High School Curriculum
Upper School Curriculum Overview
Upper School at SouthLake Christian Academy is a challenging college preparatory curriculum integrated with Biblical teachings designed to teach students how to think independently, logically and thoughtfully. Consistent with our Statement of Philosophy, "Educating Mind, Body, and Soul, we are committed to the intellectual, physical and spiritual development of each SouthLake Christian student. We provide an academic environment that allows each student the opportunity to expand on lessons learned in earlier grades and prepare them for the academic, spiritual and life challenges they will face in college and beyond. These challenges are real and we believe learning to respond appropriately to life's challenges is at the very core of the educational process.
We strongly encourage students to participate in athletics, the arts, and community service. Participation in these activities allows students to learn the importance of cooperation, physical well being, developing artistic gifts and the sharing of themselves. These activities combined with the college preparatory curriculum help every student reach his or her full potential and transform the SouthLake educational experience into a lifetime of success.
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Composition 1, II, III
Composition I is the implementation of current aspects of writing instruction in order to improve the skill level of students' writing. Grammar essentials are incorporated as students focus on the mechanics of effective sentence construction. This class is required for all ninth through eleventh grade students.
English I Honors
This course encompasses all the requirements of English I with vocabulary study. In addition, students read, discuss and analyze selected classic novels. Selections include the Odyssey, Aeneid, Ivanhoe, The Prince, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Effective analysis includes emphasis on mechanics and style. Prerequisites: Language Arts Department placement.
English II
English II is a study of plays, novels and poetry from the time of the Reformation through the Twentieth Century, including how authors implement different literary elements such as theme, foreshadowing, irony and symbolism into their writing. Study also includes the historical situation of the author to understand the theme and intention of the work. Texts include Romeo and Juliet, Pilgrim's Progress, Cyrano de Bergerac, and Tale of Two Cities.
English III Honors
This course continues to build in the areas of language arts while emphasizing American literature. Through the study of American literature, students gain further understanding of modern historical settings, philosophies, and worldviews as presented in literature. Students read primary sources to correspond with the American history curriculum. Selections include Moby Dick, and Plymouth Plantation as well as works of Jonathan Edwards. Prerequisites: Language Arts Department placement.
English IV
British literature is a novel-based study from primary source writings of British authors. Students read selections that not only are classics of British literature to prepare them academically, but also are readings to challenge and deepen their Christian faith such as Mere Christianity by CS Lewis. Other selections include works of Shakespeare, Ben Johnson and the Cavalier poets, as well as writings of Austen, Dickens and Copperfield.
AP English
Through lectures, small group discussions, comprehensive reading and critical writing, the English AP class explores the major periods, authors and literature themes that shaped the thinking and history of British literature. Typical readings for this course are Shakespeare's Hamlet and Macbeth, Milton's Paradise Lost, as well as an abundance of short stories and essays. Prerequisites: Advised verbal score on the PSAT.
Biology
Biology covers the study of nature and the continuity of life. The nature of living things, along with their anatomy and physiology, are investigated. Also, ecological issues of today and current biological advances are explored. Biology Honors: This course is designed for strong honors students who are encouraged to explore, while they seek to grasp the material they need to learn. Major areas of emphasis include human health and social and environmental issues. Prerequisites: Science department placement.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter and the transformations it undergoes. This is a problem-solving course designed to coordinate the theoretical elements of the science with laboratory experimentation. Students receive an introduction to the major divisions of chemistry. Prerequisites: Biology and Geometry.
Chemistry Honors
This honors course is a theoretical approach to topics covered in chemistry, with one extended lab period per cycle. Some independent work is required. Students address such topics as atomic structure, chemical bonding, the mole concept formulas and equations, periodicity, physical states of matter, kinematics, equilibrium, oxidation-reductions, acids and bases and organic chemistry. Prerequisites: Algebra II and Science department placement.
Physics
Physics is the study of the phenomena of motion, force, energy, sound, electricity, magnetism, light and other selected topics. The conceptual development of some central themes of physics and their practical applications are emphasized, as well as the methods used to discover and explain physical phenomena. This course will include laboratory exercises, problem-solving activities and study projects. Prerequisites: Biology, chemistry (may be taken concurrently), Algebra II and Science department placement.
Spanish IV Honors
This course includes a comprehensive and intensive review and expansion of grammar and vocabulary. Students are challenged to express themselves in conversation and in written papers. A large component of the course is a study of representative literature in prose, poetry and drama within historical periods. In lieu of Spanish IV, students may request to take a college credit class in Spanish at a local junior or community college.
Government/Economics
This course is an introduction to American government and politics to show the interrelationships between and among the various levels and branches of government with instruction of the pre-suppositional foundations from history. Second semester study includes a basic introduction to economic concepts as they relate to micro and macro environments and the global economy.
AP Microconomics
This course introduces economic analysis of choices made by individuals, businesses, and industries in the market economy. Topics include the price mechanism, supply and demand, optimizing economic behavior, costs and revenue, market structures, factor markets, income distribution, market failure, and government intervention. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and evaluate consumer and business alternatives in order to efficiently achieve economic objectives.
American History
This study of American history is vital to students' recognition of their heritage and understanding of democratic values. The U.S. history course emphasizes advanced college preparatory skills such as essay writing, research and discussion. Primary source materials from American history are read. A major analytical research paper is required second semester.
AP US History
This course is designed to develop a student's knowledge of the historical content, including an understanding of the major themes in American history with the awareness of the connections between historical events and the corresponding literature. Emphasis is placed on the ability to relate events to contemporary issues, where applicable, and to analyze the historical evidence. The AP exam is required to be taken in May.
Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors
This pure and applied mathematics course integrates geometry, discrete mathematics and statistics together with algebra. Students study new topics such as exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, trigonometry and conic sections, series and combinations. Prerequisites: Algebra I and Math Department placement.
Geometry
Students are introduced to geometric reasoning involving basic geometric figures. Geometric properties and formulas dealing with triangles, circles and other polygons are taught along with the use of deductive and inductive reasoning to develop conclusions in Euclidean Geometry. Basic constructions and coordinate geometry are integrated throughout the curriculum. Prerequisites: Algebra I.
Honors Pre-Calculus
This is an investigative approach to mathematical ideas and processes of functions graphically, numerically and algebraically. Students gain a broader, deeper and more useful understanding of the concepts or processes in preparation for the study of calculus. Prerequisites: Algebra II/Trigonometry and Geometry, as well as Math Department placement.
Calculus
This course introduces concepts of differentiation and integration and their applications to solving problems; the course is designed for students needing one semester of calculus. Topics include functions, graphing, differentiation, and integration with emphasis on applications drawn from business, economics, and biological and behavioral sciences. The AP Examination is required to be taken in May.
Bible
The life of Christ is studied through the Gospel accounts, building a thorough understanding of Christ, His person and work. Also, the history and doctrine of the New Testament Church, from the books of Acts through Revelation, is studied. Students are introduced to the cultural, historical and doctrinal aspects of the New Testament following the Gospels.
Fine Arts
Students may choose from courses such as Choir, Strings, Music Appreciation, Studio Art, Computer Graphics, and Technology Art. Our Fine Arts staff also offers private lessons during after school hours. Upper School students participate in a major drama production each spring. See the Fine Arts area of the website for more detailed information.
Art History
This course covers the development of art forms from ancient times to the Renaissance. Emphasis is placed on content, terminology, design, and style. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an historical understanding of art as a product reflective of human social development.
Photography I
This course introduces photographic equipment, theory, and processes. Emphasis is placed on camera operation, composition, darkroom technique, and creative expression. Upon completion, students should be able to successfully expose, develop, and print a well-conceived composition. Using their own 35mm camera to take photographs, students will develop printing techniques such as burning, dodging, controlling density and contrast, and basic photo finishing.
Photography II
This course introduces the creative manipulation of alternative photographic materials and processes such as toning, hand coloring, infrared, and multiple exposure. Emphasis is placed on personal vision and modes of seeing. Upon completion, students should be able to create properly exposed images using a variety of photographic materials and processes.
Ceramics
This course provides an introduction to three-dimensional design principles using the medium of clay. Emphasis is placed on fundamentals of forming, surface design, glaze application, and firing. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate skills in slab and coil construction, simple wheel forms, glaze technique, and creative expression. Assignments are structured to encourage students to explore their own personal expression.
Computer Science
Students develop a portfolio of their computer skills work to document computer proficiency. Topics of study include the computer keyboard, word processing and document development in the software program Microsoft Office. Spreadsheet and database development are also introduced, as well as PowerPoint slide show production.
13820 Hager's Ferry Road | Huntersville, NC 28078 | 704-949-2200 | 