.

LATIN 1
(WLA5021)     

This course introduces the vocabulary of basic daily Roman life and simple sentences using present, imperfect and perfect verb tenses in all four conjugations.  Nouns in the first three declensions are used in the nominative, dative, accusative, and ablative cases.  Short Latin passages are read and comprehended.  Cultural aspects of Roman life are studied with a concentration on the city of Pompeii circa 78 A.D.

LATIN 2
(WLA5022)     

This course extends vocabulary with increased complexity of sentences.  The pluperfect tense, genitive case, ablative case, vocative case, relative pronouns, commands and participles (present and perfect passive) are introduced.  Longer passages are read and comprehended encompassing multi-cultural diversity within the Roman Empire (Roman Britain and Egypt).  Roman mythology and history are studied.

HONORS LATIN 3                                                                                                                    
(WLA5024)     

This course builds upon the vocabulary and grammatical concepts learned in previous Latin courses.  It introduces such grammatical concepts as all remaining tenses, the passive voice, deponent verbs, indirect statement, uses of the subjunctive mood, and the supine.  The cultural and historical aspects of the course focus primarily on the Roman military and engineering in the early empire.  Students begin to read authentic Latin texts and are prepared to read more challenging passages in the original Latin.

HONORS LATIN 4                                                       
(WLA5025)     

This course completes all forms of the subjunctive mood.  Gerunds and the gerundive are introduced allowing students to read authentic materials by ancient Latin authors such as Martial, Phaedrus, Ovid, Vergil, Pliny, and Cicero. Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Honors Latin 3

HONORS LATIN 5                                                       
(WLA5026)     

In this course, students read and interpret authentic materials by ancient Latin authors such as Ovid, Catullus, Livy, and Caesar. Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Honors Latin 4

ADVANCED PLACEMENT LATIN        
(2 credits – Full year course)
(WLA5032, WLA5033)           

This course is in general conformity with college Latin studies in the fourth through sixth semesters.  The basic objective is to progress in reading, translating, understanding, analyzing, and interpreting Latin.  Students are expected to be able to translate the poetry or prose they are reading accurately from Latin into English and to demonstrate a grasp of grammatical structures and vocabulary.  Since the appreciation of Latin literature requires an understanding of the literary techniques of Latin writers and of poetic meters when appropriate, stylistic analysis is an integral part of the advanced work in this course.  In addition, the course includes the study of cultural, social, and political context of the literature on the syllabus. Prerequisite: H LATIN 5 with teacher recommendation.

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Dear Students and Parents/Guardians:

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School is committed to providing a comprehensive program of studies which prepares all students for college and career opportunities. This program of studies identifies graduation requirements for the five-block schedule, expectations for honors, advanced placement, dual enrollment, technical and electives courses. Additionally, within this document you will find current policies and other information that may influence course selection such as prerequisites as you and your child work to identify career pathways. We have asked each student to read this guide carefully with their families.

While we encourage students to identify courses of interest prior to meeting with their counselors, we recommend each student set realistic expectations based on factors such as their scholastic record and academic achievement in current courses, teacher and counselor recommendations, work ethic, and academic and extracurricular workload for the upcoming year. The administration, counselors and professional staff are committed to providing each student guidance and support throughout the course selection process. Should you have any questions or need additional support, do not hesitate to contact us!

I hope you find this planning guide to be a useful resource, and I thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jason R. Bacani

 

PWHS Administration

Phone number for PWHS office: 610-825-1500.

Dr. Jason Bacani, Principal
Maico Azcona, Assistant Principal
Ralph Bretz, Activities and Athletics Director
Heather King, Assistant Principal
Stephen Price, Assistant Principal
Dan Balek, Dean of Students
 

 

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School

PWHS School Profile

• Please click here for the link to the printable PWHS School Profile. 
• Please click here to view the School Profile as a web page.

The Program of Studies is designed to provide you with a description of every course that is offered at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. We have a strong interest in providing each student with the courses that they select on a first-choice basis. Circumstances such as insufficient enrollment, staffing or limited facilities do occasionally require cancelation of courses or sections of courses. If this situation develops, counselors and administrators will refer to the alternative course selections chosen by your child located in the online course selection portal. When placement is limited, priority is given in the following order: seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen. In the five block schedule, students are required to schedule 10.0 credits per year. 

Although students are recommended and scheduled in levels of courses primarily based on the recommendation of the professional staff, with due consideration to the student’s individual needs, instrumental factors also taken into account when scheduling students for courses are; a student’s academic achievement, demonstrated work ethic, identified need for remediation (Keystone Exams), personal and career interests and parent/guardian input.

Learning Support (L)

Learning Support classes are based on teacher/case manager recommendation in conjunction with the CARE Team for students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). These courses are designed to accommodate various learning needs and learning differences. Highly individualized and differentiated instruction is characteristic of these classes, helping students to achieve success while providing a curriculum aligned with the standard curriculum for the subject. 

Modified (M) 

Modified courses reinforce and build upon prerequisite knowledge. These courses are moderately paced and prepare students to continue their formal education after high school. The classes generally involve smaller class size and increased individualized instruction, along with varied approaches to instruction. 

Academic

Academic level courses are demanding college preparatory courses that require average to above average analytical reading skills. Students can expect regular homework which reinforces concepts developed in class and some material which is challenging at high cognitive levels.

Honors (H)

Honors courses are rigorous courses, which demand a high level of analytical reading ability and often lead to Advanced Placement studies.  Students are required to spend a significant amount of time outside of class on course work and may have summer assignments.

Typically, an Honors student is one who:

• Learns well through verbal and abstract methods of instruction
• Works well both independently and in groups
• Submits high quality assignments that reflect thought, care and consistent effort on time
• Is a critical thinker who follow directions, eager to ask questions and listen to others
• Accepts and responds to constructive criticism 
• Demonstrates perseverance and motivation
• Has a genuine commitment to academics and is committed to doing necessary academic study
• Demonstrates analysis and the ability to creatively express himself/herself well in writing

Advanced Placement (AP)

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School offers a number of courses that prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Examination, which can result in earning college credit. These courses are also called AP courses and follow a strict syllabus set by the College Entrance Examination Board. All students who enroll in AP courses at PWHS must take the Advanced Placement exam. Any student who declines to take the AP exam for any reason (in any given course) will have their transcript modified to reflect the removal of the Advanced Placement designation, and their grade point average will be recalculated without the AP weighted factor. 

Typically, an Advanced Placement student is one who:

• Meets and exceeds Honors expectations 
• Has the ability to perform independent research and study
• Agrees to take the Advanced Placement exam
• Performs well at a rapid pace
• Understands the course covers college level material
• Achieves at high levels in prerequisite courses

Note: AP courses, unless otherwise noted in the course catalog, are worth 2.0 credits. In content areas of English and Social Studies, (1.0) credit is applied toward graduation requirements, and (1.0) credit is applied to elective requirements. In a given academic calendar year, when a student takes more than one approved AP courses, PWHS will pay for the second AP exam only; students are required to pay for the first and any subsequent exams. 

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) 

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) which is a challenging two-year program for students beginning in junior year. The IBCP is a framework of international education that incorporates the vision and educational principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) into a unique programme specifically developed for PWHS students who wish to engage in career-related learning in either Design Technology or Business & Finance. Students enrolled in the IBCP agree to take the necessary assessments associated with the certificated program. Students must submit an application for consideration and should visit their counselor for additional details and timeline. Students declining participation in the necessary examinations and/or removed from the program will have their transcript modified to reflect the removal of the International Baccalaureate designation and have their grade point average recalculated without the IB weighted factor. 

Typically, an International Baccalaureate student is one who:

• Meets and exceeds Honors expectations
• Understands IBCP courses are intended to be a gateway to a career-related pathway
• Agrees to take the required IB examinations
• Is reflective and principled 
• Demonstrates the ability to perform independent research and study
• Is open-minded and caring in the global sense

Note: IB courses are worth 1.0 credits and carry IB weight. CSD will pay for the IB examinations. Career-related courses in Design Technology and Business & Finance are Honors weight unless otherwise denoted Capstone. Capstone courses are also IB weighted.

Prerequisites

Many courses require students to satisfy prerequisites; applicable to either content or grade earned. The intention of these prerequisites is to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the academic expectations of a particular course. Although there may be exceptions for students waiving prerequisite courses, it should be noted that prerequisites for Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme and work-based learning courses are non-negotiable. 

It is recommended that students who intend to pursue a two or four-year degree at a college/university register for Advanced Placement and/or Dual Enrollment courses in preparation for a transition toward further secondary studies. Dual enrollment courses may be taken online, at PWHS or at a local participating college or university. Transportation is not provided by CSD/PWHS.

All courses listed below are offered at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School via partnership with Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) with the exception of DE H Accounting 2 (offered via partnership with Gwynedd Mercy University) and DE Pre-AP Engineering (offered via partnership with E4USA - see EDI program section for specific details).

• DE Computer Science 1
• DE H Computer Science 2
• DE AP Computer Science A
• DE AP Computer Science Principles
• DE CP Entrepreneurship
• DE H Accounting 2
• DE Pre-AP Engineering
• DE H Computational Mathematics
• DE AP Psychology
• DE AP Physics C
• DE H Career & Financial Management
• DE H Theories of Leadership

Additional dual enrollment opportunities are available at MCCC and must be approved by the counselor.

Honors and AP courses require teacher recommendations. In recommending students for honors and AP courses, teachers consider numerous factors in determining if the course level is in the student’s best interest. In the event that a teacher recommends against the placement, parents/guardians should contact the teacher and counselor to discuss the situation. If parents/guardians choose to override a faculty recommendation, they must submit a completed Parent/Guardian Override Form to their child’s counselor.  

As a parent/guardian, you have the right to select your child’s courses of study. However, the teacher who has worked closely with your child can often make the best recommendation regarding appropriate course placement. It is very important that parents/guardians carefully consider the implications of placing their child in a course for which they did not receive a teacher recommendation. Please refer to the course level descriptors regarding Academic, Honors, IBCP and AP courses. This is extremely important when choosing to override a teacher recommendation. The Parent/Guardian Override contract/form can be obtained from the Counseling Office. The parent/guardian signature indicates that they agree to be responsible for their child’s success in the course for which they were NOT recommended. By signing the form, the parent/guardian does understands that:

• Schedule changes will not be permitted once the class/semester begins
• Overrides will be honored only if class size permits additional placement of students in the class
• Override forms submitted after the schedule change window has closed will not be honored

Students select courses online each March for the following academic year. Students submit their requests including alternate elective choices, online via PowerSchool. Students may change their course selections through the end of the school year, seats/space permitting, by obtaining parent/guardian permission and submitting the request to the counselor. 

Following receipt of a tentative schedule in August, students may request a schedule change for valid reasons, pending seat availability. Students must make an appointment with their counselor on one of the few dates their counselor is available during the last week of August. 

Requests for specific teachers or blocks will not be honored. Schedule change requests can be made during the first (3) days of a course with approval by a counselor, and dependent upon valid circumstances. Students do not have the option to withdraw from a course.  AP courses are year-long and cannot be dropped midyear.

Should a student fail a required core course, every attempt will be made to reschedule the course for the following semester or school year.  In cases where this is not possible, online credit recovery through an approved provider may be an option. 

 

January 

• Overview of the process; meeting with counselors; elective presentations (Grade 8)
• Teachers discuss course recommendations individually with students for Semester 1 (Grades 9-11)
• Online teacher recommendations for Semester 1 submitted in PowerSchool (Grades 9-11)

February

• Class meetings to discuss online course selection process (Grade 9)
• Program Planning Night/Admissions Open House at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (Grades 8-11)
• Colonial Middle School Teachers discuss course recommendations individually with students (Grade 8)
• PWHS Counselors lead students in online course selection (Grade 8)

March

• Teachers discuss course recommendations individually with students for Semester 2 (Grades 9-11)
• Mandatory Bonus Block information regarding online course selection (Grades 10 & 11)
• Online teacher recommendations for Semester 2 submitted in PowerSchool (Grades 9-11)
• Online course selection for students (Grades 9-11)
• “Sophomore Focus” Family Meetings begin at PWHS

April-June

• Counselors meet with all students to discuss online course selections (Grades 8-11)
• Distribution of student course selections; Parents/guardians review their child’s course requests
• “Sophomore Focus”: All families of 10^th grade students are encouraged to meet with counselors
• AP Summer Assignments to be picked up by students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses for Fall

July-September

• Distribution of finalized student schedules communicated to parents/guardians and students (August) 
• New registrations; placement exams scheduled for transfer students
• Student schedules changes permitted during the first 3 days of Semester 1

To receive a diploma from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and participate in the commencement ceremony, a student must satisfactorily complete the program and graduation requirements stipulated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Board of Education Academic Standards and Assessments and the Colonial Board of Education. Special circumstances are addressed in CSD Board Policy 217 and CSD Board Policy 217.1. In addition to meeting the credit requirements of PWHS, students must demonstrate proficient or higher performance in literature, algebra and biology on the Keystone exams or meet the expectations of an alternate route as established by Act 158 (see below), prior to graduation. In no case is a diploma awarded before the student’s class graduates.

To aid the District in monitoring the achievement of all students, various assessments are administered annually to ascertain tangible data about students’ academic skills. Assessment data is one key factor in student course placement. The Keystone Exams, instituted by the PA State Board of Education, are end-of-course assessments designed to assess student proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra, Biology and Literature. Federal accountability requirements state that students must take the Keystone Exams at least one time prior to (or during) the spring of their eleventh grade year. Student Keystone scores are tabulated for school data in a student’s 11^th grade year. Students taking the Keystone Exam in grades 9 and 10 and who score in the proficient range will have their scores banked for their 11^th grade year. To monitor the reading and math achievement of students prior to grade 11, the district administers annual reading and math tests to students in grades 9 and 10. Results are used to place students into appropriate courses and remedial programs.

Keystone Scores

Alegra I

• Below Basic: 1200-1438
• Basic: 1439-1499
• Proficient: 1500-1545
• Advanced: 1546-1800

Biology

• Below Basic: 1200-1459
• Basic: 1460-1499
• Proficient: 1500-1548
• Advanced: 1549-1800

Literature

• Below Basic: 1200-1443
• Basic: 1444-1499
• Proficient: 1500-1583
• Advanced: 1584-1800

Student performance on the Keystone is scored as Advanced, Proficient, Basic or Below Basic. Students scoring below the proficient level on any of the Keystone Exams must retake the exam and be subject to receive remediation. Beginning with the Class of 2022, students that do not reach proficiency on the Keystone exam will seek another option to fulfill graduation requirements. Act 158 passed on October 24, 2018 amending high school graduation requirements, providing alternate options to demonstrating proficiency on the Keystone Exams.

ACT 158 Pathways to Graduation

Beginning with the class of 2023, students must meet statewide graduation requirements in one of five pathways.

Pathway 1: Keystone Proficiency

• Proficient or advanced in all Keystone Exams: Algebra, Biology, and Literature.

Pathway 2: Keystone COmposite

• At least one Keystone score is Proficient or Advanced and no score is below basic
• Composite Keystone Score (4,452)

PAthway 3: Career & Technical education*

• One piece of evidence and passing grades in all PW Keystone Content Courses
  • Industry-based competency certification
  • Likelihood of industry-based competency assessment (NOCTI) success
  • Readiness for continued engagement in Career and Technical Educataion (CTE) concentrator program of study

PAthway 4: alternative assessment*

• One piece of evidence and passing grades in all PW Keystone Content Courses
  • Attainment of one alternative assessment score or better:
    • ACT (21)
    • ASVAB (31)
    • PSAT/NMSQT (970)
    • SAT (1010)
  • Successful completion of dual enrollment course(s) related to any non-proficient Keystone content area (Math, Science, English)
  • Acceptance into accredited Institution of Higher Ed (IHE) 4-year program; college level coursework

PAthway 5: Evidence based*

• Three pieces of evidence and passing grades in all PW Keystone Content Courses

Plus, one or more of the following:

• Successful completion of any dual enrollment course
• Industry Recognized Credentialization (IRC)
• Acceptance into accredited Institution of Higher Ed (IHE) in a trade school, 2-year program, or Technology trade program

Plus, no more than two of the following:

• Attainment of Proficient or Advanced on any Keystone Exam
• Successful completion of a service learning project
• Proof of full-time employment or military enlistment
• Completion of an internship/externship
• NCAA Division II academic compliance

Career ready portfolio Career & Financial Management (CFM)

• Eight pieces of evidence
  • Evidence collected prior to graduation must validate all four domains of the CEW standards (2 pieces per domain) and is collected in the PW CFM course.

PATHWAYS TO GRADUATION (339) 

Pennsylvania requires all students to participate in activities and education aligned to Career Education Work (CEW) Standards while compiling evidence in four domains prior to graduation: Career Awareness, Career Preparation, Career Acquisition, and Entrepreneurship.

 

Credit for a course will be granted only after the student has satisfactorily completed all of its requirements including attendance. Consult the Family Handbook for conditions under which credit may be denied.

When a student transfers to Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, the counselor will work with the Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs to determine course credits applicable to the District’s graduation requirements. Course names and grades of the transferred courses will be listed in accordance with the sending school and manually added to the student’s transcript and be included toward class rank. PWHS will recognize weighted grades from a sending school for Honors, AP and IB designated courses only. Students who enroll at PWHS with less than 45 days remaining in a semester, will earn a grade of Pass/Fail unless incoming courses directly align with PWHS courses. Credit and grades cannot be assigned without official documentation from the sending school.

PSAT

The PSAT will not count towards your college admissions applications, but it is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship. Students use the PSAT as practice for the SAT and ACT and an important guidepost on your college admissions journey. The PSAT will be offered during the school day. Students will register for the PSAT through their guidance counselor. There is no cost to the student. 

PSAT Range Score = 320-1520 

SAT

The SAT used by colleges during the admissions process. Colleges that are more selective may require students to take one or more SAT Subject Tests. SAT Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice exams designed to evaluate achievement in five subject areas: English, History, Math, Science or Foreign Languages. These tests are used for placement in college courses. Many colleges recommend or require at least two SAT Subject Tests, regardless of whether you take the ACT or SAT. Please make sure that you have your scores sent to your high school. Visit the College Board website by clicking here for online registration, test preparation, and further information. Students are responsible for the cost of the SAT.

SAT Range Score = 400-1600

ACT

Some students may choose to take the ACT. All colleges accept ACT scores for consideration in addition to (or in place of) both SAT and SAT Subject Tests. Visit the ACT website by clicking here for online registration test preparation, and further information. Students are responsible for the cost of the ACT.

ACT Range Score = 1-36

 

• CEEB Code Number for PWHS: 394040
• SAT Test Center Number for PWHS: 39592
• School Code for PWHS: 394040
• ACT Test Center Code for PWHS: 205210

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Eligibility Center verifies the academic and amateur status of all student-athletes who wish to compete in Division I or II athletics. Student-athletes that plan on competing at the Division I or Division II level, should consult with their school counselor prior to selecting courses. A list of preapproved NCAA Core courses for Plymouth Whitemarsh High School student-athletes can be found by clicking here. The NCAA recommends that at the beginning of the sophomore year student-athletes register with the Eligibility Center.  Please take note that the NCAA Eligibility Standards for Division I may change for student-athletes enrolling in college after August 2020. 

NCAA High School Timeline

9th Grade

• Start planning now! Take the right courses and earn the best grades possible.
• Find your high school's list of NCAA-approved courses at www.eligibilitycenter.org/courselist.
• Sign up for a free Profile Page at the NCAA Eligibility website by clicking here for information on NCAA requirements.

10th Grade

• If you fall behind academically, ask your counselor for help finding approved courses you can take.
• Register for a Profile Page or Certification Account with the NCAA Eligibility Center by clicking here. 
• Monitor your Eligibility Center account for next steps.
• At the end of the year, as your counselor at each high school or program you attended to upload your official transcript to your NCAA Eligibility Center account.

11th Grade

• Check with your counselor to make sure you are on track to complete the required number of NCAA-approved courses and graduate on time with your class. 
• Take the ACT or SAT and submit your scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center using code 9999.
• Ensure your sports participation information is correct in your Eligibility Center account.
• At the end of the year, as your counselor at each high school or program you attended to upload your official transcript to your NCAA Eligibility Center account.

12th Grade

• Complete your final NCAA-approved core courses as your prepare for graduation.
• Take the ACT or SAT again, if necessary, and submit your scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center using code 9999.
• Request your final amateurism certification beginning April 1 (fall enrollees) or Oct. 1 (winter/spring enrollees) in your NCAA Eligibility Center account. Click here for the eligibility center website.
• After you graduate, ask your counselor to upload your final official transcript with proof of graduation to your NCAA Eligibility Center account.
• Reminder: Only students on an NCAA Division I or II school's institutional request list will receive a certification.

Click here for the NCAA Eligibility Center Division I Eligibility Standards.

Click here for the NCAA Eligibility Center Division II Eligibility Standards.

Click here for a printable Academic Core Courses chart.

 

Click here for a printable Elective Area Courses of Study chart. 

	Level 1 (INTRO)	(-) PREREQUISITES	(+) PREREQUISITES	LEVEL 4 (PATHWAY)
EDI* VISUAL ART & DESIGN	Photography 1 Art Studio 1 Graphic Design 1 Ceramics Tech. 1 Jewelry & Fine Metals 1	H Photography 2 H Art Studio 2 Graphic Design 2 H Ceramics Tech. 2 Jewelry & Fine Metals 2	H Photo Major Pre-AP Visual Arts H Art Major 3D Design	AP 2D Art and Design AP Drawing AP 3D Art & Design H Art History AP Art History
EDI* BUSINESS & FINANCE	Introduction to Business Career & Financial Management	Accounting 1 Marketing Sports/Entertainment Management Legal Systems	H Accounting 2 H Marketing 2	CP Entrepreneurship Internship Co-op Transition Career Mentorship Service Learning
EDI* COMPUTER SCIENCE	Computer Science 1 Robotics 1 Game Design/Development Exploring Computer Science*	H Computer Science 2 H Robotics 2 Gamemaker Prog	AP Computer Science H Computational Math in Python	AP Computer Science Principles CP Innovation Studio
EDI* ENGINEERING & DESIGN TECHNOLOGY	CADD 1 Product Design 1 H Engineering 1 Architecture 1 Electronics	H CADD 2 H Product Design 2 H Engineering 2 H Architecture 2	Pre-AP Engineering	CP Innovation Studio
ENGLISH	Unruly - Women in Literature Intro to Theatre Film Appreciation Mass Media Prod. 1	Creative Writing H Law & Literature Pre-AP Theatre Monsters & Madness Mass Media Prod. 2	H Philosophy Ethics AP English Language AP Seminar Hip-Hop Studies IB Personal & Professional Skills 11	H Writing Fellows AP English Literature AP Research H Theories of Leadership IB Personal & Professional Skills 12
HEALTH/PE & WELLNESS	Body Works 1 Lifetime Fitness Lifeguarding 7 Habits*	Body Works 2 Advanced Physical Education 1 Water Education Training (W.E.T.)	Advanced Physical Education 2 Sports Medicine	S.P.E.E.D. - Strength, Power, Endurance, Exercise & Development Principles of Coaching
MATH AND SCIENCE	Problem Solving Astronomy 1 Electronics Environmental Science Marine Science Anatomy & Physiology 1	Prob. & Statistics Astronomy 2 Forensic Science Infectious Diseases Food Chemistry Anatomy & Physiology 2	Pre-Calculus/Calculus H Computational Math in Python AP Physics C - Mech AP Biology H Microbiology	AP Statistics AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC IB Math Analysis & Approaches SL AP Chemistry AP Environmental
SOCIAL STUDIES	AP US History Psychology Black and African American Studies War & Sports	AP Human Geo Sociology Genocide Studies Women's Studies Gender & Identity	AP Euro History Conflicts & Connections IB Social & Cultural Anthropology H Economics	AP US Government AP Psychology AP Economics AP African American Studies  IB Social & Cultural Anthropology Service Learning

*(EDI is the collaborative department of Engineering & Design Technology, Computer Science, Business & Finance, and Visual Arts and Design.

 

How do Credits and Graduation Requirements add up in the 5-Block?

 

40 Credits to be College/Career/Future Ready should include:

1) 23 Core Credits

• 5 English
• 5 Mathematics**
• 4 Science
• 4 Social Studies**
• 2 Health & Physical Education
• 3 Arts & Humanities

2) 17 Elective Credits

While all Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students are required to schedule a full-load of courses each semester, Graduation requirements for the classes of 2020/BEYOND are as follows per district policy:

• Class of 2020 and Beyond
  • All Students must earn 38/40 possible credits unless determined otherwise by an IEP (PW)
    • Exception - CMTHS Students who attend AM Tech in Grade 12 must earn 37/40 credits
  • All Students must demonstrate career exploration - 10 pieces of evidence (per Chapter 339)
• Class of 2021 and Beyond
  • Career & Financial Management = 1 credit toward graduation (per PA Senate Bill 723)**
• Class of 2022 and Beyond
  • Proficiency on all 3 Keystone exams (or) Alternative Route (Per PA Senate Bill 1095)*

* Students must demonstrate proficient or higher performance in literature, algebra and biology on the Keystone exams or meet the expectations of an alternate route as established by Act 158, prior to graduation. Students entering 11th grade who are at risk of not reaching the proficiency level on state assessments may be recommended to take specially designed
courses in Math and/or English

**Beginning with the class or 2022, a student who successfully completes a course in personal finance during grades nine through twelve shall be permitted to apply/replace 1 graduation credit in the areas of Mathematics, Social Studies, Business or Family Consumer Science as determined by the governing public High School.

Student Choice Focused on Developing and Evaluating Career Options

20 Total Elective Credits Toward Graduation include:

1) 17 Flexible Elective Credits

Courses chosen by the student based on unique interests and post-secondary career plan.

2) 3 Arts & Humanities Credits

A Pennsylvania State requirement, electives in this area include disciplines of languages, literature, psychology, history, communication, cultural, economics, law, design, visual and performing arts studies. 

*PW electives offered in World Language, Music, EDI, English and Social Studies are applicable to fulfill this credit.

NOTE: Career and Technical Education courses taken through Central Montco Technical High School are considered Flexible Elective Credits.

Click here for a printable page of the information outlined above.

Click here for a printable version of PWHS Career Pathways.

WHAT ARE CAREER FIELDS, CLUSTERS and PATHWAYS?

Career Pathways provide you with a direction for making informed career decisions. You should attempt to identify career pathways based upon interests, experiences, and abilities. Career clusters group specific careers with common features/skills and designate specific occupations and postsecondary majors related to a chosen Career Field. Career Pathways and Career Clusters will assist you in choosing rigorous courses of study at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School with the goal of preparing you for careers and extended studies.

There are 11 Career Pathways at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School tied to the 16 national Career Clusters. To ensure graduation requirements are met, you should use this course-planning guide to determine required core and elective courses for grades 9-12. While this document is a general guide to be used during course selection planning, consultation with teachers and counselors is essential.

HOW TO BEGIN A CAREER PATH

Are you finding that you struggle with what to do next or which career pathway/direction you want to pursue? That’s normal and part of the process! Here is a good place to start when searching for a career path.

1. Self Assess - Think About Yourself:

What do you enjoy? In what types of work environments do you thrive? Are you social or do you like to work solo? What do you absolutely NOT like to do? Many of these questions are addressed through your Naviance Career Assessments; go back and review this information!

2. Commit Yourself - Start Down a Path:

Now that you figured out what you enjoy, take action. This applies to selecting courses, extracurricular activities, and investigating job shadows, internships and community service opportunities. Your course selections and extracurricular activities here at PWHS should reflect a career pathway of interest.

3. REFLECT ON YOUR EXPERIENCES:

What did you like/not like about your experience/courses of study. Should you continue down this path? If not, repeat steps 1 and 2 until you find your spark!

Career Fields

1. Agriscience & Natural Resources

Are you a nature lover? Are you practical, curious about the physical work, and interested in plants and animals? Do you enjoy the outdoors (hunting, fishing, mowing the lawn, gardening)? Are you interested in protecting the environment?

Careers in this pathway relate to agriculture, the environment, and natural resources. These include agricultural sciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences, forestry, horticulture and wildlife.

2. Business & Financial Management

Do you enjoy being a leader, organizing people, and planning activities? Do you like to work with numbers/calculations or ideas? Do you enjoy carrying through with an idea from creation through the end-product? Do you like things neat and orderly? Would you enjoy balancing a checkbook, following the stock market, or holding an office in a club?

Careers in this pathway relate to the business environment. These include entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, finance, accounting, personnel, economics and management.

3. Communications, Information Systems, & the Arts

Are you a creative thinker? Are you imaginative, innovative and original? Do you like to communicate ideas? Do you like making crafts, drawing, playing a musical instrument, taking photos or writing stories?

Careers in this pathway relate to the humanities and performing, visual literacy, and media arts. These include graphic design, writing, film & broadcasting, computer information systems, fine arts, journalism, languages, media & advertising, and public relations.

4. Engineering, Manufacturing, & Industrial Technologies

Are you mechanically inclined and practical? Do you like reading diagrams and blueprints, and drawing/designing building structures? Are you curious about how thing work and enjoy problem solving? Would you enjoy repairing cars & machinery, wiring electrical circuits, or woodworking?

Careers in this pathway relate to technologies necessary to design, develop, install, and maintain physical systems. These include engineering, manufacturing, architecture, electrician, and construction.

5. Health Sciences & Technologies

Do you like to care for people or animals that are sick or help them stay well? Are you interested in diseases and in how the body works? Do you enjoy reading about science and medicine? Would it be fun to learn first aid or volunteer at a hospital or veterinary clinic?

Careers in this pathway relate to the promotion of health and the treatment of disease. These include research, prevention, treatment and related health technologies.

6. Human Services 

Are you friendly, open, understanding and cooperative? Do you like to work with people? Is it important for you to do something that makes life better for other people? Do you like to help friends with family problems? Do you like reading, storytelling, traveling, or tutoring young children?

Careers in this pathway relate to economic, political, and social systems. These include education, government, law and law enforcement, leisure and recreation, military, religion, childcare, social services, and personal services.

Career Pathways

Follow your career path by selecting applicable courses of study offering at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School.  All pathways include the recommendation that students consider taking both (A) Career and Financial Management and (B) Internship as core courses in the process. Courses denoted with an asterisk reflect courses/programs aligned with a career pathway offered at Central Montco Technical High School.

1. Agriscience & Natural Resources

Environmental Sciences

• AP Environmental Science
• AP Seminar
• AP Research
• Environmental Science
• Marine Science
• H Philosophy & Ethics
• Food Chemistry
• *Landscaping Design & Construction

 

2. Communications, Information Systems, & the Arts

Art & Design

• Art Studio 1
• H Art Studio 2
• Pre-AP Visual Arts
• Fine Metals 1
• H Fine Metals 2
• Photography 1
• H Photography 2
• Applied Ceramics Tech 1
• H Applied Ceramics Tech 2
• Graphic Design
• H Art History
• H Photo Major
• 3D Design Production
• AP Art History
• AP 2D Art & Design
• AP 3D Art & Design
• AP Drawing
• 3D Animation 1
• Game Design & Development
• *Visual Communications

Computer Science & Robotics

• Computer Science 1
• H Computer Science 2
• AP Computer Science A
• AP Computer Science Principles
• H Computational Math
• Gamemaker Programming
• Exploring Computer Science
• Game Design & Development
• Electronics
• Robotics 1
• H Robotics 2
• *Network Technology

Media Production

• Mass Media Production 1
• Mass Media Production 2
• H Mass Media Production 3
• Creative Writing
• Graphic Design
• Digibeats Factory
• Photography 1
• H Photography 2
• AP English Language
• AP English Literature
• AP Seminar
• AP Research
• Songwriter's Collective
• *Video, Sound & Music Production

Performing Arts

• Chorus
• H Chorus
• Band
• H Band
• Orchestra 
• H Orchestra
• String Lab
• Blues, Jazz & Modern Band
• Songwriter's Collective
• Keyboards & Chords
• Music Theory
• Digibeats Factory
• Intro to Theatre
• Pre-AP Theatre
• AP Music Theory
• *Video, Sound, & Music Production

 

3. Business & Financial Management

Business & Finance

• Introduction to Business
• Legal Systems
• Marketing 1
• H Marketing 2
• Sports Management
• CP Entrepreneurship
• Accounting 1
• H Accounting 2
• H Economics
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Microeconomics
• AP Statistics
• Probability & Statistics

 

4. Engineering, Manufacturing, & Industrial Technologies

Engineering

• H Engineering 1
• H Engineering 2
• Pre-AP Engineering
• AP Physics C
• AP Seminar
• AP Research
• CP Innovation Studio
• Architectural Drawing 1
• H Architectural Drawing 2
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• H Calculus
• CADD
• H CADD 2
• * Building Trades

Design Technology & Manufacturing

• Product Design
• H Product Design 2
• CP Innovation Studio
• Architectural Drawing 2
• 3D Design Production
• Game Design & Development
• CADD 1
• H CADD 2
• *Building Trades

 

5. HEalth Sciences & Technology

Health Sciences

• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• AP Seminar
• AP Research
• Anatomy & Physiology 1
• Anatomy & Physiology 2
• H Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Food Chemistry
• AP Psychology
• Sports Medicine
• Lifeguarding
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• H Calculus
• *H Allied Health
• *Health Care Sciences
• *Exercise & Rehab Science

 

6. Human Services 

Law & Criminal Justice

• H Law & Literature
• H Philosophy & Ethics
• H Theories of Leadership
• AP US Government & Politics
• AP Seminar
• AP Research
• AP Statistics
• Forensic Science
• Legal Systems
• AP Psychology
• Psychology
• Sociology
• *Public Safety

Education

• AP Psychology
• AP Seminar
• AP Research
• Writing Fellows
• H Philosophy & Ethics
• H Theories of Leadership
• H Avid Tutorial
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Conflicts & Connections
• Service Learning
• Prize Program - Dual Enrollment
• *Early Childhood Education
• *H Teacher Academy

IB Career Programme

• IB Personal &Professional Skills 11
• IB Social Cultural Anthropology 11

• IB Personal & Professional Skills 12
• IB Social Cultural Anthropology 12
• IB Analysis & Approaches SL

• 2 Approved Career Courses in 1 of 3 Pathways

 

 

What does the International Baccalaureate (IB) offer?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme focuses on developing globally aware, well-rounded students who are encouraged to think independently and drive their own learning, responding to challenges with optimism and an open mind.

What is the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP)?

The IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PWHS) offers academic study and practical hands-on experience through an integrated curriculum, consisting of core IB study, taken alongside one of the four career-related pathways: Business, Design Technology,  Art and Design, or Photography. The IBCP prepares students for transition to higher education in a specific career pathway.

The three components of the IBCP framework are:

1. THE CAREER-RELATED STUDY

Students will select a career pathway of interest in one of the following areas: 

• Business Pathway: 

  • Introduction to Business* > Marketing* > H Marketing 2** > C Entrepreneurship*** 
  • Introduction to Business* > Accounting 1* > H Accounting 2**> C Entrepreneurship***

• Design Technology Pathway: 

  • Product Design 1* > H Product Design 2** > C Innovation Studio***
  • CADD 1* > H CADD 2** > C Innovation Studio***
  • Robotics 1: Design, Build and Program* > H Robotics 2** > C Innovation Studio***
  • Architectural Drawing and Design* > H Architectural Drawing 2** > C Innovation Studio***

• Art & Design Pathway:

  • Art Studio 1*>Art Studio 2*>H Art Studio 3 **>Advance Placement Drawing (Full-year)***
  • Art Studio 1*>Art Studio 2*>H Art Major (2 semesters)**>Advance Placement Drawing (Full-year)***

• Photography Pathway:

  • Photography 1*>Photography 2*>H Photo Major: Advance Photo/Digital Imaging**>Advance Placement 2D and Design***

(*prerequisite, **11th grade, ***12th grade) 

2. ACADEMIC STUDY

As part of the IBCP, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students are required to complete two approved IB courses; 

• IB Social and Cultural Anthropology SL (SaCA)****

Social and Cultural Anthropology is the comparative study of culture and human societies with the ultimate goal of understanding humankind in all its diversity. In studying this course, students will come to appreciate how anthropology as a discipline contributes to an understanding of contemporary issues, such as war and conflict, the environment, poverty, injustice, inequality and human and cultural rights. The study of social and cultural anthropology offers critical insight into the continuities as well as dynamics of social change and the development of societies, and challenges cultural assumptions.

• IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL - Semester 1/Semester 2***

In the course Analysis and Approaches, students will understand the value of systematic approaches, analyze complex real-world contexts, communicate concisely and precisely implications of mathematic conclusions. The course encourages the development of strong written, verbal, and graphical communication skills, critical and complex thinking, and moral and ethical considerations influenced by mathematics that will assist students in preparing for the future global workplace.

(*prerequisite, **11th grade, ***12th grade, ****11th and 12th grade) 

3. PROGRAMME CORE

The IBCP’s core is what defines the programme and makes it unique.

• IB Personal and Professional Skills****

The Personal and Professional Skills course emphasizes the development of students’ attitudes, skills and strategies needed to flourish in personal and professional situations within their chosen pathway. These transferable skills can be applied to a range of current and future situations. Students will complete Language Development, Service Learning and a Reflective Project within and independently of the PPS course. 

• Language Development****

Language development encourages students to improve their proficiency in a language other than their best language, emphasizing its importance in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world. The ability to communicate in more than one language is essential to the IB’s concept of an international education

• Reflective Project****

The reflective project is an in-depth body of work where students identify, analyze, critically discuss and evaluate an ethical issue arising from their career-related subject area. The reflective project is intended to promote high-level research, writing and communication skills, intellectual discovery and creativity.

• Service Learning****

Service Learning focuses on community service as a vehicle for learning. Through service, students will develop and apply their personal and social skills and gain experience in team work, decision-making and problem-solving. Student will have opportunities to show initiative and take responsibility while applying knowledge and skills to meet an identified and authentic community need.

(*prerequisite, **11th grade, ***12th grade, ****11th and 12th grade) 

 

Am I an IBCP student? Is this the right path for me? 

At the heart of IBCP is the IB Learner Profile. The ideal IB learner is knowledgeable, reflective, principled, balanced, open-minded, caring and a thinker, a communicator, an inquirer and a risk-taker. Students considering the IBCP at PWHS must be interested in one of the two identified career-related pathways and agree to take the necessary assessments associated with the certificate program.

Students must submit an application for consideration and should visit their counselor for additional details and timeline or reach out to Mrs. Duffy, IBCP Coordinator, for additional details. Call 610-825-1500, ext. 1937, or click here to send Mrs. Duffy an email.  

Sample student schedule (Grades 11-12)

11th Grade

Semester	Block 1	Block 2	Block 3	Block 4	Block 5
Semester 1	Integrated Math 5 H Integrated Math 5	Elective	World Cultures H World Civilization	IBPPS 11/ IB SaCA 11	English 5 H English 4
Semester 2	Physics H Physics	Elective	IB Career-Related Course	IBPPS 11/ IB SaCA 11	Elective

 

12th Grade

	Block 1	Block 2	Block 3	Block 4	Block 5
Semester 1	IB Analysis & Approaches	Elective	U.S. Government H U.S. Government	IBPPS 12/ IB SaCA 12	English 5 H. English 5
Semester 2	IB Analysis & Approaches	Elective	IB Career-Related Course	IBPPS 12/ IB SaCA 12	Elective

 

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For further information about the IB and its programmes visit http://www.ibo.org.

AVID (Grades 9‐12)
(AVID9, AVID10, AVID11, AVID12)

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a rigorous college preparatory program geared towards students who traditionally fall in the “academic middle.” Students willing to accept the challenge will be accelerated into Honors and AP courses while simultaneously receiving support pertaining to what AVID deems the “hidden curriculum.” The AVID course emphasizes Cornell note‐taking, binder organization, study strategies, time‐management, 21st century skills, and college awareness that will facilitate their academic success in a post‐secondary institution. In addition to the dedication to academic excellence, the program encourages students to become active members within both the school and local community in order to prepare them to assume leadership roles within the university and global communities. Students gain admission into the program through a rigorous recommendation and screening process to ensure only those individuals truly dedicated to their personal growth and success take part with the understanding they must maintain a minimum GPA requirement.

CENTRAL MONTCO TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL (Grade 10‐12)

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students are eligible to participate in career, technical and preprofessional experiences at Central Montco Technical High School (CMTHS) campus along with students from Lower Merion, Norristown, and Upper Merion Area High Schools. The CMTHS program involves formal business and industry partnerships, articulation agreements with colleges, and industry‐recognized credentialing of students. The CMTHS program offers participating students the opportunity to develop advanced technical skills as a foundation for students who are both college‐bound and entering the workforce, while at the same time completing a rigorous academic program at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. Please reference the appendix for course offerings and eligibility requirements.

DUAL ENROLLMENT

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School offers dual enrollment opportunities for students. Upon successful completion of registered courses (having earned a “C” or better), students participating in a dual enrollment program earn (1.0) honors level high school credit. Students’ transcripts will reflect the grade earned in the college course. PASS/FAIL IS NOT an option. Students must meet all eligibility requirements and are responsible for tuition, books and transportation. Permission of the building principal is required to take more than one dual enrollment course per semester. Students should meet with their counselor to discuss all dual enrollment options; on‐campus, off‐campus or online.

R/B ESL SUCCESS (Grade 9‐12)
(ENG1030, ENG1031, ENG1032, ENG1033)

English SUCCESS 1‐5 (Student Understanding of Cultural & linguistic Connections in English through Scaffolding and Support) is a full year A‐B course required for English Language Learners levels 1‐5 (based on previous year WIDA scores) at PWHS. It offers the enrollee an opportunity for both English language acquisition and what Success deems to be the “hidden curriculum.” Students will learn specific note taking skills, binder organization, study strategies, time management, 21st century skills and college or career readiness that will facilitate SUCCESS in their future endeavors. SUCCESS 1‐5 will develop an ELL’s academic vocabulary across content areas as well as academic reading, writing and oral language skills. By the end of the course students will be able to process, understand, interpret and evaluate spoken language in a variety of situations for an array of purposes and audiences; process, interpret and evaluate written language, symbols and text with understanding and fluency; and engage in written and oral communications in a variety of forms for an assortment of purposes and audiences.

H AVID TUTORIAL (Grades 11‐12)
(ENG1041)

AVID tutorial is designed for motivated 11th and 12th grade students interested in working with AVID students to achieve their full potential by facilitating collaborative tutorial groups. Tutors will become thoroughly grounded in AVID strategies (WICOR: writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading) and become a master of each stage of the AVID tutorial and the inquiry learning process. AVID tutorials take place in small groups that are subject area specific. Tutors use Socratic questioning and collaborative learning techniques to help the students come up with the answers to their questions on their own and by working with fellow students. Prerequisite: Application with teacher and counselor recommendation.

INDEPENDENT STUDY (Grade 12)

The Independent Study is intended to be an extension, expansion or “spin‐off” of an existing course offered at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. The course reflects a custom‐designed academic experience that provides curricular enrichment and flexibility. This unique (advanced) experience provides the student with an opportunity to pursue/research content independently under the direct supervision of a professional faculty member in a given content area. At no time will the Independent Study request be considered as a means to accelerate credit attainment or graduation. Students will be required to develop a plan of study/syllabus and have that plan approved by a sponsoring teacher, Department Chair, Guidance Counselor, and the Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs. The student must be a senior in good academic standing (3.0 or better) and not credit deficient, and have exhausted all the PW classes in that Pathway.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE CAREER PROGRAMME (Grades 11‐12)

The IB Career‐related Programme (CP) at PWHS offers academic study and practical hands‐on experience through an integrated curriculum, consisting of core IB study, taken alongside one of the two career‐related pathways: Business & Finance or Design Technology. The IBCP prepares students for transition to higher education in a specific career pathway. The IBCP program requires an application and interview process for interested students.

INTERNSHIP (Grade 12)
(EDI6206, EDI6207; EDI6208)

The INTERNSHIP‐CAREER PATHWAYS course combines classroom study with a planned, supervised, practical work experience designed to develop the essential skills related to a career pathway. Students choosing to enroll in the internship program will be placed in unpaid, professional locations in order to explore or expand upon a field of interest. Interns are released from class four days per week to learn about the industry and the post‐secondary training necessary to be successful. Interns will remain in class one day per week to reinforce personal growth, communication skills, and address any problems and/or potential conflicts. Students will receive assistance finding placements or they can find one on their own. This course is designed to meet the needs of students who will be seeking careers in professional or skilled areas requiring a 2 or 4‐year college degree. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Career and Financial Management with a grade of “C” or better and teacher recommendation. Students MUST have personal transportation and is not provided by PW. 

The INTERNSHIP EDUCATION program place 12th grade students within CSD K‐8 classrooms and is a gateway to students who have the desire to be future educators/teachers. Interns meet with the internship seminar teacher each week to reflect, develop an understanding of needs, and reinforce relationships.

In addition to Internship opportunities, PWHS works within Pennsylvania’s Career and Future Ready framework to offer additional work‐based learning opportunities such as Co‐Op, Career Mentorship, Apprenticeship and Service Learning. Prerequisite: Career and Financial Management and/or teacher recommendation. Students MUST have personal transportation and is not provided by CSD.

INTERNSHIP CO‐OP TRANSITION (Grade 12)
(EDI6213, EDI6214)

The INTERNSHIP CO‐OP experience is a school‐to‐work transition program with the intent of providing students paid/on‐the‐job training as determined by a student’s IEP. Placements are considered an extension of the classroom and comply directly with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws. Co‐Op students are assigned to the PW Transition Coordinator who will oversee the experience, conduct visits and communicate with the receiving organization; student progress is monitored and evaluated by the school liaison and employer on a continual basis. Duration in the field will depend on credits earned through grade 12, and be determined by building administration. Students are responsible to acquire approved placement prior to enrollment or visit the Career Center during Bonus Block for assistance.

KEYSTONE: STRATEGIES FOR READING SUCCESS (Grade 10‐11) (PASS/FAIL)
(ENG1020)

This course is designed for students who benefit from and are recommended for additional reading support. Students will review and apply fiction and nonfiction reading strategies, note‐taking (both in print and digitally), and close reading through engaging and challenging materials. Strategies will be introduced through high interest topics including sports, music, fashion and media; a variety of technology will also be used. Students will be encouraged to read, write, collaborate, and research while using critical thinking to ponder essential questions and to cite evidence to support their response. PA Core Released Tasks and assignments are used to prepare students for the rigor of reading in the content area.

KEYSTONE: STRATEGIES FOR MATHEMATICAL SUCCESS (Grade 10‐11) (PASS/FAIL)
(MAT2036)

This is a required course for students who are at risk of not reaching the proficiency level on the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam. Individual student weaknesses will be targeted through pre‐testing and previous benchmark data. Although the Algebra Keystone will be a focus, review of test taking strategies for multiple choice and open ended questions will be beneficial in all future math courses and assessments. All lessons will be aligned to the Pennsylvania state standards. In addition, students will develop strong habits and mathematical tools necessary for success in mathematics. Achievement in previous courses, PSSA, 9th and 10th grade benchmarks/final exams, and teacher recommendation will determine enrollment.

PW ACADEMY (Grade 9‐12)

The PW ACADEMY is an on‐campus alternative education placement that meets the educational and social/behavioral needs of the non‐traditional learner by combining online coursework and web‐based tutorial programming with in‐person instructional assistance and emotional support within the framework of a flexible and individualized schedule and program. Students are provided with coursework and academic assistance to fulfill needed graduation requirements, participate in individualized or group counseling, and receive individualized and flexible program planning that could include vocational and/or job training. Only Colonial School District secondary students are enrolled in this program and must be recommended by the PWHS CARE Team.

READING WORKSHOP (Grade 9)
(ENG1024)

This course is designed for 9th grade students with a focus on comprehension strategies, note‐taking, content area reading and study skills. Through balanced use of whole and small group instruction students will receive instruction throughout the semester designed to improve skills and techniques targeting comprehension. Placement in an additional reading course may be recommended or required based on the student’s progress.

SERVICE LEARNING (Grade 12)

Service Learning focuses on community service as a vehicle for learning and civic responsibility. Through service, students will develop and apply personal and social skills and gain experience in team work, decision‐making and problem‐solving. Student will have opportunities to show initiative and take responsibility while applying knowledge and skills to meet an identified and authentic community need. Prerequisite: Career and Financial Management and/or teacher recommendation. Students MUST have personal transportation and is not provided by CSD.

S.E.R.V.S. ‐ STUDENT EDUCATION REALIZED THROUGH VOLUNTARY SERVICE (Grade 11‐12)

S.E.R.V.S. is a specialized PW program, which enables a limited number of 11th and 12th grade students to provide voluntary services, to fellow peers in need of support, within the building community. Students will report to and be under the direct supervision of the professional staff member teaching the designated class. All candidates must submit an application and will participate in a screening interview.

VHS LEARNING (Grade 12)

VHS Learning is online institution offering over 150 elective courses. Eligible students take the course during a scheduled block and are required to sign in with the PWHS VHS Learning Coordinator. The instructor of the course is a teacher at a participating VHS school who facilitates the course through an on‐line format. Daily access to the internet is required for this program. Students must possess maturity, time management skills, proven academic success and demonstrate workload management. This course is designated for seniors who have unique scheduling conflicts and must approved by the counselor, Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs, and the PW VHS Learning Coordinator.

Central Montco Technical High School (CMTHS) provides a variety of educational programs that prepare students to enter the workforce, or to continue their education at colleges, universities and technical schools.  In addition to occupation specific training, CMTHS promotes the development of civic responsibility, employability skills, leadership, and professionalism.  All programs are competency based and designed to meet the needs, skills, interests, abilities and preferences of the individual students.  The school’s mission statement is:

“SHAPING TODAY’S STUDENTS FOR TOMORROW’S CAREERS”

CMTHS is also committed to serving the business and industry sector of the community by providing programs that assist in meeting local, state and national workforce requirements.  At CMTHS, caring and professionally certified staff share their skills while challenging and mentoring their students.  Many of the instructors have established high profiles in their fields of expertise prior to becoming teachers.  Teachers serve as mentors and respond to individual needs as they extend their support and enthusiasm while preparing students for the future.  Our students have the opportunity to obtain a variety of state and nationally recognized certifications and professional licenses.  

Technical Program of Study	Career Field (Cluster	Grade Level Eligibility
Automotive Repair Technology	Transportation - Distribution - Logistics	10-11-12
Baking and Pastry Arts	Hospitality & Tourism - Business Management	10-11-12
Building Trades	Manufacturing - Architecture	10-11-12
Collision Repair Technology	Transportation - Distribution - Logistics	10-11-12
Cosmetology	Human Services	10-11-12
Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management	Hospitality & Tourism -Business Management	10-11-12
Early Childhood Education	Education and Training - Human Services	10-11-12
Exercise and Rehabilitation Science	Health Sciences	11-12
Health Care Services	Health Sciences	10-11-12
Honors Allied Health	Health Sciences	12
Honors Teacher Leadership Academy	Education and Training - Human Services	12
Landscape Design & Construction	Agriscience &Architecture	10-11-12
Networking Technology	Information Systems - Technology	10-11-12
Public Safety	Law and Public Safety - Human Services	10-11-12
Visual Communications	Arts & Media	10-11-12
Video, Sound, and Music Production	Arts & Media	10-11-12

 

 

Click here to go to the Central Montco Technical High School (CMTHS) Course Catalog. 

Click here to view CMTHS Sample Schedules.