Junior Year
The eleventh grade curriculum expands the academic horizon for students. The Advanced Placement Math, Science, English, and History programs at St. Paul’s have a proven record of excellence, and the Fine and Performing Arts Department ranks as one of the best in the state. This year is critical for college applications, and juniors are provided with additional resources, such as an 11th and 12th grade counselor and a college counseling team, both of whom have decades of experience and who research current high school and college trends.
Many eleventh graders take advantage of the vast number of co-curricular and spiritual opportunities provided to students. By the junior year, many students begin to assume leadership positions. For example, the SGA at St. Paul’s has been extremely successful at giving students a forum that allows their gifts and talents to flourish. Additionally, St. Paul’s offers juniors a Service Leadership Class, which has a proven record of engaging, inspiring, and preparing students to be active citizens.
English
ENGLISH 11
This course includes a survey of American literature, beginning with the works of the early settlers, their history and journals, and continuing through the late twentieth century authors. The course provides students with an understanding of the cultural heritage of the United States and focuses on the ability to read and write critically about the themes and values that reflect this heritage. The major text for this course is Holt’s Elements of Literature: Essentials of American Literature. Students also read selected American novels, including The Scarlet Letter and The Great Gatsby.
WRITING SEMINAR 11
Writing Seminar is a course designed for juniors who would benefit from additional writing instruction beyond their grade level English class and as a part of students’ college preparatory studies. The course combines a serious study of grammar, reading comprehension, and writing activities that are interesting, enriching, and encouraging. The goal is to make writing a positive experience. The types of writing include persuasive essays, informative essays, literary analysis, business letters, resume writing, basic research papers, ACT/ SAT grammar work and reading comprehension, as well as ACT/SAT writing activities. The course also emphasizes understanding of voice and tone in writing. The course content is adaptable, however, depending on the diagnosed needs of the students.
AP ENGLISH 11
The AP course in Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and reading make students aware of the writer’s purpose, audience expectations, and subjects. Activities and assignments enhance the student’s understanding of how language resources contribute to effectiveness in writing. In addition to the predominance of non-fiction, four American novels are read during the year. Reading assignments also include American literary history and other selections from American authors. Evaluation is primarily on essays, but vocabulary work, group participation and engaging class activities are included in the course grade. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam, for which there is an additional fee.
SOCIAL STUDIES
UNITED STATES HISTORY
This course is a survey of United States history. It begins with the study of the nation’s formative years with heavy concentration on the Constitution. This course continues through United States History and ends with the current time period. Both United States and world geography as well as current event relations are incorporated into each unit. Critical reading and thinking and historical writing are emphasized. Major projects include research papers, critical book reviews, oral presentations, Internet assignments, and, during presidential election years, an election project. Evaluation is based on unit tests, quizzes, homework, and a variety of in-class activities and out-of-class assignments.
AP UNITED STATES HISTORY
The AP program in United States History is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and issues in United States history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. This is a survey course that includes units ranging from exploration and colonization to the present. A college level textbook and supplemental readings are utilized. Evaluations include unit tests, quizzes, oral presentations, document analysis, and standard essays as well as DBQs (document-based questions). The second semester grade will be an average of second and third quarter and no St Paul's second semester exam will be given for the course. All students enrolled in the Advanced Placement courses will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, for which there is an additional fee.
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
Advanced Placement European History provides a study of political, diplomatic, social, economic, and cultural history of Europe from the Renaissance to the present. The demands of the class are equivalent to those made by an introductory college course. This survey course utilizes a college level textbook and primary source outside readings. Emphasis is on the development of analytical thinking, reading comprehension, organizational techniques, note taking and essay writing. Particular emphasis is given to the DBQ (document-based question). Evaluation is based on unit tests, chapter quizzes, homework, and a variety of in-class and out-of-class assignments. The second semester grade will be an average of second and third quarter and no St. Paul's second semester exam will be given for the course. All students enrolled in the Advanced Placement courses will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, for which there is an additional fee.
COMMUNICATION
SPEECH 1
The speech course is designed to enhance students’ overall communication skills; specifically, speech delivery, critical thinking, writing, organizing and outlining. Outlines and speeches carry equal weight in evaluation. In addition to speechmaking, students will also study nonverbal communication, interview skills and debate. Speech students will discuss current events regularly. Speech is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
MASS COMMUNICATIONS
Mass communication students will explore the following areas of communication: advertising, public relations, sales, video and print journalism, publication design and public speaking. All student work in the course will be published or performed for a broad and public audience, affording students the opportunity to learn in a real-world setting. The mass communications course is open to all juniors and seniors; there is no prerequisite. Students may take the course only once.
JOURNALISM I
Students in this class are responsible for publishing the school newspaper and maintaining the Epistle website. Emphasis is on writing skills, editing, layout, web site design, and photojournalism.
JOURNALISM II/III
This course is a continuation of the level-I course. The editors for the publication will be in the second/third year course where emphasis will be placed on student leadership, meeting deadlines and organizational skills.
YEARBOOK I
Students in this class form the core of the yearbook staff. They plan the publication of the yearbook, including the basic layouts, the planning and positioning of photos, and the writing of copy and captions as well as the computer entry of the materials. They will also be responsible for maintaining the Halo’s website.
MATH
APPLIED MATH
Algebra I (200 or 230) and Geometry (201 or 231) are the prerequisites. This is the second-year course in algebra, designed for students who need to build a stronger background in the fundamentals of Algebra I and Geometry before entering Algebra II. Concepts from Algebra I and Geometry are reviewed for reinforcement. Algebra II topics covered include: simplifying algebraic expressions; solving word problems; linear equations; determinants; radicals; and solving quadratic systems, and trigonometry. Emphasis is on the mastery and application of basic skills rather than theory. SAT/ACT preparation is periodically used. Students are evaluated on quizzes, tests, graphing calculator proficiency, and homework completion. Algebra II (204 or 233) is required following this course.
ALGEBRA II
This traditional second-year algebra course connects algebra principles to other areas of mathematics as well as to real-life applications. It begins with a review and extension of topics from Algebra I. Emphasis is on simplifying various types of algebraic expressions as well as equation solving and application with word problems. Additional topics include algebraic proofs, linear equations, determinants, complex numbers, logarithms, solving quadratic systems, operations with radicals, solving polynomial functions, rational equations, and statistics. Students are evaluated on tests, quizzes, and homework completion.
ALGEBRA III/TRIGONOMETRY
The prerequisites for this course are Geometry and Algebra II. Algebra III/Trig is an extension of Algebra II designed to study new and additional topics not covered in Algebra I or Algebra II. This course has been developed in order to bridge the instruction between Algebra II and Pre-Calculus. After working with advanced graphing topics such as polynomial inequalities, polynomial functions and relations, and conics, this course concentrates on extensive study of trigonometric functions from both circular and right triangle perspectives. Topics also include sequences, logarithms, matrices. Students will be evaluated on quizzes, tests, and homework completion.
PRE-CALCULUS
The prerequisite for Pre-Calculus is Algebra II/Trig. In this course topics coinciding with the study of economics cover discrete mathematics, statistics, curve fitting and models, logarithms, probability, combinatorics, matrices and their applications, sequences and series, counting principles and probabilities, limits and an introduction to derivatives. Other topics involve advanced graphing, such as families of functions including trigonometric and discontinuous functions and applications, analytic geometric applications, polar and parametric equations, and vectors. Students are evaluated through tests, quizzes, homework completion, group work and special projects. Visualization is enhanced through use of graphing calculators and computer activities.
HONORS PRE-CALCULUS
This course is an accelerated version of Pre-Calculus with Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry as a prerequisite. This course covers the same topics as Pre-Calculus but at an advanced level, stressing both theory and application. It emphasizes problem-solving skills through additional topics, some of which are mathematical induction, an introduction to calculus with the derivative, limits, continuity, finding maximums and minimums of functions and velocity and accelerations. SAT/ACT preparation is periodically used. Students are evaluated on tests, quizzes, homework completion, graphing calculator mastery, group work, computer activities and special projects.
SCIENCE
AP CHEMISTRY
This class is the equivalent of a general chemistry course given in the first year of college. As a quantitative chemistry review, some topics like the structure and states of matter, reactions, and stoichiometry will be presented in much greater detail than the first year of general chemistry. Other topics, such as reactions in equilibrium, kinetics of reactions and thermodynamics, will be offered for the first time. Laboratory work will be a critical part of the class with some experiments occurring over multiple days. Chemistry (403) is a prerequisite to this course. Advanced Placement courses provide the opportunity for students to receive college credit through the Advanced Placement examination process. All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, for which there is an additional fee.
AP BIOLOGY
AP Biology, a university level biology course, is an in-depth study and research into biochemistry, genetics, taxonomy and systematics, cellular biology, physiology, botany, and an introductory study of vertebrates and invertebrates. Labs are College Board required and include dissolved oxygen testing, enzymes, genetic engineering (transformation of E. coli), cell respiration, transpiration, diffusion and osmosis, physiology of the circulatory system, etc. This course is preparation for the advanced placement biology exam, where college credit is possible. Advanced Placement courses provide the opportunity for students to receive college credit through the Advanced Placement examination process. All students enrolled in the Advanced Placement courses will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, for which there is an additional fee.
MARINE BIOLOGY
Marine Biology presents the fascinating world of the ocean - its physical, chemical and biological interactions are explored using computer programs, cooperative learning activities, field trips, laboratory investigations and research projects. The topography, the stratification of the watery environment, and the biodiversity of marine habitats are investigated. The unique features of the water are the basis for learning survival skills and for discovering the importance of the marine world including its flora and fauna. This course delves into the mysterious depths of the hydrosphere, dispelling myths and establishing facts pertinent to mankind's quest for understanding all biomes within the biosphere.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Human Anatomy and Physiology is a course designed for juniors and seniors interested in exploring the wonders of the incredible human body. The course utilizes a systems approach to the study of the human body. Both structure and physiological function are emphasized as well as regulatory mechanisms and interactions between systems. Lab experiences including dissection of the cat and the use of analytical devices and techniques are incorporated.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
AP environmental science is a college level interdisciplinary science course that investigates Biosphere I yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It seeks to find solutions to environmental issues by understanding biological, chemical, and physical interactions within the local and global habitats as well as incorporating the economic, political, and ethical issues of mankind. It is an applied science that examines human intervention in the natural world using basic scientific principles, mathematical calculations, and understandings of society. Problem solving, using data collections from the field, critical thinking skills, and observations, structures the study of Biosphere I. Advanced Placement courses provide the opportunity for students to receive college credit through the Advanced Placement examination process. All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, for which there is an additional fee.
PHYSICS
Physics explores the areas of Newtonian mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, Newtonian gravitation, angular motion, momentum, and the work energy theorem), the laws of thermodynamics, simple harmonic motion, sound, light and optics, electrical charge, Ohm’s law and DC circuits. Also included is a brief overview of modern physics covering quantum theory, nuclear physics, and Einstein’s relativistic physics. Physics or Honors Physics is a required course for graduation.
HONORS PHYSICS
Honors physics will be an extensive study of Newtonian mechanics (linear and projectile motion, forces in one and two dimensions, gravitation, circular motion, momentum, and energy), Electricity & Magnetism (static electricity, electric fields, current electricity, series and parallel circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, and electromagnetism), and Optics & Sound (reflection and mirrors, refraction and lenses, interference and diffraction, vibrations and waves). Class will also include an introduction to modern physics and astrophysics including preliminary studies of general relativity, dark matter, cosmic ray detection, and quantum theory. The class will move at an accelerated pace and there will be a heavy emphasis on math. Viable candidates will have successfully completed Algebra II.
WORLD LANGUAGES
SPANISH I
This course introduces the student to the concept of studying a foreign language and to basic Spanish grammar. Vocabulary drawn from everyday life is enhanced through idiomatic study in an effort to highlight cultural differences. All four communicative skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—receive equal attention. In addition to traditional methods and resources which are used by the teacher, Rosetta Stone gives students an invaluable tool to strengthen those fundamental communication skills.
SPANISH II
This course continues the examination of the structure of the language begun in Spanish I. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of grammatical patterns, while continuing the emphasis on oral communication and cultural enrichment. . In addition to traditional methods and resources which are used by the teacher, Rosetta Stone gives students an invaluable tool to strengthen those fundamental communication skills.
SPANISH III
This course focuses on the mastery of the structure of the Spanish language. Proficiency skills in reading, writing, and speaking are developed through exposure to cultural and literary themes. In addition to traditional methods and resources which are used by the teacher, Rosetta Stone gives students an invaluable tool to strengthen those fundamental communication skills.
FRENCH I
This course equips students with basic tools for second language acquisition. Daily practice in the primary skills of communication--listening, speaking, reading, and writing--fosters understanding of French vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. Cultural activities highlight the similarities and differences between French and American life. In addition to traditional methods and resources which are used by the teacher, Rosetta Stone gives students an invaluable tool to strengthen those fundamental communication skills. Chapter tests assess listening, reading and writing skills.
FRENCH II
This course strengthens and expands communication skills introduced in French I. Increased emphasis is placed on oral proficiency and reading comprehension at the intermediate level. Cultural topics feature important aspects of daily life in France and in other French-speaking countries. In addition to traditional methods and resources which are used by the teacher, Rosetta Stone gives students an invaluable tool to strengthen those fundamental communication skills. Chapter tests assess listening, reading and writing skills.
FRENCH III
Conducted primarily in the target language, this course prepares the student for advanced-level communicative proficiency, with emphasis on conversational skills, readings from literature, and advanced French grammar. In addition to traditional methods and resources which are used by the teacher, Rosetta Stone gives students an invaluable tool to strengthen those fundamental communication skills. The cultural focus extends to French literary and political history, the arts, and trends in contemporary French life. The testing program offers chapter tests, with quizzes on grammar and listening comprehension.
Fine and Performing Arts
ART I
This studio course introduces students to the elements and principles of design through experimental work with a variety of media. Drawing skills are emphasized during first quarter, followed by painting, 2D design, relief and stencil printmaking processes and 3D design activities. A broad overview of Art Movements and artists from the Egyptians through the 20th century artists is incorporated into the studio portion of the course. Class critiques at the end of each project reinforce the objectives and allow the students to learn from one another and become articulate when discussing art. Teacher evaluation, based on individual abilities and skill levels, is integral to the course. Teacher approval required to continue to Art II or Photography I or II.
ART II
This art elective affords students the opportunity to continue the study of two-dimensional concepts while exploring three-dimensional design. Project inspiration is often gathered from Modern and Post-Modern artists, their styles, media, and various themes / concepts. Students study the artists from a historical as well as a technical perspective involving a variety of mediums. Specific media explored include: painting, printmaking, collage, found objects, mosaics, wire, wood, and cut paper. 3-D sculptural construction and presentation expand the students’ experience with new concepts and materials while preparing students for AP Art. Elements and principles of design, composition, subject matter, color, space and form are addressed as students search for personal forms of expression. Class critiques and discussions are an integral part of the course. Art I is a prerequisite and teacher approval is required.
ART III
This course is for the visual artist who wishes to develop a deeper understanding of the elements and principles of design through more sophisticated aesthetic problem solving. Life drawing and figure drawing constitute the point of departure for the exploration of a variety of media. Graphite, pen/ ink and wash, oil and chalk pastels, Prismacolor, watercolor, tempera batik, and acrylics will be used with an emphasis on each student developing personal, individualized expression. Class critiques and teacher evaluation are integral to the learning process. Art I is a prerequisite and teacher approval is required.
PHOTOGRAPHY I 3
The photography program enables students to study photography as an art form. The Photography I course introduces basic digital photography with an emphasis on controlling the photographic variables. Specific areas of study include: proper use and control of a digital SLR camera, mastery of basic shooting, elements and principles of design, composition and the life and work of selected photographers. All classes carry a $175.00 (camera lease from the school) or $75.00 (if DSLR is already owned) fee per semester to cover camera lease (optional), printer paper, ink and mat board.
PHOTOGRAPHY II
In the Photography II course, after a review of basic skills, students are encouraged to begin exploring their own subject interests while learning alternative photographic processes. While refining fundamental skills learned from Photography I, students will continue to advance digitally but also engage in proper use and control of a manual 35 mm camera, darkroom skills, and experimental processes such as cyanotypes, pinholes, and mixed media. The main focus of the course is creative expression; fine art photography emphasizes the use of the camera as a means of expression and discovery. All classes carry a $175.00 fee per semester. Photography I is a prerequisite.
AP 2D DESIGN 3
This is a course for Advanced Photography students who would like to submit an AP Portfolio in 2D Design, Studio Art. Students would be working ONLY in photography. AP 2D Design requires teacher approval.
WOMEN’S CHORUS
Women’s Chorus gives students an opportunity to participate in a performing group that concentrates on individual and group choral enrichment. The group participates in required outside performance activities with the St. Paul’s Singers and separately. Because this class is performance based, with no homework, participation at performances is mandatory. Evaluation is based on participation in class and attendance at required performances.
MEN’S CHORUS
Men’s Chorus gives students an opportunity to participate in a performing group that concentrates on individual and group choral enrichment. The group participates in required outside performance activities with the St. Paul’s Singers and separately. Because this class is performance based, with no homework, participation at performances is mandatory. Evaluation is based on participation in class and attendance at required performances.
CHORALE
Chorale gives qualified students the opportunity to participate in a performing group that concentrates on individual and group choral enrichment. The group participates in required outside performance activities with the St. Paul’s Singers and separately. Because this class is performance based, with no homework, participation at performances is mandatory. Evaluation is based on participation in class and attendance at required performances. Students must qualify by audition.
SHOW CHOIR
Show Choir gives qualified students an opportunity to participate in a class that combines the toughest demands of athletics, including team spirit, with the finest forms of contemporary vocal music and closely choreographed dance routines. The group participates in required outside performance activities with the St. Paul's Singers and separately. Because this class is performance based, with no homework, participation at performances is mandatory. Evaluation is based on participation in class and attendance at required performances. Students must qualify by both vocal and dance audition.
CHAMBER SINGERS
Chamber Singers gives advanced chorus students opportunities to participate in a performing group that concentrates on individual and group choral enrichment in a small ensemble setting. The group participates in required outside performance activities with the St. Paul's Singers and separately. Because this class is performance based, with no homework, participation at performances is mandatory. Evaluation is based on participation in class and attendance at required performances. Students must qualify by audition.
VISUAL ENSEMBLE
Students in this course learn the use of a variety of equipment (flags, hoops, props, etc.) along with dance styles including lyrical, jazz, military, and modern to interpret musical selections. The Visual Ensemble performs during halftime at football games, pep rallies, and parades. Performances and extracurricular practices are scheduled throughout the year as required by the band director. The Visual Ensemble meets daily during the first semester to develop and improve all aspects of the field show. Students attend evening rehearsals in the summer (July) and a Band Camp during August to learn the music and field performance for the upcoming season. Students will receive .5 elective credits for the class (first semester, only) and may pair it with another class for the second semester.
CHAMBER STRINGS 608
Advanced Strings (The Chamber Strings) refines the higher points of orchestral ensemble playing through the study of music history, theory, and pedagogy. Students are required to attend numerous performances outside of the school day, as well as all church and school performances. Advanced Strings prepares students to compete at a collegiate level. Students are expected to maintain performance skills and demonstrate behavior required to participate in the Chamber Strings. Advanced Strings is a full year course. Students must qualify by audition.
THEATER: PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTION
This course provides an avenue of creative expression, growth in self-confidence, an outlet for creative energy, and makes students a more discerning audience. Using Theatre: Art in Action as a text, the course will focus on acting, production and technical theater. This elective will benefit the students taking any college course in the arts, public speaking, humanities, and/or survey of literature.
ADVANCED BAND
The Advanced Band performs at Winter and Spring Concerts, District and State Level concert competitions and numerous special performances. Students meet daily after marching season to prepare literature to be performed for the upcoming concerts. Time is taken during these rehearsals to advance each student’s ability level. Students individually compete for the Alabama All-State Band, Solo and Ensemble Festival, and various other honor bands
throughout the Southeast.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education: Weight Room
In the upper school, the focus is on health-enhancing physical activity, with emphasis on learning how and why to live healthy for a lifetime. Students learn how to make physical activity a part of their everyday lives beyond high school, with such activities as aerobics, body toning and recreational games. Cardiovascular efficiency, muscular endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength are emphasized at this level. Upper school weight room classes are available to students in the ninth through twelfth grades. Due to limited space, the coaching staff selects all participants. The classes are segregated by sex and are taught by members of the coaching staff. Weight, speed, and power training are taught to the inexperienced and experienced athlete. Programs specific to each sport, whether in-season or out-of-season, are developed by each coach and administered by the weight room teachers. Progress is measured up to three times a year in the strength, speed, and power categories.
LEADERSHIP
SERVICE LEADERSHIP
The Service Leadership Class will provide opportunity, direction, and leadership for the community service outreach program of St. Paul's School. This class will seek to nurture a spirit of service within our community of learners and to instill a lifelong commitment to service. Students will go through an application process prior to enrollment in the course. A two-period scheduling commitment will be required to meet the needs of the class. Although numerically graded, this course will not count in a student's cumulative GPA.
MENTOR PROGRAM
The Mentor class will educate, inspire, and equip students to make healthy, life affirming choices. Utilizing the PY/PM curriculum, (MADD's Protecting You/Protecting Me program) junior and senior students enrolled in the course are trained in content and methodology to teach this curriculum to elementary and middle school students. Presentations for upper school peers, parents, and others will be an integral part of the course. A "no-use pledge" regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other illegal substances will also be required. Students may be asked to participate in a retreat prior to the start of school. Students will go through an application process prior to enrollment in the course.