Tenth Grade Academic Program (2023-24) – General Studies Required Courses

Students must take four years of English. Placements are determined by the department.

Language, Literature and Writing II

This second-year foundation course focuses on issues of self-identity through a study of novel, drama, memoir, poetry and short story. Students do an intensive unit on writing the academic research paper, learning techniques of topic formation, note taking, outlining, as well as organizing and writing the paper. The focus is on primary sources. Documentation issues are thoroughly addressed. Students write for self-expression as well, using different genres. Grammar and vocabulary study are integrated into the curriculum as weekly features of instruction. Based on teacher and administrative input, students may be placed in sections that are specialized in order to address their needs for enrichment or remediation.

Enrollment in  the AP European History course requires administrative approval. Four years of history is required.

Advanced Placement European History

The advanced placement program is designed to allow students the opportunity to pursue college level courses in high school. This course focuses on the areas of European history from the Renaissance through the Cold War.  Students will read text material as well as original sources. Students will also refine their skills in the process of creating a full historical research paper. Teacher recommendations are required for entry into this course. Departmental and administrative approval is required.

European History

This is the second half of the two-year program in global history with an emphasis on European History.  Students begin with the period of Enlightenment and the effect it had on the development of modern politics.  They will explore how it influenced the French Revolution, sparking nationalist liberation movements throughout European nations and their colonial attachments.  Next, they will examine how the Industrial Revolution had a tremendous effect on the way people within different parts of the World lived and interacted.  Students will explore how such influences caused the age of imperialism eventually culminating in World War I and World War II.  Students will witness the devastating, World altering effects of these conflicts resulting in a cold war between the superpowers.  In addition, students will take a closer look into different areas of concentration, such as genocides and the struggle for the rights of the people.  This course exposes students to a diverse array of primary source materials -- comparing these historical events to current issues to make these topics much more relatable.  There are many interactive, experiential activities meant to promote thought while challenging the students to fully analyze historical incidents.  Students will be better able to evaluate where they stand on issues that helped shape the World we live within today.  Based on teacher and administrative input, students may be placed in sections that are specialized in order to address their needs for enrichment and/or remediation.

European History: Foundations

This is the second year of the two-year program in global history. Beginning in the period of the Enlightenment, students will consider not only important cultural developments but also the emergence of modern political thinking. They will study the impact of Enlightenment thinkers and the story of the French Revolution. They will cover the following topics in the twentieth century: the story of mass democracy, feminism, the two world wars and the cold war, and national  independence movements/decolonization. In this skills-level class students will continue to develop vital skills in reading, writing, note taking, and critical thinking. Teachers will place a strong focus on skill development and use modified assessments and classroom material. The goal will be to use differentiated methods of teaching to reflect each student's needs.

Jewish History

Who is a Jew? What is a Jew? Why are there Jews? The Jewish History course will examine how these questions have been answered by Jews, non-Jews, rich, poor, powerful, powerless, scholars, and the unschooled from 1500 to the present. Students will learn how intellectual, economic and political shifts shaped the answers given to these questions, threatened the survival of Jewish communities, and opened new opportunities for Jews as well. Through a combination of readings, discussions, multimedia resources, and an in depth study of some of the Gedolei Yisroel and their works,  students will gain a deep understanding of the trajectory of Jewish history.

All tenth graders are required to take math. Placements will be determined by the department. The following course descriptions follow the new sequence of mathematics instruction beginning in the ninth grade of the 2023-34 academic year.

Accelerated Algebra II with Trigonometry

Students enhance their algebraic skills and develop an understanding and mastery of trigonometric concepts. Students extend their study of real numbers, equations and inequalities, functions, systems of equations, polynomials, rational expressions, complex numbers, quadratic equations, transformations, second degree equations, polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, an in depth study of trigonometric functions, graphs, identities, and equations, probability, and statistics.

Algebra II with Trigonometry

This course is given to eleventh grade students who have completed geometry. Students enhance their algebraic skills and develop an understanding and mastery of trigonometric concepts. Students extend their study of real numbers, equations and inequalities, functions, systems of equations, polynomials, rational expressions, complex numbers, quadratic equations, transformations, second degree equations, polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, an in depth study of trigonometric functions, graphs, identities, and equations, probability, and statistics. Teacher recommendation and administrative approval are required.

Intermediate Algebra

Students enhance their algebraic skills and develop an understanding and mastery of a variety of topics in Algebra, Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus. Topics include polynomials, set theory, trigonometry, matrices and linear algebra, functions, conic sections and game theory. Students are encouraged to develop skills and work habits that will last throughout their academic and future careers.

Chemistry

The chemistry course presents a modern view of chemistry with major emphasis on physical concepts and understanding interactions of matter. The objectives of the chemistry course are to introduce tenth grade science students to the following topics: phase change and gas laws, thermodynamics, atomic structure, periodic properties, bonding and chemical reactions, chemical kinetics and equilibria, periodic properties, stoichiometry, acid-base interaction, redox electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.  The course is taught at a descriptive conceptual level using demonstration to convey concepts wherever possible.  A sequence of formal laboratory activities reinforces each topic and chemistry students are expected to become proficient in safely executing a lab protocol and eventually designing one of their own to test a given hypothesis. Sections will be differentiated to enable students to achieve the curricular goals of the course.

Four years of Hebrew language and literature is a requirement. Students in the ninth grade are initially placed by ability level measured by personal interviews and formal placement tests. Once placed, students may advance according to the following standard sequence: Mechina (Preparatory) Level; Intermediate Level; Grade Level; Advanced Level.

A student may begin his or her Hebrew Language study in the beginner’s level and proceed to the intermediate level during the course of the ninth grade. In every grade there are class sections to accommodate the varying needs of each student. Students are placed in homogeneous classes with their peers at the precise level that will ensure they will be challenged to improve their language skills.

All tenth graders are required to take physical education.

Students are encouraged to meet their physical, emotional, and competitive needs through games, teams, and sports. Instruction will include units covering physical fitness, health, nutrition, flag football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, and team handball.