Course Selection for Freshman Year
Freshmen are required to take a minimum of 7 credits (up to a maximum of 8 credits:
REQUIRED COURSES
9
9
of Required Courses
Elective Credits up to 2.5
*Leveling for freshmen courses is determined by the Vice Principal and the Department Chairs, and is based on placement tests, teacher recommendations and other available academic information.
Will I have a study hall?
This is an important question! As you transition to high school, we hope that you make the most of opportunities to get involved in the life of your school - in arts and service clubs, athletics, and more. Day by day, you’ll be developing time management and study skills that will help you successful navigate increasing academic and extracurricular responsibilities.
As you choose your elective courses, know your options:
• Choosing 7 total credits means you’ll have a study hall all year. This is the default schedule for all freshman.
• Choosing 7.5 total credits means you’ll have study hall for one-semester. A special request may be made to the Vice Principal to take 7.5 credits.
• Choosing 8 total credits means you will NOT have a study hall. A special request may be made to the Vice Principal to take 8 credits.
Do I have to take a world language?
There is no graduation requirement for world language, however for college-bound students, at least two years of a world language is highly recommended. The earlier you begin studying a language, the easier it will be to take two consecutive years of the same language (as recommended by colleges) or for learning an additional language.
Before graduating from Delone Catholic, you’ll need to successfully complete at least two of these three required electives:
POP MUSIC & BEYOND
This fun and educational one-semester course will give students an understanding of the basic building blocks of music and how modern-day songwriters and performers use those building blocks to create students’ favorite songs.
Concepts and skills covered will include the elements of music, history of pop music, music in our lives, creativity, music technology, playing various instruments and reading and writing notation.
This course is especially tailored for students who do not play a band instrument or enjoy singing. Students who have experience playing a band instrument or singing are encouraged to substitute Instrumental Music (8913) or Vocal Music (8923) for this requirement.
WORLD OF ART
This course is designed to develop a visual vocabulary and understanding of art elements, media and creative processes. Students will use critical thinking and problem solving skills to produce two-dimensional art. Students will become aware of the art forms found in cultures around the world and be introduced to successful artists and well-known masterpieces.
HOME & FAMILY LIFE SKILLS
A foundation for independent living will be learned through the following content: kitchen basics, safeguarding health, laundry essentials, personal finance and budgeting, basic sewing skills, and interior design.
RANK YOUR REQUIRED ELECTIVES
Freshmen should choose at least two full credits of electives. You
⚪ + ⚪
⚪ +
CIRCLE-HALF+
or
CIRCLE-HALF or CIRCLE-HALF+ CIRCLE-HALF+ CIRCLE-HALF+ CIRCLE-HALF
Elective choices for freshmen include world languages, as described below and
World Language
FRENCH I-A | 1 credit
French I is designed to introduce the student to the basic skills of World language-speaking, reading, listening and writing. Aspects of the culture of the French-speaking world will be presented in the course. Students who anticipate studying French for two or more years are encouraged to begin the language in the ninth grade.
Prerequisites:
1. A minimum average of 80 percent in Junior High Language Arts Program.
2. Recommendation of the 8th grade English teacher and the World Language Chair.
FRENCH II-A | 1 credit
French II is a continuation of the work of the first year. A more in-depth study of the structures and languagepatterns is the basis of the course. French vocabulary will be stressed and expanded, and the study of the culture ofthe French-speaking world will be continued.
Prerequisites:
1. A minimum average of 80 percent on the French placement test.
2. Recommendation of the World Languages chair.
You will be asked to rank your choices on the course selection form. or or languages, technology education, and music, on the following pages.
Language Electives
SPANISH I-A | 1 credit
Spanish I is designed to introduce the student to the basic skills of World language - speaking, reading, listening and writing. Aspects of Spanish and Latin American cultures are presented in this course. Students who anticipate studying Spanish for two or more years are encouraged to begin the language in the ninth grade.
Prerequisites:
1. A minimum average of 80 percent in Junior High Language Arts Program.
2. Recommendation of the 8th grade English teacher and the World Language Chair.
SPANISH II-A | 1 credit
Spanish II is a continuation of the work of the first year. A more indepth study of the structures and language patterns is the basis of the course. Spanish vocabulary will be stressed and expanded and the study of Spanish and Latin American cultures will be continued.
Prerequisites:
1. A minimum average of 80 percent on the Spanish placement test.
2. Recommendation of the World Languages Chair.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC | 1 credit
This course is intended to enhance the student’s understanding of music through concentrated study of a band instrument, keyboard or bass guitar. Participation in concert band is a required part of this study. Specific concepts and skills covered in this course include instrument care, posture, breathing, embouchure or stick grip, technique, articulation, tone quality, intonation, balance, blend, expression, conducting, listening, notation, basic music theory, aural training and creativity. Music for public performance is also rehearsed at this time. This course may be taken all four years. Credit is given for each year the course is taken and successfully completed.
Students are required to attend two a year outside of school hours, as well as the Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, and several in-school assemblies, including liturgies. Instrumental Music Class is required for students who wish to participate in Concert Band, Jazz Band, Flute Choir, County Band or District Band. Students will need to purchase white band shoes for around $40 for their band uniforms and pay a $15 uniform cleaning fee.
This course may be substituted for the Pop Music and Beyond required elective. Prerequisite:
1. Any student desiring to play in Concert Band should register for Instrumental Music.
Technology Education Elective
ENGINEERING DESIGN | 1 credit
Students are introduced to the engineering design process, applying math, science and engineering standards to identify and design solutions to a variety of real problems. Students work both individually and in collaborative teams to develop and document design solutions using engineering notebooks and 3D modeling software. Students will additionally have the experience of shop safety and an introduction to proper use and competencies of basic hand and power tools.
BEGINNING TO INTERMEDIATE ACOUSTIC GUITAR | 0.5 credit
Students will learn the basics of playing riffs, chords and melody on the acoustic guitar, including the reading of basic music notation. Students will apply their knowledge and skills to the performance of actual songs (some of which will be student-selected).
Prerequisite:
1. Students are not required to own a guitar or have any previous guitar experience.
2. Beginning and intermediate guitarists are both welcome. No previous guitar experience is necessary.
3. Students must keep fingernails trimmed (at least the left hand).
This course may be substituted for the Pop Music and Beyond required elective.
VOCAL MUSIC-A | 0.5 credit
Vocal Music is offered to any student who would like more vocal training and experience than is possible during the chorus activity period alone. Vocal Music is a one-semester class, but it can be taken both semesters if desired. Students receive one-half (.5) credit every time they take the class during their high school career. Students who enroll in this for one semester are encouraged, but not required, to take the chorus activity period during the other semester. Concepts and skills covered include: posture, breathing, tone quality, tonal and rhythmic notation, aural training, critical listening and creating. A variety of music will be sung throughout the semester.
As a practical application of the course material, all students in Vocal Music are required to participate in a mandatory rehearsal and one or two concerts outside of school hours, as well as several in-school assemblies, including liturgies.
This course may be substituted for the Pop Music and Beyond required elective.