High School Grade 12 Curriculum
English & Language Arts
In their senior year, the English 12 curriculum provides a comprehensive approach, blending the study of literature with rigorous writing and presentations geared toward diverse audiences and purposes. Throughout the course, students will explore a rich variety of literary works from the British Literature. English 12 delves into timeless themes encompassing society and history, utilizing a diverse selection of fiction, non-fiction, and drama. The writing component emphasizes the development of essential college and career readiness skills through the practice of argumentative, informational, and narrative writing. In parallel, presentations are tailored to foster college and career readiness, placing a strong emphasis on the acquisition of skills vital for effective public speaking. Our aim is to equip students with the proficiencies necessary for success in both higher education and professional endeavors, nurturing them to become influential leaders in their future vocations and inspiring personal growth and development.
Our comprehensive standards-based LA curriculum follows The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects.
Precalculus
This course is a natural progression from Algebra 2 and Geometry, aiming to prepare students thoroughly for calculus and college-level mathematics. It builds upon the conceptual understanding and skills acquired in these previous courses. Students will utilize mathematical tools to investigate everyday scenarios, cultivate an awareness of modelling and functions, and analyse scenarios using multiple representations. The course encompasses topics such as linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and trigonometric functions, equations, and inequalities. In addition, students will delve into complex numbers, analytic trigonometry, sequences and series, systems and matrices, and limits of functions. If time permits, students will explore additional topics in analytic geometry in two and three-dimensional coordinate systems. The course further emphasizes problem-solving and modelling of real-world situations through the use of traditional and technology-based approaches.
Our comprehensive standards-based math curriculum is aligned with the Common core Math Standards
Calculus
With options of broadening their mathematical skills: After demonstrating skills and willingness, by the approval of the school, advanced students will be able to study AP® Calculus AB and AP® Calculus BC. Please note these courses comes with prerequisites which include preliminary coursework and/or completion of previous courses.
Environmental Science
Environmental science is a course dedicated to understanding the interactions between earth’s natural systems and the demands placed on them by the human population. The course examines the scientific principles behind natural phenomena and resource cycles, explores how we utilize these systems and our impact, and potential solutions for the resulting consequences of resource mismanagement and exploitation. The course includes elements of life science, physical science, and social science and focuses on breadth and interrelatedness of relevant current events. Concepts are explored through inquiry based laboratory exercises and/or environmental health assessment techniques, student presentations and projects.
Our comprehensive standards-based Science curriculum is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
European History
This course focuses on seven core themes: the Interaction of Europe and the World, Cultural and Intellectual Developments, Economic and Commercial Development, States and Other Institutions of Power, Social Organization and Development, National and European Identity, and Technological and Scientific Innovation. It provides education on the Renaissance and Exploration, the Age of Reformation, Absolutism and Constitutionalism, Scientific, Philosophical, and Political Advancements, Conflicts, Crises, and Reactions in the late 18th Century, Industrialization and its consequences, 19th-Century Perspectives and Political Evolution, 20th-Century Global Conflicts, as well as the Cold War and modern Europe.
Technology- Computer Science
Our high school students study computer science skills that prepare them for introductory college-level programming. They explore object-oriented programming languages and software, with a focus on Java for a wide range of applications. The course introduces software engineering and design as students learn Java in preparation for AP® Computer Science A (AP® CSA). Students also learn the fundamentals of object-oriented programming (OOP) as they consider the overall design of their programs. As an AP testing center, our school offers students the opportunity to take the AP Computer Science A exam.
Additionally, students acquire skills in design technology. They learn to create solutions in the form of models, prototypes, products, or systems. Using 3D printers and design software, they bring creative ideas to life. Students can further explore these topics in our DP Design Technology course as part of the IBDP high school diploma program.
Physical Education
Working in groups, being leaders and followers, rights of others, fairness, rule compliance, speed accuracy, skill development, baseball, volleyball, soccer, track, swimming, tennis, and surfing.
Second Language
Hebrew, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic – depending on the number of sign-ups.
Third Language – Mandarin (Mandatory)
This course introduces students to standard Mandarin Chinese language and is designed for students with little to no prior knowledge of spoken or written Mandarin. Students in this course focus on learning essential vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, and understanding simple grammatical structures. This knowledge prepares students to effectively communicate in Mandarin on a limited range of topics related to everyday situations. Students practice listening and speaking in real-life situations, learn to read and write Chinese characters, and examine how culture and language interact in China. In-class activities and course assignments aim to assist students as they develop the oral proficiency and confidence necessary to initiate simple conversations.
Music History
This course is designed to teach about the history of music; its evolution and impact throughout the years. Emphasis is also placed on developing a keen understanding of music through speaking, reading, and listening to music. Students learn musical terms, definitions, and other musical concepts. Music is then presented from a historical perspective with an emphasis on prominent composers and musical periods/styles. Ideas, customs, and political climates in relation to each musical period are examined. Students are introduced to famous artists and study each time period of music history by reading, listening to recordings, watching films, concerts, etc. Offering specific inputs on diverse music genres like opera, famous classical artists and their music, the history of soul, blues and rock, etc., helps gather an understanding of the global cultural and historical music history context. Music history projects are often finalized with different, varied presentations.
Art History
Art History is a course that studies the history of art from 8000 B.C.E. to the present. This course involves a study of how art has impacted society and world history. The central and key enduring questions that are addressed in this course include the following: What is art, and how is it made? Why and how does art change? How do we describe our thinking about art? Through these essential questions, students uniquely explore the big ideas of Art History, effectively and precisely articulating an artwork’s meaning and function, its maker’s methodology, and the ways it reflects and affects its historical and cultural context. With these enduring questions as the foundation, the Art History course is organized into ten cultural and chronological units, emphasizing daily practice of questioning techniques, methods of discussion, analytical paradigms, guided discovery, and independent learning. These strategies and techniques enable students to develop critical thinking and visual literacy skills with which they can deeply extract meaning from any artwork they encounter throughout their lives.
Economics (Microeconomics & Macroeconomics)
Microeconomics is an introductory course that focuses on the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.
Macroeconomics is an introductory course that focuses on the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination; it also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.
Psychology
The purpose of this course is to investigate why human beings think and act the way they do. This is an introductory course and will cover a wide range of topics. Students will be expected to expand on and explore various topics. The course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.
Politics
Students will study the purposes, principles, and practices of American government as established by the Constitution. Students are expected to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens and how to exercise these rights and responsibilities in local, state, and national government. Students will learn the structure and processes of the government of the state of Tennessee and various local governments. The reading of primary source documents is a key feature of the United States Government and Civics standards.
SAT®
An integrated system of tests including the SAT. T.H.I.S provides prep courses and serves as a test center for the examination.
Advanced Placement® (AP®)
An undergraduate university-level curricula and examinations for high school students. Colleges and universities in the US and elsewhere worldwide may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain qualifying scores on the examinations. THIS offers AP courses and tests.
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)
A two-year educational programme primarily aimed at 16-to-19-year-olds in 140 countries around the world. The programme provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognized by many universities worldwide. THIS offers IBDP courses and assessment.
