ACADEMIC OFFERINGS
ENGLISH
VOYAGER ENGLISH AND MATH
The Voyager classroom is a safe, nurturing, challenging and structured environment, which enables the students to regain and enhance their academic skills (including study habits) both in and outside of the classroom. The duration
ranges from five to fifteen weeks. Methods of learning emphasize self-motivation, curiosity, discovery and the necessity of commitment to academics. The students are encouraged to understand their individual learning styles and taught to work with their strengths and learn new strategies for academic success. Types of learning involve hands-on projects, group activities, individual lessons, discussions, student-led presentations, lecture and note taking, and student-generated activities. Students are also involved in community activities involving the garden, landscaping projects, animal husbandry and interior decorating of the dining hall for season events.
The English component of the class includes all phases of language arts, including a review of basic skills. Grammar and spelling enhancement, along with essay writing and library research skills are emphasized. The math component involves basic math skills plus higher level math for those who are capable of the challenge. Critical thinking skills, problem solving, organizational skills, pattern recognition and real-life math skills are areas of focus. Pre and post testing is done to evaluate both language arts and math skills. Regular updates on student behavior and academics are generated weekly for review by both the academics as well as individualized individualized personal growth programs.
In the
Voyager English phase, students become acquainted with classroom agreements and study skills. Students are assessed throughout the course with entry essays, pre-tests and post-tests to measure their progress in reading comprehension and writing. They participate in computer lab and library orientations. They review basic skills (including parts of speech, grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling) and practice note-taking, brainstorming and organizational techniques. The students learn to write complete paragraphs, essays and letters according to the standard writing process. They also explore various genres of literature. All students are required to read a classic novel, write a report, and give an oral presentation using visual aids.
ENGLISH 9/10 – BASIC ENGLISH
This class provides basic skills in organization, reading comprehension, Analysis, and writing. Students are assessed with entry and exit essays in addition to daily assignments, research papers and class participation. Students enhance their organizational skills by creating notebooks, divided into sections for vocabulary, class notes and journaling. They also explore the writing process from free writing to final draft, a process that includes various techniques for note taking, brainstorming, outlining, editing and drafting.
Students begin the course by reviewing parts of speech, moving on to sentence and paragraph structure. Students master the development of organized paragraph writing, including the use of topic sentences, support and clinching sentences. They learn and review capitalization, punctuation, spelling and grammar. They practice formal and informal letter writing, the development of a thesis statement and the organization of a five-paragraph essay. They demonstrate the ability to write persuasive, narrative and expository essays.
By the end of the term, students write research papers, using the MLA standard format. Students explore various genres of literature and develop skills in the use of expressive language. They master elements of plot, while exploring characterization, symbolism, mood and theme. They study the elements of poetry and the use of figurative language techniques. Each student reads at least one classic novel and uses margin notes to increase reading comprehension and literary analysis.
Students incorporate the use of technology in daily assignments, using the Internet and word processing programs. Each student is required to make one formal presentation and to teach one lesson to the class, keeping a notebook that includes a daily calendar, class notes and journal entries. Students also learn through a process of teaching, acting, speaking, and writing.
BASIC ENGLISH SKILLS
This class is designed to assist those students who are developing basic writing and comprehension skills. The course emphasizes grammar, sentence structure, paragraph structure, and essay structure. Organizational skills are addressed through the use of a class notebook, which includes sections on note-taking, journaling and vocabulary development. Comprehension skills are improved through reading, discussing and writing about classic literature. Students develop essay-writing skills with the use of rubrics and various forms of outlining.
ENGLISH
In English class, students continually explore the writing process, practicing basic writing skills and the drafting process. All students are assessed with entry and exit essays to evaluate their progress. Students learn essay writing and research skills, emphasizing the use of available technological and library resources. Each students is required to read at least one classic novel and use margin notes to increase listening and writing skills by participating in multimedia presentations, i.e., classic and contemporary films, music, or art. They increase organizational skills by tracking, analyzing and expressing the thematic and stylistic similarities in art, music and literature of the periods and cultures represented.
In the literature classes, students respond to diverse genres using a variety of styles, including literary analysis, class discussion and essay writing. All students learn the concept of universal themes in literature, the elements of poetry and the use of figurative language techniques. They study the elements of fiction, mastering the elements of plot, analyzing several authors’ styles and examining the impact of the authors’ lives on their writing. They learn formal and technical writing skills in preparation for future academic/vocational pursuits. They examine a literature-based curriculum to expand reading comprehension, speaking, listening, viewing and organizational skills.
AMERICAN LITERATURE A
This course is an examination of American literature from its original oral traditions until 1915. The literature is considered through historical and social backgrounds, exploring the relevance of themes in past and present American culture. In addition to early oral traditions, the course explores the following periods of American literature:
- Colonial Period
- Revolutionary and Early National
- Period
- Romantic Period
- Realistic Period
- Naturalistic Period
AMERICAN LITERATURE B
This class examines American literature from the Modern and Contemporary Eras. Students explore the writers of the Modern Era, emphasizing the expatriates, humorists and writers of the Harlem Renaissance. Students also experience contemporary writers and the influence they have on today’s society. All of the literature is examined in conjunction with historical and social background, exploring the relevance of its themes in past and present American culture. The class uses a literature-based curriculum to expand reading comprehension, speaking, listening, viewing and organizational skill.
WORLD LITERATURE A
This course is an examination of the writing of the great minds that have shaped our literary past and present, both in Eastern and Western traditions. Students study ancient, classical, medieval and renaissance literature from around the world, focusing on masterpieces of the oral and written traditions that have influenced the evolution of world cultures.
Students explore literature in a variety of genres, focusing primarily on fiction, poetry, philosophy and drama. Often included are the works of Plato, Homer, Sappho, Sophocles, Confucius, Lao Tze, Chuang Tze, Dante Aleghieri, Shakespeare and Cervantes. The reading list for this course often changes depending on the interest of the class, but the principles reflect the core curriculum. The class examines universal themes in world literature and the influence of cultural, political and religious environments on the values presented in literature. This class uses a literature-based curriculum to expand reading comprehension, speaking, writing, listening, viewing, and organizational skills.
WORLD LITERATURE B
Commonly called “Senior Thesis” by the students, this course explores research writing in conjunction with classic world literature. Each student is assigned their own unique reading curriculum, based on ability, individualized individualized personal growth program and/or interest. The curriculum for the course is designed to encourage students to exceed all previous academic challenges in their preparation for future educational pursuits and life experiences. This goal is enhanced by the completion of college applications, academic resumes and college admissions essays. Students who do not wish to pursue post-secondary education focus on vocational pursuits, job resumes, job applications and vocational education opportunities
SPEECH AND DEBATE
This class examines the skills required to speak effectively in public. A variety of types of speeches for specific purposes and audiences are practiced including persuasive, expository, informative and impromptu. Nonverbal and verbal communication are examined in gesture, posture, and approach, along with voice, diction, projection, and intonation. Logical organization of thought is practiced as well as the gift of looking at all sides of an issue. Listening skills are also improved through constructive criticism of peers’ work. This class also explores the events included in the Washington and Idaho high school speech/debate competitions and offers students the opportunity to participate.
SHAKESPEARE AND SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL (ELECTIVES)
Originally designed as a course to prepare students for a trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the course has been requested year round for those who wish to explore the plays of William Shakespeare. Students explore histories, tragedies, comedies and romances through self-selected texts, films and theatre productions.
The Shakespeare Festival elective includes a study of the plays that will be performed live in Ashland, Oregon. While on the trip, students have the opportunity to explore Shakespeare through theater tours, discussion groups and live productions. They also experience non-Shakespearean productions that share Shakespeare’s themes.
GREAT BOOKS (ELECTIVE)
This course examines the great works of classic American and world literature from the Classical Age to the Contemporary Age. Students explore literature in an informal, independent and self-paced environment, discussing works with instructors and peers. In addition, the class often provides students with the necessary structure to read independent novels for core English courses.
ADVANCED GREAT BOOKS (ELECTIVE)
This course is a continuation of the independent reading explored in Great Books. Students participate in more extensive literary analysis, developing original ideas and sharing them with others.
SCIENCES
PHYSICAL/EARTH SCIENCE A
The primary focus of this course is on the geology and physical structures of the Earth. Students discover how to identify common rock-forming minerals and common rocks such as granite, sandstone and shale. They investigate major physical/geological landforms, as well as landforms shaped by erosion and glaciation. Students are introduced to the basic theories of planetary formation, as well as the theories of plate tectonics. They discover where and why earthquakes occur and the causative factors leading to the eruption of volcanoes. Students also see how the geological past helped shape the planet, as well as the history and motivation of the geo-scientists that formulated the theories we use today. The prerequisites for this course are Algebra IA and IB.
PHYSICAL/EARTH SCIENCE B
Physical/Earth Science B focuses on the geological and environmental past of the Earth and how these relate to our modern Earth. The course encompasses paleogeology, paleontology, and paleoclimate sciences along with basic environmental science. We look at theories of planetary evolution and solar system development. Students actively participate in discussion groups on these theories, creating presentations on the differing views. Comparisons between global paleoclimates and modern climates are explored. Theories on ice age, global warming and magnetic field reversals are also explored in detail. The prerequisite for this course is Earth Science A.
BIOLOGY
Biology is a two-semester lab science, which integrates the latest research findings in biology with the time-tested procedures and information consistent with an introductory high school biology course. The first semester covers the principles governing all living organisms, including cell biology, microbiology and genetics, while the second semester covers zoology, evolution, ecology and human biology. Students learn biological information and concepts through lectures, discussions, labs, experiments and multimedia presentations. Students use computer technology in both learning and in the presentation of biological information. Research papers and multimedia presentations, as well as experiential individual and group projects are key evaluation tools.
PHYSICS A
Physics A is an introduction to general physics with a focus on problem solving from an analytical approach. Physics A covers the properties of motion; velocity; acceleration; forces; vector analysis; two-dimensional motion; universal gravitation; and momentum. Classes consist of lectures with real world examples, and labs both physical and analytical. Students learn how to describe the motion of objects in the world around them after completion of this course.
PHYSICS B
This course takes the physical laws learned in Physics A and applies them to the universe around us. Areas covered are Astronomy and Optical Physics. Students discover how the planets, stars, and galaxies follow the same simple laws of physics that govern motion here on Earth. Students investigate astronomers of the past and their part in putting together our modern picture of the universe. Investigations are also made into current and future astronomical theories. Students discuss the various theories related to the formation of the universe, stellar evolution, and galactic evolution. Prerequisites for Physics B are Physics A, Algebra IA, Algebra IB, and Algebra IIA or Geometry A and B.
SCIENCE SEMINAR
Science seminar is a senior level class for students with a passion for science who wish to gain a little insight into the world of collegiate sciences. The class may cover various topics from any of the fields of science, usually focusing on a single theme. Each week, students research an area relating to the central theme. They then present their findings to the group at the end of each week, at which time the entire group discusses the student’s findings. At the end of the quarter, students combine all of their newly acquired information into a single presentation encompassing all aspects of the research theme. This is very similar to the way many areas in science are researched and studied. The insight this class gives to a future college student is valuable.
CHEMISTRY A & B
These classes explore the physical world of modern chemistry. Students examine the periodic table, developing tools to classify and combine chemicals. Stoichiometry is used to investigate the states of matter, chemical reactions, and chemical configurations with the use of a virtual laboratory on the computer. The class looks at how atoms bind to molecules and how molecules combine to solve modern day problems. Prerequisites: Algebra I and Algebra II, Biology, and Physics.
COMPARATIVE ANATOMY (ELECTIVE)
Comparative anatomy is a one-semester lab science course that examines and compares the physical, physiological and embryological development of the major classes of animals. Through lectures, labs and projects, students learn and compare the major evolutionary changes that animals have experienced as evidenced through genetic research, anatomical study of similar, homologous and vestigial structures and comparative embryology.
Students have the option of using dissections with preserved organisms or computer generated labs to view anatomical structures. Emphasis is placed on student research and projects that trace specific anatomical changes from simple to more complex animals.
MARINE BIOLOGY (ELECTIVE)
This course encompasses both a classroom component and a field trip to an ocean environment. Students study the varieties of life forms found in a marine ecosystem through classroom lectures, discussions, projects, and videos and then apply their knowledge first-hand on trips that have included the tropical waters of Belize, as well as the temperate water of the Pacific Northwest, such as Vancouver Island.
BOTANY/ENTOMOLOGY (ELECTIVE)
This class studies the symbiotic relationship between bugs and plants. Some of the activities include: making a net, creating a hill-jar, identifying different kinds of insects, preserving and mounting the collection and a study of local insects. Information for this part of the class is adapted from a 4-H curriculum guide, which is useful in giving specific instructions for making equipment.
The Botany part of the class involves studying the plants, discovering where insects are found and how to create a healthy balance in both the greenhouse and outside using non-toxic methods. The students are also able to grow and cultivate plants to add to the garden and landscaping around the campus. We also study herbs, create crafts, and use the plants we grow around the school, i.e., making mint tea, adding edible flowers to the salad bar, making scented potpourri, designing bouquets and floral arrangements for graduation and other seasonal activities.
RESEARCH FIELD PALEONTOLOGY (ELECTIVE)
The paleontology elective allows students to obtain firsthand field experience in the exploration of life from the Cretaceous period. Students work side by side with real paleontologists digging for dinosaur bones in the Two-Medicine Formation of Central Montana. This body of rock represents a picture in time of about 90 million years ago. This was the age of Terrapods. Most students especially enjoy anytime a Tyrannosaur’s tooth is found. This elective runs all quarter and culminates with a four-day trip to north central Montana to dig and prep dinosaur bones.
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY A
Computer Technology A focuses on the use of computers for academic purposes. This includes an extensive look at the tools of Office XP Professional and the development of concept mapping, using Office tools and Inspiration 7. Students create databases, spreadsheets, concept maps, word documents, and presentations using these tools. Students also investigate the creation and development of computer-generated graphics and other multimedia resources. These resources could include animation, music, and voice to go with their multimedia presentations. As needed, students may review keyboarding skills. Prerequisites: none.
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY B
Computer Technology B introduces vocational uses of computer technology in the forms of three dimensional computer aided design and robotics. These two fields encompass some of the most powerful aspects of the modern computer and will generate within the student a possibility of pursuing technology as a career. Students will work individually or in-groups to solve real world problems using 3D modeling for the first half of the course. The second half of the course will be dedicated to designing and building small workable and programmable robots. Students will work in-groups for this project. Their final presentation will be a group presentation on robotics. Prerequisites: Computer Technology A and Algebra IA.
MATHEMATICS
ALGEBRA I
Algebra I is a two-semester course designed to develop the skills of problem solving and symbolic manipulation. Students learn a variety of topics ranging from solving simple equations, graphing linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, writing linear equations, use of exponents, multiplying and factoring polynomials, simplifying basic rational expressions, and connections to Geometry. The curriculum used for this course meets national math standards.
In this course, information is related to real life applications. Many of these concepts are integrated with other disciplines to help students see and make connections. The class is student-centered, as students are encouraged to communicate ideas and concepts to others while working together in small group discussions and activities. The class is designed to enrich students’ math skills and to encourage them to pursue higher learning in the math field.
ALGEBRA II/TRIGONOMETRY
Algebra II is a two-semester course that covers advanced algebraic concepts. The quadratic function is covered in-depth, using skills learned in Algebra I. Students continue to work with the properties of powers, roots and radicals, as used in rational expressions.
Students learn to add, subtract and multiply matrices, as well as learning to solve linear systems using matrices. Students develop problem-solving skills by understanding the graphing of multiple degree polynomials. Students are also required to mathematically manipulate functions on a graphing calculator. Students will be introduced to basic analytical geometry, which include parabolas, circles and ellipses. In the Trigonometry section, students learn to understand the base trigonometric functions and to graph.
GEOMETRY
A two-semester course in which students analyze characteristics and properties of two and three-dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships. The first quarter includes points, lines, planes, angles triangles and polygons. The second quarter includes right triangles and trigonometry, ratio and proportions, circles, areas and perimeters and surface areas and volumes.
PRE-CALCULUS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS
Pre-calculus A and B are college preparatory courses that focus on advanced trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, laws of sin and cosines, analytic geometry, three dimensional analytic geometry and an introduction to limits and calculus. This course is a good entry into college level or AP calculus. AP calculus is a course designed to help the college bound student who wishes to prepare for a career in the sciences or math fields. Calculus A covers the properties of limits and differentiation. In calculus B, we cover integration, transcendental functions and other integration techniques.
MATH SKILLS
For students who have special learning needs, distinct learning styles, or who have missed out on essential skills in mathematics, we offer individualized coursework, tutorials, and learning resource support for acquiring basic skills in math.
SOCIAL STUDIES
GOVERNMENT A & B
We the People…the citizen and the Constitution introduces students to the study of constitutional government in the United States. The intent is to provide students with an understanding of how the Constitution came into existence, why it took the form it did, and how it has functioned for the past two hundred years.
The aim is to provide students with an understanding of the American past and equip them intellectually to be active participants in the American present and future. The class is designed to enable students to learn something about political philosophy, history, and political science. Students are provided with a strong foundation of civic education. The class is based on a conceptually oriented approach that blends expository and inquiry methods, both of which call for analytic and evaluative skills, which enable students to apply basic substantive knowledge to a wide variety of political questions and controversies. Students learn the relevance of the past in gaining an understanding of the American constitutional system in the present.
PRESIDENTIAL CLASSROOM
An exciting practicum in government, held each year in Washington, DC, and this academic expedition introduces the inner workings of the federal government and examines how current issues affect public policy. This focused view of the federal government gives PC Scholars direct access to national leaders and often inspires students to seek careers in public service.
US HISTORY A
A survey of United States history from the migration over the Bering Land Bridge to the reconstruction period after the Civil War. Eras of focus include Native American history, European contact and migration, colonial settlement, American Revolution, the Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe years, the age of Jackson, the American Civil War, and reconstruction. Focal points are people, science, culture, politics, technology and international relationships. Students complete a variety of works including, but not limited to, term papers, diagrams, letter writing, art projects, experiences, presentations and quizzes covering notes, videos and readings.
US HISTORY B
A study of the 20th century with eras of focus including: the Progressive Era, WWI, the Great Depression, WWII, the 50’s, the Cold War, the 60’s, the Vietnam War, and recent history. Focal points are people, science, culture, politics, technology and international relationships. Students experience a variety of methods, including note taking, visual images, role-playing, group projects, problem solving, discussion, and writing. Term papers are assigned and students are expected to use the MLA format in preparing projects.
ECONOMICS
This class is a consideration of the fundamental economic concepts and principles that govern international, national, business and personal economic issues. Students study how economic decisions affect their lives. They learn how to write and balance a checkbook, how credit works and the role that advertising plays in their lives. They study the stock market with a hands-on project that involves buying and trading stocks, commodity futures and mutual funds. In the culminating activity for the course, students create a business and employ as many economic principles as needed to successfully operate their business.
ANTHROPOLOGY (ELECTIVE)
This elective introduces the major divisions of the anthropology field: cultural, social, physical, linguistic, and archaeological. The students get a taste of cultural anthropology while on a field trip, create their own language while learning linguistic anthropology, study fossil evidence and discuss alternate creation ideas in relation to physical anthropology and, finally, experience components of theory, lab and field work in archaeology.
HUMANITIES
SPANISH 1A
Students in Spanish 1A are introduced to a foreign language, which involves a new way of thinking to be able to communicate with people from a different culture. They are shown similarities between Spanish and English based on their Latin roots as in the use of cognates. Telephone and teléfono are examples of cognates. Students learn about the Spanish language from a grammatical basis and the philosophy of the language such as nouns having gender and the need for agreement between articles and nouns. Students build simple sentences, conjugating regular –Ar,-Er, –Ir verbs in the present tense (matching verb endings to the voice/pronoun used).
SPANISH 1B
In this class, students review and practice using verbs in specific situations. Regular verbs are reviewed in the present tense. Students are introduced to some common irregular verb conjugation patterns for the present tense. The preterit (past action) tense is also introduced. Reflexive verbs with their accompanying pronouns and vocabulary associated with actions of the human body are introduced. As their vocabulary increases, students become more aware of how different cultures think. Commands are introduced as another verb tense.
SPANISH 2A
Spanish 2A builds on students’ first year knowledge. Material previously learned is reviewed with new vocabulary introduced. Students learn basic sentence structure where various verb tenses are used to clarify meaning. Students at this level need to be thinking in a Spanish frame of mind to communicate. Patterns and some common irregularities in verb conjugations are reviewed. Time is spent reviewing distinctions in the use of the ‘to be’ verb that exist in Spanish (ser and saber) but not in English. Stem changing verbs, reflexive verbs, specific use of infinitives, the gustar family of verbs, and different tenses are gone over. Some of these tenses are the present progressive, the preterit and the imperfect.
SPANISH 2B
Students are introduced to more complex verb conjugations in the Spanish language. This is the type of material gone over in college, although it is not necessarily the spoken Spanish of Latin America today. Future and conditional tenses are taught along with perfect tenses (present, past, future, conditional) where the helping verb haber ‘to have’ is conjugated and matched with a past participle. The subjunctive tense is introduced. This is a tense of greater use in Spanish than in English. As the name implies, this tense alerts one to the subjectivity/uncertainty involved. There are specific spelling change patterns with this tense. The passive voice tense is also examined. Students will be able to read, write and speak Spanish at this level.
MEDITATION AND MEMORY (ELECTIVE)
In this class, students are introduced to the art of meditation, discussing the idea of focus from narrow to infinite and developing various memory techniques. Each of these topics begins to interact to create a gestalt effect of beginning self-actualization. Each will define what it is to be a human being and how they can take an active part in their own growth as a “true human”. Techniques and theories will be culled from many sources including Esoteric Christian Mysticism, Buddhism, Western and Eastern Meditation techniques and several learning systems such as Silva and Psycho-Cybernetics. The students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and belief structure as to the why and how of the techniques and experiences as they are introduced.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ELECTIVE)
ASL is an introduction to the visual-gestural structure, linguistic principles, grammatical features, and nonverbal markers that characterize the dynamic, expressive language of Sign. Focusing on both receptive and expressive language skill, students are introduced to ASL, the language and culture of the deaf community, as well as Sign English, a system designed to approximate English word order. Students develop basic skills in finger spelling, a 1300-word conceptual vocabulary, learn to read and effectively express through nonverbal cues, e.g., body language and facial expression, create simple conversations, and explore the artistry of ASL through storytelling, poetry, drama and song.
THE ARTS
VISUAL ART: MIXED MEDIA (ELECTIVE)
Students in this class are introduced to a variety of media, incorporating both 3-D and two-dimensional projects. Experiences include art history and the study of color as well as techniques in drawing, painting, working with clay and wood, wire, plaster, mixing media, use of cloth in sewing and sculpture and working with parts of plants to create a theme or craft. Students learn a different way of seeing things around them, as they become aware of their environment and how they can bring beauty and meaning to their individual lives and the lives of others.
DRAWING (ELECTIVE)
As this is an introductory pencil drawing class, no previous drawing experience is necessary to participate in the course. Throughout the class, students develop skills in line drawing, shading, perspective and the use of negative space. Assignments for the course include the completion of several drawings: forms, structures, landscapes and portraits.
CHOIR (ELECTIVE)
Experience in-group and individual voice, diction, harmony, melody, technique, and theory designed to introduce a variety of choral music. Students practice reading and interpreting music and create original works. Instrumental musicians, both staff and students, accompany the chorus. Live and pre-recorded sound is included, as students develop the dynamic experience of singing together. Choral students may perform individual selections or an entire program for on campus and community concerts.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC/GUITAR (ELECTIVE)
Beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes for students interested in learning to play or to develop their instrumental music skills. Students may participate in group or individual lessons, with focus on a variety of musical styles and genres, using the acoustic guitar and/or other acoustic instruments. Performance opportunities are available for more advanced students.
PHOTOGRAPHY (.5 ELECTIVE)
Techniques and study of photographic art, in which students can select subjects, practice principles of composition and light and design, as they create photographic studies and develop images in a darkroom. Students explore a variety of subjects and participate in an interactive, creative laboratory process. Students may also participate in an academic field experience, i.e., Glacier National Park Photo Trip or may develop a thematic, landscape, nature study, or portrait photo project.
HORTICULTURE (ELECTIVE)
This class works with the seasons in nature both in the greenhouse and outside. Each student will be able to grow his own plants to use in the dorm and plant in the garden according to the season. Some of the students will make their own raised beds. Time will be provided outside of class to care for the plants. During this ten weeks, students will learn about different plants, how they grow, the history of horticulture, floral design and propagation of plants not started by seed. They will also help care for the school garden, which provides vegetables for the salad bar in the dining hall.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN (ELECTIVE)
The campus landscape is continually changing with the seasons and student projects. Because the school was built on an open plain, there were few trees and little landscaping. This gave the students an opportunity to be creative with their own environment. Each student plants a shrub or tree when he is in the Voyager class to care for during their stay here. Often cuttings can be made to take home when they leave. Some of the activities in this class are: drawing a landscaping design of their future home, studies of various plants, trees and shrubs, soil preparation, creating raised beds and gardens, building benches and garden containers, making trellises and decorating the campus buildings with plants for special occasions. They learn about time zones, where to plant, water drainage and other important factors that benefit the long life of each plant.
ACTING/IMPROV (ELECTIVE)
This class is an exploration of character, scene, dialogue, story structure, and creative expression in a free-flowing, improvisational approach to acting for stage and films. Students participate in a series of verbal and nonverbal exercises designed to foster spontaneity and offer choice in communication. Interaction through selected warm-up exercises, enactment’s, and structured problem-solving situations leads to the introduction of improvised theatre games and scene studies. Students are introduced to Playback Theatre, a form of spontaneous story theatre based on the re-enactment of life stories. Playback is led by a conductor, who guides the players through the dramatic recreation of stories shared by a teller, who then casts the story with students in the class. Plays are created ‘on-the-spot’ and accompanied by a musician. In addition, students share their own unique imaginative responses to both spontaneous and structured scenes, selecting scenes from classic and contemporary drama.
PERFORMING ARTS (ELECTIVE)
Creation of original performance pieces, including drama, dance, poetry, and music, either as a revue, a series of scene studies, an evening of improvisation, Playback Theatre, Poetry Slam, Open Mic, one-act or full-length or theatre production, depending on the interests and skill levels of student performing artists. Students may audition with prepared material or may develop production pieces in rehearsal. Technical theatre students create lighting, scenery, costumes, and make-up, in keeping with the theme or style of the show. Generally performed for an audience, students have the opportunity to try out their performance skills in a safe environment before progressing to public performance venues.
CLASSIC FILM STUDIES (ELECTIVE)
Students have an opportunity to enjoy a variety of musicals from the golden age of Hollywood. These classic adaptations from the Broadway stage include such films as Oklahoma!, State Fair, and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Students are responsible for a short essay review of each viewed film, to include a summary of the plot and two paragraphs dealing with their responses. Themes for the quarter may also include Film Classics, the Western, or Science Fiction films.
ELECTIVES*
*Offered at
intervals
Creative Expression
A language arts curriculum, focusing on skill development in Public Speaking, Listening, and Technical Writing and Organization, with Kay Short and Anne Hinsley.
Cultural Studies
An alternative to foreign language requirement, for those students who qualify, this class will include a study of the culture, history, customs, and language of Spain, offered by Mary Imaz.
Nonviolent Communication Workshop
Techniques developed by the International Center for Nonviolent Communication to help in resolving conflicts and communicating in a vital, authentic way that allows for everyone's needs to be met and helps in transforming judgment and evaluation to observation, facilitated by Marjorie Timms.
Presidential Classroom
A special seminar in U.S. Government, culminating in a trip to Washington, DC, to participate with other high school students from throughout the United States, where students will meet with State Representatives and consider issues vital in our society today.
Odyssey of the Mind
Creative problem-solving activities that will lead to participation in an internationally-based festival, involving skills in math, science, English, and the performing arts, facilitated by Chuck Lynn.
Hands-On Math Projects
An experiential learning-based curriculum designed to introduce concepts in math through a variety of individual and group projects, with Anne Hinsley.
Holiday Workshop
Our annual 3-day workshop, featuring arts and crafts that can be used for special holiday gifts for family and friends, taught by the entire Academic faculty and guest artists.
Seasonal Crafts and Service Projects
Creative crafts made for charitable organizations, with Anne Hinsley.
Theatre Production Workshop
Rehearsal and development of a production of Alice in Wonderland, under the direction of Marjorie Timms.
