FOR T WOR TH COUNTR Y DAY
2023-24 UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM fwcd.org/admission
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
ENGLISH 9 Students focus on critical thinking, writing, reading, research and grammar skills. They write analytical arguments, implementing the writing process, and read fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Discussions emphasize using evidence to support literary analysis. Expand vocabulary using Membean.
ENGLISH 10 Students develop skills for closer textual analysis and continue to hone analytical writing skills. They continue to use the writing process in composing timed and untimed argumentative, researchedbased, and literary analysis essays. Sophomores read drama, short story fiction, and poetry. Expand vocabulary using Membean.
ENGLISH 11 Introduction to rhetoric with readings from American literature; pre-AP language and composition skill emphasis; vocabulary study from texts and Membean; mostly nonfiction readings, but students analyze fiction and nonfiction for essays; grammar/style reviews in semester 1; independent research paper in semester 2. • AP English Lit and Comp
AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE Students become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. Students also become skilled writers who compose for a variety of rhetorical purposes. Students review grammar concepts within the context of their writing, and vocabulary acquisition continues via Membean. • Imaginative Writing
WORLD HISTORY A survey of World’s modern civilizations by thematically analyzing interconnections between regions within the context of increasing globalization.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT & CIVICS Survey of American government, constitutional policies, decision making, economic history, research papers and an annual Washington, D.C. trip and capstone project.
UNITED STATES HISTORY Colonial America to the present, primary and secondary sources, interpretation of issues, research papers • AP U.S. History
HISTORY ELECTIVES • Topics in History • Microeconomics • World Religions • AP Macroeconomics • AP Comparative • Film Studies Government • AP Psychology
GEOMETRY Axiomatic and analytic development of plane geometry and foundation in measurement for plane and solid geometry. • Geometry • Honors Geometry
ALGEBRA II • Algebra 2 Pt. 1 • Accelerated Algebra 2 • Honors Algebra 2
PRECALCULUS • Algebra 2 Pt. 2 • Accelerated Precalculus • Honors Analysis • Financial Literacy
ADVANCED MATHEMATICS • Precalculus • AP Calculus (BC) • Statistics/Calculus • Multivariable Calculus • AP Calculus (AB) • AP Statistics • Differential Equations • Financial Literacy
SCIENCE Science and engineering practices: asking questions/defining problems; developing and using models; planning/carrying out investigations; analyzing/interpreting data; using mathematics and computational thinking; constructing explanations/designing solutions; engaging in argument from evidence; obtaining, evaluating and communicating information. COMPUTER SCIENCE The Upper School also offers the following Computer Science elective courses: • Computer Science Principles (9th) • Art and Code (10th) • AP Computer Science (11th) • Data Structures (12th) • Organic Chemistry (11th and 12th) BIOLOGY Focus on genetics, evolution, cell biology, ecology and sustainability. Course based on discussion, inquiry lab and hands-on exploration.
CHEMISTRY Properties of matter, chemical reactivity, energy changes. Inquiry-based lab work. Quantitative emphasis. Data acquisition/analysis, presentation. • Honors Chemistry
PHYSICS Problem-solving, use of computer in data analysis, mechanics, electromagnetism, waves, historical context of physics. • Honors Physics
SCIENCE ELECTIVES • Engineering Design • AP Environmental Science • AP Physics • Anatomy and Physiology
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES Grammar, vocabulary, cultural awareness, focus on speaking, reading and writing.inquiry lab and hands-on exploration. • French I, II • Honors Latin II • Honors French II • Spanish I, II • Latin I, II • Honors Spanish II
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES Review and extend previous courses’ focus on speaking, reading and writing. • French II, III • Honors Latin II, III • Honors French II, III • Spanish II, III • Latin II, III • Honors Spanish II, III
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES Review, continue to develop linguistic proficiency. • French III, IV • Advanced Latin • Honors French III Literature • AP French Language • Spanish III, IV & Culture • Honors Spanish III • Latin III, IV • AP Spanish • Honors Latin III Language & Culture
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES Review, continue to develop linguistic proficiency. • French IV, V • AP Latin Vergil • Business French • Spanish IV, V • Latin IV • AP Spanish • Advanced Latin Literature & Culture Literature
• Forensic Science • AP Biology • AP Chemistry • Design Lab
TECHNOLOGY The campus is connected by both wired and wireless networks. Desktops are located in the Moncrief Library, Lower School, Middle School, Visual Arts Department and also in the Journalism/Yearbook classroom. Every classroom features state of the art audio visual equipment and interactive technology. Computer skills are integrated into instruction at every level. In the Upper School, every student is required to bring a laptop for use during their classes. Online courses are offered through the Malone Schools Online Network in grades 11 and 12. Computer Science course offerings are also facilitated via the MSON program. The TEAM Room, a fully equipped STEM makerspace, provides opportunities for teachers to implement engaging hands-on, project-based learning activities. The space is suited for all grades, JK-12. MSON Malone Schools Online Network: See enclosed brochure. VISUAL ARTS CERAMICS (GRADES 9-12) – Techniques for the potter’s wheel and handbuilding to create vessels and sculpture. PAINTING & DRAWING (GRADES 9-12) – Explore a variety of subject matter, ideas and techniques through drawing and painting media. PHOTOGRAPHY (GRADES 9-12) – Explore the process of photography utilizing digital and traditional techniques. • Art History • AP Art History • AP Studio Art
STUDENT MEDIA (GRADES 9-12) • Yearbook – Create 300+ page JK-12 publication. • Senior Book – Create 120+ page senior book. • Journalism – Produce 5 print issues and write for online student newspaper. • Video Journalism – Produce video stories for online student newspaper.
PERFORMING ARTS CHOIR, BAND, ORCHESTRA – Ensemble focused on developing music literacy, skill and musicality through performance. Repertoire includes classical and pop literature and features a variety of musical styles, periods, languages and cultures. Students may participate in TMEA, TPSMEA, ISAS and the FWCD spring musical. ACTING 1 (GRADES 9-10) – Vocal technique, acting styles, characterization and script analysis; one unit of playwriting. ACTING 2 (GRADES 11-12) – Builds on Acting 1; one unit of playwriting. TECHNICAL THEATRE (GRADES 9-12) – Behind the scenes lighting, sound and set. MUSICAL THEATRE (GRADES 9-12) – Historical study of musical theatre style vocals, choreography and heightened style of acting required by musical scripts. PLAYWRITING (GRADES 11-12) – Full year or semester course; students write according to their playwriting experience; beginners learn structure and write short pieces; intermediate/advanced writers are given inspirational motifs to inspire longer works. • Music History • AP Music Theory ATHLETIC PROGRAMS Grades 9-11 students are required to participate in an athletic program or attend a PE class for two of the three seasons. Grade 12 students do not have a PE/athletics requirement. Participation in sports and/or PE is available and encouraged. INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED BALLET (OPTIONAL) – Complex barre and center floor exercises are practiced on a daily basis. Pointe, jazz, modern and choreography are offered.
GIRLS PROGRAMS – Volleyball, Field Hockey, Cross Country, Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Softball, Tennis, Track, Golf, Cheerleading, Ballet BOYS PROGRAMS – Volleyball, Football, Cross Country, Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling, Baseball, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Golf, Lacrosse, Ballet