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Rather than merely a set of textbooks, exams, or even the subject content of a scope-and-sequence, the curriculum of a school also includes all the tools in use to increase a student’s critical thinking skills—as applied to academic topics or disciplines, the nature of a subject’s connection to other disciplines, and a foundational understanding of the topic or subject within a Christian-theistic worldview via the lens of scripture.
Foreign Languages
Humanities (Bible, History, Philosophy, and Literature)
Mathematics
Physical Culture Program
Sciences
Foreign Languages
French I and II
Instructor: Ellyn Grosh
Au commencement était la Parole et la Parole était avec Dieu et la Parole était Dieu. Evangile selon Saint-Jean 1.1
The study of foreign language through the lens of a Christian world-and-life view offers students the occasion to learn and reflect more deeply about the gift, beauty, and significance of language and culture imbued with value by a God who identifies himself as the Word Incarnate. French I and II, the first two courses in a three-course sequence of beginning and intermediate French language at Providence Hall, seek to enable students to complete tasks in a variety of social settings by the acquisition of communicative, linguistic, and cultural knowledge and know-how as well as by equipping them with effective language learning strategies. The courses have been designed with regard to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and will prepare students according to the competencies outlined for levels A1 and A2 (French I, Basic User) and levels A2 and B1 (French II, Independent User). Through the use of a variety of French-language media (radio, television, Internet, music, film, press, literature, visual art, etc.), students will encounter authentic French expression from which they will enrich their understanding of French language and culture.
Spanish 1-2 (Beginning)
Instructor: Matthew Coleman
Bienvendidos a Español! Spanish 1-2 will focus on the reading, writing, listening and speaking of the Spanish language. Successful completion of Spanish 1-2 is the prerequisite for Spanish 3-4 in the tenth grade. The class is designed to build on itself, as vocabulary is expanded and more difficult grammatical concepts are introduced. Meaningful communication is emphasized in both oral and written work. There is also a cultural component, which exposes students to the geography and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
Spanish 3-4 (Intermediate)
Instructor: Matthew Coleman
Spanish 3-4 will focus on the reading, writing, listening and speaking of the Spanish language. Successful completion of Spanish 1-2 is the prerequisite for Spanish 3-4 in the tenth grade. The course is designed to build on the language acquired in Spanish 1-2, as vocabulary is expanded and more difficult grammatical concepts are introduced. Meaningful communication is emphasized in both oral and written work. There is also a cultural component, which exposes students to the geography and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
Spanish 5-6 (Advanced Spanish)
Instructor: Matthew Coleman
Spanish 5 will focus on excelling students in the reading, writing and speaking of the Spanish language. Through lectures on the culture and civilization of Spain, students will learn about the geography, history and culture of the Iberian Peninsula. As the class alternates between 2 texts, one history and one grammar, students will be challenged to use their Spanish grammar and composition to effectively communicate their personal opinions. Meaningful communication is emphasized in both oral and written work.
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Humanities (Bible, History, Philosophy, and Literature)
Instructors: Christopher Benson & David Rosenberg
This interdisciplinary course acquaints students with the literature, philosophy, and
history of the Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans. The objective is to instill a strong sense of
indebtedness for their formative influence on Western civilization and to recognize the
intimations of Christianity among the ancients.
Students read Hebrew and Greek creation stories, various genres of the Hebrew Bible (narrative, wisdom, prophesy, poetry), Greek and Roman epic poetry, Greek and Roman philosophy, Greek drama, ancient and modern philosophical reflections on Greek drama, and biographical accounts of significant figures. Readings are supplemented, where relevant, with film and art.
While focusing on sustained engagement with primary sources, secondary sources will be used for two purposes: to provide historical context and to provide exegetical and hermeneutical principles for reading Scripture. The course is divided between team-taught seminars that are discussion-oriented and individually taught tutorials that emphasize close reading and textual analysis. Student evaluation is based on participation, in-class essay exams, quizzes, oral exams, analytic essays, recitations, and short written exercises.
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Mathematics
“The chief aim of all investigations of the external world should be to discover the rational order and harmony which has been imposed on it by God and which He revealed to us in the language of mathematics.” Johannes Kepler (1571-1630)
Algebra I
Instructor: Greg Dziem
Students begin with a review of operations with real numbers and solving linear equations, followed by operations with polynomial functions and rational expressions. Students study graphs, slopes, tables, and systems of linear equations and inequalities. Students are introduced to quadratic functions, solving quadratic equations by factoring, graphing and formula, and work with both rational and irrational numbers. Problem-solving tools and applications are integrated through the course. Calculators are not permitted.
Algebra 2
Instructor: Greg Dziem
Algebra 2 includes review and development of topics introduced in Algebra 1. New topics include logarithms, quadratic inequalities, trigonometric equations, identities and graphs, inverse trigonometric functions, probability and statistics and the formulation of algebraic proofs. Students develop problem-solving skills and are challenged to think critically in preparation for advanced mathematical study in Pre-Calculus and Calculus. A TI 83+ calculator is required for this course.
Geometry
Instructor: Greg Dziem
This course in plane and spatial geometry will include the following areas of study: reasoning and logic, proofs, ration and proportion, properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, area, volume, transformations, circles, polygons, coordinate geometry, and right angle trigonometry. Students in this course will concentrate on solving problems through algebraic and spatial thinking. Students will demonstrate their learning in words, as well as numerically.
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Physical Culture Program
Physical Education
Instructor: Andy Gill
The foundation of our Physical Culture curriculum occurs during the school day as students are educated in the methods and rationale of personal health and wellness. Classes may be taught through both a physical activity and seminar format. Students explore perspectives on physical existence and examine the biblical mandate for physical stewardship. Students also learn to develop the five components of physical fitness and develop a personal fitness portfolio. The emphasis of the Physical Education department is to produce graduates who have the knowledge, skills, and value that will enable lifelong activity and health. Physical Education curriculum includes, but is not limited to: Ultimate Frisbee, Dance, Self-Defense, Badminton, Cricket, Volleyball, and Hiking/Camping.
Outdoor Pursuits
Instructor: Andy Gill
This department offers students an opportunity to select a specialized activity and extend their knowledge and skills in that area. Outings are typically scheduled on a weekly basis and occur after school hours. Students choose from several offerings and receive small-group instruction for a period of 10-12 weeks. In addition to weekly meetings, the outdoor pursuits program includes overnight and weekend trips, allowing students an opportunity to further develop and apply their skills. After successfully completing an introductory course, students who so desire may choose to pursue advanced study in any of the disciplines. Outdoor pursuits offerings include, but are not limited to: Surfing, Rock Climbing, Camping/Hiking, and Cycling.
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Sciences
Biology 1
Instructor: Christina Swan
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof… “ Psalm 24:1
This course will be an in-depth, advanced-level study into the exciting field of Biology. We will explore the core concepts of molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. This class will be fast-paced with labs to accompany each major topic. The goal of this course is to gain an understanding of Biology as a process of life and also to acquire an appreciation of the glory of God’s creation. In addition to the material in the text, specific topics are supplemented with the latest research conducted in academic and research laboratories so students can gain an appreciation for the scientific method and how science continues to build upon discoveries.
Chemistry 1
Instructor: Christina Swan
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14
This course will be an in-depth, advanced-level study into the exciting field of Chemistry. We will explore the essential questions of matter and the changes it undergoes. These include the structure and different states of matter and alterations in matter by way of reactions, thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium. This class will be fast-paced with labs to accompany each major topic. The goal of this course is to gain an understanding of Chemistry as the process that presides over the chemical reactions in our world, to acquire an appreciation of the intricacy of God’s creation, and to develop a solid foundation in Chemistry and to develop a positive attitude towards science and technology’s influence on society.
Introduction to Physics
Instructor: Christina Swan
"Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind."~ Albert Einstein
Welcome to the world of Physics! Together we will be exploring the wonders of God’s beautiful and mysterious creation. We’ll delve into the mind of some of the most gifted scientists of our time, and how their discoveries have helped up understand why things work the way they work. So hang on, we are in for a fun ride!
This course is an introduction to the basic physical properties that govern how the universe operates. It has also been designed to instill the necessary concepts and skills required to succeed in subsequent advanced level science courses. We will use a conceptual and hands-on approach to master the fundamental concepts of motion, gravity, mechanics, matter, electricity, sound, and light.
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