Sophomores

English

In addition to daily editing exercises to enhance grammar, punctuation and usage skills, students continue developing vocabulary through the study of Greek and Latin roots as well as SAT level vocabulary words. These skills are also expanded in major writing assignments which include descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive essays as final preparation for the ISTEP Graduation Qualifying Exam. Focus is placed on using transitions and providing solid support for a stated point of view or opinion is a major portion of the composition instruction. Students receive formal instruction in the art of public speaking and learn to present their ideas with poise and confidence. The examination of literary techniques, plots, and themes in poetry, short stories, plays, works of non-fiction, and novels provides students with many opportunities to glean more from literary works than can be gained from casual reading. During the course of the year, students read four major works with an emphasis on examining Scripture when dealing with themes, characters and application: Arthurian legend, Around the World in Eighty Days, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, and Animal Farm.

Algebra II

Algebra II is an extension of Algebra I. This course is designed to continue students’ understanding of algebra and the proper application of algebraic concepts to real-life problems. Problem solving is heavily integrated throughout the entire course. Students are challenged to develop a solid comprehension of relations and functions, linear and absolute value equations and inequalities, quadratic equations and functions, matrices and determinants, conic sections, polynomials, rational expressions, logarithmic and exponential functions, mathematical reasoning, problem solving, the symbolic language of mathematics, and the connection between mathematics and other subjects. The use of the graphing calculator allows students to make connections between concepts.

World History

This two-semester course examines the course of world history from creation to today. Students learn historical and cultural trends by studying major periods in history and the people of great influence in each period. Students also learn Biblical principles by applying God’s Word to the rise and fall of major civilizations. This course is designed to equip students with skills such as chronological thinking, critical thinking, and comprehension.

Chemistry

Using a Christian worldview, students learn the structure of the atom, its role in determining the properties of matter and the role of energy in chemical changes. Throughout the year we study a variety of topics including (but not limited to) measurements and calculations, the properties and structure of matter, organization of the periodic table, writing and balancing chemical equations and the modern atomic theory. Students should have a strong math background and expect to use math skills regularly. The material is covered through the use of cooperative learning/small group activities, lecture, note taking, demonstrations, labs, videos and worksheets. Indiana Academic Standards are strongly emphasized.

Physical Education

Physical Education is class of physical activity through games and sports, such as, volleyball, soccer, tennis and basketball. Students are tested over the rules and regulations of each activity. They are also tested through the Presidential Physical Fitness Testing. The students are required to dress appropriately for each class. Maximum participation is required. The students are also graded on good sportsmanship and attitude. Other written assignments are a part of class that includes things like newspaper articles and football playbooks.

Health

Health is a holistic class which covers physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social health. As a class, we also discuss first aid & safety, environmental health, drugs & alcohol abuse. These topics are taught and discussed to promote understanding and growth in these areas. The students are graded on written assignments, folders, test and projects.

Spanish II

Working at an intermediate level, Spanish II students expand of their knowledge and understanding of the language through speaking and writing activities in a class that is conducted primarily in Spanish. In addition, students memorize four Scripture verses each quarter in Spanish. The class studies current events of Spanish-speaking countries on a regular basis. Students also complete two major projects during the year: the promotion of a fitness center, which includes writing and designing a brochure, an advertisement, and a commercial spot for the facility; and a study of famous Hispanic/Latino people.

Bible – Hebrews

Hebrews is another foundational book for students. Who Jesus is, and what He has done for us is the theme of the book. Hebrews explains to us how Jesus is “better than” anything else in this world. Hebrews is also an excellent book to study to understand the connection between the Old and New Testaments. This class takes the entire year to examine the book as a whole