Curriculum Guide

The BKW academic and career planning guide contains valuable information to assist you in successfully completing your high school years. The ultimate goal is the same for everyone. It is for all our students to be lifelong learners with a satisfying career.

One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing a career that will be rewarding and satisfying. Your career search will combine looking at the type of work you enjoy with the education and training needed for that particular career and the kind of lifestyle you will be able to lead. The term “career” is not just a job but a combination of all these factors.

It takes time, research, and exposure to different careers to help you in the process of deciding what path to choose after high school. It is never too early to start thinking about your future career plans. This planning guide is designed to help you realize that you do have many choices, and you should use your time at BKW to research and evaluate these choices.

These next four years of high school provide the opportunity to obtain the necessary education, training, skills, and experience to prepare you for your future.

To increase your chances of success, take the most challenging academic courses available, become involved in extracurricular activities in and out of school, and work to your potential.

Availability of Courses

All courses listed are not always offered each year; some are offered on a rotating basis every other year. Final course offerings are based on student interest, staffing availability, overall schedule placement, and the final budget. Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment, staffing/scheduling issues, and budget constraints.

Essential Qualities

It is the hope and intention of the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District that all students will possess the following skills and qualities:

Essential Academic Skills

• Reading: Locate, understand, and interpret written information in prose and in documents
• Writing: Communicate thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing
• Mathematics: Perform basic computations and practical problems using a variety of mathematical techniques
• Listening: Receive, interpret, and respond to verbal messages and cues
• Speaking: Organize ideas and communicate orally

Essential Cognitive Skills

• Creative Thinking: Generate new ideas
• Decision Making: Determine specific goals and constraints, generate alternatives, consider risks, evaluate, and choose the best alternative
• Problem Solving: Recognize problems and devise and implement a plan of action
• Know How to Learn: Use techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills

Essential Personal Skills

• Responsibility: Exert a high level of effort and persevere toward goal attainment
• Self-Esteem: Believe in one’s own self-worth and maintain a positive view of oneself
• Sociability: Demonstrate understanding, friendliness, adaptability, empathy, and politeness in group settings
• Self-Management: Assess oneself accurately, set personal goals, monitor progress, and exhibit self-control
• Integrity/Honesty: Choose an ethical course of action in all decisions

Course Load

Course selection throughout high school can significantly impact options available for post-secondary education. Students should always take the highest level of academic coursework they can successfully handle, along with electives that offer a view into different careers.

All students are encouraged to prepare for continuing their education beyond high school. This can be at a two-year or four-year college, technical college, apprenticeship, or job training program.

The promotional policy for the secondary school (grades 9–12) is based upon accumulation of credits instead of the number of years students are enrolled in the secondary school. Students must successfully complete the following number of credits to be promoted to the next grade:

• Sophomore: minimum of 6 units
• Junior: minimum of 12 units
• Senior: minimum of 18 units

Students in grades 9–11 should enroll in a minimum of 6.5 credits per school year. Seniors should enroll in a minimum of 6 credits.

It is the practice of the Berne-Knox-Westerlo CSD not to allow students to drop a full-year course after the first five weeks of school. A drop/fail will be printed on the academic transcript if the course is dropped after the first five weeks.

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Art Department

Students must complete one unit of Art and/or Music in order to graduate. A student may elect a five-unit art sequence in place of the three-unit foreign language sequence for the Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.

Half credit/half year courses are denoted. Courses without parentheses after them are full credit/full year courses.

Course Descriptions

Advanced Drawing & Painting I and II

Grades: 11–12
Exam: Portfolio review and artist statement
Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting

This course focuses on classical drawing and painting techniques while working primarily with the figure and still-life objects. Sketchbook assignments will explore observation, perception, techniques, creativity, and self-expression. Students will add artworks, critiques, and writings to their portfolios.

Advanced Placement (AP) Art History

Grades: 11-12
Exam: midterm/final exam/AP exam in May
Prerequisite: Studio in Art or AP World History

College Credit: Course has a fee for the AP exam and a fee from the college for taking the class. Students may earn college credit based on the AP exam grade and individual college policies for earning college credits.

Life, Art, Culture! This course is reading and writing-intensive, using a standard college text and many supplemental readings. Field trips, PowerPoint, lectures, and discussions create a forum for the self-motivated student to learn about the world through art and history. There is a comprehensive paper due in May before the exam and a final project due in June. Field trips that are not mandatory are continually offered for students.

Drawing & Painting

Grades: 10–12
Exam: final exam and portfolio review
Prerequisite: Studio in Art

This course is intended for the serious art student who loves to draw and paint and may be considering pursuing art as a career or hobby after graduation. This course will challenge a student’s ability and encourage a personal approach. A variety of media will be used to explore still life, portraiture, landscape, and interior drawings with an emphasis on observation. Art history, art criticism, and some theory will assist the students in forming their own value judgments about art. Students will be required to complete sketchbook drawings.

Foundations in Art

Grades: 9–12
Exam: project-based exam

This course can be combined with Graphic Design, Photography (11-12), Studio in Pottery (10-12), and Studio in Sculpture (10-12) for a full credit to meet the graduation requirements for the arts. It may also be combined with courses in music (band or chorus) or technology (design & drawing). This course will explore a range of mediums and styles.

Independent Art

Grades: 11–12
Exam: Art show/portfolio review and artist’s statement
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation

This course is for the student who has taken all of the art electives and wants to pursue art after high school. A contract is developed and strictly adhered to for the course. Students are required to complete seat time for the whole of the class, produce a digital portfolio of their work, and participate in critiques. A final artist’s statement and showcasing of the work is in place of a final exam.

Studio in Art

Grades: 9–12
Exam: unit exams/portfolio review
Prerequisite: 80 or above in Art 8/teacher recommendation

This course is intended to meet the high school arts requirement and is for the serious art student who enjoys art and would like to learn more about artists, art history, and talking/writing about art. The projects are linked to artists, art history, aesthetics, and techniques. Self and group critiques, as well as unit tests, are a vital part of this course. Students will explore different mediums through the use of pencil, watercolor, charcoal, tempera, acrylic paints, printmaking, and clay. Attention to detail, an excellent work ethic, and ability to meet deadlines are necessary to succeed in this course.

Studio in Graphic Design

Grades: 10–12
Exam: final exam and portfolio review

This course will explore the essentials of graphic design which include research, typography, layout, logos, and logotypes. Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of the skills used in advertising design through creative problem-solving for visual communication. Students will gain experience with industry-standard computer programs using both the PC and Apple platforms. This course will expose students to the many careers available in the field of advertising, design, and marketing.

Studio in Pottery

Grades: 10-12
Exam: final exam and portfolio review

This course will explore the medium of clay and surface design with various types of glaze, sgraffito, and textural techniques, creating hand-built pieces. Functional works based on studies of artists and cultures will be added to portfolios. Offered every other year.

Studio in Sculpture

Grades: 10–12
Exam: final exam and portfolio review

This course provides opportunities for self-expression in three-dimensional design in a variety of media and techniques. Students will work with clay, plaster, wood, mixed media, and glass. This course offers both aesthetic and technical experiences as well as critiques and class discussions through reading, writing, drawing, and speaking. History of sculptors and the medium will be incorporated into every project. Offered every other year.

Technology and the Arts

Grades: 11–12
Exam: project-based exam and portfolio review
Prerequisites: Web Design and Studio in Graphic Design

Are you interested in seeing the magic that can happen when you combine skills from technology and art? Come explore ideas in web design with some art skills added, such as 3-D printing using sculptural ideas and laser printing on different mediums. This course will open some new and exciting doors.

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English Department

Students must complete four credits of English in order to earn their diploma, and will take an English class each year of high school. Students are also required to take the English Regents exam in 11th grade.

Course Descriptions

Advanced Placement (AP) Literature & Composition

Grade: 12
Exam: midterm/final exam/AP exam in May
Prerequisite: English 9, 10, 11 Honors (85 average) and teacher recommendation strongly encouraged to ensure student success.

College Credit: Course has a fee for the AP exam. Students may earn college credit based on the AP exam grade and individual college policies for earning college credits.

AP Literature & Composition is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal with the problems and materials in both literary discourse and the composing process. Emphasis is placed on students learning multiple approaches to literary criticism and honing critical writing through peer writing groups. This is an intensive reading and writing course that includes a required summer assignment.

Communication for Career and College Readiness

Grades: 11-12
Exam: final exam
Prerequisite: English 9, 10 (current enrollment in English 11)

Students will study media, including television, radio, literature, journalism, adverting and public speaking while building on reading and writing skills through project-based learning in the classroom and community. The course objectives are to increase poise and self-confidence with varying audiences while developing school-to-work skills.

Drama

Grades: 11-12
Exam: final exam
Prerequisite: English 9, 10 (current enrollment in English 11)

This course includes three objectives of understanding, performing, and appreciating drama. Components of this course include performance in class scenes and plays, reading and discussing techniques of acting, and exploring the art of improvisation.

English 9 (Required)

Grade: 9
Exam: midterm, final exam

This course will focus on the development of English Language Arts Standards in reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through a process approach. Students are involved in individual, group, and project work throughout the year.

English 10 (Required, or English 10 Honors)

Grade: 10
Exam: midterm, final exam

This course will focus on the development of proficiency in English Language Arts Standards through the writing process, listening and reading activities, analysis of world literature, and vocabulary development.

English 10 Honors

Grade: 10
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: Final average of 85 in English 9, and teacher recommendation is strongly encouraged to ensure student success

This course will survey a variety of literature, such as representative poems, short stories, plays, and novels. Students are given a variety of writing assignments, including literary analysis and a research paper, in preparation for the English Regents. Formal instruction is provided in vocabulary and grammar. There is an emphasis on cross-curricular instruction with unit material from Global History I and AP World History. The class will explore time periods such as World War II, with a concentration on the Holocaust and Hiroshima. This course will aid students in the development of thematic essays and document-based questions (DBQ).

English 11 (Required or English 11 Honors)

Grade: 11
Exam: midterm, final exam, ELA Regents exam (June)

Students will study selected works in American literature, which will help them develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Independent reading, reader response writing, and portfolio development are implemented in cooperative learning groups to build team-learning skills for the workplace. The final exam in this course consists of an evaluation of a portfolio of the student’s work.

English 11 Honors

Grade: 11
Exam: midterm, final exam, ELA Regents exam (June)
Prerequisite: Final average of 85 in English 9 and English 10 and teacher recommendation is strongly encouraged to ensure student success in this class.

English 11 Honors, taught from a historical perspective, is reading/writing intensive. Its purpose is to prepare students for the English Regents and for college-level English courses. Research projects and analysis papers are the major methods of evaluating the four English Language Arts Standards. This is an intensive reading and writing course that includes a required summer assignment.

English 12 I

Grade: 12
Exam: final exam
Prerequisite: English 9, 10, & 11

The course studies a variety of literary genres and includes units on problem-solving strategies, technical writing, and communication in the workplace. Class discussions allow students to develop their own values and opinions.

English 12 II

Grade: 12
Exam: final exam
Prerequisite: English 9, 10, & 11

The course studies a variety of literary genres and includes units on problem-solving strategies, technical writing, and communication in the workplace. Class discussions allow students to develop their own values and opinions. If students decide to take parts I & II of this course, the skills learned will help students develop and practice communication skills in preparation for entering college or the job market.

Technical Writing

Grades: 10–12
Prerequisite: English 9 and current enrollment in English 10

This course is designed to coincide with CTE classes, science classes, and life skill classes. Students will be exposed to practical writing (i.e., repair manuals, lab findings, and reports) and communication skills (i.e., interviews, presentations, and professional emails) that are needed for careers in all areas, as well as college-bound students.

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Family and Consumer Science

Course Descriptions

Food & Nutrition

Grade: 9–12
Exam: final exam

The course studies food and kitchen safety, food-borne illnesses, nutrients, and My Plate through classroom instruction and mini projects. Students will also investigate food allergies such as peanut, gluten, dairy, and eggs using current events and mini projects. Students will plan recipes and grocery lists, prep and serve food.

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Foreign Language

Course Descriptions

Spanish I

Grades: 9-12
Exam: midterm, final exam

This course will study basic, common words and expressions, and is a graduation requirement. This course is designed for students who need to complete a foreign language requirement or who are interested in beginning a course of study in Spanish.

Spanish II

Grades: 10-12
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: Spanish I

This course is a higher-level Spanish course offered to students who are interested in obtaining their Advanced Regents Diploma. This course emphasizes more complex, diverse vocabulary and grammar in preparation for more advanced study.

Spanish III

Grades: 10-12
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: Spanish I & II

This course will study reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in Spanish and further develop and refine verbal skills in the Spanish language.

Spanish IV

Grades: 11-12
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: Spanish I, II, & III (85 average) and teacher recommendation strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

College Credit: Students may earn college credit based on the grade achieved in the course and individual college policies for earning college credits.

Spanish IV is an advanced-level course for students who want to pursue their interest in Spanish language and cultures. This class offers college-bound students an option to continue language instruction while earning college credit. During the year, we will review and expand upon grammar structures and concentrate on improving vocabulary, conversational fluency, and reading skills through class discussion (conducted primarily in Spanish), listening, reading, and writing activities, as well as Spanish-language videos and films, literature, and independent projects and presentations on selected topics of interest.

Spanish Language and Culture

Grades: 8-12
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: Students not successful in Spanish 7 and/or 8 and/or have not passed the required local proficiency.

This course is designed to provide initial exposure to foreign language credits needed for graduation. Classwork will focus on understanding linguistic and cultural similarities as a means to help students acquire a basic proficiency level in conversation as well as reading, writing and listening comprehension in Spanish. Topics will include culturally specific/relevant vocabulary by theme, such as food, shopping, geography, and nature.

This class fulfills the minimum language requirement for graduation but does not prepare students to continue with upper-level Spanish courses (II, III, etc.).

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Mathematics Department

Course Descriptions

Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus

Grade: 12
Exam: midterm, final exam, AP exam (May)
Prerequisite: Final average of 80 in Pre-Calculus and teacher recommendation is strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

College Credit: Course has a fee for the AP exam. Students may earn college credit based on the AP exam grade and individual college policies for earning college credits. Course has a fee for the college credit through the University at Albany, which may transfer to other colleges based on individual college policies for transfer of credit.

This high-level math course will serve as the fifth course in a five-year sequence in mathematics. The course develops the basic concepts of function; plan analytic geometry, limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration of algebraic functions.

Algebra IA Common Core

Grade: 9
Exam: midterm, final exam

This course is the first course of a two-year sequence in Algebra. Students will strengthen their foundational Algebra skills and focus on linear and quadratic functions. This course does not culminate in an Algebra Regents Exam.

Algebra IB Common Core

Grades: 10
Exam: midterm, final exam, Algebra Regents (June)

This course directly follows Algebra IA and is a continuation of the study of Algebra Common Core, and includes further exploration of functions. This course will review material covered in Algebra IA and will include Regents exam preparation.

Algebra Common Core

Grades: 9
Exam: midterm, final exam, Algebra Regents (June)

This is a one-year course that will culminate in a Regents exam in June. This course focuses on solving and graphing linear, quadratic, and exponential functions in statistics.

Algebra II/Trig Common Core

Grades: 10-12
Exam: midterm, final exam, Algebra II/Trig Common Core Regents
Prerequisite: Final average of 75 in Geometry and teacher recommendation is strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

This course will focus on polynomials, absolute value, radicals, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Students will solve equations algebraically and graphically. Right triangle trigonometry will be expanded to include the investigation of circular functions. Problem situations requiring the use of trigonometric equations and identities will also be investigated as well as the areas of statistics, probability, and sequences.

Algebra II/Trig Non-Regents

Grades: 11-12
Exam: midterm and final exam
Prerequisite: Final average of 65 in Geometry

This course will focus on linear, polynomial, radical, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Students will solve equations algebraically and graphically. Right triangle trigonometry will be expanded to include the investigation of circular functions. Problem situations requiring the use of trigonometric equations and identities will also be investigated, as well as the areas of statistics and probability.

Applied Mathematics and Construction

Grades: 11-12
Exam: midterm and final exam
Prerequisite: Algebra Common Core or Algebra IB, Design and Drawing and completion of Construction Systems

This one-year, non–Regents course is designed for the student planning to attend a two-year or technical school or directly entering the workforce. Projects will combine planning and constructing with the related math skills involved in the task. The units covered will include locating a building on site, foundations, structural systems, floor and wall framing, sheathing, roof framing, trim, and finish work.

Financial Math

Grades: 11-12
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: None

This course uses skills and fundamentals previously learned in core classes to examine financial concepts. This includes best practices pertaining to saving for retirement, responsible use of credit, and long-term financial stability as well as other topics that are key to financial responsibility.

Financial Skills

Grades: 11-12
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: None

This course uses basic algebraic concepts to approach real-world, everyday financial applications. Students will explore money management and budgeting strategies as well as proper long-term planning strategies.

Geometry Common Core

Grades: 10-12
Exam: midterm, final exam, Geometry Common Core Regents
Prerequisite: Algebra Common Core or Algebra IB

This course is designed for the student planning to attend a four-year college and is likely to take Algebra II in the future. The main focus will include properties of geometric figures, transformation, congruence, and similarity, coordinate geometry, and proof.

Introduction to Geometry Common Core

Grades: 10–11
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: Algebra Common Core or Algebra IB

This non-Regents course is designed for the student who is planning to attend a two-year college, technical school, or directly enter the work force. A student who had difficulty with Algebra can take this course and continue on to Geometry. Topics include properties of geometric figures, transformations, graphing, and combining Algebra and Geometry.

Pre-Calculus

Grades: 11-12
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: Final average of 80 in Algebra 2/Trigonometry and teacher recommendation is strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

This course is designed for college-bound students who intend to continue their study of mathematics and/or natural and physical science. Its purpose is to review and expand such topics as analytic geometry, vectors, probability, matrix algebra, and limits with an overall goal of preparing students for calculus.

Statistics

Grades: 11-12
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: Final average of 80 in Algebra 2/Trigonometry and teacher recommendation is strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

Statistics is a course designed to cover topics in relation to the collection and analysis of data. This course will cover topics that are normally covered in the college-level statistics course and will thoroughly prepare students for the level of mathematics that is required in the majority of college majors. The course begins with an emphasis on the collection and organization of data through the construction of graphs and histograms. The conclusion of the course will cover topics in probability as it relates to how the data is distributed.

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Music Department

Course Descriptions

High School Band

Grades: 9-12
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: 7th & 8th grade band (or equivalent playing ability)

High school band is open to students who have played in 7th and 8th grade band and/or have demonstrated a playing ability on an intermediate or higher level. Students are required to participate in all concerts and parades to receive credit for band. This is an all year every other day course, and students will earn ½ credit.

High School Chorus

Grades: 9-12
Exam: midterm and final exam
Prerequisite: None

High school chorus is open to all students who enjoy singing and wish to improve their musical skills. Students are required to participate in all concerts to receive credit for choir. This is an all year every other day course, and students will earn ½ credit.

Music Theory

Grades: 9-12
Exam: midterm and final exam
Prerequisite: Recommended that students have some musical knowledge and/or participate in a music ensemble.

This course is designed to enhance music fundamentals and musical understanding with attention to melody, harmony, rhythm, and form. Students will study basic notation, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, cadences, non-chord tones, form, part writing, and analysis of a score. Aural dictation and ear training are also integral parts of the course. Individual creativity is nurtured through composition. This course is recommended for any student interested in pursuing music at the collegiate level.

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Physical Education and Health Science

Course Descriptions

Athletic Training & Nutrition Concepts

Grades: 11-12
Exam: final exam
Prerequisite: Health

This course is a one-semester elective that provides students with an overview of fitness and training concepts and principles that are necessary for long-term physical health and physical performance. This course will emphasize an understanding of total body health and wellness through fitness and proper nutrition, a basic understanding of the muscle systems and kinesiology, and aims to teach individuals how to lead a healthy and happy life. This course will consist of the following: class discussions on and execution of a variety of fitness/exercise concepts, learning basic nutrition, stress relief techniques, and weight management education. Students will be equipped with the capacity of intelligently evaluate all available sources of fitness and nutritional information, and make informed health and wellness decisions.

Health (Required)

Grades: 10-12
Exam: final exam

This course is a skills-based curriculum based on the New York State guidelines. Students will focus on the six essential skills of communication: decision-making, planning and goal setting; stress-management; self-management; advocacy, and relationship management. These skills will be mastered using functional knowledge of drug awareness, human sexuality, personal health and fitness, and violence prevention. This is a half-year course, and students will earn ½ credit. Students must successfully complete this course in order to earn their high school diploma.

Physical Education (Required Every Year)

Grades: 9-12
Exam: NYS Physical Fitness Test, Skills and Written Tests
Two units of this course are required in order for student to earn their diploma.

This course is designed to provide students with the basic background and skills necessary to compete and enjoy team sports and other physical lifetime activities; to aid in the development of physical fitness; to develop an appreciation of the benefits of physical activities; and to make a contribution to the development of a healthy lifestyle. The course requirements necessitate that students wear appropriate attire, work to their ability, and be cooperative in class. This is an all year every other day course, and students will earn ½ credit.

Independent Physical Education

Grades: 11-12

This course is an option ONLY for students who cannot fit a high school Physical Education class into their daily schedule due to conflicts with other REQUIRED courses. Students with long-term medical issues preventing them from participating in the regular Physical Education curriculum are also eligible for this course. Students enrolled in this course will be required to document their outside activities weekly and are responsible for all written assignments required in the Physical Education curriculum.

Sports & Medicine

Grades: 11-12
Exam: final exam
Prerequisite: Health (completion or currently enrolled)

This course is designed for students who are interested in health/sport-related careers. Students will explore various careers through a number of guest speakers from local businesses and attend field trips to observe careers in action. Students will also gain a basic understanding of prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries, and gain a working knowledge of the human body as it relates to sport.

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Science

Students must complete three credits of science courses, which include one each from the living and physical sciences, in order to earn their high school diploma.

Half credit/half year courses are denoted. Courses without parentheses after them are full credit/full year courses.

Course descriptions

Advanced Placement (AP) Biology (Life Science)

Grades: 11-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam, AP exam (May)
Prerequisite: Final average of 85 in Living Environment, successful completion of Chemistry, and a passing grade on the Chemistry Regents exam and teacher recommendation is strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

College Credit: Course has a fee for the AP exam. Students may earn college credit based on the AP exam grade and individual college policies for earning college credits.

AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. Students will focus on the conceptual framework, knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal with the changing science of biology. Students who choose to take an AP science course will be expected to complete a significant amount of work independently the summer preceding the course. Independent additional study time of a minimum of 5-7 hours per week will be expected throughout the course.

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry (Physical Science)

Grades: 11-12
Exam: Benchmarks, a final exam, AP exam in (May)
Prerequisite: Final average of 85 in Chemistry/Honors, grade of 85 on the Chemistry Regents, and currently enrolled in Pre-Calculus and teacher recommendation is strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

College Credit: Course has a fee for the AP exam. Students may earn college credit based on the AP exam grade and individual college policies for earning college credits.

AP Chemistry is a first-year college-level course. Students will continue learning the fundamentals of chemical principles and theories. The course focuses on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles through lectures and additional laboratory study.

Agricultural Issues

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam

This course will bring you beyond the basics and delve into the current events and issues surrounding agriculture and food production. Topics such as GMOs, animal welfare, product labeling, new technologies, business choices, political issues, and current events will be researched, discussed, and shared; all with the goal of developing informed citizens or the next generation of agricultural leadership.

Animal Science (Life Science)

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam

This course covers the basics of Animal Science. Units on the large animal industry, dairy science, poultry science, equine science, aquaculture, and the animal industry lead into the study of animal welfare, genetics, selection, reproduction, and behavior. Various activities are used to strengthen the concepts students learn, including examining the parts of a poultry egg, parasite investigation, meat product evaluation, and making soft cheese. Several guest speakers will work with the class, and there are numerous opportunities for field trips. Course offered in the spring.

Astronomy (Physical Science)

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra, Earth Science and Living Environment is strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

This course will cover the history of the space program, including beginning rocketry, the US/Russian space race, lunar landings, geology, and the International Space Station. Students will study the stars, identification of constellations, planets, and comets in the night sky.

Chemistry (Physical Science)

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam, Chemistry Regents exam (June)
Prerequisite: Earth Science Regents exam grade of 70 or higher; Living Environment Regents exam grade of 75 or higher; Algebra Regents exam grade of 65 or higher; and currently enrolled in either Geometry or Algebra II are strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

This course of study presents a modern view of chemistry suitable for college-bound students with a wide range of skills and abilities. The course emphasizes chemical principles such as atomic structure, bonding, chemical kinetics, redox, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The laboratory section of this course is an important hands-on application of material covered in class and required for the Regents exam.

Chemistry Honors (Physical Science)

Grades: 10-11
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam, Chemistry Regents exam (June)
Prerequisite: Final average of 85 in Earth Science and an 85 on the Regents exam, and a final average of 85 in Living Environment and an 85 on the Regents exam are strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

This course of study presents a modern view of chemistry suitable for college-bound students with a wide range of skills and abilities. The course emphasizes chemical principles such as atomic structure, bonding, chemical kinetics, redox, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. There will also be some advanced chemistry concepts covered in an AP Chemistry or freshmen college chemistry class. The laboratory section of this course is an important hands-on application of material covered in class and required for the Regents exam.

Current Issues in Biology (Life Science)

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisite: Completion of Living Environment

This course will investigate the latest scientific findings. Students will discuss the impact these discoveries will have on society and the advancement of science. The course will involve debate and discussion of the moral and ethical implications of the scientific research. Students will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the findings from this research. Court rulings involving scientific research, policies, and procedures will also be investigated.

Earth Science (Physical Science)

Grades: 8-9
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam, and Earth Science Regents (June)
Prerequisite: 8th grade Physical Science or final average of 90 in 7th grade Science and teacher recommendation are strongly encouraged to help ensure student success in this class.

This course will focus on the study of Earth and space. The primary emphasis of study will require students to use basic scientific concepts and principles to learn about processes that occur on the Earth as well as in space. Students will study the main topics: mapping, composition of the Earth, surface processes on the Earth, atmosphere and oceans, plate tectonics, geologic time, environmental resources, and the basic study of space. The laboratory section of this course is an important hands-on application of material covered in class and required for the Regents exam.

Equine Science (Life Science)

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam

This course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of equine anatomy, care, housing, and the equine industry. This course will not require students to participate in hands-on activities with horses; however, students will take field trips to various locations involved with the equine industry, where they may have contact with horses. Topics that will be covered include safely working with horses, nutrition, equine genetics, grooming, and general care.

Floral Design

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam

Explore the floriculture industry from the basic design principles to marketing and management of your own business. The use of color, shape, and texture will be incorporated into designing several arrangements. Topics will include the care and storage of flowers, the identification of commonly used flowers in the floral industry, floral shop management and operation, merchandise displaying and developing floral arrangements for special occasions. This is a “hands-on” course where students will gain experience in designing with fresh, silk, and dried flowers.

Forensic Science (Physical Science)

Grades: 11-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisite: Final grade of 85 on the Living Environment Regents and successful completion of Regents Chemistry is strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

Forensic science is an exciting field that applies many branches of science and social science to eliminate what is irrelevant and to correctly interpret what is relevant to criminal investigations. This course will develop the students’ problem-solving skills by using the tools and techniques of the modern forensic scientist on various mock crime scenes in the classroom. Students will be challenged with topics such as fingerprinting, DNA analysis, blood typing and spattering, trajectories, ballistics, comparative anatomy, chemical analysis of poisons, and microscopic analysis of trace evidence.

General Chemistry (Physical Science)

Grades: 10-11
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam

This course will enhance science literacy by emphasizing chemistry’s impact on society, using lab work to guide the study of the many topics covered. Students will be exposed to the important role that chemistry will play in their personal and professional lives; use chemistry knowledge to think through and to make informed decisions about issues involving science and technology; and develop a lifelong awareness of both the potential and the limitations of society and technology.

General Physics (Physical Science)

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisite: Completion of a Regents science course, and Algebra is strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

This is an applied physics course for those who plan on a career as technicians or who just want to keep pace with advances in technology. The focus will be on force, work, rate, resistance, energy, and power. Each unit uses a systems concept to explain its application to mechanical, fluid, electrical,l and thermal systems. Students will acquire a firm foundation for understanding the technology that surrounds them today, and some insights into future technological expectations. Students will be able to practically apply the math skills studied in other courses.

Introduction to Agricultural Science I (Physical Science)

Grades: 9-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam

Get started on a journey into the wide-ranging field of Agriculture! Agricultural foods, animals, plants, conservation, and wildlife management, along with agricultural careers and job opportunities, will be studied. In general, the concept of “Where does my food come from?” and how it is produced, processed, and marketed will be investigated.

Introduction to Agriculture Science II (Physical Science)

Grades: 9-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam

This course is a follow-up to Introduction to Agriculture I and will take many topics to a deeper level. Concepts of sustainability, conservation, and wildlife management will be investigated more in depth. Field landscape layouts and management practices will be studied, as well as agricultural building design focused on production and efficiency. Basic governmental guidelines for agriculture business and sources of money and loans are discussed.

Landscape Principles & Design

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam

This course will cover the basic principles of landscape design, layout, and the drafting of a landscaping project area. Key topics include: plant anatomy and physiology, plant propagation, plant identification, the aesthetic uses of plants in the landscape, landscape business operation, equipment use, and maintenance. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the installation, construction, and maintenance of outdoor projects as well as propagate plants in the greenhouse. The culmination of the course will be a landscape project designed by the student.

Living Environment (Life Science)

Grades: 9-10
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam, Living Environment Regents exam (June)
Prerequisite: Earth Science

This course focuses on the study of living things. Students will study key ideas and major understandings in the New York State Living Environment core curriculum. Topics that will be explored include: scientific inquiry and skills, laboratory skills, unity and diversity among living things, homeostasis in organisms, genetic continuity, reproduction and development, evolution, ecology, human impact on ecosystems, and the human body. The laboratory section of this course is an important hands-on application of material covered in class and required for the Regents exam.

Physics (Physical Science)

Grades: 11-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam, Physics Regents (June)
Prerequisite: Passed Regents exam in Chemistry, passed Regents exam in Geometry and currently enrolled in Algebra II/Trig, strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.

This course of study gives the college-bound student a basic understanding of some of the principle rules of physics. It covers five major topic areas: mechanics; energy; waves; electricity; and nuclear physics. This course is specifically designed to give the student general background information necessary to pursue careers in science, math, and/or engineering. The laboratory section of this course is an important hands-on application of material covered in class and required for the Regents exam.

Pre-Veterinary Science (Life Science)

Grades: 11-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisite: Living Environment or permission of instructor

This course serves as an introduction to Veterinary Sciences. Students will become familiar with the various aspects of veterinary medicine, such as anatomy, clinical practice, disease, and health records. Students will learn skills that will enable them to be employed as a Veterinary Assistant or go on to technician or veterinary school. They will learn anatomy and physiology of common animals as well as diseases and parasites of those animals. Veterinary terminology and basic veterinary office procedures are covered. Successful course completion results in either agriculture or science credit.

Small Animal Care (Life Science)

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisite: Animal Science I

This course covers the basics of the small industry. Students will become familiar with the different breeds of small animals, including exotic animals. They will learn proper care of these animals, including nutrition and feeding, handling, common diseases, and grooming. Students will gain hands-on experience in caring for small animals. Several guest speakers will work with the class, and there are numerous opportunities for field trip experiences.

Science Topics (Life/Physical Science)

Grades: 9
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
This is a course for students struggling to comprehend science concepts in their middle school science courses.

Students will be selected by a committee of science teachers to participate in the course. The course will focus on earth, life, and physical science topics relevant to everyday life. Students will investigate science concepts at a slower pace or promote deeper comprehension of material. Science Topics is designed to build skills that will ensure success in future courses and boost confidence in students’ science capabilities.

Wildlife & Natural Resource Management

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Benchmarks, final exam

This course covers the basics of conservation and natural resource management. Topics will include: the history of wildlife management in the US, conservation and natural resources, administration of wildlife management, human impact on wildlife, US sport hunting and tracking, wildlife identification, tree identification, wildlife rehabilitation, and wilderness survival and navigation. Careers in wildlife and natural resource management will also be covered in the course. Several guest speakers will work with the class, and there are numerous opportunities for field trips.

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Social Studies Department

Students must complete four credits of required Social Studies courses in order to earn their diploma.

Half credit/half year courses are denoted. Courses without parentheses after them are full credit/full year courses.

Course descriptions

Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology

Grades: 12
Exam: midterm, final exam, and an AP exam (May)
Prerequisite: Final grade of 85 in either Global History & Geography or United States History, and teacher recommendation is strongly encouraged to ensure student success.

College Credit: Course has a fee for the AP exam. Students may earn college credit based on the AP exam grade and individual college policies for earning college credits. The course has a fee for the college credit, which may transfer to other colleges based on individual college policies for transfer of credit.

Teacher/Department Chair/Principal approval to be excused from the AP exam.

This course is designed to study the mind and mental processes of humans and other organisms scientifically. Psychological terminology, concepts, and theories in the various subfields of psychology will be examined.

Advanced Placement (AP) World History (Required or Global History II)

Grades: 10
Exam: midterm, final exam, AP exam (May), Regents (June)
Prerequisite: Final average of 85 in Global History and Geography and English 9, and teacher recommendation is strongly encouraged to help ensure success student.

This course will cover the origins of human civilization from early times to the modern day. The six themes studied are the impact of societal interaction, change, and continuity across world history periods, technology, social and gender structures, cultural and intellectual developments, and the function and structure of states. This is an intensive reading and writing course that includes a required summer assignment.

Advanced Placement (AP) United States Government and Politics (Required or Participation in Government/Economics)

Grade: 12
Exam: midterm, final exam, AP exam (May)
Prerequisite: Final grade of 85 on ELA, Global History, and United States History and teacher recommendation strongly encouraged to ensure student success in this class.

College Credit: Course has a fee for the AP exam. Students may earn college credit based on the AP exam grade and individual college policies for earning college credits. Course has a fee for the college credit, which may transfer to other colleges based on individual college policies for transfer of credit.

Teacher/Department Chair/Principal approval to be excused from the AP exam.

This course is designed to promote intensive study of the governmental and political systems of the United States.

Advanced Placement (AP) United States History (Required or U.S. History & Government)

Grades: 11-12
Exam: midterm, final exam, AP exam (May), Regents exam (June)
Prerequisite: Grade of 85 on the Global History Regents exam is strongly encouraged to ensure student success.

College Credit: Course has a fee for the AP exam. Students may earn college credit based on the AP exam grade and individual college policies for earning college credits.

Teacher/Department Chair/Principal approval to be excused from the AP exam.

Advanced Placement United States History is an in-depth course designed for the student with a special interest in American History and other social science disciplines. The course will provide an in-depth examination of American political institutions and behavior, public policy, social and economic change, diplomacy and international relations, as well as cultural and intellectual development in American history. This is an intensive reading and writing course that includes a required summer assignment.

American History through Film

Grades: 10–12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Global History

This course will present various films from different time periods in US History in the use of stimulating media awareness and critical viewing skills for students. Historical films will be analyzed to determine their historical accuracy and separate fact from fiction.

Economics (Required with Participation in Government)

Grades: 12
Exam: final exam
Prerequisite: U.S. History and Government

This course examines basic economic concepts: supply and demand, scarcity, productivity, inflation, profit, capital, competition, and the stock market. The purpose of the course is to prepare the student for effective and intelligent participation in the economy of the United States and the global economy.

Global History and Geography I (Required or Honors)

Grades: 9
Exam: midterm, final exam

Global History I is the first course of a two-year program in Global History and Geography. It is an in-depth chronological examination of the history of the world from the prehistoric period to the Age of Revolution. Global History examines the history, geography, political, social and economic events that have shaped human history.

Global History and Geography I Honors (Required or Global History I)

Grades: 9
Exam: midterm, final exam
Prerequisite: Final average of 85 in eighth grade social studies, and teacher recommendation is strongly encouraged to ensure student success.

This course will prepare students for the AP World History class in tenth grade and is taught to the AP standards emphasizing analytical reading and writing skills. Topics studied will include the interaction of humans and the environment; the development and interaction of cultures; state-building, expansion, and conflict; the creation and interaction of economic systems; and the development and transformation of social structures. The course begins with the origins of humanity and moves to the development of classical civilizations and belief systems, the rise and fall of empires, interregional networks of trade, and demographic changes up to the year 1450 C.E. This is an intensive reading and writing course that includes a required summer assignment.

Global History and Geography II (Required or AP World History)

Grades: 10
Exam: midterm, final exam, Global History Regents (June)
Prerequisite: Global History and Geography I

Global History II is a continuation of the Global History and Geography curriculum. It continues the examination of the history, geography, political, social, and economic events of human history from the Age of Revolutions to the present.

History of Agriculture

Grades: 11–12
Exam: Final exam or research paper
Prerequisite: US History & Government or AP US History and Government (concurrent enrollment)

Students will trace their way through the history of agriculture (starting with the Neolithic Revolution), with a focus on growth of foodstuffs, cash crops, and animal husbandry for all purposes. The spread of various technologies and methodologies over time and geography will be emphasized, as well as significant historical changes relating to and based on agricultural events.

History of the 1960s

Grades: 11–12
Exam: Final exam

This course will study the turbulent and sometimes troubling history of the US and the world in the 1960s.

Local History

Grades: 10–12
Exam: Final exam

The local history of Albany County and the surrounding Hilltowns is rich in Native American, Dutch, English, and French heritage. This course will explore life in upstate New York through the modern period and examine the economic, social, and political changes of the region.

Participation in Government (Required with Economics)

Grades: 12
Exam: final exam
Prerequisite: U.S. History and Government

This course emphasizes the interaction between citizens and government at all levels: local, state, and federal. Students are encouraged to understand and participate in the democratic process, examine public policy issues, and learn how political decisions are made. The purpose of the course is to prepare the student for responsible participation in the American political system.

Psychology

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Final exam

This course will include an introduction to research methods, major schools of thought, and the biological basis of behavior. Students will learn about social and biological aspects of human behavior.

Sociology

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: None

This course is a systematic introduction to the major sociological concepts for understanding the structure and dynamics of contemporary society. Major topics include an introduction to social methods of inquiry, major schools of thought, culture, and social structure.

Sports in American History

Grades: 10–12
Exam: Final exam

This course will focus on history and explaining the processes by which sports and institutions have developed over the centuries, especially in the context of major social developments such as industrialization, urbanization, and immigration.

United States History and Government (Required or AP US History)

Grades: 11-12
Exam: midterm, final exam, US Regents (June)
Prerequisite: Global History I and Geography II

U.S. History and Government is taught chronologically, beginning with the colonial period and continuing until the present. Major topics include: the U.S. Constitution, American geography, economics system, industrial development, the rise of unions, immigrants and their contributions, and U.S. foreign policy.

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Technology Department

All courses are 1/2 credit/half year.

Course descriptions

Architectural Drawing

Grades: 9-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Design & Drawing for Production

This course will encourage the solution of technical problems through the use of unconventional designs. Students will use many methods to find solutions to problems throughout the course.

Career and Financial Management

Grades: 9-12
Exam: final exam

This course is designed to prepare students with the skills necessary to make them competitive in the 21st-century job market. This class is the required introductory course for Career and Technical Education programs and the introductory course for the five-unit sequence in technology. Students will explore our economic system as a consumer, a worker, and an entrepreneur; and explore careers through the employment phase, successful attainment of the job, and achieving job satisfaction. Personal money management is surveyed through the examination of payroll checks, taxes, budgets, investments, and savings. Word processing, spreadsheet, and PowerPoint software are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Design & Drawing for Production and Architectural Drawing strongly encouraged to ensure student success.

This course provides an introduction to the various input and output devices and software that configure computer-aided design systems.

Computer Applications – High School

Grades: 9-12
Exam: Final exam

This course will have a large focus on the different Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ACCESS). Students will incorporate the tools and commands from these programs into a variety of projects. Basic computer fundamentals such as the computer system, its components and their purpose, and internet basics and terminology will be covered. Students will create a Google Drive for cloud storage, learn to use Google docs and use “Blackboard” as an online learning component. Students will learn to improve their keyboarding technique to become more proficient at keyboarding.

Computer Applications – College Credit

Grades: 11-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Fee required for college credit and a college textbook.

This course provides a more in-depth knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite of software applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ACCESS. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to test for the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCASO certification), and industry recognized certification. Students will be using “Blackboard” as an online learning tool. Students have the opportunity to earn three college credits transferable to SUNY colleges.

Construction Systems

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Design & Drawing for Production is strongly encouraged to ensure student success.

This course will provide a basic overview of the different systems in construction. Units covered through this course will include: construction tools, wood as a building material, structural systems, wall and roof framing, sheathing, fasteners, roofing, and mechanicals.

Design & Drawing for Production

Grades: 9-12
Exam: Final exam

This course emphasizes creative problem solving, designing, and technical drawing used to develop solutions to various design or product problems. The proposed solutions are researched, sketched, refined, and rendered as technical drawings. This course can be used for a ½ credit of the required art course.

Energy Systems

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Design & Drawing for Production

This is an introductory-level course with a focus on energy and power technology. Emphasis will be on energy-conscious design and construction of various devices that can be used in collecting and converting different forms of energy. Areas of energy studied will include: solar, wind, geothermal, mechanical, renewable, and inexhaustible.

Introduction to Programming

Grades: 9-12
Exam: Final exam

This course will teach students some of the basics of computer science and programming. Students will participate in a number of hands-on group activities related to computer science. Students will learn the basics of “block” coding using “Scratch” and other block coding programs to create a number of fun projects, including animating art, dance videos, and a social media pictogram. Students will have the opportunity to work with different robots to “program” them to complete exercises based on availability. Students will also touch on some popular programming languages, such as HTML and PYTHON and learn some of the basics needed for writing the programming code for these languages.

Programming with Block and Code

Grades: 11-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Computer Applications

Students will learn some important concepts relating to computer science and programming. Students will be using Scratch and block coding to learn the importance of algorithms in programming, and will use block coding to create some fun projects, such as a dance video, a cooperative video game, an extreme sports game, and an animation. Students will learn the “programming code” for writing HTML/CSS, creating their own web page, and learn the basics of two other popular programming languages, Python and JavaScript. Students may also have the opportunity to spend some time programming different robots based on availability. This is a great program for those who plan to continue their education in any type of computer-related field, such as computer science, programming, web/game design, or if you are interested in acquiring basic programming skills to be successful in today’s technical world.

Production Systems

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Design & Drawing for Production

This course studies the systems of manufacturing and construction: their resources, processes, products, and quality assurance, and their impact on society, the economy, the environment, and manufacturing.

Transportation Systems

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Design & Drawing for Production

This course is an overview of aerospace, land, and marine transportation systems with a focus on power mechanics, hydraulics, aerodynamics, and small engines.

Transportation Systems II

Grades: 11-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Design & Drawing for Production and Transportation Systems

This course explores more advanced levels of land transportation systems from several perspectives. Students should have prior experience with internal combustion engine components, processes, and tools.

Video Game Design Foundations

Grades: 11-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Design & Drawing for Production

This course will study the major aspects of game design, including character and world development, game playing, game genres, and theories and principles of game design. Students will gain hands-on experience in simple game development. Concepts and practices will be explored to help students decide if they are interested in pursuing careers in game programming.

Web Page Design I

Grades: 10-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Design & Drawing for Production

This course will prepare students to create, critique, and maintain academic and commercial Web pages. The course develops an understanding of HTML.

Web Page Design II

Grades: 11-12
Exam: Final exam
Prerequisite: Web Page Design I

This course will expose students to the entire construction process of web design from planning to creating the site and adding final touches using Adobe CS5 (Illustrator, Photoshop, Fireworks, Flash, and Dreamweaver). Students will create a storyboard or blueprint for a website. Students will learn about website navigation, style sheets, graphic creation, digital image optimization, security, and server hosting. Students will work in teams with specific tasks assigned to individual team members through the website creation and management.

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College Credit Opportunities

College Courses

Students in their senior year are also given the opportunity to take courses at local colleges and have the credits also count for their graduation requirements. The colleges will have certain requirements for admission, and an application needs to be submitted. Students will need approval from their parents, the principal, and the guidance counselor.

• Hudson Valley Community College
• Sage College of Albany
• Schenectady County Community College
• SUNY Cobleskill
• SUNY Albany

University In The High School

Through the University In The High School Program, students are required to pay a minimal fee to receive college credits.

University at Albany

• AP Calculus

Hudson Valley Community College

• Spanish IV

Schenectady County Community College

• AP Art History
• AP Government & Politics
• AP Psychology
• Computer Applications

New Visions Honors

The New Visions Honors programs are offered through the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School during the senior year. The application process begins in March of the junior year.

• Health Careers
• Law & Government

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Career and Technical Programs

Technical Education is one of several choices of study available to high school students. The major emphasis is on learning skills that will prepare students for success in today’s highly technical world.

Students interested in attending a career and technical program starting in their junior year need to meet the following criteria:

• A cumulative grade point average of at least 75 for 9th and 10th grade;
• A minimum of 12 units by the end of 10th grade to be academically on track to graduate with their cohort;
• An attendance record better than 90 percent each quarter for 9th and 10th grade;
• Excessive disciplinary referrals as reviewed by the administrative department.

View more information on the Career and Technical Education webpage.

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