Senior High Curriculum

Rhetoric

“Rhetoric of Love” – Veritas Press - 0.5 credits

By the end of this course students will be expected to:

• Define rhetoric, argument, and persuasion

• Explain the rhetorical perspectives of ancient rhetoricians

• Identify the two primary paths of rhetoric (Power and Love)

• Apply biblical principles to other people’s use of rhetoric as well as their own

• Understand why goodness, love, and action are persuasive

• Identify and analyze effective rhetoric in a wide variety of historic and modern communications

• Understand and apply the perspective triangle (normative, situational, personal) as a rhetorical tool 

• Identify and effectively (and ethically) apply pathos, logos, and ethos in an argument

• Recognize and apply the classical components of an effective argument (5 common topics, 5 canons, classical arrangement…)

• Contextualize the classical forms for modern audiences (story framework, TED-talks, slide show presentations, commercial…)

• Recognize and avoid common logical fallacies

• Listen to and thoughtfully consider multiple viewpoints with wisdom and grace

• Analyze arguments according to logic, style, ethics, and a Biblical worldview

• Recognize and learn to overcome bias

• Demonstrate proficiency in basic MLA formatting

• Understand the importance of simplicity and humility in effective communication

• Create and defend winsome and sound arguments on a number of current issues (essays, debates, presentations)

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LITERATURE/COMPOSITION

Antiquity, Christendom, Early American, and Modernity - 1.0 credit each

Textbooks: A selection of famous works from each time period

By the end of these 4 courses, students will be able to:

• Develop and produce at least 6 polished essays, including expository, narrative, descriptive, reflective, and persuasive essays as well as creative writing essays

• Master the process of writing: brainstorm, outline, rough draft, editing, and final draft.

• Write with appropriate grammar skills and writing style techniques needed to start a career or higher level of education.

• Complete research assignments and showing mastery of the MLA format for citing sources within their academic writing.

• Identify and analyze literary elements within a variety of famous works of adult literature (plot development, point of view, mood, imagery, character development, figurative language, and theme).

• Have knowledge of influential and prominent writers from Antiquity, Christendom, Early American, and Modern eras

• Analyze how the influences of a time period are reflected in an author’s works.

• Identify and analyze how an author’s life experiences, background, and world view influence the writing style, plot, and themes within their works of literature.

• Read, interpret, and evaluate a variety of texts from various time periods from a Biblical worldview.

• Produce a portfolio of the works of literature they have analyzed and the various essays they have written including a reflection of the language arts knowledge and skills they have gained and will be able to apply to their next phase of life – a career or higher level of education.

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SCIENCES

Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics - 1.0 credit each

Physical Science – BJU Press

Goals:

• To extend scientific knowledge, inquiry skills, and laboratory skills

• To guide students in applying scientific knowledge and skills in ethical ways to solve real-world problems

• To enable students to create models that describe the natural world and use them to make predictions

• To equip students with the skills to interpret informational text and apply scientific knowledge in accordance with biblical teaching

By the end of this course students will study:

• General Science (metric system, accuracy & precision, scientific process

• Matter (classification; atomic structure; periodic table; chemical bonds, formulas and equations, chemical reactions, acids and bases)

• Motion (Newton’s laws of motion; mechanical work; simple machines)

• Energy (kinetic and potential, transformations, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity and magnetism)

• Waves (periodic motion, sound, electromagnetic spectrum, and visible light)

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Biology – BJU Press

Goals:

• To extend scientific knowledge, inquiry skills, and laboratory skills

• To guide students in applying scientific knowledge and skills in ethical ways to solve real-world problems

• To enable students to create models that describe the natural world and use them to make predictions

• To equip students with the skills to interpret informational text and apply scientific knowledge in accordance with biblical teaching

By the end of this course students will study:

• Basic Chemistry (elements and compounds; chemical bonds; organic chemistry)

• Ecology (biomes, ecosystems, food webs, biochemical cycles)

• Cytology (cell theory, cell structure and functions)

• Genetics (cell division, genetic crosses, inheritance)

• Evolution (Darwin, modern theory of evolution, Biblical creationism)

• Classification (taxonomy, prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, animals)

• Plants (classification, structure, reproduction and other processes)

• Animals (classification and reproduction)

• The Human Body (tissues, organs, and systems; structure, function, and role of systems)

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Chemistry - BJU Press

Core Content Areas

• Matter & Atomic Structure: Classification of matter; atomic theory and structure; periodic trends

• Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure: Ionic, covalent, metallic bonding; molecular geometry

• Stoichiometry & Reactions: Chemical formulas, balancing equations, quantitative analysis

• Solutions, Acids & Bases: Solubility, concentration calculations, pH and titration

• Kinetics & Equilibrium: Reaction rates, dynamic equilibrium, Le Chatelier’s Principle

• Thermochemistry & Thermodynamics: Heat, enthalpy, spontaneous processes

• Electrochemistry: Redox reactions, galvanic/voltaic cells

• Organic & Biochemistry: Functional groups, basic organic molecules, biochemistry fundamentals

• Nuclear Chemistry: Radioactive decay, nuclear reactions

Skills & Instructional Goals

• Lab proficiency: Students engage in inquiry and STEM labs, recording observations, analyzing data, constructing and testing models

• Ethical & Biblical Integration: Features like Ethics Boxes, case studies, webquests foster worldview-based engagement

• Scientific reasoning: Emphasis on problem-solving strategies and application of the scientific method in inquiry labs

• Content mastery: Section objectives, study guides, quizzes/tests tied to objectives ensure measurable learning

• Modeling & Visual Tools: Use of graphic organizers, periodic table “atom families,” probeware, technology, and molecular models

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Physics, BJU Press

• Foundational Concepts

  • Understanding of classical mechanics: motion, forces, Newton’s laws, work, energy, momentum.

  • Mastery of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and energy conservation.

  • Exploration of wave phenomena, including sound and light.

  • Study of electricity and magnetism, circuits, and electromagnetic fields.

• Mathematical Applications

  • Ability to apply algebra, trigonometry, and some pre-calculus to solve physics problems.

  • Emphasis on problem-solving strategies and step-by-step analysis of physical scenarios.

• Laboratory Skills

  • Development of hands-on skills through experiments and lab investigations.

  • Use of data collection, analysis, graphing, and interpretation to understand physical laws.

• Scientific Method

  • Application of the scientific method: hypothesis formation, testing, observation, and conclusion.

  • Critical thinking about the reliability and validity of experimental data.

• Worldview Integration

  • Discussions on how physics concepts reflect God's design in the universe.

  • Critical evaluation of scientific theories in light of Biblical principles (e.g., origins, cosmology).

• Preparation for Higher Education

  • Equips students for success in college-level physics or STEM fields.

  • Encourages logical reasoning and analytical thinking.

• Communication

  • Encourages students to articulate scientific concepts clearly both orally and in writing.

  • Explains historical developments in physics and their implications.

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MATH

Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Consumer Math -1.0 credit each

Algebra I - BJU Press (see 8th Grade curriculum)

Algebra II – BJU Press

By the end of this course students will be expected to know:

• Basic Algebra I Concepts

• Linear relationships: How to find the equation of a line given two points, point and slope. How to graph linear equations, model linear data, and find distances and midpoints

• How to solve and apply systems of equations and inequalities graphically and algebraically

• The Matric Theory: Organizing data using matrices, matrix operations, Determinants and Cramer’s rule. Applying matrices to solving systems of equations

• Quadratic Equations: Multiplying, factoring, solving by factoring and taking roots. How to deal with complex numbers, solve by completing the square and using the quadratic formula.

• Polynomial Functions: Operations, factoring and graphing.

• Radicals and Exponents: Simplifying, operations and applications.

• Exponential and logarithmic functions: Operations, inverse functions and relations, exponential functions and using them. Log functions: properties of and applications of.

• Rational expressions and equations: Simplifying r, operations with, solving of and graphing of.

• Trigonometry: Right triangles, coordinate plane, unit circle, radians and degrees, all trig functions and how to solve, reduce and apply.

• Trigonometric identities: Laws of Sin and Cos, basic identities, verifying identities, sum and difference identities, solving trig equations.

• Sequences and Series: Basic knowledge, arithmetic and geometric sequences, sigma notation

• Probability and statistics: Counting principles, basic probability, compound events, binomial probability distribution, describing and organizing data.

• Conic sections and quadratic systems: graphing, calculating systems of equations to illustrate circles, parabolas, ellipses, hyperbolas

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Geometry - BJU Press

By the end of this course students will be expected to know:

• Foundations of Geometry: Sets, definitions, incidence postulates, theorems, segment and angle measurement, circles, polygons, polyhedra.

• Reasoning & Proof: Inductive/deductive reasoning, truth tables, angle & segment proofs, bisectors, basic constructions.

• Parallel & Perpendicular Lines: Characteristics, proofs, constructions, and introductory coordinate geometry.

• Triangle Congruence: Angle relationships, triangle congruence postulates (SAS, ASA, AAS, SSS), flowchart proofs, right triangles, midsegments.

• Triangle Relationships: Circumcenter, incenter, orthocenter, centroid, triangle inequalities, constructions, indirect proofs.

• Quadrilaterals: Classification, properties, proofs, coordinate geometry of trapezoids, kites, parallelograms, squares, rhombi, rectangles.

• Area: Area postulates, polygons, Pythagorean theorem, special triangles, regular polygons, circles.

• Circles: Chords, tangents, arc length, sectors, inscribed angles, secants, related constructions & graphs.

• Surface Area & Volume: Nets and calculations for prisms, cylinders, pyramids, spheres; includes non-Euclidean geometry and perspective overview.

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Consumer Math - BJU Press

• Prepares students for real-world financial decisions—budgeting, taxes, banking, loans, insurance, home/car purchase, vacations—and frames these within stewardship principles

• Combines conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and practical problem-solving strategies grounded in Scripture

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Bible

1.0 credit required for every year attending GCCA

Story of Christianity

The Story of Christianity by David Bentley Hart – Memoria Press

By the end of this course students will be expected to:

• Know the Christian Church’s origins in Judaism to the “house churches” in contemporary China.

• Know a brief overview of the Old Testament, the Gospels and the book of Acts as well as the history of the Church

• Tie historical events to scriptural passages

• Explore modern day issues of faith and belief

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***Summaries for the remaining three Bible courses offered coming soon***

Spanish

Spanish I and Spanish II - 1.0 credit each

Spanish I: ¡Avancemos! 1 – Holt McDougal

Course Description: ¡Avancemos! Spanish 1 is a course designed to introduce the students to all aspects of foreign language study. Grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are included. Cultural information is provided and briefly taught throughout the duration of the course. Emphasis is placed on conversation, vocabulary and correct usage of the language. Correct pronunciation and oral proficiency are primary goals. This requires an emphasis on listening and speaking.

By the end of this course students will be expected to:

• Know basic Spanish

• Engage in short conversations in Spanish, including greeting people, introducing themselves, and exchanging basic information with others about school, family, friends, food, shopping, activities and going places.

Spanish II: ¡Avancemos! 2 – Holt McDougal

• Vocabulary & Themes: Self-description, daily living, health, travel, legends.

• Language Modes:

• Interpretive: Understand real-world and textbook Spanish.

  • Interpersonal: Ask/answer questions, hold simple conversations.

  • Presentational: Write or speak coherent narratives or personal descriptions.

• Grammar & Structures:

  • Present tense (including stem-changing, irregular yo, reflexive)

  • Present progressive

  • Preterite (with focus on varied patterns)

  • Imperfect introduction & contrast

  • Future with ir + a + infinitive

• Culture & Projects: Regular cultural components focusing on different Spanish-speaking countries; projects tied to readings, recipes, myths, etc.

***Summaries for the following courses coming soon***

HISTORY/HUMANITIES

4.0 credits required -1.0 credit each year

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MUSIC

0.25 credit each​

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PRACTICAL MATH

0.5 credits

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ECONOMICS 

0.5 credits

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SENIOR THESIS

1.0 credits

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COLLEGE AND CAREER

0.5 credits