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A CLOSER LOOK
FEBRUARY 1, 2016
Course Selection Guide 2016–2017
The difficulty ratings and the course descriptions represent the subjective view of the TPH editorial board and staff. The data about assignments and assessments for each class was selfreported through students’ Infinite Campus profiles a week before publication. For the courses that did not have sufficient representation from within our class, we contacted teachers and/or current and former students for more information.
The latest on PHS classes:
A guide to this guide:
Number assigned per quarter
Title of Course
Difficulty from 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest)
Assignments/Assessments
Tips from teachers and students
On Friday Feb. 26 from 8 to 9 a.m., students will have the opportunity to attend up to three 15 minute presentations about electives and honors/AP classes. Teachers and students who have previously taken the class will present and take questions.
English Language Arts Circle discussions, writing paragraphs and essays.
Creative Writing
Public Speaking
Fiction and creative nonfiction writing. Workshop environment.
American literature. Close reading, analytical writing.
Honors English 5-6
7.5 / 7.5
0 / 5.5
0/5
4 / 6.5
Students are graded on participation weekly. Introductory course.
*
*
Read “Lord of the Flies” and “Of Mice and Men”. I Search lasts all third quarter.
35 / 8 *
English 7-8
9.5 / 4.5
More freedom in curriculum without AP standards. Less individual work than other English classes.
AP English Literature
8.5 / 8
*
*
*
*
21 / 8
English 5-6
*
English 3-4
English 1-2
Read three books for summer homework. American literature. Frequent discussions.
Poetry and verse in first semester, novels in second. Lots of archaic English. More timed writes than take-home essays.
Algebra II
Statistics
Mathematics
Integrated Math 1/2A
23.5 / 3
8 / 7.5 Assignments optional, but tests every other Friday. Tests ask for explanations of solutions.
AP Calculus AB
Math Analysis
*
25 / 3.5
Skills needed in calculus. Show understanding algebraically, numerically and graphically.
0/3
*
Tackle class work in groups. Each assignment takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Algebra, geometry, statistics.
No homework. Extra review sheets before tests available. Students collaborate on all classwork.
New: Integrated Math 2
23 / 3
*
Integrated Math 1
Build on Algebra I skills.
23.5 / 4 Gives students tools to collect and analyze data. Often uses real life numbers.
AP Calculus BC
Honors Statistics
0 / 2.5
23.5 / 3
Same routine as AB but material varies more. Pace faster and tests larger.
Class is usually hands-on and includes time for work and questions. Understand theory behind formulas.
New: Integrated Math 2B/3 Prerequisite: Integrated Math 1
Math 2 is the equivalent of the old Geometry class, but it covers both geometric and algebraic concepts, including proofs and quadratics. Students will work together to discover mathematical patterns, math teacher John Hayden said. Workload cannot accurately be estimated until teaching assignments have been solidified.
Note on the Integrated Math curriculum Because students tend to excel in either geometry or algebra, the integrated math approach will ultimately be easier on students because their strengths will be used every year, Hayden said. The new approach is more similar to students’ experience with Geometry than their experience with Algebra because the current College Preparatory Math (CPM) curriculum has students work together in groups in order to discover mathematical concepts.
Prerequisite: Math 1/2A or Math 1, 2A summer course This compressed track involves less spiraling back to earlier concepts, and students should expect 1.5 to 2 times as much work per week as in the normal class. The compressed track is easier for students who love math, and it requires mental maturity because students must independently learn any material that they do not understand the first time through, math teacher John Hayden said. Hayden said he thinks that maybe onethird of students are well-suited to the compressed approach. “Compressed is designed for people who are fast thinkers, who can look at something once and kind of get it,” Hayden said.
* Multiple sections of this class exist, so this ratio only represents one possible experience
students may have. In the event that we collected data from all of the sections, we averaged the numbers for ease of view.
Rajendra Shrivastava will teach AP Computer Science Principles using an Android programming platform on a smartphone or tablet. The class will focus more on problem solving than on programming, presenting a conceptual and broad approach to computer science. Instead of Java, AP Computer Science Principles will use a language called App Inventor, which is similar to Scratch and Snap. The class is comprised of approximately 12 projects that address seven key ideas of computer science programming and will emphasize group work and collaboration. The workload depends on the abilities of the student, but Shrivastava would expect no more than two hours outside of class per week. With four years of computer science classes now available, the suggested path is Joy of Computing, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science, Web Development.
12.5 / 1
No homework. All tests other than the
So far this year, but not necessarily next year, students were only graded for completion of assignments and assessments.
Web Development - Design and Coding
The Joy of Computing
15 / 6
0/0
Create movies, games, music and simulations.
Self-guided class. Manage and create
PE: Weight Training
0/1
na / na
1 / 0.5
Group sports, weightroom, mile.
More serious than PMS PE. Grades based on mile times, athleticism, effort.
ROP Sports Medicine
Create movies, games, music and simulations.
Collaborated on “The Sound of Music”.
Art I - IV
AP Art 2-D Portfolio
n/a
0/3
Painting, drawing and printmaking. More self-direction in higher levels.
Design and execute 12 pieces of art along a chosen theme.
9 / 3.5
2/4
Instructor is leaving at the end of this year. Students may assist school athletic teams.
Hand construction, wheel throwing, glazing. Higher levels have more independence.
Project series similar to that of AP Art. More pressure than lower levels to finish thoughtfully and punctually.
Symphonic Band
Jazz Band
Acappella Beginning/ Advanced Choir
Biology
*
18 / 6
16 / 5
21 / 3
Lots of notes and classwork with table partners.
Lectures and class discussions. Combine math,
Honors Physics
AP Biology
Honors Chemistry
16 / 8
College Prep Physics was not offered this year. Lecture-based class includes homework time.
18 / 4
Usually at least an hour of homework every class. Students responsible for learning most of content on their own.
Anatomy and Physiology
ROP AP Environmental Science
18 / 5
6.5 / 4.5
Apply math in the context of word problems. Labs infrequent, fair amount of lectures and notes. Challenging textbook.
ROP Biotech
7/3
Hands-on experiences including frequent dissections. Lots of memorization.
Frequent PowerPoints, occasional labs. In addition to main curriculum, also learn
Useful for those pursuing lab science. Learn to design a lab on your own.
7 / 0.5 Combined with Acting II.
15 / 4 Non-western world history, current events.
The meaning of ROP
Title of Course Number assigned per quarter
Assignments/Assessments
Tips from teachers and students
Difficulty from 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest)
Juniors and seniors can take these career training classes. Sophomores may only enroll in ROP classes if they turn 16 in the fall and if there is room available, according to the 2016-2017 Planning Guide. More than 12,000 high school students in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties are enrolled in such classes, according to the Contra Costa County Office of Education.
0.5 / 3
Modern World History
22 / 20
Workload varies depending on whether you are in a play. Must be selected to enroll.
US History
16 / 1.5
From 1600s to modern day.
Emphasis on 20th century.
Civics
AP US History
14 / 4.5
Tied strongly to current events. Assignments never come as a surprise. “#KA$HMONEY.” - Gabrielle Kashani
Some large projects, reading quizzes, three large midterms. Content includes constitutional law, creation of laws.
Psychology
Law and Society
“[Students] work to better understand their own and other’s identities, thoughts, emotions and behavior.” - Ali Cota
Acting III/IV
8/3
Basic acting principles and various acting styles.
Economics
10 / 1
Biannual course, not offered until 20172018.
Acting II
Social Sciences World Cultures and Geography
ROP AP Music
14.5 / 2
Assignments rare. Around five concerts a year. Usually 4-part harmonies. Tour possible.
Acting I
18 / 2
A guide to this guide:
Acappella Chamber Choir
Chemistry
Frequent labs and projects.
10 / 6
Audition-based.
3/2
“Get ready to dance!” - Julie Huffaker
Physics: Alternative Energy Design and Construction
Directing and Production for the Stage is designed for students who are interested in the technical aspects of theater. Students will come up with their own projects to apply theater concepts like set design, costumes and sounds systems. They will likely have opportunities to direct other acting students. Theater teacher Kim Taylor would recommend the class to people who enjoy the arts but do not want to act, or for people who like acting and want to learn other aspects of theater. The class does not stress acting elements but is hands-on and will expose students to technical skills within the performance industry. Taylor does not anticipate much work outside of class time. The class is reserved for older students to attract those who hold a deep interest in theater production and to offer another fun elective for upperclassmen.
1/1
4/1
Science
Prerequisite: Open to juniors and seniors
0/3
Six performances first semester.
Class revolves around individual pursuits, student choreography. After school rehearsals before the showcase. Supportive environment.
New: Directing and Production for the Stage
AP Art 3-D Portfolio
1/1
Dance Intermediate/Advanced
This class is a new branch of the current AP Studio Art class. Students will create concentrations as current AP Art students do, but the We.org service component means that students will connect their artwork or topic to at least 20 hours of community service. Students enrolled in this international pilot program will have their portfolios graded differently from those taking the traditional AP Art course, with logistics and effectiveness of their service projects counting towards their grade and score. Art teacher Gillian Bailey said that she would recommend it for students who are serious about art and want to affect change in the community. She said that almost any artistic interest can relate to a social issue. In addition to the 20 hours of service, Bailey expects students to spend an average of two to three additional hours per week planning their art and service projects.
2/0
0 / 3.5
Upper Division PE
Prerequisite: Art III
String Orchestra
Ceramics I - IV
Physical Education PE for Freshmen
Creative Arts
*
10 / 1
Prerequisites: Algebra II and a previous computer class
New: AP Studio Art 2D Design with We.org service
*
AP Computer Science A (Java)
Exploring Computer Science
9
*
New: AP Computer Science Principles
A CLOSER LOOK
FEBRUARY 1, 2016
*
Computer Studies
FEBRUARY 1, 2016
*
A CLOSER LOOK
8
6/5 Lecture-based with PowerPoints. Mock trials, videos, discussions.
* Multiple sections of this class exist, so this ratio only represents one possible experience students may have. In the event that we collected data from all of the sections, we averaged the numbers for ease of view.
7 / 10
From 1491 to present. Expect up to 30 pages of textbook reading per week.
AP European History
8/9 From 1450 to present. Reading from two textbooks plus primary sources. New redesigned course implemented in 2015 to 2016. In-class writing, discussion.
A CLOSER LOOK
10
World Languages Spanish 1
9.5 / 10
Basic grammar, new sounds and words. Also introduction to culture.
Assignments almost daily. Introduces grammar, vocabulary and culture.
5 / 7.5
5/6
n/a
n/a
13 / 7 Exposure to French multimedia including news articles, films and literature. Cultural proficiency.
AP Spanish
Mandarin 2
8/5
27 / 10
More frequent writing, reading, speaking and listening practice.
Daily assignments graded in groups. Quizzes usually every other week. “Prepares students to travel around by him/herself.” - Virginia Leskowski
Expand oral communication skills. Around two to three oral evaluations per quarter.
Create web pages, practice verbal expression, read news excerpts, listen to radio broadcasts, watch videos, sing.
French 3
Spanish 3
Mandarin 3
AP Mandarin
12.5 / 10
8.5 / 4
10 / 7
15.5 / 7
Weekly quizzes, more oral practice.
Oral practice introduced. Read authentic texts.
Most students have Chinese cultural or language background. Write story narrations.
More material, verbal practice and story narrations than in lower levels.
French 4
Spanish 4
Mandarin 4
Spanish 3 in Action
20 / 8
7 / 11
Verbal practice includes skits. Watch movies, learn songs. Pen pal correspondence.
Learn advanced grammar for AP test. Design web pages.
The latest on the World Languages Department: Pending UC approval, all Level 4 language classes will be weighted next year because it is a huge step up from Level 3, with more challenging textbooks and authentic reading and listening skills, Spanish teacher Virginia Leskowski said. “The students have a very challenging curriculum and its time they received credit for it,” Leskowski said. “Virtually all the schools in the area have Level 4 as honors because it’s understood that once you get to that level, it’s hard.”
15 / 7.5
9/3
Oral presentations, writing paragraphs.
Focus on real life Spanish skills.
Non-Departmental Social Psychology
ROP Culinary Arts
5/1
9/8 Kitchen upkeep, cooking happens around once a month. More volunteer time means more points.
Discuss social topics. Required class. Discussion-based. Current events.
Average score of PHS students who took AP tests in 2015
5
AP French
Not offered at the high school in 2015-2016. Past students have taken the course at PMS.
Spanish 2
French 2
*
5/6
Mandarin 1
*
French 1
FEBRUARY 1, 2016
93.5 percent of total PHS AP students in 2015 scored a 3 or above
4 3
63.6 percent
2
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of total California AP students in 2015 scored a 3 or above
According to the 2015 Five-Year School Score Summary from the College Board, updated Sep 15, 2015
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EDITOR Courtney Gao
Classes not rated in this guide ASB Introductions to Publications ROP Journalism Writing, Design, and Management (Yearbook, Photojournalism) Special Studies/Learning Center Finding Community
If you have any comments or questions about the ratings or information presented in this guide, please email A Closer Look editor Courtney Gao at cgao@tphnews.com.
ASSISTANT EDITOR Skyler Liu REPORTERS Claire Valva Maxwell Lee Roy Connors