College Entrance Record

College Guidance

Use of Technology in Learning

Upper School (8-12)

Curriculum

English

Upper School English concentrates on reading, writing, and speaking with increasing precision, clarity and thoughtfulness. The wide-ranging literature includes not only a study of classics and the students’ own rich American heritage, but also an introduction to works from diverse cultural backgrounds, leading to electives during the senior year that can range from Shakespeare to Russian Literature to Latin American Literature.

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Foreign Languages

In the Upper School, communication skills are further developed and encouraged with the goal of promoting fluency. In Class 9, in addition to offerings in French and Spanish, students may elect to study Chinese. Regular use of the language lab supports the integration of communication technology for oral and listening practice and assessment. Studies at advanced levels are offered, including Advanced Placement Language, Advanced Placement Literature, and electives in language and culture.

History

In the Upper School, students build on their geography and critical-thinking skills from the Middle School. They continue to examine causal relationships and historical perspective through a variety of primary and secondary source material. Students hone their abilities to construct and defend an argument. Students are required to take three years of history in the Upper School. In Class 8, girls study the history of Asia from the river valley civilizations to the present; in Class 9 or 10, they take modern European history; and in Class 11, they study U.S. history. Class 11 students also have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement U.S. History. Advanced Placement Art History and Advanced Placement European History are open to seniors, and several different electives, on frequently changing topics that range from the ancient to the contemporary, are open to Classes 10, 11 and 12.

Mathematics

The Upper School math curriculum provides all students with the opportunity to achieve competency in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and pre-calculus so that each girl has broad options for future education and careers. Most students choose to study mathematics through the senior year, when Advanced Placement courses are offered in Calculus AB, Calculus BC and statistics. Varied trimester electives such as finance, advanced geometry and statistics are open to Classes 10, 11 and 12. The program stresses both conceptual understanding and the development of algebraic skills. Use of the graphing calculator and computer software is integrated into the curriculum.

Science

Upper School science builds on the foundations established in the Lower and Middle School science programs. Extra class time is dedicated to laboratory experiments as students practice traditional and technology-based science skills. A wide range of courses is available, including Advanced Placement Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and specially focused electives such as Anatomy and Physiology and DNA and Technology.

Technology Education

The goal of the computer science program in the Upper School is to integrate technology throughout the liberal arts curriculum, in conjunction with teachers of all disciplines. A required course in Class 8 solidifies a core of technology skills, emphasizing Flash animation and working with audio. A required course in Class 9 provides each girl with an iSpace Web site which she develops around a chosen area of intellectual expertise. The AP Java elective course in the upper grades provides an avenue for advanced computer programming.

Drama

The Upper School program begins with public speaking in Class 8 and with the continuation of an interdisciplinary curriculum in Classes 8 and 9. Along with practical performance skills, girls continue to develop self-confidence and analytical and perceptual skills. Advanced elective courses include Playwriting, Theatrical Design, Acting and Directing Lab, and Historical Drama. Individual study in drama is available to seniors with a demonstrated interest in drama. Upper School extracurricular drama opportunities include musicals, major productions in our Black Box Theater, and student-directed work.

Dance

The Upper School dance curriculum in Classes 8 and 9 continues interdisciplinary work and collaboration with art, music and drama and also explores the history and technique of American jazz dance. The more specialized electives offered in Classes 10 through 12 allow a deeper investigation of dance in its many forms including ballet, modern, jazz, yoga, musical theater, dance composition, improvisation and dance history. The Upper School Dance Club requires a strong student commitment to crafting composition, casting and directing rehearsals, and honing performance skills.

Music

Skills acquired in Kindergarten through Class 7 are applied and enhanced in the Class 8 and 9 interdisciplinary arts course, electives and performing ensembles. Creative exploration, performance skills, collaborative work and comparative analysis of varied music styles are essential elements of the student’s musical experience. Performing ensembles give students direct experiences in performance practice and opportunities to reinforce concepts of language, history and cultural diversity. The ensembles include a chorus, student-directed a cappella groups, an African drumming group, handbell ensemble, and instrumental chamber ensemble. Independent sudy is available to seniors with a demonstrated interest in music.

Visual Arts

The Upper School Program in art allows students to select from a wide range of electives that focus on a particular medium, such as drawing, ceramics, photography or video. The range of choices provides for both students who are studio oriented as well as for those who are more verbal or technically adept with creative experiences commensurate with the program of the school.

Library Education

In the Upper School, the information and research skills introduced in the Middle School are reinforced on every grade level through library research projects ranging from literature and history to geometry. Special emphasis is placed on helping students locate, evaluate, and manage the quantity and quality of information accessible through the Internet and online databases.

Physical Education

The Upper School program helps students to develop a lifelong habit of fitness. Classes 8 and 9 continue with skill-based instruction in familiar sports such as soccer, volleyball and basketball, as well as in the newly introduced sports of ultimate frisbee and flag football. The Class 10 through 12 program becomes more varied and elective in nature, as students help to determine the activities in which their class will participate during the year. Activities offered include team handball, yoga, “strength and stretch,” wiffle ball, badminton and indoor soccer. The school’s two fitness rooms are used extensively for classes in weight training and aerobic workouts.

Learning Resources

The Learning Resources Department provides guidance and support to both students and faculty in all three divisions of the school. The department is also responsible for both informal and standardized testing from Kindergarten through Class 8. In the Upper School, the department serves individual students who come for assistance in areas of time management, reading comprehension, study skills and writing. Teachers are consulted to determine the student’s specific needs. The student is seen individually on a short-term basis. The department also works with faculty to make them aware of different learning styles and needs.

Homeroom Program

The Upper School homeroom program supports each student as an individual and a member of the community. Classes 8 and 9 focus on academic and social adjustment, individual and group responsibility, and growing independence. Classes 10 and 11 emphasize leadership development, responsibility, good decisions, self-advocacy, class identity, self-confidence, and time and stress management. The Upper School homeroom program culminates in Class 12’s exercising school leadership, planning for the future, and making the transition, intellectually and emotionally, from high school to college.