120015_USCover_Layout 1 1/22/14 10:09 AM Page 1 UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE Academic Policies & Course Catalogue 2014-2015 Upper School Curriculum Guide Academic Policies & Course Catalogue 2014-2015 Greens Farms Academy 35 Beachside Avenue P.O. Box 998 Greens Farms, CT 06838-0998 (203) 256-0717 www.gfacademy.org 02/2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS Upper School Mission Statement 5 U.S. Curriculum Requirements 6 Academic Policies 7 Off-Campus Programs 12 ACADEMICS 16 English 16 History 20 Mathematics 23 Performing Arts 27 Science 31 Visual Arts 35 World Languages 39 World Perspectives Program 46 Independent Studies at GFA 49 Global Online Academy 50 Athletics 52 Greens Farms Academy 4 Greens Farms Academy CURRICULUM GUIDE Upper School Greens Farms Academy Mission Statement Greens Farms Academy is a PreK-12, independent day school dedicated to guiding students through a rigorous course of study encompassing academ- ics, arts and athletics. In a supportive community built on trust, we give our students the opportunity to become critical, independent and creative think- ers and encourage them to explore particular passions that will sustain them throughout their lives. We believe that a diverse school environment enriches learning, creates respect for differences and prepares students to become socially responsible leaders. By practicing good citizenship, demonstrating moral character and actively engaging in commu- nity service, our students embody the school motto, Quisque Pro Omnibus, Each for All. Greens Farms Academy 5 Upper School CURRICULUM GUIDE UPPER SCHOOL Graduation requirements English 4 credits English 9, 10, 11 and electives or AP in 12th grade. History 2 credits The required Foundations course is taken in 9th grade, with occasional allowances made to fulfill this requirement in 10th grade. All 11th grade students must take either United States History or AP United States History. Mathematics 3 credits Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2. Students must be enrolled for a full-year mathematics course through 11th grade. Science 2 credits Biology and a physical science. Students are encouraged to take Biology in 9th grade and a yearlong physical science course in 10th-12th grades. Visual and Performing Arts 1 credit Fulfilled by taking 1 full-year, full credit course or two half-credit courses, a full-year of the Studio Art courses, or by participating for one year in Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble or Chamber Orchestra, or for two years in the half-credit drama or video courses. World Languages 3 credits or 4 credits 3 years in one language or 2 years in each of two languages. World Perspectives Program 1 credit or 1 ½ credits International Relations and one course from the global studies list on p. 46. Athletics 9th grade and 10th grade students are required to participate in the athletic program all three seasons, with two of the three on a team. 11th grade students are required to participate in two seasons, one on a team, and 12th grade students are required to participate in two seasons. 6 Greens Farms Academy CURRICULUM GUIDE Upper School SECTION I: ACADEMIC POLICIES CREDITS Greens Farms Academy requires the successful completion of at least 20 academic credits between 9th and 12th grades. A minimum equivalent of five full-credit courses must be taken each semester. Students may take up to 6.5 credits with permission of the Academic Coordinator at that grade level in consultation with the Head of Upper School. (The only exception is in the Performing Ensemble groups; students may take an additional full credit above six courses. Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Chamber Orchestra or Wind Ensemble may not be a student’s fifth credit.) Students must complete four years of English, three years of mathematics, three years of a world language or two years of two languages, biology and a yearlong physical science, two years of history, including Foundations, United States History, World Perspectives Program requirements, and one year of the arts—performing or visual. Students must also carry a mathematics credit in 11th grade. Decisions on the applicability of credits earned in other schools or in summer programs will be made by the Head of Upper School and Assistant Head for Academic Affairs in consultation with department heads. Greens Farms Academy 7 Upper School CURRICULUM GUIDE Advanced Sections shall have a minimum B+ average with no grade below Courses designated “H” (Honors) or “AP” (Advanced B- while High Honors requires a minimum A- average Placement) present a greater intellectual challenge with no grade below B+. and a higher level of conceptual thought, utilize more Effort Point Guidelines challenging materials, have more demanding work- 5: Excellent—Evidence of work beyond the loads, testing and grading standards, and move at a required assignments, and class participation faster pace than regular courses. Students are admitted that shows evidence of exceptional effort. to these courses by departmental permission using 4: Very Good—Homework is always done criteria established by that department. H and AP carefully and promptly, and class participation courses will be specifically designated on transcripts. is consistently good. If a student enrolls in an AP course, the student is 3: Satisfactory—Homework is turned in regularly, required to take the Advanced Placement Examination and the student is usually prepared for class. of The College Board. The fee for each exam is paid 2: Needs Improvement—Unexcused or frequent by the student in April. Further information on the lapses in either class preparation or turning in AP program can be found at the following web site: assignments on time. http://apcentral.collegeboard.com. 1: Unsatisfactory—Chronic failure in either class Grading Policy and Reports preparation or turning in assignments on time. Grades and/or comments are issued at the end of each Head of School List semester. Interim or commendation reports can be The Head of School List is an honor awarded to sent any time there is a significant change in level of students whose commitment to excellence derives achievement or effort. Beginning in 2011-2012, GFA from their interest in the academic material beyond a uses the following grading scale: concern for grades. To earn this distinction, a student A+ 96-100 A 93-95 A- 90-92 should seek to invest himself or herself in the life of the B+ 86-89 B 83-85 B- 80-82 classroom by playing a pivotal role in the daily work of C+ 76-79 C 73-75 C- 70-72 the class. As such, the student would model such quali- D+ 66-69 D 63-65 D- 60-62 ties as intellectual courage or initiative; willingness to F 0-59 hear or offer alternate points of view; and enthusiasm or curiosity about learning for its own sake. These Honor and High Honor Rolls are published at the characteristics may exhibit themselves in a variety of end of each semester, but are not noted on the formats: verbally or more subtly, depending on both student’s transcript. A student on the Honor Roll the student and the discipline. 8 Greens Farms Academy CURRICULUM GUIDE Upper School A teacher considering a student for this honor must COURSE ADD/DROP begin by awarding a 4 for effort, but of greatest impor- After the course selection process concludes by early tance are the above-mentioned characteristics of May, students must commit to their choices; accord- scholarship. Further, a majority of the student’s teach- ingly their selections become final as of June 1st. Once ers for that academic term must vote affirmatively to school begins, there is a period of ten school days during grant the honor; in addition, there must be no effort which time students may change or drop courses if they grade below a 3 in any course. Once these criteria are obtain the appropriate approvals. During the first five met, the name of the student will be submitted to the days, any changes must also have the approval of the Head of School for final approval. The Head of School Head of Upper School, the Academic Coordinator, and List thus recognizes excellence of particular value and the student’s advisor, in addition to the other signatures impact, and as such is a distinct honor. The Head of required for course changes. For seniors, the college School List is noted at the academic awards assemblies advisor’s signature is also required. Only a department and on the student’s transcript. head can approve a course change for any Honors or AP placement. After the add/drop period, any course EXAMS change must be initially approved by the Head of Upper Exams for most full-year courses will be given at the School. Transfer of credits and grades beyond the add/ end of the academic year. The grade on the exam will drop deadline will be affected as follows: be factored as a percentage of the year grade. In a section change (like class to like class) after DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES the official add/drop period has ended, grades are Each department determines the relative value of transferred from one teacher to the other, and the homework, quizzes, tests, papers, and class discussion transferred grades are weighted according to the when calculating averages. The criteria for grading percentage of time elapsed in the grading period. in each course will be explained to students at the In a change from one level of a course to another beginning of the course and published in course policy (i.e. Honors to regular, regular to Honors, or to sheets. The penalty for late work will be between 5% another course entirely), is made after the add/ drop and 10% per day, and each department will publish period, the original course is denoted as a Withdraw- its policies regarding penalties for late work on course Fail (W/F) or Withdraw-Pass (W/P) on the transcript, policy sheets.