The Humanities, Art, and Media Academy
Communications Pathway
Introduction:
Students in the Communications pathway of the Humanities, Art and Media
Academy examine manners in which people connect with each other and convey
their ideas to various audiences. The students in this pathway produce publications
and presentations that creatively engage with the many voices of the school
community. Through various forms of speech, media, design, and/or written
language, students study methods of effective communication. They utilize
technology, embrace positions of leadership and foster strong relations with
community members as they build their communication skills.
Academy Offerings:
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After satisfactorily completing a required English course, students may select from a unique and diverse group of pathway electives
Pathway electives include: Publications, Comparative Religions, AP Psychology, Short Fiction and Composition, Literature as Film,
Sociology, Video Production, Student Leadership, and Yearbook
Opportunities to participate in workshops at colleges, internships, and conventions related to communications
Opportunities to publish, analyze, and present their own student created work.
Opportunities to demonstrate responsibility in positions of editorial and/or student leadership
Student Expectations: Students will successfully complete the required course and a minimum of four additional semesters of electives
within the academy pathway. Successful completion requires students to 1) maintain portfolio reflections for each course, 2) obtain a teacher
recommendation for each course, and 3) earn a minimum semester grade of a “B” in each course and a minimum 2.0 GPA overall. Over the
course of their high school career, students are expected to participate in at least one extracurricular activity such as a project, convention, or
internship related to the field of communications. The activity should exemplify the student’s commitment to the field above and beyond the
classroom requirements. By their senior year, successful candidates will be expected to pursue a position of student leadership and complete
a capstone project that demonstrates their growth as learners, their effectiveness as leaders, their recognized accomplishments, and their
contributions toward the enhancement of Northwood High School and/or the community.
Faculty Responsibilities: Faculty members will foster student academic and leadership growth
Questions? Please contact Mr. Daryl Alston, Humanities, Art and Media Academy Head, at [email protected]
The Humanities, Art, and Media Academy
Communications Pathway
Grade 9 Academy Required Course: 2 semesters of English with minimum overall final grade of “B”
Grades 10 – 12 Academy Electives: Four semesters from any combination of the following courses:
-Publications
- Student Leadership
- Video Production
- Comparative Religions
-Sociology
- Yearbook
Extracurricular Options
Workshops at the Newseum
JEA/NSPA Conventions
CSPA Workshops
Communications Internships
Summer Workshops
SGA Meetings
Field Trips
Forensics/Debate Competitions
It’s Academic/History Bowl
Publication Submissions
-Literature as Film
-AP Psychology
Capstone Project and Portfolio Expectations
Present a portfolio of work, analysis and reflections that demonstrate:
1) Your growth as a learner
2) Your effectiveness as a leader
3) Your recognized accomplishments
4) Your contributions toward the enhancement of the community