Summer Courses 2023

In this summer course, students will begin to develop critical literacy skills through reading, analyzing, and responding in writing to contemporary texts, short stories, poetry selections as well as begin to explore Shakespeare. Writing and discussion topics will focus on the theme of identity; specifically, content will center on the components that make up selfhood, including race, gender, and culture. Students can expect to recognize author’s purpose, as they closely examine a text to identify tone and to articulate the author’s intent. Enhanced by lessons on grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary, this course will offer opportunities for students to build their syntax and diction through crafting memoir, research, and argumentative writing. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

Building on the skills developed in English 7, students in this summer course will reinforce key literacy skills, improve comprehension, and hone their critical thinking and writing abilities. With engaging readings and lively, relevant discussions, students can expect to understand the fundamentals of organization, style, and content in both contemporary and classic texts. Enhanced by lessons on grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary, students also work on strengthening their own writing skills and their ability to translate their thoughts into cohesive written work. Furthermore, this course will also help students draw connections between their own lives and the texts through regular journaling and personalized creative projects. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

The fundamental skills of reading, analyzing, and responding in writing to both informational and literary texts forms the core of this summer course. With a focus on engaging texts, including relevant, contemporary works, students will build knowledge and develop the tools they need around organization, style, and content in order to analyze an author’s intent and strengthen their own writing. Students can expect to compose narrative, expository, and argumentative works while also improving their skills in grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

In this summer course, students can look forward to lively, relevant readings and discussions to help them progress their writing, reading, and analysis skills using more advanced texts and literary concepts. Rigorous writing assignments will continue to help students evolve their literary analyses to texts while they also improve in the fundamentals of organization, style, and content and further hone their critical thinking and writing abilities. Continued lessons on grammar and mechanics will help students up-level their writing skills as we explore more advanced compositions. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

Through advanced approaches to reading, analyzing, and responding in writing to contemporary and classic texts, students will continue improving literacy skills in this summer course that will prepare them for the challenges that await them in English 12, college-level English courses, and beyond. While the fundamentals of grammar, mechanics and vocabulary will continue to be developed, students are expected to leave the course with demonstrated understanding of the concepts of quality writing and literary analysis, tackling increasingly advanced texts that relate to the world around them. The focus will be on refining analysis and writing skills as they relate to organization, evidence use, and focus. Students will also develop communication skills (speaking and listening) in both synchronous and asynchronous discussion, presentation, and peer feedback. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

To help prepare for the challenges that await in college-level English courses and beyond, students in this summer course will continue improving literacy skills through advanced approaches to reading, analyzing, and responding in writing to contemporary and classic texts. While the fundamentals of grammar, mechanics and vocabulary will continue to be developed, students are expected to leave the course with demonstrated understanding of the concepts of quality writing and literary analysis, tackling increasingly advanced texts of different genres that relate to the world around them. The focus in English 12 will be on building increased independence in reading and analyzing complex texts while making connections between classwork and their own lives. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

Bienvenue to this summer introductory French class! Students will embark on the exciting journey of language acquisition by studying the fundamental building blocks of French, focusing on the four key areas of world language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Extensive use of authentic materials (video, audio, images, texts) will provide students a contextualized and interactive presentation of the vocabulary and the linguistic structures, setting them up for success in future language learnings. Students can expect to work collaboratively and independently as they formulate and test hypotheses about different aspects of the French language, all the while developing metacognitive strategies to process and negotiate the meaning of new vocabulary. Consistent and relevant francophonic references and materials will further immerse students as they start their foray into French language and culture. Honors Section available. Prerequisites: departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

Using the tools introduced in earlier work, this summer class will build on existing francophone concepts and provide students with fresh insights and understanding of French language and culture. Using many forms of francophone media, from music to film to news articles and more, students will increase their access to various French concepts while exploring more sophisticated vocabulary, grammar, and structure concepts. With a goal of helping students not just learn French, but learn to love it, students will interact with each other and the culture in new ways, applying their content language through exciting projects -- such as recording podcasts, exchanging correspondence with francophone students, creating an itinerary for a trip, analyzing modern French movies, and more. By the end of the course students will demonstrate ability in discussing current events in French, conversing or debating with French speakers, and identifying the nuances of the language. Honors Section available. Prerequisites: French I or departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

Improving linguistic sophistication while also building students’ confidence in their French skills are the hallmarks of this summer course. Students with an existing understanding of French, established in earlier introductory courses, can expect to continue communicating through the four competencies of language acquisition: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. A focus on French grammar, including the passé composé, passé simple, conditionnel, and plus-que-parfait tenses, as well as the subjunctive mood, will challenge students as they grow into the ability to discuss and debate French and francophone history, culture, and current events. Students will enjoy immersing themselves in French culture through film and readings that will anchor their projects, including an in-depth study of the classic (and beloved) Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Intermediate and Advanced levels available. Prerequisites:  French II or departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

In this summer course that introduces students to a range of basic Mandarin vocabulary and grammatical concepts, students can expect to form a clear understanding of the fundamental building blocks of language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. From the Mandarin alphabet and numbers to basic descriptions of people, places, food, animals, and more, this course lays the necessary groundwork for a thriving, immersive Mandarin experience. Extensive use of authentic materials (video, audio, images, texts) will provide students a contextualized and interactive presentation of the vocabulary and the linguistic structures, setting them up for success in future language learnings. Students can expect to work collaboratively and independently as they formulate and test hypotheses about different aspects of the Mandarin language, all the while developing metacognitive strategies to process and negotiate the meaning of new vocabulary. Honors Section available. Prerequisites: departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

Using the tools introduced in earlier work, this summer class will build on existing Mandarin concepts and provide students with fresh insights and understanding of Chinese language and culture. Using many forms of Chinese media, from music to film to news articles and more, students will increase their access to various concepts while exploring more sophisticated vocabulary, grammar, and structures. This course emphases spelling with the pinyin system, tone accuracy, numbers, calendar components and time, basic greetings, character writing, and grammatical structures. With a goal of helping students not just learn Mandarin, but learn to love it, students will interact with each other and the culture through in-class writing drills, engaging quizzes, conversation practices, and grammar drills, building on their ability to converse in the language. Honors Section available. Prerequisites: Mandarin I or departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

Building on their existing skills in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Mandarin, students in this summer course will learn to better communicate in a variety of ways as they build up a solid foundation in character writing. They’ll expand upon their base of knowledge and branch into the areas of spelling within the pinyin system and tone accuracy. Through use of technology-based learning activities, task-based projects, individual and collaborative projects, and group discussions, students will become immersed in Chinese culture while they progress into more advanced elements of Mandarin grammar and composition. Honors Section available. Prerequisites: Mandarin II or departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

Continued progression through Chinese language concepts and culture make this fourth-year, summer course a chance for students to sharpen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in immersive ways. Conducted almost entirely in Mandarin, this class emphasizes class discussions, oral drills, and storytelling, while reading and writing skills will be strengthened through project-based learning activities centered around Chinese culture, including important histories, festivals, films, and present-day concerns like COVID-19. Honors Section available. Prerequisites:  Mandarin III or departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

Bienvenidos to this summer course that introduces students to a range of basic Spanish vocabulary and grammatical concepts. From the Spanish alphabet and numbers to basic descriptions of people, places, food, animals, and more, this course lays the necessary groundwork for a thriving, immersive Spanish experience. Students will learn concepts behind feminine and masculine nouns, plural, negatives, present-tense verbs, and the irregular verbs “to have” and “to be.” A range of Spanish reading strategies will be introduced and students will develop an understanding of both oral and written Spanish words, including a special focus on pronunciation and intonation. Honors Section available. Prerequisites: departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

Using concepts from Spanish 1, this summer course will advance students into more sophisticated levels of Spanish language understanding. From conversational topics on daily routines, shopping, and finding one’s way around to planning parties, playing sports, and participating in leisure activities, the Spanish vocabulary in this course will further immerse students in this popular and useful language, setting them up for a solid understanding of concepts and phrases. Students will cover conjugation of regular and irregular verbs, making negative statements, possessive adjectives, reflexive verbs, the preterit tense, and the immediate future -- and will use their new skills to make comparisons between their own cultures and those of the Spanish-speaking world. Honors Section available. Prerequisites: Spanish I or departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

Building on their existing skills in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish, students in this summer course will learn to better communicate in a variety of ways as they continue studying Spanish dialects, cultures, and history. They’ll expand upon their base of knowledge and branch into the areas of launching and maintaining conversations in Spanish, expressing their feelings and emotions, and exchanging opinions using conditional, future, and past tenses of Spanish. While proceeding at their own pace, students in this course can also look forward to working together towards a common goal: becoming more proficient in this important world language. Intermediate and Advanced levels available. Prerequisites: Spanish II or departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

Continued progression through Spanish language concepts and culture make this fourth-year, year-long course a chance for students to sharpen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in immersive ways. Vocabulary will span the areas of work, vacation, sports, society, the arts, and media as students explore increasingly complex grammatical structures with a focus on the present, past, future, conditional, and subjunctive tenses. Engaging with texts and materials from the Spanish speaking world will drive a refreshed and authentic interest in and understanding of Spanish culture, histories, and peoples. Honors section available. Prerequisites: Spanish III or departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

This German II course builds upon skills developed in German I. Live interactive weekly courses strongly emphasize speaking skills, cultural understanding, and use of authentic and up-to-date resources. Topics remind students that the German-speaking world extends beyond Germany itself, and grammar and vocabulary are further explored so that students can move beyond simple conversations and basic reading and listening to more nuanced, abstract and detailed interactions. Language risk-taking and enjoyable language practice are central to German II. Holidays, home, daily life, clothing, leisure activities, the online world, and life in Berlin are explored. Students have the opportunity to delve into current cultural events, such as Karneval or Unity Day, and other areas of geographical or personal interest. In German II, students will strengthen the ability to tailor the language increasingly to their own needs. Prerequisites: German I or departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

This summer introductory course to Algebra will introduce students to abstract mathematics concepts and thinking, and enable them to begin developing an understanding of pro-numeration concepts. By applying mathematical expressions, equations, and graphs to a variety of real-life examples, students will begin to see how algebraic concepts show up in their daily lives. They can expect to learn graphing, order of operations, linear equations and inequalities, logic, rational and irrational numbers, radicals, proportions, application of percentages, and more, and they’ll be given ample and varied opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge. Grades 7 & 8.

(1 credit)

Introducing students to the elementary rules of mathematics is the core of this summer course, where students will build a foundation for future math challenges. Through explorations into solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, simplifying exponential and radical expressions, and exploring polynomials, students will discover the awe-inspiring theories behind math, and can expect to master concepts like quadratic and radical equations, using group work, unit exams, and investigations to demonstrate their knowledge. Grades 7, 8, & 9. Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra.

(1 credit)

In this summer course, students will focus on the theorems of Euclid and the exploration of formal proofs as they strive to not just understand their concepts and properties, but to connect them to the application of numerical and problem-solving solutions. Students will progress through the study of triangle properties and into the three basic trigonometric ratios, working on problems involving two- and three-dimensional objects and the calculation of area, surface area, and volume. Grades 8, 9, & 10. Prerequisite: Algebra. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

A strong emphasis on the mathematical application of a variety of algebraic and trigonometric concepts form the basis of this summer class, which will focus on the use of technology and inquiry-based learning and guide students toward an appreciation of how math plays out in the real world. Students can expect to explore topics such as transformations, exponential and logarithmic applications, and sequences and series.  In applying their mathematical skills, students will also master many different forms of functions, including trigonometric functions, through rigorous analysis and examinations. This course will foster the confidence and understanding required to excel in PreCalculus. 
Grades 9, 10, & 11. Prerequisite: Geometry. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

From collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data to exploring set theory and probability, this summer course will set the stage for understanding the essentials of statistics. Students will progress through the basics to using descriptive statistics to effectively summarize sets of data. They will move into more challenging concepts, such as making predictions based on various distribution models, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and mathematical modeling. Students will work on real-world tasks to make connections. Core coursework will be supplemented with an independent statistical study each student will design and implement. Grades 11 & 12. Prerequisite: Two years of High School Math; Departmental permission required to enroll in the Honors section.

(1 credit)

Understanding the theories of mathematics is crucial for achieving a rigorous, successful math education journey. In this summer course, students will develop a core understanding of the theoretical concepts of calculus that will lay the groundwork for future learnings. We’ll cover topics like the algebra of functions (such as quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions), trigonometric functions (including definitions, identities, trigonometric equations, applications, and properties and graphs), and limits, rates, and derivatives. Students will regularly embrace technologies to reinforce the relationships they’ll discover among the multiple representations of functions, as well as to experiment and confirm their progress. Grades 10, 11, & 12. Prerequisite: Algebra II & Trigonometry. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

This fast-paced, intensive summer course is designed to help students prepare for the AP Calculus BC course in the fall. Students will focus on the concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students can expect to devote time to differential and integral calculus concepts and problems as represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections between those representations, using technology to solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support their conclusions. Prerequisites: Honors Precalculus.

(1 credit)

In this non-credit-bearing summer course, students will develop an understanding of the theoretical concepts of mathematics required for the Grade 11 IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Standard Level course. Students can expect to cover topics including polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions as well as trigonometry. The course also contains a review of systems of equations and inequalities, linear and quadratic equations, and inequalities and graphs of polynomials. Technology will be used regularly to reinforce the relationships among the multiple representations of functions, to confirm written work, to implement experimentation, and to assist in interpreting results. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be equipped with the skills necessary to start their grade 11 IB Mathematics courses.

By exploring matter and energy through chemistry and physics topics, students in this summer course will conduct labs and simulations, analyze their findings, and develop an appreciation for the world of science. Students can expect to dive into topics such as atoms and molecules, the periodic table of elements, chemical reactions, motion and gravity, forms of energy, and much more, supplemented by engaging class discussions and independent work. Grade 8. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

Understanding the basis of life and lifeforms is central to the study of biology, and in this summer introductory course, students will explore the diversity of life, from the molecular to the community level, as they make use of the scientific method. Topics such as evolution, the interrelationship between the structure and function of living things, and human interaction with the natural environment will help students develop a solid understanding of biology, forming a framework of future studies in the fields of biology or environmental science. Students can expect exciting lab work and simulation activities as they explore ecology, organic molecules, cellular structure and function, cell division, genetics, diversity and classification of living things, and animal behavior. Grade 9. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

The fundamental concepts of chemistry will be explored in this summer introductory course, where students will be expected to use mathematical, analytical, data acquisition, and communications skills to develop an understanding of a variety of topics. With coursework spanning atomic theory and its relation to chemical behavior, chemical bonding, the mole and stoichiometry, molecular kinetics, energy relationships, and solution behavior, students will form a strong foundation of chemistry that will serve them well in future scientific subjects. Grades 10 & 11. Prerequisites: Biology, Algebra I; Co-requisite: Algebra II. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

What is the Earth composed of, and how do humans impact its biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere? Students can expect to study concepts in geology, meteorology, oceanography, climatology, astronomy, and more in the summer course that will emphasize human interactions with the geological and environmental systems. Working both independently and within groups, students will understand the predictability of a dynamic Earth, the origin and evolution of the Earth’s system and the universe, geochemical cycles, energy in the Earth system. Grades 10, 11, & 12. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

What relationships exist between the structures of the human body and its functions? Students will explore those kinds of questions in this summer introductory course to human anatomy and physiology from an integrative perspective. Understanding the mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within the human body as well as examining the structure and function of the skeletal system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and many more will help students develop an appreciation for bodies and all they can accomplish. Students can expect engaging laboratory and simulation activities, clinical studies, models, diagrams, projects, and compelling discussions. Grades 11 & 12. Prerequisites: successful completion of Biology and Chemistry. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

Students will explore the fundamental concepts of physics in this rousing exploration into the behavior of the universe, with an emphasis on developing both a conceptual understanding of the subject as well as practicing qualitative analyses of general physics principles and models. Through guided inquiry, students will be engaged and inspired as they expound on the nature of scientific theory, incorporating all the critical components that comprise the study of physics, including algebra and trigonometry. Students can expect to hone their critical thinking skills in this year-long course as they examine the core principles of physics through rigorous work, covering such topics as kinematics, mechanics, thermal physics, momentum, waves, and electric currents and circuits. Grades 11 & 12. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geometry and Algebra II. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

In this summer overview of the four basic elements of the Earth system -- atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere -- students will be introduced to a range of Earth science concepts, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, climatology, environmental science and astronomy. They can expect to develop an understanding of the physical world in which we live, including applications of how the earth sciences have had a direct effect on our lives, and the ways humans impact the environment. Grade 7. Honors section available.

Explore the wonder of living things around us—from microscopic cells to larger, more complex organisms like the human body in this summer introductory biology course. Students will apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories to readings, research, live class discussions, and labs in order to develop an understanding of the basic characteristics of cells and the history of life on earth. Through investigative studies and progression of the scientific method, students will learn to formulate and test ideas in order to solve problems. Working both independently and in groups, students can expect to hone their critical thinking skills and make connections between classroom discoveries, other academic disciplines, and their own world. Grade 7. Honors section available. 

Description coming soon.

A look at the beginnings of the United States to the present-day forms the core of this summer course for middle school. Students can expect to better understand a variety of compelling historical questions, including the role the new environment played in establishing societies in America, the effect the first settlers had on Native American communities and cultures, the Constitutional Convention and the compromises it required among parties, and the U.S.’s role in world affairs, both past and present. Exploring patterns of population, uses and abuses of power, spiritual life and moral codes, science, technology, the environment, and much more, students will develop the historical thinking skills to prepare them for future studies in history and related subjects. Grade 7. Honors section available.

Through the frameworks of communities, networks, and production and distribution, students will study the three most recent eras in human history as part of this summer course that serves as the ideal follow-up to Ancient World History. Explorations include the First Global Age, when the world shifted from regional to global networks; the Age of Revolutions, including Enlightenment and its resulting political revolutions, including the Industrial Revolution, European Imperialism and Colonial Responses; and the pivotal events of the 20th century, including two world wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, and decolonization. Students will consider how all these events are interconnected, and how modern advancements in technology drive further change, using engaging class work and discussions. Grade 9. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

Understanding the evolution of the United States from its beginnings as a colony to its height as a global superpower begins with this summer course, where students will focus on the social, political, and economic aspects of U.S. history. Segmented into three themes (the developing nation; forces of change; the road to modernization), coursework will focus on critical moments of change, including the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, the rise of globalism, and more, through diverse lenses and examinations of race, gender, and class. Students can look forward to vibrant debate and discussions as they use relevant materials, including primary and secondary sources, to analyze their own place within history and develop key critical thinking skills. Grade 10. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

From the founding of the country to its present day, the complete story of American government and politics will be examined in this summer course as students explore the founding ideals of the nation and their lasting influence on politics and government through in-depth research, discussion, and debate. Students can look forward to becoming empowered and informed citizens as they develop an understanding of the structure, historical development, and functions of government. Grades 11 & 12. Prerequisite: successful completion of U.S. History. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

From the basic chronology of modern European history to the major milestones, including the Renaissance through the post-Cold War era, this summer course explores the political-diplomatic, social-economic, and intellectual-cultural histories of Europe. Through thought-provoking class discussions, group projects, and independent study, students will draw connections between historical developments throughout the continent, studying both general European history as well as major events in Britain, France, Spain, Russia, the German states, and the Italian states. Grades 10, 11, & 12. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

Small businesses are the backbone of a thriving economic system, and in this course students will explore the essential skills and theories needed to launch a small business -- and, crucially, to understand how to bring it to scale. Students will personalize their studies by focusing on a business of interest and tackling the components of a startup that interest them most, from business development to accounting systems to market research and more. This course was developed specifically to give students an opportunity to diversify their understanding of business and set them up for future success in the field. Grades 9-12. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

In this engaging introductory course, students will understand the foundational principles of economics, including how local economies develop and the concepts of supply and demand. Students will explore ideal pricing and resource allocation, develop awareness of how different economies interact to form a global marketplace, and discover how economics forces individuals to make choices -- and then investigate how those choices govern our behaviors. Students will learn concepts related to personal finance, the stock market, and wealth management, ending the term with a firm grasp on local and global economies and on how economics governs our individual lives and the decisions governments make. Grades 9-12. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

In this introductory course, students will explore Python, one of the most widely used and versatile programming languages in the world, and learn how computer programming can be used as a tool for problem solving. Through challenging and exciting coding assignments, students will discover procedural programming through Python, covering such constructs as loops, condition statements, variables, data types, lists, and functions. From challenges like code breaking to solving puzzles through simulations, this year-long course will lay a solid groundwork for students interested in coding, and serves as a launchpad for more advanced Computer Science courses. Grades 9-12. No previous programming experience required.

(1 credit)

In this summer introductory course to the study of human behavior and thought processes, students will tackle the theme of “Making Sense of Ourselves and Other People.” Students will explore the universal questions in life, such as “How can I tell if somebody likes me?” or “What causes prejudice in the world?”  They can also expect to launch an understanding of the methods and approaches of psychology. Grounding our explorations will be the core areas of social, cognitive, developmental, biological, and individual differences. Grades 9-12. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

Empowering young people to live an active, health-focused lifestyle begins with clear, science-based approaches. In this summer course, students will explore not just the tactical ways to eat well, sleep better, manage stress, and incorporate physical activity, but the data behind why those are all crucial to living a healthy life. Students will evaluate their personal health and set specific, achievable goals, using a variety of health-focused research and approaches, including online group discussions, reviewing health products, and designing mock public service announcements about health-related topics. With a focus on equipping students to make informed decisions, this course provides a powerful foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. Grades 9-12.

(.5 credit)

Physical education and health play a unique and significant role in the total development of the student. Aiming to stimulate the mind, body, and spirit, Physical Education encourages independent physical activity in combination with class discussions and lessons from teachers on nutrition, health, mindfulness, and personal fitness responsibility.

(Both .5 credit and 1 credit sections available)

Exploring basic 2D visual art skills such as still life, self-portrait, perspective and abstraction will set the foundation of this summer course. Students will keep a sketchbook and create artwork during studio time and outside of class. Critique is an important element of an art practice, and a way to share work and progress. In addition, project-based evaluations will focus on each student’s progress. Photography students will be introduced to basic concepts such as depth of field, working with natural light, rule of thirds, and will be expected to submit digital images of their work and process using tools such as Photoshop and Lightroom. Final critiques and projects will culminate in an online art exhibition for the Dwight community. Grades 9-12.

(1 credit)

The Introduction to Music Theory summer course covers the basic rudiments of Western Music, starting from the very beginning and through the essentials of stave notation, which is the source code of Western Music. Students can also expect to learn conventions, terminology, major and minor scales, all the way up to modulations and chord progressions. By building this foundational understanding of music theory and stave notation, students can take control of their musical life and open the door to centuries of great music. In addition to helping students as performers, it gives them the power to develop and grow as composers. No prior experience required.

(1 credit)

In this summer course, students will develop the technical and creative competencies necessary for filmmaking while exploring global perspectives in film.  Students will practice filmmaking in five core areas: Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design, and Writing with the possibility of others, depending on student interest.  Any student, novice or experienced, can hone their production skills in this course while exploring films and their impacts across time and space.  Students can expect weekly film screenings and discussions as well as production exercises, including the creation of an original short film.  This course is aligned with the IB's "Inquiry, Action, Reflection" learning cycle as well as the IB Film course production expectations.  Students who wish to continue their exploration of film after completing this course may consider IB Film. No prior experience required.

(1 credit)

In this summer certificate course, students will explore several facets of traditional English grammar, from parts of speech to parts of sentence, and from phrases to clauses. Grammar functions not just as a set of rules, but it also saves lives! (Let's eat Grandma >> Let's eat, Grandma!). Students will demonstrate mastery of the basic rules and then, through Socratic Seminar discussion, demonstrate how the levels work together to create art via purposeful syntax. By the end of the summer course, students will be able to use purposeful participles, inventive infinitives, gyrating gerunds, and creative clause constructions that catapult sentences into a whole new dimension! An added bonus--this course develops basic skills that can boost ACT and SAT scores to boot. Please note this certificate course does meet for live synchronous classes.

The Spark Project is a significant piece of work that is the product of each student’s own initiative and creativity. Students pursue an area of personal interest investigating a topic, establishing a plan, taking action to create a product, and reflecting on the process. Students share their products and experiences throughout the process with the school community at a virtual exhibition.

This class is only available to current grade 10 and 11 students who expressed an interest in doing their Spark project over the summer.