Use the links below to view the courses available to ninth grade students.
Business | English | Family & Consumer Science | Fine & Visual Arts | Mathematics | Music | Physical Education | Science | Social Studies | Special Education | STEAM | World Language
BUSINESS
Business Computer Applications
Grades 9-12 – One Semester – 1/2 Credit
Students will explore computer skills and applications needed on a personal, school/college, and career level. The focus of this course is to provide knowledge and skills associated with Google applications including: Docs, Slides, and Sheets. Students will create various documents: reports, business letters, tables, databases, spreadsheets, and brochures. In addition, students will expand their knowledge of computer terminology, parts of a computer, and search strategies on the Internet. Students will also learn to properly type, without looking, 45+ words per minute. A very necessary skill in today’s work world!
ENGLISH
English 9
Grade 9 – Full Year – 1 Credit
English 9, a one year, one-credit course, provides the groundwork for students’ high school English studies by surveying the major literary genres and examining nonfiction companion pieces in conjunction with the Common Core while linking writing activities to the reading selections. Ninth Grade ELA courses build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing and include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. A focus of the course is mastery of effective paragraph format, controlling ideas, rich and specific support of those controlling ideas, and the multi‐paragraph essay. Clear, organized, and supported writing is stressed. Students will be introduced to several essay forms throughout the year, aligning with Next Generation Standards. MLA Format, research techniques, and the research paper form are taught, and a final short research paper is required.
English 9 Honors
Grade 9 – Full Year – 1 Credit
PREREQUISITE: REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER HONORS ENGLISH: 8TH GRADE ELA FINAL AVERAGE OF A 90. STUDENTS WITH AN AVERAGE BETWEEN AN 88 AND 89 WILL NEED TO MEET THE CRITERIA THAT ARE IDENTIFIED ON THE HIGH SCHOOL HONORS RUBRIC. STUDENTS INTERESTED IN ENROLLING IN THE HONORS PROGRAM WHO HAVE BETWEEN AN 88 AND 89 AVERAGE WILL BE REVIEWED AND CONTACTED FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SUMMER.
English 9H follows the course description of English 9 but further develops literary analysis in which the students develop writing through language, style, and voice as a means to think critically while making global connections. To achieve the literary analysis, students will read most of the literature independently and closely. Students will also be introduced to literary criticism. English 9H has specific prerequisites and course requirements, including but not limited to required summer work.
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE
Fashion I
Grades 9-12 – One Semester – 1/2 Credit
Clothing/Sewing courses introduce students to and expand their knowledge of various aspects of wearing apparel, sewing and fashion. This course includes wardrobe planning, selection, care and repair of ready to wear clothing. Students will learn how to use a sewing machine, basic clothing construction skills, and use of small equipment.
(Satisfactory completion of Fashion I + Interior Design may be used to fulfill the one credit of Art/Music required for graduation.)
Fashion II
Grades 9-12 – One Semester – 1/2 Credit
PREREQUISITE: FASHION I
This course provides students with the opportunity to use clothing and textiles as a medium for artistic expression. It is designed to build upon skills acquired in Fashion 1. The focus will be on clothing construction, including selection of patterns and fabrics, alterations, organization of work time and details of construction.
Family Living
Grades 9-12 – One Semester – 1/2 Credit
This course emphasizes building and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships among family members and other members of society. These courses often emphasize (but are not limited to) topics such as the responsibilities of a family and wage earner, balancing a career and personal life, human sexuality, marriage preparation, parenthood and the function of the family unit, the family life cycle, and life stages. They also cover topics related to stages of growth and social/dating practices. Students in this course will learn about humans from the very start of conception all the way to late adulthood. We analyze many controversial topics such as Shaken Baby Syndrome, Teen Parenting, Social Justice issues, and Social Media. The students will have the option to take home a Real Care Baby that will provide an authentic learning experience and teach them what it feels like to have an infant at such a young age. A variety of guest speakers will be invited into our classroom to elaborate on topics such as prenatal care.
Interior Design
Grades 9-12 – One Semester – 1/2 Credit
This course provides students with knowledge and skills regarding interior design and decoration of the home for the individual or family. While exploring design principles, personal needs, and style and decision making, students have an opportunity to explore such topics as color, texture, furniture styles and arrangement, window treatments, floor/wall coverings and home improvement/modification. These courses emphasize personal use and application of home elements and principles of design.
(Satisfactory completion of Interior Design + Fashion I may be used to fulfill the one credit of Art/Music required for graduation.)
FINE & VISUAL ARTS
Art History 1
Grades 9-12 – One Semester – 1/2 Credit
In the Art History 1 course, students are introduced to significant works of art, artists, and artistic movements that have shaped the art world and influenced or reflected various periods of history. Course content emphasizes the evolution of art forms, techniques, symbols, and themes. The course covers the relationship of art to social, political, and historical events throughout the world, while covering multiple artists, traditional and contemporary aesthetic issues, and the development of art. Critical analysis of visual images, as they communicate and express the history, needs, and ideals of society and individuals is included. The focus of this comprehensive course is on expression of ideas through application of a variety of media, study of historical and contemporary art and artists from a worldwide perspective, and critical analysis and exploration of techniques as they communicate and express the history, needs, and ideals of society and individuals. This course meets the art graduation requirement if both Art History 1 and Art History 2 are taken.
Art History 2
Grades 9-12 – One Semester – 1/2 Credit
PREREQUISITE: ART HISTORY 1
In the Art History 2 course, students build upon their learning from the Art History 1 class. Students are introduced to significant works of art, artists, and artistic movements that have shaped the art world and influenced or reflected various periods of history. Course content emphasizes the evolution of art forms, techniques, symbols, and themes. The course covers the relationship of art to social, political, and historical events throughout the world, while covering multiple artists, traditional and contemporary aesthetic issues, and the development of art. Critical analysis of visual images, as they communicate and express the history, needs, and ideals of society and individuals is included. The focus of this comprehensive course is on expression of ideas through application of a variety of media, study of historical and contemporary art and artists from a worldwide perspective, and critical analysis and exploration of techniques as they communicate and express the history, needs, and ideals of society and individuals. This course meets the art graduation requirement if both Art History 1 and Art History 2 are taken.
Studio in Art
Grades 9-12 – Full Year – 1 Credit
In the Studio in Art class, students are introduced to the fundamentals of artistic expression. This course includes experiences in drawing, painting, two-and three-dimensional design, and sculpture. This course emphasizes observation and interpretation of the visual environment, visual communication, imagination, and symbolism through an introduction to various visual arts media. The focus of this comprehensive course is the study of how artists convey ideas through application of a variety of media, and the study of historical and contemporary art and artists from a worldwide perspective. This course meets the art/music graduation requirement.
Drawing and Painting
Grades 9-12 – Full Year – 1 Credit
PREREQUISITE: STUDIO ART
Drawing and Painting courses focus on the interrelationships that occur between drawing and painting using a variety of media and techniques, emphasizing observation and interpretation of the visual environment. These courses typically include applying various media, mark making, and compositional strategies; along with a study of art and artists from a worldwide perspective and instruction in the critique process.
Sculpture
Grades 9-12 – One Semester – 1/2 Credit
PREREQUISITE: STUDIO ART
This Sculpture course promotes expression of ideas through three-dimensional works. Students explore representational and abstract sculpture through subtractive (carving), additive (modeling), and assemblage techniques in one or more media. A study of historical and contemporary sculpture and sculptors from a worldwide perspective, and instruction and practice in the critique process are addressed.
Digital Photography 1
Grades 9-12 – One Semester – 1/2 Credit
PREREQUISITE: STUDIO ART
Photography courses provide students with an understanding of photographic media, techniques, and processes. These courses focus on the development of photographic compositions through manipulation of the fundamental processes of artistic expression. Students in Digital Photography 1 learn to make meaningful visual statements with an emphasis on personal creative expression to communicate ideas, feelings, or values. Students learn the technical aspects of using a digital camera and manual photography. Photography courses may also include the history of photography, historic movements, image manipulation, critical analysis, and some creative special effects which will be made primarily in Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Students engage in critiques of their photographic images, the works of other students, and those by professional photographers.
Digital Photography 2
Grades 9-12 – One Semester – 1/2 Credit
In this course, students build upon their learning from Digital Photography 1. Photography courses provide students with an understanding of photographic media, techniques, and processes. Students continue to learn about the technical aspect of shooting digital photography using a digital camera. These courses focus on the development of photographic compositions through manipulation of the fundamental processes of artistic expression. Students in Digital Photography 2 learn to make meaningful visual statements with an emphasis on personal creative expression to communicate ideas, feelings, or values. Photography courses may also include the history of photography, historic movements, image manipulation, critical analysis, and some creative special effects. Students continue to use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to edit photos. Students engage in critiques of their photographic images, the works of other students, and those by professional photographers.
Graphic Art & Design (Formerly known as Visual Communication I)
Grades 9-12 – One Semester – 1/2 Credit
PREREQUISITE: STUDIO ART
The Graphic Art and Design course emphasizes applying fundamental processes of artistic expression through the exploration of the purposeful arrangement of images, symbols, and text to communicate a message. This course may include investigations of how technology influences the creation of graphic and digital designs and study historical and contemporary visual communications design. This course also provides instruction in the process of responding to his/her own art for the purpose of reflecting and refining work, and analyzing the work of others, including master designers, for the purpose of interpreting meaning.
MATHEMATICS
Algebra I
Grade 9 – Full Year – 1 Credit
This is the first course of the New York State high school mathematics curriculum. The core of this course is a solid introduction to the principles and techniques of Algebra. Some topics covered include problem solving, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, solving and graphing quadratics, factoring, operations with polynomials, and statistics. Students will take the Algebra Regents exam at the conclusion of the course. Graphing calculator use will be introduced throughout the year. Students will be placed in either a Lab or AIS based upon their performance in prior math classes, scores on state assessments as well as teacher, guidance and/or administration recommendation.
Geometry
Grade 9/10 – Full Year – 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
This is the second course of the New York State mathematics curriculum. A solid foundation of geometric concepts will be developed through coordinate, Euclidian, analytical and transformational geometry. Other topics covered include proofs, parallel lines, similar triangles, congruent triangles, properties of polygons, area, volume and an introduction to right triangle trigonometry. Students will take the Geometry Regents exam at the conclusion of the course. Graphing calculator use will be introduced throughout.
Geometry Honors
Grade 9/10 – Full Year – 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and meet the honors criteria (see below)
This course is designed for the accelerated mathematics student. All the topics in the Geometry curriculum are covered in greater depth, as well as additional enrichment topics. Graphing calculator use will be introduced throughout the year. Students will take the Geometry Regents exam at the conclusion of the course.
MUSIC
All courses in the music department are available to students in grades 9-12.
Concert Band
No Audition Required – Full Year – 1 or 1/2 Credit (based on scheduled section)
Band courses are designed to promote students’ technique for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and cover a variety of band literature styles, primarily for concert performances. The GHS Concert Band is an ensemble that includes students of all playing levels in grades 9 through 12. Anyone who plays a band instrument is welcome in the Concert Band. Throughout the school year, students in the Concert Band will improve their playing skills and musical knowledge as they learn new music and musical concepts. The Concert Band performs two concerts a year, marches for the Memorial Day Parade, and participates in our school’s graduation ceremony. Students in this band are also expected to attend small group lessons and practice their instrument throughout the school year.
Symphonic Band
Audition Required – Full Year – 1 Credit
Band courses are designed to promote students’ technique for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and cover a variety of band literature styles, primarily for concert performances. The GHS Symphonic Band is an auditioned ensemble made up of students in grades 9 through 12. The Symphonic Band gives students an opportunity to further their playing skills, perform more advanced repertoire, and continue their love of music while playing at a superior level. The Symphonic Band performs two concerts a year, marches for the Memorial Day Parade, and participates in our school’s graduation ceremony. Students in this band are also expected to attend small group lessons and practice their instrument throughout the school year.
Concert Choir
No Audition Required – Full Year – 1 or 1/2 Credit (based on scheduled section)
Chorus courses develop students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they can perform a variety of styles. These courses are designed to develop students’ vocal techniques and their ability to sing parts. Concert Choir is offered to students of all grade levels. Students are encouraged to enroll on an every-day basis, however, students can participate every other day for ½ credit if necessary. Any student with space in their schedule is encouraged to give chorus a try even if they have never sung in school before. Any and all are welcome to join!
Treble Choir (formerly Women’s Choir)
Audition Required – Full Year – 1/2 Credit
Chorus courses develop students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they can perform a variety of styles. These courses are designed to develop students’ vocal techniques and their ability to sing parts. Treble Choir meets every other day for the entire school year and is open to students who sing soprano or alto voice parts. Auditions are conducted in the spring for the following school year. Treble Choir helps students sing parts in a smaller setting with more difficult music. Young sopranos and altos in 8th grade are informed of our audition date so they may participate. Students may NOT add this to their schedule during the school year without written permission from Mrs. Scully.
Varsity Choir
Audition Required – Full Year – 1 Credit
Chorus courses develop students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they can perform a variety of styles. These courses are designed to develop students’ vocal techniques and their ability to sing parts. The students in Varsity Choir audition in the spring for the following school year. This course meets every day. Varsity Choir is designed to give students an opportunity to develop their singing skills to an advanced level. Those interested who are in 8th grade are informed of our audition date so they may participate. Students may NOT add this to their schedule during the school year without written permission from Mrs. Scully.
Jazz Voices
Audition Required – Full Year – 1/2 credit
Chorus courses develop students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they can perform a variety of styles. These courses are designed to develop students’ vocal techniques and their ability to sing parts. Students in Jazz Voices audition in the spring for the following school year. The class meets every other day. This very select group is designed to help students’ develop their technique and ability to hold the most difficult vocal parts. Jazz Voices focuses on jazz repertoire and harmonies. Those interested who are in 8th grade are informed of our audition date so they may participate. Students may not add this to their schedule during the school year.
Music Theory I/II
One Semester per Course – 1/2 Credit for Each Course
Music theory courses provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of music. Although this course is open to students at any grade level, it is highly recommended that students who enroll have some musical background or interest. Theory is the technical explanation of musical sound and can be difficult for some students, especially those who do not have a prior background in music. This is a cumulative course. Students who need 1 year of credit must sign up for Music Theory 1 and Music Theory 2 within the same school year.
Chamber Orchestra
Audition Required – Full Year – 1 Credit
Orchestra courses help develop students’ technique for playing string instruments. These courses emphasize collaboration through rehearsal and performance experiences in a range of musical styles. The Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned string ensemble that performs advanced orchestra repertoire of all genres. Instruments in the Chamber Orchestra include violin, viola, cello and upright bass. Students are selected to participate in Chamber Orchestra through an audition at the end of the previous school year. The Chamber Orchestra performs in the GHS winter and spring concerts. There are also numerous opportunities for the orchestra members to perform outside of school throughout the year. In addition to daily class rehearsals, students are expected to attend small group lessons and practice on their own.
Symphony Orchestra
No Audition Required – Full Year – 1 or 1/2 Credit (based on scheduled section)
Orchestra courses help develop students’ technique for playing string instruments. These courses emphasize collaboration through rehearsal and performance experiences in a range of musical styles. Symphony Orchestra is a string ensemble open to students of all ability levels. The Symphony Orchestra performs intermediate orchestra music of all genres. Instruments in the Symphony Orchestra include violin, viola, cello and upright bass. The Symphony Orchestra performs in the GHS winter and spring concerts. In addition to daily class rehearsals, students are expected to attend small group lessons and practice on their own.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education
Grade 9 – Full Year – 1/2 Credit
Physical Education courses provide students with the knowledge, experience and an opportunity to develop skills in more than one of the following sports and activities: Team/Net sports, Stress Management/ Recreational activities, Personal Fitness and Conditioning. Physical Education focuses on the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. The grade level outcomes include components of personal wellness and the social-emotional factors that contribute to leading an enjoyable life, extending beyond graduation. An exploration into the different domains of resources and career options are explored. Competency of various motor skills and movement patterns is demonstrated. Physical Education prepares students as they transition to post-secondary life. Students design and implement personal wellness plans that promote lifelong physical activity and fitness. Health-enhancing behaviors, such as nutrition and social-emotional factors, are included in the plan. Students apply effective habits of personal and social behaviors, as well as an exploration into the different domains of resources, other than school, to continue the practices of physical activities.
SCIENCE
Living Environment
Grade 9 – Full year – 1 credit
Living Environment follows the New York State Regents core curriculum and is designed to provide the student with a broad and general understanding of the fundamental principles of biology, culminating in the New York State Regents Exam for Living Environment. The topics included in the course are biochemistry, modern evolution, ecology, physiology of both plants and animals, and genetics. Living Environment includes selected laboratory activities that supplement and enhance the classroom topics.
Biology World
Grade 9 – Full Year – 1 Credit
Biology World is offered, upon teacher recommendation, as an alternative to the Living Environment. It follows the New York State Regents Living Environment core curriculum, with its general concepts stressed. This class offers an extra lab period per schedule rotation . Students who successfully meet the lab requirement take the New York State Regents Exam for Living Environment at the conclusion of the course.
The Living Environment Honors
Grade 9 – Full Year – 1 Credit
PREREQUISITE: 92 CLASS AVERAGE AND 92 ON FINAL EXAM IN PREVIOUS SCIENCE COURSE
Living Environment Honors is a course primarily for ninth grade students that have met the course prerequisites and have either completed Earth Science in the eighth grade or that have been recommended for this course by their eighth grade science teacher. The course parallels the New York State Regents Living Environment core curriculum, with substantial quantities of additional information being provided for the enrichment of the students and a greater emphasis on laboratory activities. Students take the New York State Regents Exam for Living Environment at the conclusion of this course.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Global History 9
Grade 9 – Full Year – 1 Credit
This course is the first year of a two-year course that culminates with a Regent’s examination in Global History for all students at the conclusion of their second year. It is a New York State requirement that all students pass this examination in order to receive a high school diploma. Global History 9 uses a chronological approach to world history, with a variety of historical themes woven into the presentation of materials. Units of study include the Ancient World Civilizations and Religions, including the rise and fall of empires (4000 B.C.E. to 500 C.E.); expanding zones of exchange and encounter (500 C.E. to 1200 C.E.); global interactions (1200 C.E. to 1650 C.E.), the first global age (1850 to 1770); and the age of revolutions (1750 to 1914).
World History 9H & AP World History
Grade 9 and 10 – Full Year – 1 Credit Each
NOTE: This two year course replaces Global History and Geography I and II. This is a college-level course. It is academically demanding and requires a significant commitment on the part of the student.
Advanced Placement World History is a two-year Advanced Placement program (grades 9 and 10). The Advanced Placement Program offers a course and exam in World History to qualified students who wish to complete studies in secondary school equivalent to an introductory college course in world history. The purpose of this course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in interaction with different human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. Areas of study include: Core topics begin with the Foundation period of prehistory to 1000 CE, which will serve as the basis during the rest of the program for a more in-depth study of global history and civilization of the past 1,000 years. This course also covers the material outlined in the course description for Global History and Geography I and II.
For World History 9H, a Department final exam based on the content, concepts and themes in this curriculum and modeled after the World History Advanced Placement exam will be administered in June.
For Advanced Placement World History, all students take the NYS Global History and Geography Regents examination in June. Students must pass this course and the Global History and Geography Regents exam in order to graduate. Students in this course are also expected to take the Advanced Placement World History exam in May. There is a fee for this exam which is determined by the College Board and is the responsibility of the student.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
*Special Education course selection will be determined at the student’s annual review.
STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math)
Robotics
Grades 9-12 – Full year – 1 Credit
Robotics courses help students develop and expand their skills and knowledge of robotics and related scientific and engineering topics. Course topics may include principles of mechanics, electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, programmable logic controllers. These courses may emphasize the use of engineering principles to design and build robots, construct and connect sensors, and program robots in the programming language.
Discovering Computer Science
Grades 9-12 – Full year – 1 Credit
This course is designed as an introduction to computer science for high school students who want to express themselves creatively and solve problems that are interesting to them using computational devices. This course is designed for students that have little or no experience studying computer science. Through a series of engaging, hands-on labs and projects, students learn the fundamentals of computer programming using the block-based language Netsblox. Students will also study the world wide web, designing and creating their own websites by writing their own HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Finally, students will explore drawing, animation, and problem solving using Python. Throughout the course, computing history and current events in computer science will be incorporated. Special topics in computer science such as diversity, privacy, laws and regulation, artificial intelligence, assistive technology, and others will be incorporated.
Design and Drawing for Production
Grades 9-12 – Full year – 1 Credit
Design and Drawing for Production (DDP) is an approved course to meet the one unit of art/music requirement for graduation for all students. The DDP syllabus is aligned with Standard 5 of the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Learning Standards and the Visual Arts Learning Standards.
Materials Processing: Wood
Grades 9-12 – Full year – 1/2 credit
Wood Processing/Production courses allow students to study the physical and chemical properties of woods and composites made from woods and to use these materials to construct usable products according to industry standards. These courses enable students to experience the process of translating an idea into a finished product, with instruction in planning, designing, selecting materials, and using tools and machines.
Advanced Materials Processing: Wood
Grades 9-12 – Full year – 1/2 credit
PREREQUISITE: MATERIALS PROCESSING: WOOD
The advanced materials processing wood course provides students with experience in constructing interior furniture. Students learn to distinguish between various types of furniture construction and their appropriate applications, and how to use various woodworking machines and power tools for cutting and shaping wood. Cabinetmaking courses cover the different methods of joining pieces of wood, how to use mechanical fasteners, and how to attach hardware. Initial topics may resemble those taught in Woodworking courses; more advanced topics may include how to install plastic laminates on surfaces and how to apply spray finishes.
WORLD LANGUAGE
Spanish I
Grade 9 – Full year – 1 Credit
Designed to introduce students to Spanish language and culture, Spanish I courses prepare students to communicate authentically in Spanish by interpreting (reading, listening, viewing), exchanging (speaking and listening; reading and writing), and presenting (speaking, writing) information on a variety of topics. In Spanish I students cover “Checkpoint A” of the New York State syllabus. Topics introduced during the year include School and Education, Personal Identification, Weather and Seasons, Holidays, Sports and Leisure, House and Family, and Health. Spanish I introduces the relationships among the products, practices, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking cultures through projects in which students compare the American and Hispanic cultures. Spanish I culminates in a departmental final examination.
Spanish II
Grade 9 – Full year – 1 Credit
PREREQUISITE: SPANISH I AND PASSING GRADE ON CHECKPOINT A EXAM IF TAKEN IN EIGHTH GRADE.
Spanish II courses build upon skills developed in Spanish I, preparing students to communicate authentically in Spanish by interpreting (reading, listening, viewing), exchanging (speaking and listening; reading and writing), and presenting (speaking, writing) information on concrete topics. Spanish II courses introduce the relationships among the products, practices, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking cultures. The thematic units covered in Spanish II include school life and education, leisure, weather and geography, the fine arts, house and home, shopping, communities and neighborhoods, and family relationships. At the end of this course, students take a departmental final exam. In Spanish II, students are preparing for “Checkpoint B” of the New York State syllabus in Spanish language.
French I
Grade 9 – Full year – 1 Credit
Designed to introduce students to French language and culture, French I courses prepare students to communicate authentically in French by interpreting (reading, listening, viewing), exchanging (speaking and listening; reading and writing), and presenting (speaking, writing) information on a variety of topics. They introduce the relationships among the products, practices, and perspectives of French-speaking cultures. In French I students cover “Checkpoint A” of the New York State syllabus. Thematic topics covered include Personal Identity, School and Education, House and Family, and Food. Besides thematic based conversations, students engage in student-centered, interactive activities to provide opportunity to practice their newly acquired second language. Cultural understanding is developed as students compare and contrast American and French cultures on a regular basis.
French II
Grade 9 – Full year – 1 Credit
PREREQUISITE: FRENCH I AND PASSING GRADE ON CHECKPOINT A EXAM IF TAKEN IN EIGHTH GRADE
French II courses build upon skills developed in French I, preparing students to communicate authentically in French by interpreting (reading, listening, viewing), exchanging (speaking and listening; reading and writing), and presenting (speaking, writing) information on concrete topics. French II courses introduce the relationships among the products, practices, and perspectives of French-speaking cultures as students compare and contrast American and French cultures on a regular basis. French II students are preparing for Checkpoint B of the New York State Syllabus. The thematic units covered in French II include school life and education, leisure, weather and geography, the fine arts, house and home, shopping, communities and neighborhoods, and family relationships. Situational conversation practice in the target language continues to be stressed for each thematic unit.