High School (9th - 12th Grades)

List of 12 items.

• Bible

  • OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY: In Old Testament Survey, students will learn to understand the Old Testament as a book about Jesus. We will seek to gain a basic understanding of the redemptive work of God beginning with creation and proceeding through the time of post-exilic Judah. Through careful study of both the content and context of the Old Testament Scripture, we will seek to learn more of what the Bible reveals to us about God, about humanity, and about salvation. (3/4 credit)

  • NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY: In New Testament Survey, we will learn to understand the New Testament as an intentional fulfillment of the Old Testament. We will seek to grow in our understanding of the redemptive work of Christ and its necessity as the only way to overcome the problem of sin. We will gain a basic understanding of the history of the church from the time of Christ to the end of the Apostolic era. Throughout our study, we will seek to learn more of what the Bible reveals to us about God, about humanity, and about salvation. (3/4 credit)

  • APOLOGETICS
  • ART AND THEOLOGY 

• Compostition

  • INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITION: Introducing students to a unique method for effective writing through the compositions of paragraphs and essays, the class provides the opportunity to perfect writing skills in both process and structure, along with learning basic grammar skills. The “how” of composition is emphasized, and at least 4 basic types of papers will be written. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to see writing as “verbal art,” and to approach this means of persuasive communication with a Biblical worldview and Christian approach to aesthetics. Students will write a term paper. This is our freshman entry level writing course. If a freshman desires to enter Writing in the Classical Tradition they must pass a GCCA writing test. (1 credit)

  • WRITING IN THE CLASSICAL TRADITION: This second of three writing courses offered by the GCCA high school is based on D’Angelo’s Composition in the Classical Tradition. Students will be led through 14 stages (fable, proverb, refutation, comparison, description, etc.) of the Progymnasmata, with gradual exercises that build writing proficiencies; they will learn to express themselves in a logical, well-reasoned way. Prerequisite for this course is Introduction to Composition. (1 credit)

  • RHETORIC: Rhetoric is the study of written and oral communications and the art of persuasion. As a tool of learning, it equips students to present the truth, goodness, and beauty of what they have to say, no matter what the topic or arena. This course for upper-level high school students teaches the theory of rhetoric as laid out by ancient thinkers like Aristotle, while allowing the students ample practice in analyzing and imitating persuasive writings and speeches of some of the great speakers and writers throughout history. It focuses on excellent writing and solid biblical thinking. Students cover Aristotle’s Five Canons of Rhetoric  (invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery). Students will write and present a thesis publically. Prerequisite for this course is Writing in the Classical Tradition. (1 credit)

• Foreign Language

  • SPANISH I: This introductory Spanish course will focus on a multi-faceted approach for secondary language acquisition and use, crouched within the framework of a biblical world and life view. Growth in thinking, listening, writing, reading and speaking Latin American Spanish will be emphasized. Internet access is required for this course. (1 Credit)

  • SPANISH II: Growth in thinking, listening, writing, reading and speaking Latin American Spanish will be emphasized and knowledge that is integrally connected with the study of Spanish (in the realms of linguistics, history, geography, religion, music art, literature, and culture) will be incorporated. Internet access is required for this course. Prerequisite for this course is Spanish I. (1 credit)

  • SPANISH III: Continued growth in thinking, listening, writing, reading and speaking Latin American Spanish will be emphasized. The study of culture is incorporated in the continuing study of linguistics, history, geography, religion, music, art and literature. More writing will be done as students master the use of the language. Internet access is required for this course. Prerequisite for this course is Spanish II. (1 credit)

• Health

  Taught from a biblical perspective, the class endeavors to understand the relationship of our bodies, our health and fitness, and our environment in order to determine how one can live a pleasing and full life to the glory of God. (½ credit)

• History

  • MEDIEVAL HISTORY II: This Medieval History course covers a period of about 1000 years, from A.D. 300-1453. (1 credit)
    
    • Selections from The Medieval World: An Illustrated Atlas from National Geographic, The History of the Medieval World: From The Conversion of Constatine to the First Crusade by Susan Wise Bauer, City of God by Augustine, Two Lives of Charlemagne by Einhard (Author), Notker the Stammerer (Author), St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Francis of Assisi by G.K. Chesterton.  
    • The first two quarters focus on the fall of the Roman Empire, followed by the rise of the Holy Roman Empire. Students will look into Augustine's City of God to understand how Christianity had to rationally combat the entrenched pagan worldview. They will examine the life of Charlemagne to understand how Christians, sincerely but perhaps unwisely, took up the sword to battle against secularism. The last two quarters will focus on teh more traditional Medieval Era. In addition to the textbook, students will be reading about significant figures who shaped the theological ideas of the times, particularly Thomas Aquinas. This is a rhetoric level class with expectations of thorough note taking on readings, a high level of interactive discussion, and attentive note taking in class. 

  • MODERN WESTERN HISTORY I: (1500 to 1800) An exploration of the seminal ideas, major movements, decisive events, and key individuals in American history.  (1 credit)

  • MODERN WESTERN HISTORY II: (1800 to the present ) An exploration of the seminal ideas, major movements, decisive events, and key individuals in American history. This course will also meet the PA requirement for Pennsylvania history. (1 credit)

  • ANCIENT HISTORY II: This course explores the foundational Greek and Roman texts of Western Civilization and considers the major ideas that have shaped the modern world.  The class challenges students to continually ask two major questions, “What is it saying?” and “Is it true?”  The answers to these are found by discussing and closely analyzing texts and then comparing them with culture today and ultimately with the truth of God’s Word.  The universal themes presented are still those that people wrestle with today and are the origin of the Great Conversation in literature that continues even into our present age. 
    • Selections from: The History of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer, Landmark Thucydides - A Comprehensive Guide to the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides, War with Hannibal by Titus Livius Livy, Selected Works of Cicero by Cicero, The Annals of Imperial Rome by Cornelius Tacitus, Josephus: The Essential Writings by Flavius Josephus

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• Literature

  • ANCIENT LITERATURE II: This course explores the foundational Greek and Roman texts of Western Civilization and considers the major ideas that have shaped the modern world.  The class challenges students to continually ask two major questions, “What is it saying?” and “Is it true?”  The answers to these are found by discussing and closely analyzing texts and then comparing them with culture today and ultimately with the truth of God’s Word.  The universal themes presented are still those that people wrestle with today and are the origin of the Great Conversation in literature that continues even into our present age.
    • Selected readings: Aesop's Fables edited by Jack Zipes, Mythology by Edith Hamilton, The Illiad by Homer (trans. Robert Fagles), Antigone by Sophocles (trans. Sir George Young), The Republic by Plato (trans. H.D.P. Lee), The Poetics by Aristotle, (trans. Ingram Bywater)

  • MEDIEVAL LITERATURE II: This course follows a roughly chronological sequence, pairing as closely as possible to the studies of the Medieval History course.  Students begin with the rich tapestry of England’s primary legend, King Arthur.  This is followed by a foray into Viking legends, which had a profound influence on popular fantasy authors like Tolkien.  In Macbeth students witness how the lust for power corrupts even the best of men.  The third quarter focuses on a profound shift in the high middle ages as courtly love became popular.  The Lais of Marie de France are courtly love vignettes that perfectly encapsulate the idea, especially as it connects with chivalry and knighthood.  Dante then takes his courtly love for Beatrice and goes on a metaphysical journey through hell to heaven in order to be near her.  Students read the first part of The Divine Comedy – The Inferno.   Finally, Chaucer takes all of these ideas into consideration through his Canterbury Tales, which gives a fairly comprehensive look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of medievalism.  This is a Rhetoric level class with expectations of a high level of note taking, interactive discussion, and presentation.
    • Student readings include: The Once and Future King by T.H. White, The Saga of the Volsungs (Penguin Classics ISBN-13: 978-0-140-44738-5), Macbeth by Shakespeare (Folger Shakespeare Library ISBN: 978-0-7434-7710-9), The Lais of Marie de France by Marie de France (Author), Glyn S. Burgess (Translator), The Inferno by Dante Alighieri, The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (Author), Nevill Coghill (Translator)

  • MODERN WESTERN LITERATURE II: (1800 to the present) This course follows a roughly chronological sequence, pairing as closely as possible to the studies of the Medieval History course. Students begin with the rich tapestry of England's primary legend, King Arthur. This is followed by a foray into Viking legends, which had a profound influence on popular fantasy authors like Tolkien. In Macbeth students witness how the lust for power corrupts even the best of men. The third quarter focuses on a profound shift in the high middle ages as courtly love became popular. The Lais of Marie de France are courtly love vignettes that perfectly encapsulate the idea, especially as it connects with chivalry and knighthood. Dante then takes his courtly love for Beatrice and goes on a metaphysical journey through hell to heaven in order to be near her. Students read the first part of The Divine Comedy - The Inferno. Finally, Chaucer takes all of these ideas into consideration through his Canterbury Tales, which gives a fairly comprehensive look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of medievalism. This is a Rhetoric level class with expectations of a high level of note-taking, interactive discussion, and presentation.Seminal works relating to history of Western Civilization will be studied, with an emphasis on American Literature. (1 credit)

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• Mathematics

  • ALGEBRA I: This course covers the basic algebraic concepts from a review of operations and functions through quadratic equations and number sequences. Topics of study include fundamental operations, functions and graphs, integers, rational numbers, equations in one variable, equations in two variable, simultaneous equations, exponents, polynomials, factoring, fractions, square roots, quadratic equations, real numbers, fractional equations, inequalities and number sentences. The text used will deal with the “why” before tackling the “how” in various algebraic principles. (1 credit)

  • GEOMETRY: This course covers basic geometrical concepts in areas including lines, angles, constructions, deductive reasoning with proofs, congruence, inequalities, quadrilaterals, transformations, area, similarity, right triangles, circles, concurrence theorems, polygons, geometric solids, and non-Euclidean geometries. The text used includes periodic algebra reviews and exercises with geometry problems from the SAT. Prerequisite for this course is algebra 1. (1 credit)

  • ALGEBRA II: This course introduces and explores operations, linear functions, linear relations, quadratic equations, polynomial functions, systems of equations and inequalities, radicals, and rational expressions and equations. Prerequisite for this course is algebra 1 and geometry. (1 credit)

  • PRE-CALCULUS : This course includes a short review of algebra 2 and covers principles in trigonometry including quadratic relations and systems, higher-degree functions and systems, sequences and series, probability, data analysis, functions of a random variable, trigonometric and circular functions and their properties, and triangle problems. Prerequisite for this course is algebra 2. (1 credit)

  • CALCULUS: This course includes a review of functions and trigonometry along with covering limits and continuity, differentiation, curve sketching, definite and indefinite integrals, and applications.  Prerequisite for this course is Pre-calculus. (1 credit)

  • STATISTICS: This course covers basic statistical concepts including analyzing and modeling one and two-variable data sets, data collection, probability, sampling distributions, parameters, claim testing, ethics of statistics, and common methods of misrepresenting statistical data. This course has a strong focus on real world applications and interpreting the statistics that abound in today’s world. Prerequisite for this course is algebra 1. (1 credit)

  • BUSINESS MATH: This course will cover practical math skills for use in personal and business finance. We will gain a basic grasp of gross and net income, income tax, loans and interest, and many sorts of business and personal expenses. We will also learn how to keep track of expenses and make informed financial decisions. (1 credit)

• Science

  • PHYSICAL SCIENCE WITH LAB: This course is designed to be the last science course the student takes before high school biology. The text discusses such topics as the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, weather, the structure of the earth, environmentalism, the physics of motion, Newton’s Laws, gravity, and astrophysics. (1 credit)

  • BIOLOGY WITH LAB: This college-prep biology course provides a detailed introduction to the methods and concepts of general biology. Heavily emphasizing the vocabulary of biology, it provides the student with a strong background in the scientific method, the five-kingdom classification scheme, microscopy, biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular and Mendelian genetics, evolution (part scientific theory, part unconfirmed hypothesis), dissection, and ecosystems. Prerequisite for this course is physical science or the equivalent. (1 credit)

  • CHEMISTRY WITH LAB: This college-prep course covers significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, the laws, and equilibrium. Exams will be from the text as well as tutor-created exams with essays and critical thinking questions. Prerequisite for this course is algebra 1. To be successful in chemistry, a student needs to be extremely proficient at rearranging algebraic equations to solve for an unknown variable. (1 credit)

  • PHYSICS WITH LAB: This college-prep physics course is designed for the student who has completed algebra and who has had an introduction to the definitions of sine, cosine, and tangent. It provides a detailed introduction to the methods and concepts of general physics, heavily emphasizing student developed models. It provides the student with a strong background in one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion, Newton’s laws and their application, gravity, work and energy, momentum, periodic motion, waves, optics, electrical circuits, and magnetism. Prerequisites for this course include algebra I, geometry, and 3 basic trigonometry functions (usually covered in Geometry). (1 credit)

  • ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY: This college-prep course covers the terminology of the major systems of the body along with their respective histology and physiology. This course includes dissections of sheep hearts and brains as well as a cumulative fetal pig dissection. Exams will be from the text as well as tutor-created exams. Students are also expected to demonstrate their learning through two projects. Prerequisite for this course is biology. To be successful in anatomy and physiology, a student needs to be motivated to spend the necessary time to study the material. (1 credit)

• SAT/CLT Prep

  •  This course is designed to prepare students for taking the SAT and/or the CLT exams by giving them specific strategies and allowing them to practice them. New methods and techniques for approaching the various types of questions are demonstrated, equipping the students with more tools and a greater comfort level with the format of the standardized tests. Sections from sample tests, multiple drills, and untimed problem sets are practiced throughout this semester-long course. (1/4 credit)

• Physical Education

  (1/4 credit)

• Art

  Art courses are designed for students wishing to pursue upper level art training. They are part of a four-year cycle, with one art course being offered each year on a rotational basis. Students are able to enter this art program during any part of the cycle. Classes will be once a week with homework. Full-time students will be required to take two art classes during their high school training. Our music program is designed to provide our students with the language and skills necessary to enjoy choral and instrumental music both as a participant as well as a listener. Full-time students are required to take two music courses during their high school training. Participating in a full scale drama production will fulfill a ½ credit for our art and music requirement.
  

  • ART I: DRAWING / MARK MAKING: This class is designed for students wishing to pursue upper level art training, a two-dimensional class that will focus on mark-making while studying line and tone development. There will be weekly exercises, class critiques, and a final project each 9 week grading period. (1/4 credit)
  • ART 2: 3-D CLAY BUILDING: This class will learn the various hand-building techniques for clay. There will be a focus on creating sculpture as well as functional art. A new project will be created each nine weeks. (1/4 credit)
  • ART 3: ART THROUGH HISTORY : This course will focus on studying and creating art that explores the styles and methods of the past. This class will cover eight different art styles from classical Greek to modern. The course will mostly deal with two and three-dimensional work. (1/4 credit)
  • ART 4: REPURPOSED ART: This class will focus on making art from non-traditional art material that is not only beautiful, but also functional. A new project will be created each nine weeks. (1/4 credit)

• Choir

  
  

  • CHOIR: The GCCA high school choir offers the opportunity to minister to God, His church, and to those in our community with the great tradition of Western choral music. Students will learn the skills needed to sing in parts as a group and will present public performances, including formal concerts, nursing home visits, and minister to local churches. (1/4 credit)