Art I and Art II
Art I builds upon prior art knowledge and experiences developed through previous studies. Students will build upon their cumulative knowledge and experience of art in order to grow in ability to describe, evaluate, respond, and produce. The use of a wide range of subject matter, symbols, and meaningful images for visual expression is encouraged. Students are encouraged to create projects in the disciplines of print making, sculpture, painting, collage, drawing, building, and graphics.
Art II consists of more in-depth studies and practices in the technical skills needed to produce creative works. Various art processes, procedures, and theories are presented in a problem-solving manner which allows independent choices and personal solutions to be reached. This level encourages students to work in areas where their interest lies.
Chess (A) and Chess (B)
This introductory course covers the history of the game, the chessboard and chessmen, checkmating patterns, simple tactical elements such as pins, forks, discoveries, and sacrifices, the use of algebraic notation, and tournament rules.
Chess B is a continuation of Chess A. It involves a more detailed study of tactical moves such as skewers, discovery, sacrifice, removing the guard, attraction, attacking flight squares, discovered checks, and clearance. Openings, middle game principles, and end-game strategies are studied. Students also master algebraic notation. Chess A is a prerequisite.
Chorus
Chorus is a mixed-gender, performance ensemble that requires no audition. The purpose of Chorus is to train students to sing alone as well as in a small performing group. They will learn vocal skills, music reading and to appreciate various music styles. The students perform at various school functions including Christmas Program, Spring Festival, Baccalaureate, and various concerts throughout the year.
Computers
The upper school technology curriculum seeks to reinforce the computer operation and application software skills by providing ample opportunity to communicate, problem solve and make ethical technology choices. At the same time, the secondary curriculum will identify those students who do not have the necessary computer operations skills so that they may receive appropriate introduction or remediation. The focus is to develop a more in depth understanding of applications and to become independent, life-long technology users.
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment is where the student will take online courses from one of the local community colleges to earn college credit. In order to take a dual enrollment course one must be at least 16 years of age by the first day of class. Usually the student opts for this for their elective. The course work is the same as any other college course and the students are required to be in charge of their courses. This is a great way to get students exposed to the rigors of college while still in the safe, nurturing environment of high school. Lawrence Academy will periodically check to make sure the students are doing the assigned work and keep up with their grades.
Drama
This is a one semester course that introduces students to the element of a dramatic production; to theater history; and to the content, structure, and analysis of plays. The class promotes learning the essential vocabulary and processes of theatre as well as reading, writing, and researching theatre literature. Students also work as production company members in stage management, acting, set, costume, lighting and sound design, and various technical and stage crews.
Forensic Science
Forensic science is a one-semester elective for 11th and 12th graders. The completion of a biology course and a chemistry course is recommended. Topics covered are functions of a forensic scientist, how to process a crime scene, glass, soil, fingerprints, hair, fiber, firearms and tool marks, ammunition and ballistics analysis, drug control laws and drug schedules, chemical analysis, autopsies, DNA, documents, fires and explosions, and an overview of the application of forensic science to the American legal system. Students are able to apply their knowledge and skills through numerous lab experiences and mock crime scenes.
Life Skills
Students utilize social and emotional learning to develop skills to recognize and manage emotions, form positive relationships, solve problems that arise, motivate themselves to accomplish a goal, make responsible decisions, and avoid risky behaviors. The semester is divided into 4 modules. Upon the completion of each module, students experience a “real-life” simulation to develop group response. Students learn to identify and express their emotions verbally, and in written form.
Journalism
Students learn the skills to become successful journalists such as interviewing and deadline writing. They also learn about researching, different types of articles, and the importance of finding the truth. Journalism students are never censored and have complete freedom of speech. Each article written by the students is published in the school newspaper, The Shield.
Public Speaking
This class gives students an active individual exposure to multiple forms of public speaking. The class consists of multiple speaking assignments involving demonstration, informative, persuasive, and impromptu speeches. Other areas covered are public questions/answer, oral interpretation and debate. The students will present planned speeches of varying kinds to live audiences; learn to design, outline, practice, and deliver oral presentations; learn to organize structured thought; and to “think on their feet.”
Religion
Religion is a course offered to high school students wishing to examine the comparison of various organized world religions including Christianity, Judaism, Muslim, Atheism, etc. through analytical reading of both essays and doctrinal texts.
Test-Prep/Study Skills
Test-Prep/Study Skills is a one semester course designed to improve the student’s success on both classroom tests and standardized tests, such as PSAT/NMSQT, the SAT, the ACT, and college placement tests. Students practice and receive instruction in: critical reading, essay writing, grammar, and math skills. Students investigate proven study materials and test-taking skills. Vocabulary expansion is emphasized throughout the course.
Weight Training
The weight training course at Lawrence Academy covers all five components of physical fitness: muscular endurance, muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and body composition. Each student learns the importance of proper warm up before training as well as proper cool down after training. Students will also learn proper techniques for various weight training exercises as well as proper techniques for stretching. This course also focuses on teaching students the interactions between muscles and bones.
Yearbook
The yearbook class is unlike other classes in that you produce a pictorial journal of the entire year. The class is quite busy for the first 2/3 of the year in that the are gathering and putting together all of the information needed. Computer, photography, writing, creative, accounting, and people skills are very important for the success of this class and its product.