Upper School - Grades 9 through 12

The Canterbury Episcopal School provides a rigorous education in the humanities, arts and sciences. Classes at Canterbury compel students to explore and examine a recognized body of scholarship that prepares each individual for life as an informed citizen. The Canterbury educational experience is structured to develop mastery of subject matter as well as a life-long love of learning. Underlying this mission is the intention to cultivate both the mind and spirit of each student. Accordingly, The Canterbury Episcopal School experience includes the development of moral fiber and an awareness of values and viewpoints beyond the self.

Canterbury recognizes that one of the goals of education in independent schools is to instill in students a sense of social responsibility, justice and empathy. Canterbury 's Chapel and Advisory system anchors the School's values of spiritual development, appreciation of diversity, and social responsibility.  Students participate daily in Chapel where an exploration of faith, ethics, and moral fiber are presented through liturgy. In addition, students participate in advisory activities prepared by Canterbury 's chaplain and counselor. Advisory activities include examinations of current affairs and participation in a division-wide service-learning program that offers opportunities for students to both volunteer and reflect. Inside classrooms and out in the community, Canterbury continuously challenges students to think critically about of wide range of contemporary issues.

The Upper School at Canterbury is committed to providing students with an excellent college preparatory experience. Canterbury graduates enter college with the skills and knowledge necessary for success. An aggressive curriculum grounded by a tradition of moral development and social responsibility instills in each student scholarship and empathy necessary for life as an intelligent, compassionate, and discerning individual.

To view the Upper School Student Handbook, please click here.

The Upper School academic program is an interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes higher order taxonomy while reinforcing objective knowledge and test-taking skills. The prescribed graduation requirements are as follows: English (4 units), Math (4 units), History (3 units), Foreign Language (3 units), Science (3 units), Theology (1 unit), Ethics (1/2 unit), Fine Arts (1 unit), Physical Education (1 unit) and Health (1/2 unit). In addition to the classroom experience, a number of co-curricular activities are scheduled by the School to provide students an opportunity to explore their passions and develop the social skills necessary for success in interpersonal relationships.

top

Course Descriptions – Ninth Grade

English I

The course will challenge the student to explore a body of World Literature via critical reading, discussion, reflection, and analysis. Guidance will be given on developing the student's written and verbal expression as well as critical thinking and literary research. The study of literature will be supplemented with grammar and linguistic development through grammar lessons, vocabulary development, and essay composition.

World History

The course will examine the historical, political, social, religious, and economic developments of world history from the Middle Ages through the Reformation. Regional studies include Europe , East Asia , and Africa . The student will be challenged to demonstrate a comprehensive view of history as evidenced through an understanding and appreciation of cultural events that include historical and political developments, art history, and literature.

Geometry

Students are challenged to acquire and apply knowledge of a mathematical system based upon undefined terms, express definitions, postulates, and theorems. These items are applied to various mathematical forms to include, but not limited to, points, lines, three-dimensional objects, angles, polygons, and circles. The course further develops the student's mathematical abilities by exploring concepts related to Algebra II and Trigonometry.

Biology

The course introduces the student to the unifying principles of biology. Interdisciplinary in nature, students learn how energy, matter, changes over time, equilibrium, classification, taxonomy, systems, interactions, measurement and models are part of the biological world. Students will use a variety of methods in laboratory work and reporting their research. A research paper will be required.

Spanish II

The course is an introduction to advanced level language study. The student will be challenged to demonstrate competency in four primary areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. An emphasis upon verbal and written communication drives the curriculum. Cultural content is a pervasive aspect of the course and the student is expected to demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of cultural events and traditions.

Physical Education

The aim of the course is to provide a positive growth experience in an athletic environment. Students are challenged daily in three domains – psychomotor, cognitive, and affective. Through various physical and athletic tasks, the curriculum seeks to instill a life long love of fitness and health.

Health

Students are introduced to several components of a healthy lifestyle. These include the benefits of exercise, nutrition, knowledge of physiological functions, and hygiene. The development and maintenance of a personal health plan for each student is a critical focus of the course. The personal health plan is geared not only towards current age appropriate activities, but fosters the development of life long health habits.

top

English II

The student will be challenged to master the development of the expository, argumentative, and descriptive essay. An intensive study will introduce the student to the principles of literary analysis and the use of literary evidence to support personal theses. An independent, formal argumentative paper is required of all students. The curriculum is delivered via a study of British literature in conjunction with a concentrated vocabulary program.

AP/Honors European History

The course surveys the major trends, events, and personalities in European History from 1450 to the present. The student will explore history through a variety of mediums. This includes the study of political institutions, diplomacy, intellectual and cultural history, and economics. The first semester focuses upon the Renaissance through the Congress of Vienna. The second semester examines the period from 1815 to the present.

Algebra II/Trigonometry

The course is designed to strengthen algebra skills and introduce higher order mathematical concepts in preparation for a study of calculus. Concepts to be mastered include equations and inequalities, polynomials, irrational and complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, statistics, probability, and trigonometric functions.

Chemistry

The course provides the student with an in depth study of matter. Qualitative and quantitative laboratory experiences are utilized to explore the concepts presented during class discussions as well as to develop problem solving and prediction skills. Topics include scientific measurement, classification of matter, atomic theory, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, chemistry of solutions, oxidation and reduction reactions, nuclear chemistry, and acid-base theories and equilibrium.

Spanish III

The course is a continuation of the four skills introduced in Spanish I. The student will develop the ability to express abstract concepts such as desires, doubts, possibilities, and conditional actions through the use of conditional tenses and the subjunctive mood. An emphasis is also placed upon commands and use of the past tense. Cultural content is enhanced through a variety of mediums and evidenced by the student's submission of several compositions pertaining to cultural and personal topics.

Theology

The course examines the nature of religion, faith, and community as universal phenomenon. Through the study of myth, legend, and history, the student will explore the ancient roots, beliefs, and texts of both Western and non-Western religious traditions. The student will be challenged to search for those keys that give meaning to the spiritual quests and commitments of contemporary society.

top 

Course Descriptions – Eleventh Grade

AP/Honors English III (AP English Composition)

The course concentrates upon the mastery of the expository and argumentative paper. Intense vocabulary review is a crucial component of the curriculum. In addition to the required reading list, students are expected to read a minimum of three books from the same author en route to fulfilling the critical paper requirement. The “Critical Paper” is a formal essay in which the student demonstrates the ability to analyze themes across several literary works and synthesize those themes with a personal and independent thesis.

AP/Honors American History

The course surveys the major trends, events, and personalities in American history from Reconstruction to the present. Students will be challenged to examine historical trends and documents and relate them to contemporary political and social institutions. As preparation for both the SAT II and the Advanced Placement Course, students will explore history through a variety of mediums. This includes the study of political institutions, diplomacy, intellectual and cultural history, and economics.

Honors Pre-Calculus

The course covers a variety of mathematical topics that strengthen, deepen, and expand the necessary skills for a high level study of calculus. The student will be challenged to demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in applying previous mathematical knowledge to the field of calculus. Course content includes solving equations and the coordinate system, functions, trigonometry, discrete algebra, limits and continuity, slopes, tangents, derivatives, and applications of derivatives.

Honors Physics

The course challenges the student to apply mathematical concepts to the study of natural phenomena. The student will examine the tools and processes of measurement and mathematics as they relate to motion, energy, force, light, and relativity. Course content includes rectilinear motion, Newton 's Laws, vectors and two-dimensional motion, kinetic and potential energy, electrostatic and gravitational force, thermal energy, circuits, magnetic force, light and optics, and particles and waves.

Honors Spanish IV

The course consists of an advanced study of literature and culture. Grammar, tenses, and moods are reviewed. The student will develop an extensive knowledge of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions evidenced through written and verbal expression of complex topics. Fluency is developed through direct methodology and is enhanced by situational exercises, discussions, and weekly compositions.

Ethics

The course explores ethics and morality within the framework and perspective of the Judeo-Christian theological tradition. Within this context, the student will examine the dynamics of moral decision-making in terms of social ethics and personal morality. Student will consider such ethical and moral questions as sexual behavior, racism, the environment, war, economics, and bioethics.

Juniors may enroll in Advanced Placement courses pending approval from the Head of Upper School.

top

Course Descriptions – Twelfth Grade

The senior year is composed of an English requirement and a selection of other courses from Honors and Advanced Placement offerings as well as electives in various departments. A Senior Thesis / Capstone Project is a culminating requirement for Canterbury seniors; English teachers advise seniors' choices.

ENGLISH SELECTIONS

Honors English IV

The course focuses upon advanced expository and argumentative skills. Special attention will be given to the college essay and preparation for the SAT I and II. Major literary works lie at the heart of the curriculum ( Hamlet , Oedipus Rex , Heart of Darkness , etc.). Supplemental reading selections will be determined at the discretion of the instructor.

Advanced Placement English Literature

A college level course intended to prepare students to bypass the college freshman English requirement. The course will examine a wide range of fiction, nonfiction, journalists, political essays, and biographers with an emphasis upon close examination of the texts and critical analyses. Special attention will be given to the writing of the college essay.

AP Biology

This two semester course is taught with an emphasis on preparation for the end of the year AP exam. It includes review of material, study skills, writing skills, test decoding, specific lab experiences suggested by the College Board along with other practices needed in order for students to do well. College level texts, AP materials and a cross disciplinary approach to learning material is used. The course encompasses biology, chemistry, physics and environmental sciences. Major biology concepts are covered. Field experiences are required.

AP Environmental Science

Emphasizes preparation for the AP exam. The course includes a review of economic and social sciences, test-taking and study skills. Labs support the practical use of information discussed in class.

ELECTIVE CHOICES FOR 2007-08:

top