Course Descriptions

**Art I: Art I examines the Elements of Art. The Elements of Art are the visual "tools" that artists use to create. Artists use these elements with the principles of design to compose a piece of artwork. Through a number of projects students will be introduced to the Elements of Art using different mediums, including: water color, charcoal, clay, aluminum, graphite, pen and ink, color pencil, ceramics, and others. This is an introductory course designed to encourage creativity and perseverance. (semester)

AVID: AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a middle school through high school program designed to prepare students for university eligibility. The program goal is to enroll students in rigorous courses by providing them with intensive support to ensure their academic success. In 7th grade, during their daily, AVID class, students will receive training and support in writing within the common core frameworks, inquiry through in-class, weekly tutorials, collaboration through project-based, weekly assignments, completed in groups of 3-4 students, organization in usage of their (3) ring binders, and develop expertise in utilizing Cornell Notes. (year-long)

*ASB: ASB is a leadership class on campus with the goal of creating a positive school culture and climate. By developing leadership, character, and oratory skills, students will work to recognize staff and students on campus through the creation and implementation of different events on campus. The students will run this academic rewards program designed to highlight achievements in academics, attendance, behavior, citizenship, recognition, respect, reinforcement, and reward. (year-long)

Concert Band (Band I, Beginning): For students who play or wish to learn flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba or percussion. Students will choose an instrument and learn to play as a group. Students will read and write music and perform for audiences both in and out of school (attendance is expected at 3-4 evening performances). Having your own instrument is encouraged but school instruments are available to borrow. (year-long)

**Creative Writing: Creative writing is offered to 7th and 8th-grade students, and will explore themes relevant to today's world and the middle school experience. Students will analyze the works of published authors, learn various writing techniques, and will apply their knowledge through forms such as poetry, short stories, songs, and memoirs. In this class, students have the freedom to explore their creative process and find their unique voice as a writer. (semester)

**Drama: Students will learn skills in pantomime, voice acting, sound effects, role plays, reader’s theater, improvisation, and short plays. All activities are done in groups within the class and it is a lot of fun! In addition, students will be exposed to classic films in order to analyze how acting styles have evolved throughout the years. (semester)

Ensign Engineering (Design & Modeling and Automation & Robotics): Explore the Engineering Design Process as students create foot braces, 3D puzzles, toys, machines, and an automated assembly line while learning how to express ideas in a variety of forms, models, and media. We will be working with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, VEX Robotics hardware, and a wide array of materials.(year-long)

Film and Humanities: Film and Humanities is a course designed to help students develop a broader perspective of what it means to be human through the study of film and literature. Exploring film history and film criticism will encourage students to look at film through a more academic lens. The class will include analyzing and discussing significant movies and texts, as well as engaging in various writing tasks and activities to encourage greater cultural and social understanding. (year-long)

String Orchestra: For students who play or wish to learn violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will choose an instrument and learn to play as a group. Students will read and write music and perform for audiences both in and out of school (attendance is expected at 3-4 evening performances). Having your own instrument is encouraged but school instruments are available to borrow. (year-long)

Vocal Music: For students who love to sing and want to improve their vocal skills, all experience levels welcome! Students will sing a variety of musical styles in whole-class, small group, and solo settings. Students will learn to read and write music and sight-sing using solfege. Students will perform for audiences both in and out of school (attendance is expected at 3-4 evening performances). (year-long)

*Requires teacher approval, application, recommendation, audition, and/ or interview.
**Creative Writing/ Drama rotates at the semester with Art I.