Course Descriptions for 9th, 10th, & 11th Grades
THEOLOGY
Salvation History (9th grade) On hearing that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the people of Beroea, “welcomed the message very eagerly and examined the scriptures every day to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). In just the same way, this course will study the Old Testament in light of Christ who is the one foretold and who fulfills all of God’s promises. Students will learn how the Church approaches Sacred Scripture and recognize the importance of the Church’s teaching authority in guiding our study. This will not be an exhaustive examination of the Old Testament, but students will begin to take Sacred Scripture as a whole work with no isolated or insignificant moments. The history of salvation is at once personal and universal; a call to all to respond to the God who gave all of Himself to humanity.
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.
Sacraments / Apologetics I (11th grade) This course is divided into three parts.
Part I: Natural Apologetics – I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible – Natural Apologetics deals with the existence of God and some of His attributes. This part establishes the importance of reason and logic.
Part II: Christian Apologetics – I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages – Christian Apologetics involves making the case for Christ. This part engages those who have accepted the existence of God but not the Incarnation. Students have prepared in this regard by reading C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity over the summer.
Part III: Catholic Apologetics – I believe in one, holy catholic and apostolic Church – Catholic Apologetics involves making the case for Christ’s Church. This final part of the course will comprise the bulk of the class and will line up especially well with the period of history the Juniors are studying.
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.
Early Modern History (11th grade) This course surveys and examines the rise of modern Europe and the development of the modern mindset, beginning with Martin Luther’s Reformation and continuing through the Great War with its many ramifications.
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).
Early Modern Literature (11th grade) This course is a survey of British literature from the Renaissance, Enlightenment, Romantic, and Victorian periods. Authors include Shakespeare, Milton, Pope, Swift, Shelley, Wilde, and Dickens as well as the major poets from each period. This course will endeavor to form such habits as reading with insight and enjoyment and writing with precision, intelligence, polish, and sophistication.
FITNESS
Fitness (9th, 10th, & 11th 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.
Biology (10th grade) This course includes many of the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for success in subsequent science courses and careers. It will provide a general background for understanding and appreciating the role of biology in our daily lives. Students will delve into topics such as cells, genetics, microorganisms and fungi, plants, invertebrates, chordates, and the human body. We will study and observe these in a systematic and orderly way with the end goal of instilling in students a sense of wonder of God’s creation.
Chemistry (11th grade) Simply stated, this course will take students through a study of chemical composition and reaction mechanisms, as well as the changes that take place within matter. Students will become familiar with the scientific facts of Chemistry; facts that will be discovered by observation and experimentation. Students will learn such fundamental concepts as atomic structures, scientific measurements, analysis of materials, and chemical names and formulas. Our focus is on encouraging students to take part in investigations, ask questions, analyze information provided to them, solve problems, and think critically. Ultimately, the beauty and order of the world of Chemistry will point our students back to God.
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.
Art 2 (10th & 11th grade) Students will study a sampling of the great works of art from the Middle Ages to the Impressionist period. This time period corresponds with their studies in their history course. Various Principles of Design will be incorporated in the year. This will aid the students in better understanding and appreciating the masterpieces of which they will be learning. Materials such as acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal will be used.
MUSIC
Music 1 (9th grade and transfer students) This class is a well-rounded introduction to the world of music in general and, specifically, to Gregorian Chant. Students practice and prepare to perform high quality music both for Mass and for concerts. Through solfege and Gregorian Chant, they learn basic music reading skills and how these skills transfer into modern notation. Students will also have an overview of the great composers of history and why their music has survived to the current day. 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.
Music 2 (10th & 11th grade) In this course, students use the skills learned from their first year of music to specifically focus on the Renaissance and Baroque periods. In addition to chant, students practice and perform polyphony and four-part chorales both for Mass and for concerts. They learn how the complexity of Western harmony developed over the centuries, and they practice singing choral pieces from various stages of harmonic development. Students continue to use this knowledge to think critically about music and to form and defend their musical opinions.
THEOLOGY
Salvation History (9th grade) On hearing that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the people of Beroea, “welcomed the message very eagerly and examined the scriptures every day to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). In just the same way, this course will study the Old Testament in light of Christ who is the one foretold and who fulfills all of God’s promises. Students will learn how the Church approaches Sacred Scripture and recognize the importance of the Church’s teaching authority in guiding our study. This will not be an exhaustive examination of the Old Testament, but students will begin to take Sacred Scripture as a whole work with no isolated or insignificant moments. The history of salvation is at once personal and universal; a call to all to respond to the God who gave all of Himself to humanity.
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.
Sacraments / Apologetics I (11th grade) This course is divided into three parts.
Part I: Natural Apologetics – I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible – Natural Apologetics deals with the existence of God and some of His attributes. This part establishes the importance of reason and logic.
Part II: Christian Apologetics – I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages – Christian Apologetics involves making the case for Christ. This part engages those who have accepted the existence of God but not the Incarnation. Students have prepared in this regard by reading C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity over the summer.
Part III: Catholic Apologetics – I believe in one, holy catholic and apostolic Church – Catholic Apologetics involves making the case for Christ’s Church. This final part of the course will comprise the bulk of the class and will line up especially well with the period of history the Juniors are studying.
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.
Early Modern History (11th grade) This course surveys and examines the rise of modern Europe and the development of the modern mindset, beginning with Martin Luther’s Reformation and continuing through the Great War with its many ramifications.
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).
Early Modern Literature (11th grade) This course is a survey of British literature from the Renaissance, Enlightenment, Romantic, and Victorian periods. Authors include Shakespeare, Milton, Pope, Swift, Shelley, Wilde, and Dickens as well as the major poets from each period. This course will endeavor to form such habits as reading with insight and enjoyment and writing with precision, intelligence, polish, and sophistication.
FITNESS
Fitness (9th, 10th, & 11th 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.
Biology (10th grade) This course includes many of the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for success in subsequent science courses and careers. It will provide a general background for understanding and appreciating the role of biology in our daily lives. Students will delve into topics such as cells, genetics, microorganisms and fungi, plants, invertebrates, chordates, and the human body. We will study and observe these in a systematic and orderly way with the end goal of instilling in students a sense of wonder of God’s creation.
Chemistry (11th grade) Simply stated, this course will take students through a study of chemical composition and reaction mechanisms, as well as the changes that take place within matter. Students will become familiar with the scientific facts of Chemistry; facts that will be discovered by observation and experimentation. Students will learn such fundamental concepts as atomic structures, scientific measurements, analysis of materials, and chemical names and formulas. Our focus is on encouraging students to take part in investigations, ask questions, analyze information provided to them, solve problems, and think critically. Ultimately, the beauty and order of the world of Chemistry will point our students back to God.
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.
Art 2 (10th & 11th grade) Students will study a sampling of the great works of art from the Middle Ages to the Impressionist period. This time period corresponds with their studies in their history course. Various Principles of Design will be incorporated in the year. This will aid the students in better understanding and appreciating the masterpieces of which they will be learning. Materials such as acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal will be used.
MUSIC
Music 1 (9th grade and transfer students) This class is a well-rounded introduction to the world of music in general and, specifically, to Gregorian Chant. Students practice and prepare to perform high quality music both for Mass and for concerts. Through solfege and Gregorian Chant, they learn basic music reading skills and how these skills transfer into modern notation. Students will also have an overview of the great composers of history and why their music has survived to the current day. 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.
Music 2 (10th & 11th grade) In this course, students use the skills learned from their first year of music to specifically focus on the Renaissance and Baroque periods. In addition to chant, students practice and perform polyphony and four-part chorales both for Mass and for concerts. They learn how the complexity of Western harmony developed over the centuries, and they practice singing choral pieces from various stages of harmonic development. Students continue to use this knowledge to think critically about music and to form and defend their musical opinions.
MAILING ADDRESS:
11010 HARBOR HILL DR, STE B203, GIG HARBOR, WA 98332
11010 HARBOR HILL DR, STE B203, GIG HARBOR, WA 98332