Marblehead High School- Planning to Graduate

One year of U.S. History

*Additional semester social studies elective needed by graduation

 

This survey course presents events and issues critical to the development of the United States from early America to the present. This survey course presents events and issues critical to the development of the United States from early America to the present.  By the end of the course, students will have explored various themes including American identity, politics and citizenship, war and diplomacy, demographic and technological change, reform, and globalization.   In this course, students will further develop their skills in research, non-fiction writing, and oral presentation.  

 

One year of Physics

 

Standard Physics is a college preparatory course designed to investigate concepts using analytical skills and critical thinking.  This course will cover topics in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves and thermodynamics. Conceptual understanding is emphasized, although many key ideas are represented through mathematical modeling.  Skills in measurement techniques, unit knowledge and conversion, data collection and representation, and hypothesis building will be emphasized.  Ideas are introduced through hands-on activities, while daily assignments, homework and class discussions are used to reinforce the ideas introduced in the laboratory.  Technology is woven throughout the course as a tool to gather data, analyze data, and find out information.

 

One year of Mathematics (Most common: Algebra 2 or Precalculus)

 

Algebra 2

This course is designed to be a continuation of Algebra 1. Concepts that were studied in Algebra 1 will be expanded upon and studied in greater depth. Topics include, but are not limited to: number sense and operations; patterns, relations and functions; geometric problem solving; and statistics, probability and data analysis. A mastery of the major concepts in Algebra is the ultimate goal of this course. 

 

Precalculus

 

This course is designed to prepare students for Precalculus at the college level, AP Calculus AB or Calculus CP1 at the high school level.   This is a rigorous course, focusing on the mathematics of functions, and using the skills of Algebra 2.  Topics to be studied are:  polynomial functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, analytic trigonometry and analytic geometry.  In addition, topics in discrete mathematics such as mathematical induction and probability may be covered as time permits. 

 

One year of English

 

Students will read and analyze outstanding American authors from the seventeenth century through the present day.  Students study the genres of the novel, poetry, short story, biography, drama, and essay.  Representative works include The Crucible, The Great Gatsby, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Glass Menagerie, Twelve Angry Men, A Raisin in the Sun, The Things They Carried, and selections from different movements throughout American literature. Students will write different types of essays including analytical, persuasive, and reflective, as well as present oral projects.   

 

One year of World Language (French, Spanish, Latin) 

 

There are various levels and courses depending on the student's interest and experiance. See the course catelog for more information.

 

Semester of Wellness

 

Students will set and strive to achieve measurable and realistic health goals designed to become a permanent part of their lifestyle.  Fitness units will include volleyball, high element climbing and cardiovascular games. The classroom component will research and examine the leading causes of illness and death in the U.S., personal health risks, mental health issues and infectious disease.

 

Two semesters of Fine/ Practical Arts needed by graduation

 

This can be completed during any year before graduation. There is a wide selection of classes that can be taken to fulfill this requirement. See the course catelog for more information.