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Core Courses and Electives
Core Courses and Electives
A Few Things to Consider when Selecting Courses:
A Few Things to Consider when Selecting Courses:
Based on one or more of the following criteria, the Administration of the school reserves the right to grant or not grant final approval for a student's course selection.
Course availability based on student interest
Course availability based on teacher availability
Past academic performance of the student
Testing that may be required to determine a student's potential for success
Teacher recommendation
Elective choices will be scheduled after a student's core courses are given priority.
Occasionally, a course will not be available due to lack of student interest...a course must have a minimum of 8 students enrolled in order to maintain availability for the school year.
It is the responsibility of students and their parents/guardians to select courses that will meet the graduation requirements of the student's diploma program.
Core Courses
Core Courses
BIB110: Church/Christian History
Credits earned: 1
Description: This course explores the history of Christianity from the post-Apostolic period to the present with the intent of preparing students to personally and faithfully continue the story of the church. The class will trace the historical and theological development of Christianity, investigate the influence of Christianity on world cultures, survey the present variety of Christian denominations and practices, and consider the missional opportunities of the church today. As a sophomore year course it is assumed that each student has a foundational understanding of the story and main themes of the Old and New Testaments.
ENG210: World Literature Survey/Composition
Credits earned: 1
Description: It is assumed that students have mastered the basic skills of writing and research and will be fine-tuning those skills as they do their assignments. The students will survey world literature. This over-view of the lives and works of representative authors will prepare the students for their study of American literature in 11th grade and English literature in 12th grade. Vocabulary, extensive writing and oral reports will be a significant part of this course.
ENG210H: Honors World Literature Survey/Composition
Prerequisites: Grade of 90% or better in ENG209 or the equivalent English course, or 85% or better in ENG209H; Must complete summer reading and related assignments. Transfer students must pass a writing test and score at or above the 85 percentile in reading comprehension.
Credits earned: 1
Disclaimer: Students in grades 9-11 who meet the course prerequisites may choose the honors level version of their English class. They do so with the understanding that they have mastered basic writing skills, are able to work independently, and can manage the additional research, reading and writing requirements of Honors English. A minimum amount of time will be assigned to reviewing language mechanics allowing more time to be set aside for developing proficiency in writing.
ENG213 - COMPOSITION
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Completion of ENG209 or ENG209H
Credits earned: .5
Description: Composition is a one-semester course that serves as a workshop for fine tuning writing skills. Students will apply their skills in numerous writing applications, i.e., essays, reports, letters, revising, editing, summaries and research reports. They will demonstrate skills in organization, synthesizing of data and self-expression. This course is taken in conjunction with ENG214 (SPEECH). It is given exclusively to 10th grade students, but may be given in 11th or 12th grade for transfer students or students with scheduling conflicts.
ENG214: SPEECH
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Completion of ENG209 or ENG209H
Credits earned: .5
Description: This semester long course will help students improve their oral communication skills through the presentation of speeches and poetic and dramatic recitations. Students will learn how to express themselves in both small and large groups. Some presentations will require extensive research. There will be additional opportunities for spontaneous thinking and expression, role-playing of job interviews and development of conversational skills. This course is taken in conjunction with ENG213 (COMPOSITION). It is given exclusively to 10th grade students, but may be given in 11th or 12th grade for transfer students or students with scheduling conflicts.
MTH310: GEOMETRY
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Algebra I. Transfer students must demonstrate their potential for success by the results of their math placement test.
Credits earned: 1
Description: The student will study the theorems and postulates of plane Euclidean geometry with an emphasis on the principles of logical thinking, formal proofs and patterns of reasoning. This course will include the writing of proofs, calculation of area for regular polygons, surface area, and volume for simple solids. Throughout this course, the students will observe plane and spatial relationships and gain a better understanding of mathematics and the real number system.
MTH311: ALGEBRA II
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Algebra I and Geometry. Transfer students must demonstrate their potential for success by the results of their math placement test.
Credits earned: 1
Description: In this course the student will build on the algebraic foundation developed in Algebra I by studying high powered equations in more than one variable, irrational and complex numbers, coordinate geometry, exponential function, conic sections, matrices and rational expressions. The student will also be introduced to Analytic Geometry and basic Trigonometry functions, identities and graphs.
MTH312H: HONORS PRE-CALCULUS
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Geometry and Algebra II. Transfer students must demonstrate their potential for success by the results of their math placement test.
Credits earned: 1
Description: This course is a bridge between Algebra II and Calculus. It serves as a pre-calculus course through emphasis on developing the manipulative skills necessary to be successful in the study of calculus. The student will be encouraged to develop clarity of mathematical thought and expression in creative problem solving through a concentrated study of proofs, properties, identities and graphs. This course is also designed to integrate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry and Plane Geometry by the extensive use of two-dimensional graphs. A graphics calculator is required (TI83 PLUS recommended).
SCI410: BIOLOGY
Credits earned: 1
Description: Biology is a high level investigation of living structures and systems. In this course, students will study God's creative design in plants, animals and the microscopic world of cells and unicellular organisms. They will examine plants and animals by comparing the organization of their diverse systems. Biology is a lab course.
SCI410H: HONORS BIOLOGY
Prerequisites: Grade of 90% or better in SCI409 or prior non-honors science course, or 85% or better in SCI409H. Transfer students must also score at the 85th percentile or above in reading comprehension.
Credits earned: 1
Description: In addition to fulfilling the requirements of regular biology, Honors Biology students do an in-depth study of cellular biology and are more detailed in their examination and categorization of the life processes found in all forms of life. This is a lab-based course designed to prepare students for advanced studies in Life Sciences.
HIS510: WORLD HISTORY
Credits earned: 1
Description: In World History, students will be given an overview of the significant movements and events of western history to World War I. This is done with the goal of creating a culturally literate student who can articulate his Christian values in relationship to the world. This course is designed to be a defense of Western Civilization with particular emphasis on the efficacy of Christianity at work through the centuries.
HIS510H: HONORS WORLD HISTORY
Prerequisites: Grade of 90% or better in HIS509 or prior non-honors social studies course, or 85% or better in HIS509H. Transfer students must also score at the 85th percentile or above in reading comprehension.
Credits earned: 1
Description: Students completing this one year course will be able to cite and explain clear examples of major events in World History spanning the origin of civilizations to the Industrial age. By using a variety of sources including their text, students will improve their investigative research and writing skills, analytical abilities, historical retention, and master a broad scope of the course of civilized history.
Electives
Electives
Bible
BIB113: BIBLICAL FINANCIAL PRINCIPLES
Grade: 10-12
Credits earned: 1
Description: This course aims to provide students with a Biblical approach to managing finances while practicing good stewardship and learning investment skills for future planning. Concepts include handling debt, setting financial goals, building an investment portfolio, financing a college education, and health care.
English
ENG215: GREAT BOOKS
Grades: 10-12
Credits earned: 1
Description: Students will be exposed to a variety of classical works, determine what makes them 'great' and discuss if the message, meaning and method of writing are Biblical in nature. Grading is based on the student's ability to analyze characters, plot line, setting, word choices, and literary techniques as determined by literary circles and journaling.
ENG216: FILM & LITERATURE
Grades: 10-12
Credits earned: 0.5
Description: The purpose of this class is to examine literary works and their film counterparts in order to analyze the distinguishing techniques of each medium. The role of the 'hero' and 'antihero' in literature and film will also be examined.
Math
MTH314: CONSUMER MATH
Grades: 10-12
Credits earned: 1
Description: In this course, students will be given realistic, practical experience with mathematical situations they will encounter in real life. They will be taught basic skills in the areas of taxes, banking, investments, insurance and financial planning. The students will study Biblical principles for successfully handling money.
Foreign Language
GBCS offers the choice of two foreign languages: Spanish and French. Two credits in consecutive years of one foreign language are required for the General or Academic Diplomas. Students must take these courses in sequence. While in 8th grade, students may take either Spanish I or French I, and then take the 2nd level in 9th grade. Students wishing to graduate with an Academic Diploma with Honors in Foreign Language will need four credits of either language in succession.
A foreign language series begins with basic vocabulary and grammar. Students will acquire skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing the language through oral practice, written grammatical exercises and cultural lessons. The goal is fluency.
ESP609: SPANISH I
ESP610: SPANISH II
ESP611H: SPANISH III (Honors)
FRE609: FRENCH I
FRE610: FRENCH II
FRE611H: FRENCH III (Honors)
Science
SCI415: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING (ROBOTICS)
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra I, concurrently enrolled in Geometry
Credits earned: 1
Description: Introduction to Engineering allows the student to experience many aspects of engineering in an environment that is conducive to success. This course uses the basis of the STEM program to teach students how the engineering process is not only useful in everyday life but also every career. Students will be stretched to use their knowledge of math and science to design and build a robot that will navigate different game scenarios designed by VEX.
SCI419: PRINCIPLES/EXPLORATION OF AVIATION AND AEROSPACE
Grades: 9-10
Credits earned: 1
Description: In the 1st part of the course, students will gain historical perspective starting from the earliest flying machines to the wide variety of modern aircraft and the integral role they play in making today’s world work. Students will learn about the history and impact of space exploration and have many opportunities to build and fly historical and contemporary aircraft and spacecraft designs. Students will also begin to drill down into the various sectors of aviation, including the airlines, general aviation, military, commercial space, and unmanned aircraft. They’ll discover how advances in aviation created a need for regulation, and will learn about the promulgation of civil aviation oversight. In the 2nd part of the course, students will explore modern day innovations and use technology to develop their own innovative ideas to address real-world challenges facing the aviation industry. They will be exposed to a variety of career options in aviation and aerospace and take an in-depth look at the opportunities available.
Technology
TEC710: MICROSOFT OFFICE APPLICATIONS
Grades: 9-12
Credits earned: 1
Description: This course will introduce the student to MS Office Applications. The students will develop a working knowledge of Word, Excel, Access and Power Point.
TEC714: HTML5: BASICS OF WEB DESIGN
Grade: 9-12
Prerequisites: None, but Intro to Computer Science and/or MS Office is recommended
Credits earned: 1
Description: In this one credit course, students will become familiar with the basic principles of internet-based programming using HTML5, JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS3), multiple forms of imagery and multimedia, and a variety of respective concepts. Students will complete the design, coding, and debugging of solutions to all programming assignments and web-site based projects. Students will also interact with the specific tools that will exist in creating and editing single and multi-page websites.
TEC716: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE
Grades: 9-12
Credit earned: 1
Description: Students learn the fundamentals of programming in a procedural language for a console environment (Quick Basic and DOS) and a graphical interface environment (Visual Basic in Windows). Console topics include variables, numeric and string handling, flow control, sub-procedures and functions, and character and pixel graphics. Graphical topics include forms, controls, properties and subroutines used to design event driven programs.
TEC717: ADVANCED COMPUTER SCIENCE
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Science and/or teacher approval
Credit earned: 1
Description: Students develop Object-oriented designs using the Java programming language. Java topics covered include Java applets, developing Java applications, control structures, methods, arrays, strings and characters. Object-oriented topics include the structure of Java programs, classes, function, automatic garbage collection, reusable libraries, object-oriented databases and GUI libraries/tools. This course provides preparation for AP Computer Science.
TEC721: INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY / ELEMENTARY YEARBOOK
Grades: 9-10
Prerequisites: Students must have access to specific equipment and the course will require certain supplies and some financial investment to print photos. Cell phone and mobile devices will not meet the requirements of this course and some point and shoot cameras will not meet the requirements; the camera must have full manual mode and access to something that can meet the guidelines for the course is required. This course will be limited to 10 students.
Credit earned: 1
Description: Introduction to Photography and Elementary Yearbook is a course designed to teach the basics of photography. Students will also be responsible for taking photographs for, formatting, uploading photos, designing the layout, and completing the elementary yearbook during the year. Students will learn about the fundamentals of photography: technique, composition, editing, and developing their eye to see the world from a more artistic perspective and use these skills to develop the yearbook and weekly photo projects and critiques.
Fine Arts
FA810: ART I - INTRODUCTION TO THE ELEMENTS OF ART
Grades: 9-12
Credits earned: 1
Description: Art I is concentrated on learning and applying foundational skills and techniques in art. Within the curriculum, the Elements of Art and Principles of Design are emphasized as a basis for composition. Additional focus is on the development of drawing skills as foundational for more complex art compositions. Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes and materials such as drawing, painting, and two & three-dimensional design. Willingness to get involved in the creative process is an important requirement, greater than the student's talent or previous experience.
FA811: ART II - ADVANCED ART & DESIGN
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Art I
Credits earned: 1
Description: Art II provides an opportunity for serious art students to expand on the concepts introduced in Art I at a more rigorous level with the goal of creating a portfolio. Emphasis is placed on experiences with design principles, drawing techniques and painting skills leading to the development of abilities that are necessary for more advanced art. Students are challenged to creatively engage in artistic complexities, becoming more adept in a variety of media and techniques. The culmination of the course will be a presentation of their portfolio.
FA813: THEATRE ARTS - PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE
Grades: 9-12
Credits earned: 1
Description: This course is an introduction to theatre. The class will discover foundational concepts of acting, such as improvisation, pantomime and mime, voice and diction, character development. In addition, this class will enjoy script writing and performance, stage building, sound, lighting, costuming, and makeup. The students will participate in the spring school drama production in some capacity.
FA814: WORK OF GRACE (HS Choir)
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition with Music Director
Credits earned: 1
Description: A ministry group using God-given music talents as a means of evangelism. Class will enhance, and stretch student's musical ability.
FA815: HIGH SCHOOL BAND
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisites: Previous experience with a musical instrument.
Credits earned: 1
Description: This is a beginner and/or intermediate band. Students are taught the essentials of playing the band instrument of their choice. As the students gain proficiency, opportunities for performance will be provided.
FA816: ORCHESTRA
Grades: 6-12
Prerequisites: Previous experience with an orchestra-related musical instrument.
Credits earned: 1
Description: An instrumental course that develops the discipline of daily practicing in order to gain an intermediate level of performance proficiency. This
course will promote the use of intermediate and advanced mechanics while playing a musical instrument to enhance the overall performance of the student. The course will then focus on developing individual performance skills in order to achieve a quality group performance.
FA817: MUSIC COMPOSITION & WRITING
Grades: 10-12
Credits earned: .5
Description: The goal of this course is for students to develop unique skills in creating music and composing lyrics. This course deals with the structure of sound, and how sounds can be organized in time along with composing lyrics and exploring various artistic styles. In addition to composition assignments, students will have weekly assignments of listening and reading musical styles from various cultures and historical periods. Technology will also be a tool used to explore this topic. Students will learn tools for using these techniques for future careers.
General Electives
GEN913: CAREER EXPLORATION
Grades: 9-11
Credits earned: .5
Description: This one-semester course introduces students to the theoretical and practical framework with which to explore careers compatible with overall academic skills, aptitudes, interests, and life goals. Students will examine the world of work, use various tools to assess their interests and abilities, and make realistic decisions on careers, academic majors, and potential colleges/universities. Students will explore various programs such as Kuder Navigator, the ACT World of Work Map, and the Occupational Outlook Handbook online.
If you have any questions regarding any of these courses and their descriptions, please contact the Education Office.
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