North Raleigh Christian Academy
AP/ HONORS
INSIDER’S
GUIDE
2012-2013
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
1
From the Editors
Choosing classes can be tricky. Amidst all the rumors about the best way
to get into the top universities, students are often left with a multitude
of questions regarding their paths through the high school curriculum. A
few years ago, taking every AP and honors course offered was considered
the best bet for getting into a competitive university. Then came word
that college admission officers prefer to see well-rounded academics
as well as extracurricular activities. The prevailing thought from many
universities today is that course curriculum and rigor are the most
important pieces of the admissions puzzle, with depth being superior
to breadth. Namely, a student should choose one or two interests and
pursue those to the highest level possible at a given school.
So how do you decide what class is right for you?
The AP and Honors Insider’s Guide is designed to help students navigate
the course-selection process at NRCA. It provides an overview of each
AP and honors course along with first-person insights from students
currently enrolled in those courses—insider information.
NRCA is a college preparatory school, which means that all students are
taught the foundational principles that will prepare them for a full-term
college education. AP and honors courses require more time and effort
for most students than CP-level classes; therefore, it is essential for
students to have clear understanding of the expectations going into the
registration period.
In selecting courses, have a definite set of goals in mind and an overall
plan to achieve those goals. Our suggestion to students would be to take
classes that are challenging and relevant to their interests. For students
who have a specific major in mind, we recommend choosing classes that
pertain to that major. As you plan, keep in mind that AP courses are offlimits to students who have not completed the honors prerequisite.
Finally, remember that extracurricular activities are an important piece in
the college admissions process too. Athletics, fine arts, spiritual growth,
leadership roles, and community service will balance out the academic
load. Prayerfully consider what works best for you in light of all areas of
life.
Marissa Liu, Design Editor
Emily Hayward, Insider’s Guide Editor
Mikaela Sullivan, Assistant Insider’s Guide Editor
2
COLLEGE-PREPARATORY
ACADEMICS
Bible
History
GRADE 9
GRADE 10
GRADE 11
GRADE 12
Biblical Theology
Systematic Theology
Christian Apologetics
Practical Theology
World History
US Constitution
Honors US Constitution
AP US History
Honors US History
US History
AP European History
Honors Economics
Math
Algebra I
Geometry
Honors Geometry
Algebra II
Honors Algebra II
Geometry
Honors Geometry
AP Calculus AB
Honors Pre-Calculus
Advanced Functions &
Modeling
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
Honors College Math
Honors Pre-Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
AP Biology
Anatomy
Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
Ecology
Honors Ecology
English
English I
Honors English I
English II
Honors English II
AP English & Composition
Honors American Lit.
American Literature
AP English & Composition
Honors British Literature
British Literature
Language
Spanish I
Spanish II
Spanish I
Spanish II
Spanish III
Honors Spanish III
Spanish II
Honors Spanish III
Spanish IV
AP Spanish Language
Electives
Art I
Band*
Choir*
Drama/Dance*
Drama/Tech*
Teacher Assistant
Journalism/Graphic Design
Yearbook
Art I
Art II, III
Band*
Broadcast Production
Choir*
Drama/Dance*
Drama/Tech*
Journalism/Graphic Design
Honors Philosophy
Teacher Assistant
Yearbook*
AP Music Theory
AP Psychology
Art I
Art II, III
Band*
Broadcast Production
Choir*
Drama/Dance*
Drama/Tech*
Journalism/Graphic Design*
Honors Philosophy
Teacher Assistant
Yearbook*
AP Music Theory
AP Psychology
Art I
Art II, III
Band*
Broadcast Production
Choir*
Drama/Dance*
Drama/Tech*
Journalism/Graphic Design*
Honors Philosophy
Teacher Assistant
Yearbook*
Zero-Hour Classes:
AP Studio Art
Honors Jazz Ensemble
Honors Dance
Honors Ensemble
Honors Competitive
Speech & Debate
Honors Creative Writing
Honors Production & Film
Zero-Hour Classes:
AP Studio Art
Honors Jazz Ensemble
Honors Dance
Honors Ensemble
Honors Competitive Speech
& Debate
Honors Creative Writing
Honors Production & Film
Trades & Shop
Domestic Arts
Athletic Training
Honors Allied Sciences II
Trades & Shop
Domestic Arts
Athletic Training
Honors Allied Sciences II
*potential Honors Credit
Pre-School Classes
Jazz Ensemble
Dance
Ensemble
Vocational
Electives
Trades & Shop
Domestic Arts
Athletic Training
Trades & Shop
Domestic Arts
Athletic Training
Computer Technology
Honors Computer Engineering AP Computer Science
Honors Computer Science
Honors Computer Engineering
Computer Technology
Honors Computer Science
Computer Technology
*potential Honors Credit
Computer
*potential Honors Credit
Zero-Hour Classes:
AP Studio Art
Honors Jazz Ensemble
Honors Dance
Honors Ensemble
Honors Competitive
Speech & Debate
Honors Creative Writing
Honors Production & Film
AP Computer Science
Honors Computer Engineering
Honors Computer Science
Computer Technology
3
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL TRACK
COLLEGE PREPARATORY
HONORS TRACK
English: 4 units
English: 4 units
English: 4 units
Math: 2-3 units
(Not eligible for Honors level classes)
Two years in Honors or AP American &
British Literature
Math: 4 units
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and
one additional math beyond
Algebra II
Math: 4 units
(Not eligible for Honors level classes)
Science: 2-3 units
Algebra I required
Geometry, Algebra II, Honors PreCalculus, and Honors or AP Math
Science: 4 units
Biology and Chemistry or Honors
Chemistry required
Science: 4 units
(Not eligible for Honors level classes)
History: 4 units
History: 4 units
History: 4 units
Foreign Language: 2 units
Foreign Language: 3 units
Electives: 9 units
Electives: 6 units
Electives: 6 units
TOTAL: 22 units
TOTAL: 24 units
TOTAL: 25 units
Biology required
World History and U.S. History
required
(Not eligible for Honors level classes)
Biology and AP Biology or Biology
and Anatomy, Honors Chemistry, and
Honors Ecology or one additional AP
Science Course
World History and U.S. History,
World History, U.S. Constitution/
Honors U.S. History or AP U.S. History Honors U.S. Constitution, Honors or
required
AP U.S. History, and one additional
Honors or AP History
zz A minimum of 12 hours per year of Community Service is required at North Raleigh Christian Academy in grades 9-12.
zz One elective unit of Bible is required for each year of attendance in grades 9-12.
zz The ACT must be taken during the senior year.
4
AT - A - GLANCE
AP Studio Art
•
Prerequisite – Students must have a completed Advanced Art courses
with at least a B average or have had a portfolio approved to enter
the class.
•
AP Studio Art, divided into three disciplines – Drawing, 2-D Design,
and 3-D Design, is not based on a written exam; instead, students
complete and submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the
school year in chosen discipline. The class is designed for the
student who is seriously interested in and pursuing a degree in art
production.
Honors Ensemble
•
Requirements—A spring audition which includes a theory
assessment, sight-singing, and a solo chosen by the person
auditioning. The requirement of a subscription to SmartMusic
(www.smartmusic.com) which is practice software used for
assessing student progress. Approximate cost: $30. Parents also sign
a contract stating expectations for the class.
•
Class format—Daily rehearsals from 7:00-7:45 a.m.; test each
quarter to check memorization deadlines; performances throughout
the year including ACSI and NCMEA adjudication festivals;
repertoire from the 6th Century to today’s hits in both sacred and
secular music.
•
Number of students allowed in class—A balanced group of twelve
to eighteen sopranos, altos, tenor, and basses. Females in grades
ten through twelve; males in grades nine through twelve. All
students must also be in concert choir.
zero hour
5
Honors Dance
•
Prerequisites – One year of dance at NRCA and active at dance studio
outside of school.
•
Class format – Structured like a regular studio class (stretch, learn
choreography), choreograph and practice a dance (if assigned).
•
Number of quizzes and tests per quarter – Participation grades,
recital is a test grade.
Honors Production & Film
•
List of texts –ApplePro Training Series for Final Cut Pro X.
•
Approximate homework time per night – Varies according to projects.
•
Class format –Lecture/class involvement/project driven.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter –Varies;
end of year class goal is to test for Final Cut Pro Level 1 certification,
also end of year student short film.
Honors Jazz Ensemble
•
Requirements – Five hours of rehearsal per week (four full-band, one
self-assessment sectional/theory), required outside listening, two
concerts per year plus the ACSI Festival, and outside performance
venues such as special events and NRCA chapels.
•
Class format – Daily grades based on attendance, punctuality,
rehearsal participation, and preparation for class; quiz grades
assigned for playing skills review or written work; tests may be
written or played on an instrument; concerts count as a double test
grade.
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6
Honors Creative Writing
•
List of texts – Various articles on the craft of writing.
•
Writing tools – 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by: Roy Peter
Clark (selected writings).
•
Approximate homework time – one to two hours per week.
•
Class format – Lecture, discussion, and writer’s workshop.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays (per quarter) – two
to three workshop exercises per week, two to three major writing
projects per quarter, and 20 journal/blog entries/posts per quarter.
Honors Competitive
Speech & Debate
•
Approximate Homework Time – This depends upon what a student
wants to “get out” of the course. To adequately prepare for a
forensic competition, with the hope of “placing” in an event, you’ll
need to prepare continuously, like training for an athletic event.
When no preparing for a competition there is little homework. You
are expected to keep up with current events both nationally and
internationally.
•
Class format- relaxed.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays (per quarter- five to six
quizzes, two to three tests and one project).
•
This course requires participation on Saturdays (approx. four to
five in first semester and two to three in second semester) with an
occasional school excused school day to go to speech tournaments as
a part of the National Forensic League (NFL). Going to tournaments
credit as test grades provided you make every effort to be successful.
•
Students are also responsible for any hotel/ food expenses as well as
registration fees.
zero hour
7
AP Computer Science
•
List of required texts students will need – Online course, all materials
provided through course website.
•
Approximate homework time per night – one to two hours.
•
Class format – All online; read material, complete assignments, and
exercises at individual pace.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – Due
to the online nature of the course, tests and quizzes are rolling
throughout the year.
AP Music Theory
•
List of required texts students will need – The school provides
The Practice of Harmony and Barron’s AP Music Theory text book
and workbook. Computer Listening software is also provided, and
manuscript paper is also needed. The instructor may suggest
supplemental materials, websites, and software that would be the
responsibility of the student to purchase or use. A teoria
(www.teoria.com) subscription is required.
•
Approximate homework time per week – Approximately three or four
hours.
•
Class format – Two days are used for computer ear training and
dictation; the remainder of the week builds on advanced music
theory concepts leading toward their use in original compositions in
the style of 18th-century writing.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – One or
two listening and ear-training tests, one project, tests, homework
grades, and quizzes as needed to cover material taught.
electives
8
Honors Computer
Engineering
•
List of required texts students will need—Student will be given access
to a personalized website with the curriculum on it where they will
also upload assignments and take assessments.
•
Approximate homework time per night—Varies.
•
Class format—70% class lecture with the remaining in hands on lab
assembling and disassembling computers.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter—Three
tests, 20-ish chapter review worksheets, quizzes and projects vary.
Honors Computer Science
•
List of required texts students will need - Text book (this year; may
change next year) is Learning to Program with Alice (supplied by the
school).
•
Approximate homework time per night - 15 to 30 minutes (only a
couple of times throughout the year).
•
Class format - Mix of lecture and in-class projects; lots of hands-on
programming.
•
Numbers of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – Typically
three tests and five to seven quizzes per quarter; larger programming
projects may also count as test grades.
electives
9
Honors Philosophy
•
List of required texts students will need - Questions that Matter,
Moral Darwinism, and If Minds had Toes; Selections from C.S. Lewis.
•
Approximate homework time per night - Varies depending on reading
assignments. Normal average is one and a half hours a week.
•
Class format - Lecture, group work.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter - Quizzes
vary, three tests, one project per quarter, essays vary.
Honors Allied Health
Sciences II
•
List of required texts students will need – You will need Diversified
Health Occupations (American Heart) Healthcare Provider CPR &
AED. You will also need one set of navy scrubs, a stethoscope, and a
watch with a second hand.
•
Approximate homework time per night – 15 minutes on average plus
45 hours outside of class on Wednesdays (from 2:25 pm-6:15 pm)
and Saturday one to eight hours and one to four hours.
•
Class format – Three per week of note taking and two days of lab
demonstration/practice.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter –
Approximately four tests, two quizzes, and one to two homework
grades.
electives
10
Honors English I
•
List of required texts students will need – List of selected novels
including Frankenstein, Great Expectations, Julius Caesar, As You Like
It, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Animal Farm. Required summer reading
of The Scarlet Pimpernel plus one outside reading project per quarter.
•
Approximate homework time per night – Averages about 45 minutes
to an hour.
•
Class format – Lecture/discussion, writing, vocabulary drills, pop
quizzes on novels, group activities, and outside reading projects.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – Seven to
ten quizzes, three to five tests, one speech and two to four projects.
Honors English II
•
List of required texts students will need – Night will be the
summer reading, and during the year you will read Julius Caesar,
Les Miserables, Things Fall Apart, And Then There Were None,
Mythology, and additional books that will be announced throughout
the year.
•
Approximate homework time per night – Varies from none to a few
hours.
•
Class format – Discussion, lecture, reading, group work, and writing.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – Varies
each quarter.
english
11
Honors American Literature
•
List of required texts students will need—The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain; The Scarlet Letter, Nathanial
Hawthorne; To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee; The Great Gatsby, F.
Scott Fitzgerald; The Chosen, Chaim Potok, and A Separate Peace,
John Knowles. Approximate homework time—Two to four hours per
week, consisting mainly of reading and writing.
•
Class format—Normally consists of discussion and analysis of the
texts that are being read.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter—Quizzes
over reading, a test for each novel, and usually one project.
Honors British Literature
•
List of required texts students will need—Screwtape Letters,
Macbeth, Hamlet, Lord of the Flies, and additional books which will
be announced in class.
•
Approximate homework time per night—30 to 45 minutes.
•
Class format—Lecture with heavy discussion.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter—Six
to eight quizzes, three tests (including an essay), and two major
projects.
english
12
AP Language & Composition
•
List of texts students will read – Book list each year varies, but a
few books you’re guaranteed to read include The Great Gatsby, The
Scarlet Letter, and Amusing Ourselves to Death by: Neil Postman.
Approximate homework time – three to four hours per week.
•
Class format – Independently driven student interaction in a heavily
Socratic environment.
•
Number of quizzes, homework, essays, and projects per quarter –
Guesstimations: about 15 quizzes, 10 graded homework assignments,
three tests, four to five test essays, plus one major project per
quarter.
AP Literature & Composition
•
List of texts students will read – book list is to be determined (the
summer reading is on the NRCA website along with a book list),
but you can be sure that Heart of Darkness, Hamlet, and Crime and
Punisment will be there.
•
Approximate homework time per night – It varies, but it usually takes
an hour to do a thorough job.
•
Class format – A combination of lecture and discussion, both teacher
and student led.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – six to ten
quizzes, one test essay, plus numerous homework grades, and one
major projects per quarter, one of these being a research paper.
english
13
Honors US Constitution
•
List of required texts – Framed for Posterity: The Enduring Philosophy
of the Constitution, and Barron’s AP U.S. Government notecards.
•
Approximate homework time per night – 45 minutes.
•
Class format – Class is dominated by discussion and group work, and
lecture on occasion.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – Three
tests, eight to ten quizzes, and one project.
Honors US History
•
List of required texts students will need - 1776, David G. McCullough;
April 1865, Jay Winik; Character, Chris Wallace, and a 4th book for
4th quarter.
•
Approximate homework time per night - Average 40 minutes to an
hour.
•
Class Format - Teacher created study guides ask questions based on
the textbook. They are answered in homework, then discussed in
class. The study guide is the basis of all mastery testing.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – four to
six quizzes, four to six tests, and two to four 4-page essays.
history
14
Honors Economics
•
List of required texts students will need – Economics “Principles in
Action”, Dave Ramsey’s Financial Freedom Workbook.
•
Approximate homework time per night – 30 minutes.
•
Class format- Required classroom interaction with limited lecture.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – A weekly
quiz and test (with two to three essays per test), and one major
project per semester with periodic minor group projects.
AP US History
•
List of required texts students will need – Students need to purchase
Mayflower: A Story of Community, Courage, War by Nathaniel
Philbrick, and Barron’s AP U.S History notecards.
•
Approximate homework time per night – 50 minutes on nights when
homework is assigned. Majority of the homework is assigned several
days before it is due, so students may manage their time accordingly.
•
Class format – Mostly discussion, group work, and lecture-based.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – Eight to
twelve quizzes, three tests, and one project per semester.
history
15
AP European History
•
List of required texts students will need – Other than the provided
textbook we have used a book titled Sources of the Western Tradition
(it’s a specific volume, edition, and version but you don’t need it until
second quarter), and an AP workbook for the exam.
•
Approximate homework time per night – Depends on your reading
pace, usually 30 minutes to an hour.
•
Class format – Lecture/discussion.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – A LOT
of quizzes, about four to five tests, DBQ’s, and two to three essays.
Essays count as quiz grades.
Honors Geometry
•
List of required texts students will need – Textbook supplied by the
school.
•
Approximate homework time per night – 30 minutes.
•
Class format – Lecture, hands on/student interaction, and working
through problems from the book and extra problems outside of the
textbook.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – Six to
eight quizzes, four to five tests, and nightly homework.
history/math
16
Honors Algebra II
•
List of required texts students will need – Textbook supplied by
school.
•
Approximate homework time per night – About 30 minutes.
•
Class format – Review homework of the previous night, learn a new
lesson, and assign homework.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – At least
three tests, daily homework grades, pop quizzes (approximately one
per week), and about four or more announced quizzes.
Honors Pre-Calculus
•
List of required texts students will need—Text book which is
Precalculus with Limits (Houghton Mifflin Company 2007).
•
Approximate homework time per night—30 to 45 minutes.
•
Class format—Lecture and guided/independent practice solving math
problems.
•
Number of quizzes, test, projects, and essays per quarter—Three to
four tests, five to seven quizzes, and daily homework grades.
Honors College Math
•
List of required texts students will need – Text is supplied by school. It
is: Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry 3rd edition.
•
Approximate homework time per night – 30 minutes.
•
Class format – Lecture-based.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – One
project, one math journal, three to four tests, several quizzes, and
daily homework.
math
17
AP Calculus AB
•
List of required texts students will need – Textbook.
•
Approximate homework time per night – One to two hours.
•
Class format – You work through the book, every day there’s an AP
question, then you go through homework, then you learn the new
lesson, then she assigns homework.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter –
Three tests per quarter and one homework grade per day. A few
(maybe five) pop quizzes on homework. Five-ish online homework
assignments.
Honors Chemistry
•
List of required texts students will need – Chemistry, Connections to
our Changing World and accompanying lab manual.
•
Approximate homework time per night – 30 minutes.
•
Class format – Lecture, group works, and labs.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – About six
quizzes and three tests.
Honors Ecology
•
List of required texts students will need – Textbook supplied by
school, internet.
•
Approximate homework time per night – 15 to 30 minutes.
•
Class format – Lecture, outside observation, and student purchased
resources.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – Three or
more tests, six or more quizzes, and projects in the third quarter.
math/science
18
AP Psychology
•
List of required texts students will need - Barron’s AP Psychology
Study Guide and flashcards.
•
Approximate homework time per night – Approximately 30 minutes
to an hour.
•
Class format - Lecture and discussion based; Powerpoint.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter - One
project, four tests, about 12 quizzes, and an occasional essay.
AP Chemistry
•
List of required texts students will need – Chemistry by: Zumdahl/
Zumdahl, 8th Edition, chemical equations handbook, lab notebook,
Laboratory Experiments for AP Chemistry, and The Ultimate Chemical
Equations handbook.
•
Approximate homework time per night – Maybe 30 minutes to an
hour.
•
Class format – Lecture every day. Labs on Wednesdays in the
mornings and afternoons.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – No
projects, seven to eight homework grades, one to two quizzes, four
to five tests. Quiz grades in lab notebook.
science
19
AP Physics
•
List of required texts students will need –Textbook and electronic
textbook.
•
Approximate homework time per night – An hour.
•
Class format – Mostly working through the book, some days there are
labs.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – No
essays or projects. We have at least three tests and several lab
reports per quarter. Quiz and homework amounts vary, labs and
quizzes count for 30%, homework counts for 10%, tests count for
60%.
•
Wednesday 7 a.m. lab.
•
Online quizzes.
AP Biology
•
List of required texts students will need – See Mrs. McInnis’s website
in June for the determined textbook.
•
Approximate homework time per night – About an hour.
•
Class format – Lecture and group work, along with labs.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter –
Anywhere from four to six tests, about eight quizzes, projects vary
per quarter (one or two, but not every quarter).
science
20
Honors Spanish III
•
Class conducted in Spanish
•
List of required texts students will need to purchase – La Chica de los
Zapatos Verdes and Marianela.
•
Approximate homework time per night – 15 minutes. Independent
Spanish medial conversation: log 4 hours every two weeks.
•
Class format – Discussion, speaking and listening exercises, group
work, video project, testimony and gospel presentation.
•
Two quizzes per week, three written/oral/listening test per quarter,
one project per quarter (test grade), one to two essays per quarter.
AP Spanish Language
•
List of required texts – Textbook provided by school. Students need
to purchase a cassette tape for oral practice and a composition book
for journal assignments. Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Sentence
Builder, and Nissenburg.
•
Approximate homework time per night – 30 minutes spent studying,
30 minute assignment.
•
Class format – Class conducted in Spanish; reading authentic Hispanic
literature and current event articles; presentations; listening to
authentic Spanish news articles and music.
•
Number of quizzes, tests, projects, and essays per quarter – Two
quizzes per week, three to four tests – tests and quizzes may be
oral, listening comprehension, reading comprehension or writing,
participation.
•
At least once per year the students have the opportunity to watch
movies in Spanish and/or go to a dinner/play.
spanish
21
A
CLOSER
LOOK
22
HONORS
SPEECH & DEBATE
Honors Speech and Debate is taught by Mrs. Robinson, the head of the
middle school English department and longtime speech coach. If you want
to take this class you must be willing to wake up a little bit earlier and be in
class at seven o’clock. Honors Speech and Debate teaches you how to speak
properly in front of people and debate effectively and accurately. Even if you
are terrified of public speaking, with the help of your fellow classmates and
Mrs. Robinson, you will build your confidence and have the ability to speak
comfortably in front of others in no time.
If you’re interested in debate, then you will be taught everything from
organizing arguments to using parliamentary procedure. The debate team
travels to several tournaments during the school year and matches up against
other debate teams in the state. If you’re more interested in the speaking
or the drama aspect of the class, you will learn dramatic and humorous
interpretation speeches to perform individually or with a partner. If you do
interpretation pieces, you will also travel to tournaments and perform in front
of judges.
Once you’re in the class, you will have the opportunity to become a member
of the National Forensic League, “an honor society established to encourage
and motivate high school students to participate in and become proficient in
the forensic arts: debate, public speaking, and interpretation” (www.nflonline.
org). Members of the NFL are the best public speakers and debaters in the
nation. Alumni include former US Presidents, senators, Supreme Court justices,
and Academy Award winners.
Every time you participate in an NFL event you are given points, and once
you accumulate 25 points you enter the first level of the NFL. Not only does the
honors credit and the National Forensic League membership look excellent on
a college application, the skills learned in public speaking will benefit you for
the rest of your life.
by: Matt West
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23
HONORS
CREATIVE WRITING
I am not a big fan of waking up in the morning, but it is worth it for this class.
The assignments are very original, and the class certainly does not stifle the
creative spirit. However, if you wish to make a good grade in the class, turn in
your assignments on time. Deadlines and due dates are important.
Honors Creative Writing is a class that equips students with tools for good
creative writing skills. A few days a week, the class will read a chapter form the
book Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark and then do a quick writing assignment in
relation to the reading. This way, students learn ways to improve their writing
through fun bits of work, but they are rarely stressed with homework. Other
days, the class will go to the computer lab to work on long-term short story
assignments, screenplays, poetry projects, and blogs.
You don’t have to be a professional writer to take Honors Creative Writing –
in fact, it’s the perfect class for anyone who simply wants to learn how to write
better. Most of the work is done in class, and each quarter includes several
assignments from Writing Tools, 20 blog posts, and a major assignment such
as a short story or a poetry collection. The class even offers an opportunity for
students to submit some of their works for publication. If you like writing or
reading or just being creative, I definitely recommend this class.
by: Kelsey Weekman
zero hour
24
HONORS JAZZ
ENSEMBLE
The jazz band is just another one of the great avenues offered at NRCA to
improve and expand your musical talents. This class caters to anyone who has
an interest in jazz and is not afraid to put in some additional hours of class each
week. The class is offered before school and consists of morning rehearsals
every day of the week at seven o’clock. Yes, you have to get to school before
everybody else. These rehearsals consist of learning jazz scales and practicing
music for the three performances over the course of the year: the Christmas
concert, ACSI Band Festival, and Spring Concert. For a class with honors credit,
this is certainly not very much to ask.
by: Kenan Michaels
zero hour
25
HONORS
PRODUCTION & FILM
With this being my second year in Honors Production and Film, I can definitely
say that I am glad I decided to make my demo reel and enter the class. The whole
year is spent in preparation for the exam at the end of the year which makes all
the work worthwhile.
We go through Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Pro X chapter-by-chapter
so that we may receive our level one certification by passing the exam in April.
Yes, the work can sometimes be challenging, and the exam is tough, but it is
worth it. I received my level one certification in Final Cut Pro 7 last June, and I
have realized the many perks that come along with it: it is impressive on a college
application or a work resume, and it opens so many doors since it enables me to
work with video.
Although the class is challenging, there are also many fun aspects. We get to
help in making videos for various school projects, get to film NRCA productions
while getting in for free, and get to watch movies in order to evaluate their uses
of shots and their editing. Honors Production and Film is such a fun class, and I
would highly recommend it.
by: Mikaela Sullivan
zero hour
26
HONORS
DANCE
Having to be at school at 7:00 every morning is not easy. Being dragged
out of bed knowing you have to actively participate when you get there can
be tiring. But it is all worth it. Being in the Honors Dance class gives you an
opportunity to spend 45 minutes with some amazing people that you will
become very close to and have a lot of fun with.
Honors Dance is a before school class that starts at 7:00 and ends at
7:45. Students have to try out the year before and are chosen based on
their technique, attitude, stage presence, potential and what they could add
to the class. This class offers every style of dance such as tap, ballet, jazz,
contemporary, and hip-hop.
During the previous school year, the student dance directors are chosen
by Mr. Green. The following school year the chosen students will be in
charge of and lead the before-school class. A typical class will always begin
with stretching and warm ups and then move on to either choreography,
working out or combinations. Throughout the year, guest choreographers are
brought in to choreograph pieces for the dancers. The dancers work on their
many dances throughout the year for their recital in the spring, and a few
performances in chapel and teachers’ devotions.
I strongly urge you to participate in this class if you have a passion for dance.
Yes, it is early, but it gives you an opportunity to meet some wonderful people
and become a part of what we call the “H.D. family.” We work hard together
and help one another to achieve our individual goals that we have set in the
dance world.
by: Kelsey Middleton
zero hour
27
HONORS
ENSEMBLE
Arriving at school at 7:00 in the morning may not be my favorite thing to do,
but when we’re all there singing together it surprisingly turns out to be a great
way to start the day. The relationships you will form in this zero-hour class will
be ones you will remember forever. If singing to honor the Lord is one of your
favorite things to do, then this is definitely the class for you.
We look forward to welcoming a new choral program director next year.
Traditionally, the Honors Ensemble performs at Tryon Palace, the NCMEA festival
and the ACSI festival, but we are excited to see what the new director will bring
to the choral program at NRCA.
This group is auditioned so you must be prepared to sing a solo as well as
read sight music, and the requirements and responsibilities are a little bit harder
than just any elective so be prepared to practice your music every night in order
to excel as an individual and as a group.
In this class, you will learn what it really means to blend your voice with many
other talented singers. You must love performing, learning and reading music
in order to produce excellent results. Most importantly, we use our talents to
glorify the Lord and strive to be a testimony of his love to others. Although this
class requires hard work as well as a significant amount of your time and sleep,
you will feel blessed to be a part of it by the end of the year. I encourage you to
come participate with us.
by: Lacey Worsham
zero hour
28
AP STUDIO ART
AP Studio Art is different from the other art electives offered at NRCA. It is
for the students who are serious about the class and who are willing to work
on their own time outside of class, in order to fulfill the 29-project quota for
the exam. You can choose from three categories: Drawing, 2-D Design, or 3-D
Design. Within these three areas you can explore photography, sculpture, fashion
design, or even jewelry making. The exam is graded on a scale of one to six,
and, depending on the score, can place you out of the first art class required in
college.
The opportunity to place out of an introductory course in college art is great
for those students who hope to follow a career in art, but the class is also for
those who want to do it just for fun and enjoy being challenged.
Taking on this class also requires you to take on more responsibility and
integrity as your assignments do not have set due dates and are not limited in
what subject, medium, or size you would like to work. Although this may seem
stressful, Mrs. Minguez will be there to help you in any way possible. When
things begin to get overwhelming, she brings you back with simple yet freeing
art exercises. You start class every morning with devotions and usually end in
discussion (while working) about the Bible, family or random art finds.
I would recommend this class to any serious art students out there, guys or
girls, and do not let the waking up earlier stop you. You will get used to it.
by: Meredith Gay
zero hour
29
HONORS ALLIED
HEALTH SCIENCES II
Honors Allied Health Sciences II is an elective for rising juniors and seniors who
are interested in pursuing a medical career. The prerequisite for this elective is an
A or B in either anatomy or athletic training. Instead of the usual second-period
elective, this class meets during seventh period daily. The goal of this course
is to prepare students for the test at the end of the year to become a North
Carolina Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA). In order to qualify to take this test,
students must have a specific number of clinical hours. These hours are gained
every Wednesday, starting second quarter, at a long-term health care center.
Students leave the school at the beginning of seventh period and return to the
school around six that evening. So if you plan on taking this class, make sure your
Wednesday afternoons are free.
As a student in this class, you will be expected to buy scrubs and a stethoscope
and pay to take the state test. Nurse Brosnahan is a really cool teacher, and she
is really good at her job; but the tests are still difficult, and you will be expected
to study hard just like in all your other core classes. The most important thing to
keep in mind concerning Honors Allied Health Sciences II is that you should not
take this class if you have a problem with changing diapers, washing patients, or
caring for the elderly. (These things are really not that bad once you get used to
them.)
Last year, I started out in this class not really knowing if I would enjoy nursing,
but I ended up loving it, and I’m even thinking about studying it in college. I
would strongly recommend this class because it is really fun and an opportunity
not many high school students get to experience.
by: Nicole Gemmell
electives
30
HONORS
PHILOSOPHY
Honors Philosophy is not for the weak at heart. It is a very demanding
class, and that doesn’t necessarily mean the workload. The bulk of the work
is reading. Lots and lots of reading. In the course of the year, we have read
approximately five books and numerous articles and excerpts. We have studied
the work of philosophers and great thinkers like Aristotle, Plato, Descartes,
Kierkegaard, C.S Lewis, and many others. But the reading is only where it starts.
Honors Philosophy demands a higher level of thinking. You have to be willing
to stretch and exercise your mind in a way that you are probably not used to.
In addition Mr. Ridlehoover focuses not just on the philosophy, but how it plays
out in Scripture and in our Christian faith. For me, the workload is heavy and
the concepts are difficult at times, but at no point do I regret taking Honors
Philosophy. I have been able to learn a lot about philosophy but also learn a lot
about myself.
This class is not a cake walk. It’s not an easy A elective. It is a class that is
meant to challenge you and expand your mind. It is meant to give you the
opportunity to examine your own life. Socrates said it himself, “The unexamined
life is not worth living.” Honors Philosophy is one of the best classes offered at
NRCA, but it is by no means the easiest.
by: Jack Lundie
electives
31
HONORS COMPUTER
SCIENCE
Honors Computer Science is a course in which students are allowed to
experiment with the basics of computer programming. Using a program, Alice,
students are able to create their own virtual worlds. Most classes consist of a
short lecture on the basics of the chapter currently being studied, followed by
the completion of an assignment that is worth a quiz grade. After the chapter
is taught in full, students are given more difficult projects that can require
additional thought and planning in order to achieve the desired result. These
projects are generally worth test grades as they are more challenging. Although
this may sound intimidating at first, all assignments may be completed in groups
as well as individually.
Honors Computer Science is a rewarding course to take for those desiring to
experiment with problem-solving in order to create various virtual worlds. In
addition to being an interesting way to dabble in the early stages of computer
programming, honors credit can be earned by those who apply themselves
in order to earn the A. This class is highly recommended for those wishing to
expand their knowledge of computers and learn the basics of programming.
by: Addie Rush
electives
32
HONORS COMPUTER
ENGINEERING
In order to be in Honors Computer Engineering, it is important to actually
care about computers. If you take the class simply to get the honors credit,
you will be in over your head.
The class is lecture style: the whole 50 minutes is essentially spent listening
to the teacher explain various bits of information about computers, printers,
the CPU, etc. Like most classes, there are about three tests per quarter that
cover large amounts of information. For each topic, there is a worksheet that
is typically assigned for homework. The class requires time outside of class
only for this homework (which is only about once a week) and studying for
tests.
I would definitely recommend taking this class if computers are interesting
to you and you desire to learn about computers. While the amount of work
outside of class is not large, it will be completely overwhelming if you do not
work well with computers. Additionally, there is a certification associated
with this class. The CompTia A+ certification is the test you must take in the
fourth quarter to receive the honors credit. It costs about $75 to take the
certification, so it is only practical to take the exam if you have a chance
of passing. The certification is basically a review of everything covered
throughout the course of the year.
by: Marissa Bane
electives
33
AP
MUSIC THEORY
AP Music Theory is a class based upon Bach’s Part Writing Rules, common
methods of composition, and various harmonic progressions. First semester
is all about the basics, including key signatures, time signatures, scales, etc.
The goal of the basic training is to get the musicians and vocalists on the same
page and on the same level of music theory. The second semester is primarily
focused on learning Bach’s Part Writing Rules, composition methods, and
practicing skills by taking older AP Music Theory Exams.
Homework is mostly done on a personal schedule. Each week, students
are required to complete one hour of exercise time on Teoria.com. These
exercises include harmonic progression recognition, melodic dictation, triad
construction, etc. This website is an essential tool in the music theory learning
process. I also recommend learning the basics of the piano before entering
the class. This skill will greatly help you throughout the remainder of the year.
There are occasional lengthy assignments, but they are graded primarily
on completion and used to discuss different musical techniques and ideas.
Tests and quizzes should be expected, but if you pay attention in class and
are diligent in your Teoria practice time, everything will become easier at a
faster rate. The work load of the class varies throughout certain times of the
year with band concerts, choir concerts, and play performances since most
students are involved in Fine Arts activities.
If a student is interested in pursuing music of any kind at the collegiate
level, this class is strongly encouraged. This class will prepare students with
a solid foundation of music theory and place them a step ahead of students
who did not have the opportunity to take this class in high school.
by: Mckinley Watson
electives
34
AP COMPUTER
SCIENCE
AP Computer Science isn’t like other AP courses. Generally, when you walk
into a class, you expect to sit down, listen to your teacher and receive some
sort of assignment. AP Computer Science in its current form presents another
method of learning – namely, an online course. While in many ways this can
be convenient, steadily learning the material, sticking to your pace chart, and
completing assignments over time can be difficult without someone standing
over your shoulder reminding you to work. Basically, the course requires a fair
bit of personal responsibility, as well as some organizational skills.
However, this class does have several good aspects. The site does a pretty
good job at teaching a solid foundation of the Java programming language, and
you can easily continue work on the site at home if you run out of time at the
school, and vice versa (especially if you bring your own laptop). You also get a
lot of freedom in how you choose to use your class time – if you really need to
study for a test, for example, you can spend some class time doing that, as long
as you’re willing to do a little extra homework.
In Honors Computer Science, you get to work with drag and drop icons and
3D models of bumper cars and rabbits. In AP, you’re typing out lines of code.
It may not be as “fun,” but this class is manageable and worthwhile for the AP
credit.
by: Connor Shipway
electives
35
HONORS
ENGLISH I
Taking Honors English I is a big commitment, but one worth doing. The main
difference between Honors English I and CP English I are the pace and workload.
In addition, Honors has a little bit more homework because the pace in class is
faster.
Three days a week, students will have a journal that is given on a specific
topic of Mrs. Salinas’ choice. They will be required to write a page on each topic
and turn in the journal at the end of the quarter for a test grade. Every week,
students have a vocabulary unit they must memorize, and every three units
there will be a cumulative test. Both of these things will prepare the students
for the upcoming years of high school in vocabulary and writing.
Another major part of Honors English I is the amount of reading students will
do. Over the course of the whole year, students will start off by reading short
stories and gradually more into longer novels. They will read two Shakespearean
classics and complete at least one outside reading project every quarter.
Students will then take a quiz on the book or make a project to assess their
comprehension of the work.
Lastly, Honors English I offers a comprehensive review of grammar. This
is important because grammar is part of the students’ everyday lives, so
much practice is needed. Once a week, students will be given a worksheet
for bellwork, focusing on a specific grammar topic. These worksheets allow
students to review grammar they learned in middle school, identify weak areas
and work to improve.
Overall, even though it may be harder and require more work, students will
greatly benefit from the work they will participate in and the many new things
they will learn to do.
by: Caroline Jonkers
ninth grade
36
HONORS
GEOMETRY
Honors Geometry. To some people it comes easily, but to others, it is far
from easy. Honors Geometry is a math class for students who are ready for a
challenge. Some students find that geometry is different than algebra, dealing
with more shapes and angle measurements. The class goes generally faster
than the CP course, having a new lesson taught every day after the previous
night’s homework has been corrected and explained. Homework takes about
25-30 minutes per night to complete. Before a test, the material is thoroughly
reviewed through a worksheet. Tests are given about every two weeks, going
over four to five sections in a chapter. Studying for a test may take 30 minutes to
an hour for some, but others may take two to three hours to go over worksheet
and old quizzes and to rework problems. Students are able to get extra help
through afterschool help class.
When deciding to take either an honors class or a CP course, there is not
necessarily a difference between how smart the student is, but rather how
much effort the student wants to put in. If the student is willing to work, then
Honors Geometry is a good class to take. However, if the student doesn’t have
the time, then that student might want to consider the CP course.
by: Lauren French
ninth grade
37
HONORS
ENGLISH II
During 10th-grade Honors English you will learn all types of new things as
well as review past concepts. You get the privilege of acting out The Merchant
of Venice, Antigone, and Our Town with your classmates and reading the French
classic Les Miserables. Along with the plays and the literature you’ll read, you
learn about Greek mythology and classical literature. You will also read, Things
Fall Apart, which has a foreign culture, and And Then There Were None, which
is fun. Beyond these books, you also get to read other self-selected outside
reading pieces, which counts as a grade.
In writing, you stick with your basic five-paragraph essays but also learn how
to write a critical essay, and throughout the year you will occasionally practice
writing in a short time period from prompts as on the SAT. This class is definitely
one of my favorite classes from my tenth-grade year, because the class is taught
in a fun, beneficial way.
by: Carly Brown
tenth grade
38
HONORS
ALGEBRA II
Honors Algebra II is challenging but manageable throughout the year. Mrs.
Thomason strives to help her students in every way possible. The year begins
with a review of Algebra I, but soon after the class will dive right into new
material.
A normal day consists of going over homework from the previous night,
asking any questions you may have, and learning a new lesson. During class it
is imperative to listen attentively and take good notes. For example, while in
class Mrs. Thomason may hint to a pop quiz later in the week, but if you are
not paying attention then you will not be prepared. The notes students take in
class are a great indication of what types of questions will be on the quizzes and
tests, along with the wording they will be asked in. If extra help is needed to
succeed, Mrs. Thomason holds help class on certain days after school to assist
you in working though problems and answer any questions you may have. This
extra help could have a major impact on your scores and overall knowledge of
key concepts.
Honors Algebra II may be a challenging course, but if you do the assigned
homework, listen attentively, take notes, study, and have a willingness to learn,
you will do well. I highly recommend this course for students with the qualities
listed above as it is worthwhile for the honors credit.
by: Mabry Griffin
tenth grade
39
HONORS US
CONSTITUTION
Honors US Constitution is a class that provides a different experience than
most history classes and covers incredibly useful information dealing with our
government. Rather than focusing on a large amount of history and taking only
a cursory glance at a long period of time, Honors US Constitution focuses on
the writing, content, and principles of the Constitution.
Class usually begins with students answering a bell work question, which
then leads into a discussion of the pages read the night before. There are
periodic quizzes on the reading, but they are almost always open-note, so
diligent note-takers do well. The class also has a focus on writing, and students
are asked to summarize certain speeches and principles, making their points
clear and precise, while also presenting all of the ideas in the section.
In summary, if you enjoy writing and enjoy discussion, Honors US
Constitution is the class to take; you won’t regret it.
by: Austin Miller
tenth grade
40
AP BIOLOGY
AP Biology is definitely not an easy class. The beginning is the hardest part,
but it does get more bearable once you get the hang of it. Mrs. McInnis gives
the class monthly calendars, informing you of the work load that month. These
are definitely helpful, so take advantage of them and work ahead; it will help
you in the long run, since you can manage your time better. Instead of studying
three or more hours the night before a test, look over the material you learned
that day in class, and make sure you understand it. If you study a little every
night, you will spend less time cramming the night before a test.
This is a college course, so you do need to understand that you will have to
spend more time studying and doing homework for this class than any other so
far. If you are willing to do the work, you will find that the class isn’t as bad as
people make it out to be. I can assure you that if you use your time wisely and
take this class seriously, you will enjoy it; it’s a very fun and interesting class!
by: Jordan Jares
tenth grade
41
HONORS AMERICAN
LITERATURE
Honors American Literature is offered to juniors and taught by Mr. Beaver.
It is a vigorous and challenging course, taking students a level above what
they are used to. “The goal of this course is to give students a better ability at
discerning an author’s intent and context within a text using the meta-narrative
of American literature as the foundation,” says Mr. Beaver.
Throughout a year in this course, students will study several major American
literary works, including: The Crucible, The Chosen, The Scarlet Letter, The Great
Gatsby, The Old Man and the Sea, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Students will also choose an independent novel to read and present to the
class, focusing on character, theme and literary devices. Students also write
a research paper on a chosen topic. Vocabulary contributes to the growth of
students as speakers and writers. This course has high expectations, but they
can be reached.
by: Olivia Wolf
eleventh grade
42
HONORS
PRE-CALCULUS
Honors Pre-Calculus is designed to prepare the foundation for AP Calculus
senior year. Taking this honors class does not mean you have to go to AP
Calculus, but it will help those who do not know if they are able to take calculus
the next year. It also helps those who will not even go into calculus and lays a
firm foundation for other math courses available the following year, such as
Honors College Math and statistics. Also the skills learned in “pre-cal” will help
even further into college.
Honors Pre-Calculus is a math course that may challenge you but will not
push you too hard. The course combines what you learned in both algebra and
geometry, so it would be best if you comprehended both subjects well. If you
have trouble, the teachers are great and will help you every step of the way.
I would definitely advise every student to take Honors Pre-Calculus. It may be
challenging at times, but if you can push through the hard parts (mainly around
Christmas), you will be fine.
by: Adren Rigdon
eleventh grade
43
HONORS
US HISTORY
Honors US History is a fantastic middle ground between a more easygoing CP
US History course and a rigid, fact-heavy AP US History course. Honors US History
is only a small departure from CP; honors requires the same amount of attention,
but with the prerequisite of a higher level of understanding of historical facts.
Along with this, students interested in taking Honors US History must have
good reading comprehension skills (if you plan to take this class, you’ll have
summer reading assignments, as well as extra books to read for class) and must
know how to summarize and formulate opinions on historical events in the form
of essays and opinion-based honors questions on study guides. These additions
make the Honors US History course more difficult than CP, but more enriching
and relevant. If you’re not willing to put extra time into assignments beyond the
already-rigorous US History curriculum, honors might not be the route to take.
Homework each night for the average Honors US History student includes
a decent number of questions on a study guide; students must read through
the textbook carefully in order to find the answers. In class, we discuss these
questions as well as the greater historical context from which these questions
were derived. Honors has the same study guide as CP with a few added questions.
On the days homework is due, it is not unlikely to see a pop quiz over the
information filled in the study guide on the previous night. The tests in Honors
US History are based entirely on the study guide questions and answers that the
teacher gives in class, so always be attentive during teaching in order to ensure
good test grades.
For honors students, extra essays are also assigned as test grades. Honors
students, as well as CP, have “Timeframe” quizzes— important dates in US history
in chronological order. These dates are the framework of our nation’s history
and mark the most important events we have reached in the history of our
country. These quizzes come frequently and without warning, so students should
continually study the dates in order to get good quiz grades. For the Honors US
History student, strong work ethic at home, solid test grades, and continual effort
in trying to understand effectively US history are the only things necessary to
obtain a successful grade.
by: Amy Hanna
eleventh grade
44
HONORS
CHEMISTRY
Honors Chemistry is not your typical science class. In years past, students
became accustomed to biology and anatomy, memorizing bodily functions or
cell makeup; however, chemistry forces students to combine scientific concepts
with mathematic equations. A student previously gifted in science will excel in
this course, as well as students gifted in math. Anyone gifted in both science and
math should do extremely well with Honors Chemistry.
Each month, students are given a calendar listing upcoming homework
assignments, tests and quizzes. This calendar, if used properly, can help each
student organize their time for working and studying outside of class. Early
in the year, students are required to memorize, in groups of ten, the first 60
elements. While this may seem to be a difficult feat, with some practice it is
definitely achievable. A familiarity with those first 60 elements can save a lot of
time on future tests and quizzes. Fortunately, students are allowed to use the
table of elements for reference on their other tests and quizzes.
Not only do students study the formulas, but numerous experiments are
conducted in class. Once every one or two weeks, a lab is conducted as a class,
which can help students understand and apply the concepts they are learning.
These labs do not require a lab report, other than one lab report in the third
quarter.
Students must not only memorize the formulas, but must also remember
how to apply the formulas; otherwise the formula is no help whatsoever. The
best tool for success is practice. A day or two before a test, it is important that
students run through as many problems as possible so that, come test time,
there are no surprises.
With a little bit of outside class work as well as note-taking and focusing in
class, it is very easy to do well in Honors Chemistry. Before Honors Chemistry,
I did not particularly enjoy science classes, whereas now I plan on majoring in
a chemistry-related subject. Honors Chemistry can be enjoyable through the
experimentation as well as the problem solving aspect, so do not be afraid—you
may just love it.
by: Paul Burke
eleventh grade
45
AP LANGUAGE
& COMPOSITION
Mr. Beaver’s 11th-grade AP English Language and Composition class transcends
your stereotypical English class. Although this class can be known for its fast
pace and vast workload, Mr. Beaver tackles the material using a technique that
encourages the students to comprehend material on their own. In this class, you
will be preparing for the AP exam for college credit, as well as covering American
literature.
You can expect weekly reading quizzes, as well as a wide variety of writing
activities and assignments in order to better your writing techniques and ability to
analyze, synthesize, and interpret a text. You will exercise these skills by working
out of an AP preparatory book that will help prepare you for the AP exam. The
discussions during class never cease to keep you on the edge of your seat, but
may leave you with more questions than answers, forcing you to step out of
your comfort zone and think deeper about certain things you may have never
recognized or understood.
This shift between reading a novel, writing, and practicing AP quizzes can be
overwhelming, but by using your time wisely and putting forth your best effort,
you will be successful. Self-motivation, responsibility, and time-management
will take you very far in this AP course. Students will find themselves under
time restrictions when writing and taking AP quizzes, as well as going home
the day before a test without a study guide or step-by-step instructions for test
preparation. If you are willing to work hard and engage in your learning, 11thgrade AP English Language and Composition will be well worth your efforts.
by: Paige Johnson
eleventh grade
46
AP US HISTORY
Although AP US History has a reputation of being one of the hardest classes
at NRCA for including intense memorization and long essays, its reputation is
no reason to write off the class. APUSH is not a class you should take if you’re
unwilling to work, but it’s one of the most rewarding classes you may ever take,
if you are eager to put in the effort. Although it may seem challenging at times,
you will emerge from the class being well-versed in the history of America and
the events that led us to where we are today.
Main activities in the classroom include tests on note cards, essays, quizzes,
and class discussion. I encourage you to engage in the class discussions, because
participating will better your public speaking skills, and class engagement will
help you learn.
Even though this class is rigorous and can be time-consuming, if you’re willing
to put work into it, you will appreciate what knowledge and life skills you acquire
throughout the year in APUSH.
by: Maggie Sowisdral
eleventh grade
47
HONORS BRITISH
LITERATURE
Honors British Literature is a fantastic course to take if you are trying to find a
happy medium that is both academically challenging and enjoyable. This course
will give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the many literary
movements that have occurred in Britain history and to experience fully the
culture of those times through many classic literary works.
The workload varies, but students should expect to spend at least 30 minutes
to an hour on homework every night. Homework involves, but is not limited
to, reading, vocabulary and writing. Essays are usually assigned for each piece
of literature after it has been completed and include prompts that focus on
character analysis, comparison/contrast and analysis of literary themes. Novels
and plays are completed roughly within a two to three week period, keeping
students busy and on-task but not completely overloaded. Along with essays,
class discussions are a big part of the course. As reading is assigned, the class
will discuss and break down novels according individual literary elements so that
the students can have a clear understanding of what they are reading. Once or
twice a week, journal prompts will be assigned where the student will put their
understanding into words. This class, although it requires hard work, is altogether
very rewarding and is guaranteed to give you a greater appreciation for British
literature.
by: Hannah Roe
twelfth grade
48
HONORS
COLLEGE MATH
As every senior knows, the last year of high school must be enjoyed. If you
took Pre-Calculus your junior year and are eligible to take Honors College Math,
then you are well-prepared for the class.
The class begins each day with a warm-up math problem. The first semester
consists of warm-ups that are problems preparing you for the ACT; the second
semester focuses on problems from North Carolina college placement tests.
After the warm-up problem, homework is checked and then the lesson is taught.
The class lessons are various concepts from statistics, trigonometry, and calculus.
On a difficulty level, the class is challenging, but not as challenging as Honors
Pre-Cal. The homework load is nowhere near what you would have come to
expect from the junior-year math. Each night you can expect around 15 minutes,
though time is occasionally allotted for it in class.
If you plan to pursue a mathematics-based major in college, then AP Calculus
would be more beneficial, but Honors College Math prepares you better for
college math classes like statistics and college algebra.
In my personal opinion, Honors College Math has been the most enjoyable
math class in high school. You’ll definitely get a lot out of it if you pay attention
and don’t let senioritis catch up to you!
by: Steve Myrick
twelfth grade
49
HONORS
ECONOMICS
In 12th-grade Honors Economics, students will learn about the economy and
how it functions and the history of the economy. They will also learn how to
handle their own individual finances when they are out on their own. The class
helps with giving the students a clear explanation of economic details that one
cannot simply learn on his own.
This year the class studied Modern Times by Paul Johnson. The class also
watched a Dave Ramsey video series on how to manage money. In this series,
Ramsey explains how the economy works and how we can manage our own
finances through budgeting and investing intelligently.
Staying up-to-date on current events and paying attention in class will help
when it comes to class discussions. If you can do these things, you will succeed
in this course.
by: Jeff Wilson
twelfth grade
50
HONORS
ECOLOGY
In Honors Ecology, Mr. Mack uses his wealth of knowledge to teach his
students about the world God has created around us. He uses many ways to
teach and reach out to all types of learners, including movies as visual aids and
hands-on experiments outdoors and indoors for the labs. Planet Earth and other
documentaries are also a big part of the curriculum. Some of the major grades
for this class come from multiple choice tests, bird-call tests, and an occasional
essay on the topic being learned. Though some of these things may seem
overwhelming and somewhat difficult, Mr. Mack makes each lesson clear and
understandable, using examples from his personal life and everyday occurrences
to help make the lesson applicable to all his students.
The subject is taught well, and if at times the material in class begins to be
confusing and complicated, Mr. Mack will work with you as late or as long as you
would need in order to be able to succeed. I highly recommend any upcoming
juniors to take this class. It’s a decision you will not regret.
by: Amanda Blom
twelfth grade
51
HONORS
SPANISH III
Honors Spanish III is the perfect outlet for those hoping to hone their Spanish
language skills. Class time consists of nothing but speaking Spanish, but do not
let this be frightening. Señora Mitchell is a fluent and clear-speaking Spanish
teacher who is very helpful when a student does not understand a concept or
simply a word. During the year, the class goes through two books: Marianela
and La Chica de los Zapatos Verdes, as well as going over household, travel, and
clothing vocabulary. Much of the class is review and reinforcement of concepts
learned in Spanish II. I encourage anyone who meets the requirements to take
this class as it is fun and you really expand your knowledge of the Spanish
language.
Honors Spanish III also focuses on Hispanic culture. Throughout the year we
study Central America, South America and Spain. Students memorize geography
as well as learn about the various societies and histories of Spanish-speaking
nations.
One of the best projects of the year was making a film for La Chica de los
Zapatos Verdes. This allowed students to better understand the novel as well as
have some fun, too. While both books we read are completely in Spanish, they
are short and filled with simple vocabulary. Señora Mitchell is very helpful when
it comes to helping students comprehend the novel. Honors Spanish III is a great
way to enrich a student’s knowledge of the Spanish language and the cultural
influences that shape the language.
by: Nathan Cole
Honors Spanish IV will be available to qualifying students beginning the fall
semester of 2012.
twelfth grade
52
AP LITERATURE
& COMPOSITION
A student interested in AP English Literature and Composition must be
prepared to work hard. This class requires more reading than any other English
class offered at NRCA. The class focuses on grasping the many types of figurative
language and being able to identify the literary devices within the context
of literature. Throughout the year, students journey through many types of
poetry, short stories, and novels. Generally, students tend to enjoy the works of
literature covered in AP English Literature and Composition.
If I were choosing whether or not I would take this class I would ask myself
the following questions: Do I want/need the college credit? Do I want to major
in an English-related subject in college? Is high school class rank important to
me? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you definitely need to
take AP English Literature and Composition. If English really isn’t your thing, then
you might want to choose the CP or Honors level for English. Also consider how
much work you can handle. You get only one senior year of high school.
If you aren’t sure if you want to take AP English your senior year, then you can
try it for the first week and switch classes if you like. However, if you are up for
the challenge, then I encourage you to go for it.
by: Drew Meyer
twelfth grade
53
AP CALCULUS AB
When you enter the AP Calculus classroom, you will turn in your homework
and begin working on a problem exam, written on the back board, from a
previous year’s AP Calculus. After the mental contortionism necessary to solve
the problem, you will review it as a class to ensure that everyone got it correct
and then look over the homework from the previous night.
This time of reviewing homework will be critical for maintaining a high grade.
Mrs. Keown periodically gives “notebook quizzes” in order to ensure that you
have been checking your homework and copying down example problems
correctly. During a notebook quiz, you will not have time to re-work any
problems; just copy them down from your existing work. So already having the
right answers is critical to making a good grade.
The three most important things to do in in AP Calculus are the following: 1)
Complete your homework. Every night, no excuses. Catching up is extremely
difficult. 2) Study. This class’s rigorous nature requires that students work in an
extracurricular fashion to do well on the AP Exam. 3) Seek help when you’re
confused. Other students may be just as confused as you are, but I promise that
someone knows the right answer. Mrs. Keown has Help Classes after school at
least twice a week; be sure to take advantage of those.
AP Calculus is a challenging class, not for the faint of heart, but it can be
managed if you put some effort into it.
by: Chris Waldon
AP Calculus BC will be availabe for students who have completed AP Calculus AB.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Debbie Monahan.
twelfth grade
54
AP EUROPEAN
HISTORY
AP European History is, in my opinion, one of the most enjoyable AP courses
offered at NRCA. Whether a student loves history or not, this class taught by Mr.
Watkins is beneficial and fun. The words AP and fun usually do not go together,
but the teaching style – lecture and questions – keeps students engaged.
Mr. Watkins tells numerous historical stories and narrates them with much
excitement. He also expects students to make a contribution to the lecture by
answering questions. Because Mr. Watkins frequently asks questions, students
should pay attention and be prepared to answer intelligently.
Although AP European History is enjoyable in the classroom, the course
does involve a significant amount of work. Students should expect to have a
quiz every day over reading assignments or vocabulary terms. During second
quarter there are also quizzes over a primary source book. Mr. Watkins adds
AP Euro Spark Chart quizzes during third quarter. Homework takes from ten
to 30 minutes a night, depending on the assignment. This workload may seem
large, but Mr. Watkins accommodates busy students by providing thorough
test reviews. It is reasonable to get an A or a B in AP Euro if a student does his
homework, pays attention in class, and studies for about 30 to 60 minutes for
tests.
AP European History is beneficial for every high school senior. Mr. Watkins
stresses critical thinking and wants students to be able to evaluate history on a
college level. This college level thinking will benefit students in other high school
courses and eventually at their universities. AP European History is an enjoyable
course that presents a moderate challenge for students.
by: Kaitlyn Speer
twelfth grade
55
AP CHEMISTRY
AP Chemistry. I know I just lost about half of you my simply mentioning that
course, but it’s the other half I really want to address. AP Chemistry is definitely
not for the faint of heart. It is probably one of the hardest classes you will take
senior year, but if you stay determined and fight senioritis, you will succeed.
Regardless of how easy chemistry comes to you, AP Chemistry can be
conquered. I cannot stress enough how important it is to read the chapter,
pay attention in class, work the practice problems, and study for the tests.
Reading the chapter not only prepares you for class, but draws your attention
to the concepts that you do not immediately understand so that you can focus
on asking questions on that topic during class. Mrs. McInnis not only explains
the key information, but also explains each concept in-depth and is more than
willing to answer any question. Working the practice problems is the most
important advice I can give you for AP Chemistry. While you do get assigned a
fair number of problems, each one demonstrates the specific types of things
you can find from the information in that chapter. Occasionally, Mrs. McInnis
will provide a practice test with additional problems for practice. Always take
advantage of the practice tests because they often look like the test! Finally,
studying for the test should be mandatory. I know teachers always tell you to
study, but seriously it is imperative. When you study, focus on the problems,
but also read through your notes and make sure you understand why you solve
problems the way you do. If you are willing to work hard and do what it takes to
pass, you will be able to.
by: Ashley Waugaman
twelfth grade
56
AP PHYSICS
AP Physics may have a reputation for having a load of work (which is true),
but it is manageable. Normally we have about an hour to an hour and a half of
homework each night, and we have 7:00 lab on Wednesday mornings (DON’T
BE LATE), so there are many lab reports. The physics book is online and you
download it onto your computer at the beginning of the year so you have one
less book to carry home every day.
You need to stay caught up because the class covers material quickly and
some chapters build on previous ones. You will also have occasional quiz grades
through a website on which Mrs. Keown posts assignments and problems. The
assignments are given a due date, and once that date passes, the assignment
is no longer available. Again, the class requires quite a bit of work. However,
typically the class size is small and we often work together on assignments.
If you don’t understand a problem, the likelihood is that someone else does
and can help. Also, Mrs. Keown is always willing to help, and you can email
her at any time and ask questions or ask her to work problems and post them
on her website. Some of the concepts are difficult to grasp, so make sure you
understand each one before moving on, and always bring your calculator. If you
manage your time well, work hard, and have excelled in past math and science
classes, then I recommend you take this class with confidence that you will do
well.
by: Trinity Walls
twelfth grade
57
AP
PSYCHOLOGY
There’s one thing guaranteed from AP Psychology at NRCA: instructor Suzanne
Lyczkowski, or “Miss L” for short, will present students with everything they need
to know and more in order to pass the AP exam and master the material of any
basic college freshman psychology course. However, whether they retain that
information is largely up to individual students.
Miss L does her utmost to prepare her students. Her PowerPoint-based,
interactive lectures include plenty of videos and illustrations in order to
demonstrate the material taught in class. Each chapter is covered in one to two
weeks, depending on the subject material, with one test per chapter, and one
or two possible quizzes. Once each quarter, students will also create a project
based on the material learned in class, which counts for a test grade. In addition
to the new information students learn daily, Miss L also reviews continuously
throughout the year for the AP exam, quizzing on AP flashcards and Barron’s AP
review book, so that old information is never forgotten.
Though the class itself is not demanding, with about 30 minutes of homework
a night, in order to score highly on the exam, students must be willing to devote
some time to their own independent study of the material they’ve learned in
class and the many supplements that Miss L provides. If students are willing to
put forth the effort, Miss L will guide them towards success on the AP exam.
by: Haley Solomon
eleventh &
twelfth grade
58
AP SPANISH
LANGUAGE
AP Spanish Language is equivalent to a third-year college course and
conducted completely in Spanish. This class covers aural/ oral skills, reading
comprehension, grammar and composition. The class structure might seem
intense for some people, but in actuality, it provides a good challenge and is
fun to learn. If you have completed Honors Spanish III and you are ready for an
exciting year of listening, speaking, reading, writing and breathing Spanish, this is
the class for you.
All of this information many seem overwhelming now, but in AP Spanish,
you will receive a detailed outline of what you will be reviewing and learning
throughout the academic year. Mrs. Mitchell, also known as Señora, guides you
and prepares you for the AP exam at the end of the course. By the time the class
is over, you will be glad that you decided to take the course and proud of yourself
for taking on the challenge.
by: Charlotte McElroy
twelfth grade
59
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