Course Descriptions for 9th and 10th Grades
THEOLOGY
Salvation History (9th grade) This class gives students a clear picture of how God has loved and saved his chosen people, and how the promise of salvation is made manifest in his Son, Jesus Christ. It begins with the Old Testament, following God’s interaction with humanity from Adam, and through the Exile. Then, it transitions to an overview of the New Testament, including the lives of Jesus and the Apostles.
The Gospels/Morality (10th grade) This class begins with an in-depth study of the Paschal Mystery and the Sermon on the Mount. After spending time learning about the life of Jesus and what He taught during his Earthly life, as well as the Salvation won for us by His Passion, it applies His teachings to the moral problems of modern times, including those pertaining to the sanctity of life, the gift of sexuality, and treating others and creation with charity.
HISTORY
Ancient History (9th grade) This class is an examination of ancient cultures and societies, beginning with the advent of writing (c. 5000 BC) until the birth of Christ. Special focus is on the Greek city-states and the Roman Republic since they are particularly formative for Western Culture and Christianity.
Medieval History (10th grade) This class is a study of the rise and development of Christianity in Europe. It begins with Christ and the Roman Empire and ends in 1517 with the initiation of the Protestant Reformation. Students read from primary sources, discuss and analyze, then express their conclusions in writing.
LATIN
Latin I (9th grade and transfer students) Students learn basic Latin grammar including, but not limited to, the five declensions of nouns and the indicative mood of the four conjugations of verbs. Using Wheelock’s Latin, students become familiar with the language by reading texts from the classical authors. Ultimately, this class introduces the students to the beauty, logic, and preciseness of the Latin language, enabling them to identify the same in other languages and subjects.
LITERATURE
The Ancient World (9th grade) This is a survey of the world’s earliest known texts from Genesis through the Fall of Rome, examining how civilizations of the ancient world defined themselves through oral tradition and epic poems. This course will cover the great works of Homer, Virgil, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and more. We will begin our focus on the first of the three traditional liberal arts: Grammar. By remembering key details of texts, students will become conscious not only of how language functions, but also begin to step into the role of “inventors, users, and refiners of language” (Stratford Caldecott, Beauty in the Word). In time, we will move our focus from the art of memorization and interpretation (Grammar) to the second of the three arts: Logic, or analyzing and discerning the truth in text.
Medieval European (10th grade) This is a survey of literature throughout the Middle Ages, beginning in the year 475 AD and extending through 1550 AD. In the time between, we will explore such great and influential works as Beowulf, Dante’s Divine Comedy, The Canterbury Tales, and a variety of works from Shakespeare. In terms of the three traditional liberal arts, sophomores will transcend their focus from Grammar (remembering, interpreting) to Logic (analysis, discernment of truth). As we study the early Christian world, our goal as sophomores is to eventually break into the world of the third of the traditional liberal arts: Rhetoric. We will move from “the question of how we know . . . to how we say or express the truth to others, and how it radiates through us to them” (Stratford Caldecott, Beauty in the Word).
FITNESS
Fitness (9th and 10th grades) This class will foster in students a joy for the active lifestyle through participation in various team sports such as Ultimate Frisbee, Basketball, Football and Pickle Ball. Students will learn basic strength and conditioning that they can easily apply to life beyond high school. Aquinas teaches that, “man’s mind would break if its tension were never relaxed” (Summa Theologica Q. 168 Art. 2). Taking students out of the classroom for fresh air and proper exercise is paramount to building a well-balanced life with regard to a healthy body and soul.
MATH
Algebra I (9th grade) This is an introduction to the basics necessary for all higher-level mathematics courses. The Algebra I course covers the basics of variables and their uses in mathematical expressions. This includes writing and solving equations, linear equations, factoring trinomials and binomials, simplifying rational expressions, function notation, graphing on a coordinate system, and solving and graphing quadratic functions.
Geometry (9th or 10th grade) This is the study of points, lines and shapes, and focuses particularly on helping students develop their skills at logic. In this course, we review some of the basic skills from Algebra, then progress to study Euclid’s Elements, Thales’ Fragments, as well as some basic concepts of Trigonometry.
Algebra 2 (10th or 11th grade) This is an advanced study of the manipulation of equations and expressions, with the aim of developing the ability to reason deductively and see the order of numbers and operations which image the order of nature written by the Creator. This course covers linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions and inequalities; systems of equations; complex numbers; and radical, exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions. Graphing Calculator encouraged (TI 83 or TI 84)
Pre-Calculus (11th or 12th grade) This is the study of the basics required for Calculus. It focuses on making connections between diverse mathematical topics, seeing how all of the created world is tied together by God, and then to apply these skills in the real world. This course covers transformation of functions; exponents and logarithms; circular functions; modeling periodic functions; Trigonometry and trigonometric proofs; tri- and bi-nomial expansion; arithmetic and geometric sequences and series; vectors; parametric equations; polar equations; and matrices. Graphing Calculator required (TI 83 or TI 84).
SCIENCE
Earth and Space Science (9th and 10th grades) This class is an investigative study of the Earth and its environment in space. Students learn about local as well as foreign environments in an attempt to understand our human relationship with the natural world. During first semester, the course content falls largely within the realm of Geology. Special emphasis will be placed on the local area, its natural processes, and natural history, all within the context of our Catholic faith. The second semester emphasizes atmospheric science and astronomy as we compare the Earth to other celestial bodies and the cosmos. A consideration of environmental and energy issues will weave throughout both semesters.
ART
Art 1 Drawing (9th grade and transfer students) This course studies the Elements of Art: Line, Shape, Space, Value, Form, Color, and Texture. Students work primarily from still lives focusing on training their observation skills. This focus on the Elements of Art and working from life gives students the understanding and vocabulary to discuss and analyze works of art. Throughout the year, examples from Art History are incorporated to discuss the use of the Element of Art being discussed at that time. Also integrated throughout the year are discussions on the meaning of Art, Beauty in Art, and the role of Catholic Faith in Art.
MUSIC
Music Appreciation, Theory, and Performance (9th grade and transfer students) This class is a well-rounded introduction to the world of music in general and, specifically, in the liturgical tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. Students practice and prepare to perform concert-quality music within the context of Mass or another liturgical setting. Students learn about the great composers of history and why their music has survived to the current day. They learn basic and moderate level skills in reading music in both modern notation and Gregorian notation. Students discuss pieces of music with the goal of thinking critically and debating their views about music using the information they gained from performance, theory, and music history.
THEOLOGY
Salvation History (9th grade) This class gives students a clear picture of how God has loved and saved his chosen people, and how the promise of salvation is made manifest in his Son, Jesus Christ. It begins with the Old Testament, following God’s interaction with humanity from Adam, and through the Exile. Then, it transitions to an overview of the New Testament, including the lives of Jesus and the Apostles.
The Gospels/Morality (10th grade) This class begins with an in-depth study of the Paschal Mystery and the Sermon on the Mount. After spending time learning about the life of Jesus and what He taught during his Earthly life, as well as the Salvation won for us by His Passion, it applies His teachings to the moral problems of modern times, including those pertaining to the sanctity of life, the gift of sexuality, and treating others and creation with charity.
HISTORY
Ancient History (9th grade) This class is an examination of ancient cultures and societies, beginning with the advent of writing (c. 5000 BC) until the birth of Christ. Special focus is on the Greek city-states and the Roman Republic since they are particularly formative for Western Culture and Christianity.
Medieval History (10th grade) This class is a study of the rise and development of Christianity in Europe. It begins with Christ and the Roman Empire and ends in 1517 with the initiation of the Protestant Reformation. Students read from primary sources, discuss and analyze, then express their conclusions in writing.
LATIN
Latin I (9th grade and transfer students) Students learn basic Latin grammar including, but not limited to, the five declensions of nouns and the indicative mood of the four conjugations of verbs. Using Wheelock’s Latin, students become familiar with the language by reading texts from the classical authors. Ultimately, this class introduces the students to the beauty, logic, and preciseness of the Latin language, enabling them to identify the same in other languages and subjects.
LITERATURE
The Ancient World (9th grade) This is a survey of the world’s earliest known texts from Genesis through the Fall of Rome, examining how civilizations of the ancient world defined themselves through oral tradition and epic poems. This course will cover the great works of Homer, Virgil, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and more. We will begin our focus on the first of the three traditional liberal arts: Grammar. By remembering key details of texts, students will become conscious not only of how language functions, but also begin to step into the role of “inventors, users, and refiners of language” (Stratford Caldecott, Beauty in the Word). In time, we will move our focus from the art of memorization and interpretation (Grammar) to the second of the three arts: Logic, or analyzing and discerning the truth in text.
Medieval European (10th grade) This is a survey of literature throughout the Middle Ages, beginning in the year 475 AD and extending through 1550 AD. In the time between, we will explore such great and influential works as Beowulf, Dante’s Divine Comedy, The Canterbury Tales, and a variety of works from Shakespeare. In terms of the three traditional liberal arts, sophomores will transcend their focus from Grammar (remembering, interpreting) to Logic (analysis, discernment of truth). As we study the early Christian world, our goal as sophomores is to eventually break into the world of the third of the traditional liberal arts: Rhetoric. We will move from “the question of how we know . . . to how we say or express the truth to others, and how it radiates through us to them” (Stratford Caldecott, Beauty in the Word).
FITNESS
Fitness (9th and 10th grades) This class will foster in students a joy for the active lifestyle through participation in various team sports such as Ultimate Frisbee, Basketball, Football and Pickle Ball. Students will learn basic strength and conditioning that they can easily apply to life beyond high school. Aquinas teaches that, “man’s mind would break if its tension were never relaxed” (Summa Theologica Q. 168 Art. 2). Taking students out of the classroom for fresh air and proper exercise is paramount to building a well-balanced life with regard to a healthy body and soul.
MATH
Algebra I (9th grade) This is an introduction to the basics necessary for all higher-level mathematics courses. The Algebra I course covers the basics of variables and their uses in mathematical expressions. This includes writing and solving equations, linear equations, factoring trinomials and binomials, simplifying rational expressions, function notation, graphing on a coordinate system, and solving and graphing quadratic functions.
Geometry (9th or 10th grade) This is the study of points, lines and shapes, and focuses particularly on helping students develop their skills at logic. In this course, we review some of the basic skills from Algebra, then progress to study Euclid’s Elements, Thales’ Fragments, as well as some basic concepts of Trigonometry.
Algebra 2 (10th or 11th grade) This is an advanced study of the manipulation of equations and expressions, with the aim of developing the ability to reason deductively and see the order of numbers and operations which image the order of nature written by the Creator. This course covers linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions and inequalities; systems of equations; complex numbers; and radical, exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions. Graphing Calculator encouraged (TI 83 or TI 84)
Pre-Calculus (11th or 12th grade) This is the study of the basics required for Calculus. It focuses on making connections between diverse mathematical topics, seeing how all of the created world is tied together by God, and then to apply these skills in the real world. This course covers transformation of functions; exponents and logarithms; circular functions; modeling periodic functions; Trigonometry and trigonometric proofs; tri- and bi-nomial expansion; arithmetic and geometric sequences and series; vectors; parametric equations; polar equations; and matrices. Graphing Calculator required (TI 83 or TI 84).
SCIENCE
Earth and Space Science (9th and 10th grades) This class is an investigative study of the Earth and its environment in space. Students learn about local as well as foreign environments in an attempt to understand our human relationship with the natural world. During first semester, the course content falls largely within the realm of Geology. Special emphasis will be placed on the local area, its natural processes, and natural history, all within the context of our Catholic faith. The second semester emphasizes atmospheric science and astronomy as we compare the Earth to other celestial bodies and the cosmos. A consideration of environmental and energy issues will weave throughout both semesters.
ART
Art 1 Drawing (9th grade and transfer students) This course studies the Elements of Art: Line, Shape, Space, Value, Form, Color, and Texture. Students work primarily from still lives focusing on training their observation skills. This focus on the Elements of Art and working from life gives students the understanding and vocabulary to discuss and analyze works of art. Throughout the year, examples from Art History are incorporated to discuss the use of the Element of Art being discussed at that time. Also integrated throughout the year are discussions on the meaning of Art, Beauty in Art, and the role of Catholic Faith in Art.
MUSIC
Music Appreciation, Theory, and Performance (9th grade and transfer students) This class is a well-rounded introduction to the world of music in general and, specifically, in the liturgical tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. Students practice and prepare to perform concert-quality music within the context of Mass or another liturgical setting. Students learn about the great composers of history and why their music has survived to the current day. They learn basic and moderate level skills in reading music in both modern notation and Gregorian notation. Students discuss pieces of music with the goal of thinking critically and debating their views about music using the information they gained from performance, theory, and music history.
MAILING ADDRESS:
11010 HARBOR HILL DR, STE B203, GIG HARBOR, WA 98332
11010 HARBOR HILL DR, STE B203, GIG HARBOR, WA 98332