Curriculum

Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra, as its name implies, is a math course emphasizing the basic core goals of general mathematics but with an emphasis on skills leading to preparation for Algebra I.  This course is will acquaint the student with essential areas in mathematics such as decimals, per-cents, fractions, and algebraic expressions and equations.  These areas and others will be introduced and explored through various activities that encourage student problem solving, reasoning, and communication.  These learning experiences will allow the student to develop both an appreciation for the role of mathematics in our society and stronger self-image relative to their ability to do mathematics.  

Algebra I
This course is designed to stimulate and develop clear, logical, creative thinking by reviewing basic mathematical concepts and order of operations before introducing the student to the world of algebra.  Some of the topics covered will require the students to use the language of algebra, perform operations with real numbers, solve equations, inequalities, and word problems, demonstrate an elementary understanding of relations and functions, graph and use linear equations and inequalities, perform operations with polynomials, work with ratios, proportions and per-cents.

Algebra IA & IB
Algebra 1A/1B is a two year course which will cover all topics in a traditional one-year Algebra 1 course. The slower pace will allow time for intervention as needed. Upon successfully completing Algebra 1B, the students will receive credit for Algebra 1. Algebra 1A covers solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, reading and interpreting word problems, and understanding functional relationships using graphs, charts, and tables.
Algebra 1B covers solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, reading and interpreting word problems, solving quadratic equations by graphing, by factoring, by completing the square, and by the quadratic equation, understanding functional relationships using graphs and charts, and working with rational and irrational expressions to solve simple rational and radical equations.

Algebra II
This course extends the processes of algebra introduced in Algebra I and uses the geometrical concepts from geometry to produce a more meaningful, in- depth approach to new topics in Algebra.   Some of the topics included are: real numbers, equations and inequalities, graphs and functions, polynomials and factoring, rational expressions, irrational and complex numbers, quadratic equations and functions, equations and numerical methods, & analytic geometry.  

Concepts of Geometry
Designed for those who would normally have difficulty with the standard course of Geometry. It provides a simple, yet, thorough, introduction to the fundamentals of Euclidean geometry and continues the review of basic algebra. The course does not meet university or college requirement for math and is not the first of a two-year Geometry course.

Geometry
This course is designed to stimulate and develop clear, logical, creative thinking     through the study of the basic structure of geometry and geometric relationships and formal deductive proofs.   Some of the topics covered in the course include: points, lines, planes, segments, angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent and similar triangles, polygons, right triangles, circles, constructions, and perimeter, area, and volume.  It addition, the students will be taught how to use calculators and various drawing utensils to create geometric shapes and figures. 

Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry
This course continues the study of Algebra II and examines basic trigonometric functions.   The course covers the following topics; basic formulas, functions of acute angles; solution of right triangles, exponents, and logarithms; trigonometric analysis, including identities and trigonometric equations; and graphs of the functions.   There is an emphasis placed on the analytic aspects of trigonometry with the solution of interesting problems from practical fields.  Students will acquire sufficient background to prepare them for the study of calculus.   

Calculus
This course provides for the study of the calculus of single-variable functions.  The concepts and problem-solving techniques underlying limits, derivatives, and integrals will be presented and practiced, using a variety of problems provided by the curriculum.  In all exercises sets, application problems will be investigated in order to show the student how the language and techniques of calculus may be used to solve real-world situations in fields such as engineering, physics, medicine, economics, statistics, as well as many others.  This course provides introductory coverage of single-variable calculus; it is intended to prepare the student for a first-year college-level calculus course, and assumes successful completion of two years of algebra, as well as one year of trigonometry/analytic geometry.  

Probability & Statistics
This course is designed to provide the student with an intense foundational introduction to fundamental concepts in higher mathematics.   Data collection, description and analysis are studies as ways to report findings and build mathematical models for prediction and decision making.  Probability is used to assess the usefulness of models.  The course uses a practical approach to statistics in which concepts are explained intuitively and supported by real-life examples.

Personal financial Literacy
The main goal of this course is to introduce the students to everyday concepts that they will encounter in business and finance.  Business and financial issues/problems will provide the practice for using the tools necessary to interpret and analyze the economic data needed to make policy and financial decisions.  Students will be required to perform calculations using the four operations, utilize algebraic concepts & processes, interpret & analyze graphs, and relate them to real life situations.  At the same time, the course will enhance student awareness of all the skills needed to survive in a competitive workplace.  This course will enable students to apply concepts learned to their personal living situation, enabling them to set goals and become fiscally responsible through the application of budgetary discipline.  In addition, course content will delve into the realities of independent living, budgeting, earnings, taxation, checking & savings accounts, and goal setting.
 

Biology

This is a biological laboratory course which incorporates experiments, exploratory / dissection labs, cooperative activities and discussion.  This course will introduce the student to the study of systems and cycles within living organisms.  The course will have the student design and carry out experiments, observations, and investigations of the natural world using the scientific method.  In addition, a basic body of content dealing with metrics / measuring, lab safety, criteria of life, chemical basis of life, cell function and structure, genetics, biodiversity, evolution, classification, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, human anatomy/physiology and ecology.  

Chemistry

This course will direct the student toward understanding the fundamental nature of matter, the changes in its composition, and the energy change accompanying these transformations.  Course content will deal with substances that occur naturally - the minerals of the earth, the gasses of the air, the water and salts of the seas, the chemicals found in living creatures - and also with substances created by humans.  It will also be concerned with natural changes - the burning of a tree that has been struck by lightning, the chemical changes that are central to life - and also with new transformations invented and created by chemists. 

Environmental Science

This course is an interdisciplinary field that studies the most sophisticated of all ecosystems - the earth.  The course will expose students to chemistry, ecology, biology, geology, and other relevant material.  The students will learn to identify biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem, examine various ethical and moral stands which shape the approach to environmental issues, explore energy and matter flow through living systems, alternate energy sources, waste disposal, impact of human activity on natural ecosystems, importance of biodiversity, and explore possible solutions to the growing global issues.  

Forensic Science

This course will focus on the activities of the crime lab as students learn the methodology needed to evaluate a crime scene, the proper lab mechanics to evaluate evidence, and how to compare between a known and unknown.  The lab portions and recitations will focus on the methods to link suspect, victim and crime scene.  Students will learn how DNA, fingerprinting, document & handwriting analysis, ballistics, serology, and other forensic tests can be used to solve a crime.  The course will involve all areas of science and students will be required to incorporate the use of technology.  

Physics

This course provides for a study of the basic elements of physics.  Among the topics covered are kinematics, Newton’s Laws, analysis of motion, energy, rotation, conservation and force which will enhance student understanding of the basic physical concepts which govern the physical universe. Students will be involved in a variety of real world simulations that require them to apply concepts of physics and mathematics to the solution of rudimentary physics problems.  The student is expected to have previously and successfully completed chemistry and at least two years of algebra.  
 

Advanced American Literature

This Honors (challenge) literature course is designed to challenge students with curriculum and workloads typical of an introductory college level literature course. The course, focusing on American Literature, is taught chronologically. Students are required to read and critically analyze the literary selections, but, more importantly, to respond to those works in expository, analytical, and argumentative writing. Students will also be asked to write personal responses to writing and to create pieces imitating the authors being studied. The principles of good writing are to be used at all times, demonstrating mastery of vocabulary and organization. Students should anticipate nightly reading assignments, weekly vocabulary work as well as writing to be worked on at all times; including planning, rough draft, revision and final draft writing.
  
Advanced British Literature

This Honors (challenge) literature course is designed to challenge students with curriculum and workloads typical of an introductory college level literature course. The course, focusing on British Literature, is taught chronologically, beginning with selected readings from the Anglo-Saxon time period and ending with selections from the Victorian Era. Students are required to read and critically analyze the literary selections, but, more importantly, to respond to those works in expository, analytical, and argumentative writing. Students will also be asked to write personal responses to writing and to create pieces imitating the authors being studied. The principles of good writing are to be used at all times, demonstrating mastery of vocabulary and organization. Students should anticipate nightly reading assignments, weekly vocabulary work as well as writing to be worked on at all times; including planning, rough draft, revision and final draft writing.

American Literature (Eng. III)

In this course, the students will experience the many facets of American Literature from the early settlers right up to the modern era.   The course will begin by analyzing short stories of the modern period.  This will allow the students to formulate some concept of the evolution of American society. Then we will launch into a cultural study of how America came to establish these views.  Students will study the writings and development of minority cultures including: Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and women.   In addition, the writings of Thoreau, Emerson, Poe, and Franklin will be examined.  To culminate this unit on American sub-cultures, the students will be required to write a research paper illustrating their mastery of a sub-culture of their choice.   This class will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

British Literature (Eng. IV)

This course will examine British Literature through a chronological coverage from old English folklore to contemporary English writers.  There will be an in-depth look at the many genres and mediums of British Literature.  Author such as Beowulf, Chaucer, Milton, Shelly, Keats, Shakespeare, and Wilde will be focal points of  study.  These works of fiction, drama, and poetry will be viewed  critically and form the basis for students' essays, exams, research papers, and other forms of literature-related papers.  The students will write creatively as well as analytically in order to fully explore the literature study.  This class will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

Creative Writing

The creative writing course of study emphasizes the development of skills in the making & study of prose, drama, & poetry in a wide variety of genres & styles in an intensive workshop atmosphere.  Students will be required to develop an ability to write in a variety of genres.  Students will demonstrate a facility for giving & receiving constructive criticism along with a mastery of skills in the revision & rewriting process.  Students will cultivate their own personal writing style.  The culmination of this course will be student submissions for school approved publications.

English Arts

This is a contemporary literature course, which provides for the study of modern literature as well as building reading comprehension skills.  In addition, creative writing component is included under the assumption that good writing improves with good reading.  The students will read, discuss, and write about different genres of literature: short stories, novels, and plays.  Assignments are structured in such a way that it will force the student to see the writer that they read as commenting on the same things the student thinks about and indeed consumes.  This course will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

English I

English I provides students with a variety of experiences in which they explore the basic language arts literacy skills.  Special emphasis is given to the writing process in which students study parts of speech, sentence and paragraph structure, and an expository essay.  The students will also be exposed to various literary forms, elements, and devices throughout the year.  In addition, there will be a formal structured debate/public speaking activity and research topic that all are expected to participate in.  Communication skills, such as vocabulary and development of proper grammar usage are emphasized to prepare students for more advanced courses.  This course will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

English II 

English II is designed for the tenth grade student and it covers a large range of literary forms as well as practice in the five types of writing.  The student will be required to select, apply, and adjust reading strategies according to the material and purpose for reading.  Class discussion and writing assignments will accompany each reading project as the student analyzes how works of literature reflect historical events, social conditions, or universal themes.  The student will be required to complete a research project /assignment that synthesizes and cites data.  This research is to be tied into a formal speaking topic or novel that they read.   In addition, the student will be required to participate in a public speaking unit or formal debate that will enable them to fine-tune their speaking and listening skills.  This course will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.
Literature Through Psychology - This challenge course will allow students to analyze advanced pieces of literature through the filter of various psychological theories and concepts.  Students will be able to apply the theoretical frameworks of Freud, Jung, Kubler-Ross, among others, to understand literature from a different perspective through both the reading of novels as well as essay-based responses to the literature.  This course will prepare the student for deep textual analysis found in college literature classes.

Literature Through Film

 Through the study of various genres of film, the student will develop literary comprehension and interpretive skills as well as writing skills for expository, analytical and comparative essays. In depth exploration of film as belonging to a particular genre and being the product of a particular director’s vision will build fluency with the exposition of information, the construction of narratives, the development of characters and the elicitation of both aesthetic and emotional response. The students will address not only various story telling styles, but also historical, cross-cultural and contemporary issues. Students will read works that inspired film adaptations and compare the experience of the story across different media. This course will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

Literature & Writing Strategies

This challenge course is being offered as an alternative English class requirement for graduation.  Students need to learn to write for a variety of reasons including academically and informally, current studies, future studies, for their peers and themselves. Students should also have the opportunity to write in their field of interest to learn about the conventions of their intended disciplines in college.  Students must also be committed to all stages of the writing process. Students must also seek academic feedback on research from teachers pertinent to the topic of each piece of writing, and not just the English course instructor.

World Literature

This course provides students with an overview of world literature through selective examples of various writers, cultures, & periods of history.  It focuses on a wide range of literary forms, elements, & devices that elicit aesthetic response.  Students will become familiar with how poetry, short stories, & novels deal with historical events, social conditions, and universal themes as they study our global literary tradition.  The students will have opportunities to demonstrate effective reading, writing, viewing, speaking, & listening skills throughout the course.  Emphasis will be placed on the skills students need to function in society once they have graduated.  They will fill out mock job applications, college applications, and create an up-to-date resume with an appropriate cover letter.  This class will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.
 

Anthropology

This is a social studies elective and the course has no prerequisites and is designed for all levels of students in grades 11 and 12, who have an interest in studying cultural anthropology. The mission of Anthropology is to prepare students to critically interpret and interface with the world around them, by presenting the student with a broad introduction to cultural anthropology, a comparative study of the worlds’ people and cultures, by using information from the natural, social, and behavior sciences.  Particular emphasis will be placed on how the material can be applied by students in their own observations and interactions.  This course will earn (5) five credits.

Criminal Justice

This course introduces the students to the basic components, principles, and processes of our legal system.  Students will examine the organization of US Courts, the foundations of our law, and landmark court cases.  Descriptions of the duties and functions of specific actors in the system, including the victim, offender, police, prosecuting and defense attorneys, courts and corrections will be addressed.  In addition, the role of the US Constitution and state and federal laws will be analyzed. Career opportunities in our legal system will also be discussed.  This course will earn five (5) credits.
Philosophy-  This course is an elective designed as an enrichment offering by the Department of Social Studies. Philosophy invites students from all backgrounds to investigate this social science and participate in a rigorous and enriching learning experience. Critical thinking skills include the ability to challenge common assumptions by formulating questions, to identify and weigh valid and relevant evidence, and reach reasonable conclusions. Students in Philosophy will be encouraged toward self-directed inquiry into their own questions regarding the global society and continued evaluation of their found conclusions. The purpose of this course is to have each student embark on their own personal quest and attempt to discover answers to questions they themselves may have or have not thought of within their lives. Personal reflection is key to philosophical comprehension.  This class will earn (5) five credits.
 

Psychology

This course is designed to expose the student to the basic theories and principles of human behavior.  The student will learn about psychological methods, human development, biological influences, theories of personality, and the role of learning in personality development.  The course combines text work, library materials, magazine/newspaper articles, videos and class group discussions as the class attempts to understand the basics of psychology and its impact on his/her life.  This class will earn five (5) credits.

Sociology

This academic elective within the History/Social Studies Department is an introductory survey of sociology, the study of people in groups.  The students will learn the history, vocabulary, and principle theories of the subject, as well as individual topics, such as the family, subcultures, deviance, social stratification, prejudice, discrimination, racism, and the impact of social pressures on the individual.  The students are encouraged to relate what they learn to life experiences through class discussion and the integration of works of literature into the curriculum.  The students will be expected to complete a final sociological project and oral presentations throughout the course.  This class will earn five (5) credits.

United States History I

This course is a chronological survey of American History.  It begins with the settlement of the American continents by the Europeans and progresses through the late 1930s.  Topics and themes will focus on the events, documents, people and movements that have shaped our nation's history, society, and present position in the world.  Subjects studied include the geography, discovery, exploration, colonization, and settlement of the nation.  The course will also focus on such issues as the function, structure, and operation of the levels of US government.  The role of family, religion and other social and economic institutions in the development of our society will be emphasized.  In addition, the course will focus on the development of a multi-cultural society and the role of the State of New Jersey has played in the development of the US.  This course is required for high school graduation.

United States History II

This course is a chronological survey of American History from the economic collapse of 1929 to the present.   Topics and themes will focus on the events, people, and movements that have shaped our nation's history and our society as well as the United States' unique position in the world.  Subjects studied include the structure and function of various American governing bodies, the economy, changing American culture, the effects of technology, issues of intolerance and reform, and the development of a multicultural society.   This class is required for high school graduation.
 

World History 

This course presents a panorama of people and their development by analyzing various themes from the age of global encounters/ Enlightenment to the present.   Topics and themes will focus on religious movements, global conflict, revolutions, educational enlightenment, government & political institutions, exploration, colonization, industrialization and finally, globalization.  There is also a strong emphasis placed on geographical concepts.  The course is designed to increase student awareness of multiculturalism as a means of reducing ethnocentrism.  Attention to the skills of the historian as well as those of reading comprehension and written expression will be addressed throughout the course with the use of primary sources.  This course is required for high school graduation.

Italian I

This is an introductory course in Italian for our students.  The course will concentrate on both oral comprehension and production along with a general understanding of the culture.  Italian I is designed to encourage natural language acquisition through constant exposure to and repetition of the vocabulary, syntax and basic grammar of everyday situations.  Initially, emphasis is primarily on listening, repeating and speaking, but advancement to reading and writing does take place

Italian II

Italian 2 is a course designed to prepare students for communicative-based language instruction.  By engaging students in meaningful, motivating, and cognitively challenging activities students will continue to develop their ability to understand language, use it in conversation, interpret spoken and written information while making connections with other disciplines and learning about culture products, practices and perspectives.  
Italian III – In this advanced course a great deal of emphasis is placed on reading comprehension as it relates to Italian Literature, written expression, and the ability to express one's self fluently in another language.  The student will acquire a more sophisticated vocabulary and an understanding of all major grammatical concepts.  In addition, he/she will develop a sensitivity to the diverstiy of the world.  

Spanish I

This is an introductory course for the student who has not studied or been exposed to Spanish before.  The course will concentrate on both oral comprehension and production along with a general understanding of the culture.  Spanish I is designed to encourage natural language acquisition through constant exposure to and repetition of the vocabulary, syntax and basic grammar of everyday situations.  Initially, emphasis is primarily on listening, repeating and speaking, but advancement to reading and writing does take place.  

Spanish II

This course is a continuation of the skills and content taught in Spanish I. Multi-media will be employed in order to learn as much as possible about Spanish and the Hispanic world. More reading and writing are required than in Spanish I. The main emphasis of the course will be the continued development of students’ communicative abilities.

Spanish III – IV 
In this advanced course a great deal of emphasis is placed on reading comprehension as it relates to Spanish Literature, written expression, and the ability to express one's self fluently in another language.  The student will acquire a more sophisticated vocabulary and an understanding of all major grammatical concepts.  In addition, he/she will develop a sensitivity to the diverstiy of the Hispanic world. 

Spanish Challenge Course

This course will allow the Spanish-speaking student to apply all previously acquired knowledge in the language to a more practical use such as full conversation in the language, utilizing multimedia, and further developing abilities in communication.  It will also afford a greater understanding of cultural events and nuances, rooted in history as well as etymology.  Topics will be geared to prepare students to use Spanish for settings such as the work place, continuing study in the field at the post-graduate level, or in the curricular areas of Latin American History, etymology, or cultural studies.
 

Animation

Students express their visual creativity through drawing, storytelling, and other visual mediums. Throughout the course students will explore the history and evolution of animation. Students will demonstrate creative self-expression as they learn basic drawing skills, techniques for original character design, the natural flow and movement of objects, and background development which includes an in depth study of perspective drawing and layout. Instruction will be given in the following areas: Elements of art and principles of design; perspective drawing and layout, historical and cultural development of animation, and computer art basics and applications.  

Digital Photography

The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language.  Digital Photography offers an introduction to the methods and uses of digital as well as traditional photo techniques.  Units of study include pinhole camera construction, dark room developing, manual camera function, computer editing, high speed photography, and stop motion.  Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history.  Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of art materials.  

Drama

This course is designed to instruct students in their study and application of musical theatre.  Students will analyze play scripts, short plays and scenes from a variety of different influences to increase awareness of acting techniques.  Towards this end students will perform both alone and with others in collaborative productions for the Collier community.  Theatre students will also learn their curriculum while making vital connections with the NJCCCS for the Performing Arts.  

Drawing & Painting

Students will utilize the Principles of Design and Elements of Art to resolve design challenges and explore varied techniques and media; complete with critique and continuous revision in the area of Draw/Paint/Design. The students explore the realm of two-dimensional design with the same fundamental concepts, beginning with black and white and concluding with color. Projects are tailored to encourage creative growth and development, through the active role of the student as artist. As students advance in level, they are able to approach those projects with more complexity, intricacy, and are held to a higher standard in overall assessment. As they progress through the program, they are encouraged to develop and promote their individualized style in reference to subject matter and technique.

Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music is an elective class which is primarily designed to teach students how to play various musical instruments.  Towards this end, students will learn numerous musical elements such as notation, intervals, chords, melody/harmony, and fingering.  At the same time, students will also explore the history of musical instruments, while also examining 21st Century technology and it’s impact on music.  Throughout the year, Instrumental Music students will be required to perform simple and complex compositions and compose and perform original compositions in connection with the NJCCCS for the Performing Arts.  

Music Theory

This course acquaints the young performer with all aspects of music; including composers and compositions. The building blocks of music, how it is created and performed, great performers and conductors.  This course focuses on developing well educated musicians and discriminating listeners. The major focus of this course is on notation and the building blocks that make up music.

Sculpture

The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language.  Sculpture  offers an introduction to the methods and uses of materials and three dimensional building techniques in art.  Units of study include mold making, casting, carving,CAD, and CNC control, using materials such as aluminum, latex, wood, clay, and found objects.  Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history.  Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of art materials.  This course will earn (5) five visual & performing arts credits.

Studio Art I-IV

The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language.  Studio Art I offers an introduction to the methods and uses of materials in art.  Units of study include drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, fiber and metal.  Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history.   Artistic experiences are provided to develop the creative potential in each child and to allow or maximum individual differences in expression and growth.   Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of art materials.

Studio Art II, III & IV

Students will build upon the foundation of Studio Art I with increasingly complex projects.  Students continue to receive individual instruction as they develop personal imagery.  

Theatre Tech

This is a collaborative, project-based class, which will create an opportunity for students to learn and develop those skills needed to produce a theatrical production.   The students will assist in the many aspects of theater production including: set design and construction; scene decoration; stage property building; costume construction; lighting and sound, equipment use and maintenance; principles and application of sound, lighting, and computer technology; the use of special effects; costume and makeup considerations and selection; publicity and business management; theatre safety; and the function of technical stage personnel in production work.  In addition, the students will learn the responsibilities of the set builder, stage manager, properties manager and make-up artist.  Through direct involvement in actual theater productions, students will learn creative problem solving, leadership, responsibility, communication skills, and how to collaborate successfully with individuals and groups.  Careers in theater production will also be explored.  

Video Workshop

The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language.  Video workshop  offers an introduction to the methods and uses of digital video design, production, and editing.  Units of study include storyboarding, lighting, sound, camera control, non-linear editing, stop motion, special effects, and live production.  Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history.  Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of video equipment.  

Vocal Music (Choir)

Vocal music is designed to guide the Collier student towards personal improvement in the art of singing through study in several musical areas.  Students will learn to perform both alone and with others while studying a variety of musical genres and languages.  Vocal music students will also be required to learn and apply proper vocal techniques through warm-ups and our applied musical literature/repertoire.  Vocal Music students will learn to interpret, analyze, and assess vocal, choral, and acapella musical selections and performances in connection with the NJCCCS for the Performing Arts.  

Comprehenaive Health and Physical Education

Drivers’ Education

This course will be devoted to driver education theory and will meet the state mandate for thirty (30) hours of classroom instruction.  Students in the course will be exposed to all aspects of driving techniques and safety, automotive care, financial responsibility, defensive driving, and the study of traffic laws and regulations.  The students will be given opportunities to develop critical thinking skills that will enable them to make decisions that are essential to safe, responsible driving.  This class will earn 1.25 credits.

Health

This required course is scheduled for one quarter in grades 9, 11, and 12. Health includes the study of personal growth & development, pregnancy & parenting, personal safety, health conditions, diseases, medicines, substance abuse/addiction, community health services & support, emotional/social health, and interpersonal relationships.  Analyzing influences, goal setting, decision making, non-fiction reading comprehension, data interpretation, question creation, research, and communication are examples of some of the skill-based objectives over the cumulative high school health experience. 

Health 1

Nutrition – Drugs- Medicine – This course examines physical and mental illnesses that affect the 
general population, with focus on cardiovascular health, obesity, cancer, depression, sexually transmitted infections 
and diabetes. Other topics include suicide prevention, eating disorders and the importance nutrition plays in health 
and personal well-being; the effects of diseases on the family, and the health care system.

Health 2

Relationships & Sexuality – examines student life after high school. Areas of focus include strategies to develop and maintain lasting meaningful relationships with families, friends and significant others. Additional topics covered include independent living, dating, violence and domestic abuse, marriage issues, pregnancy, parenting, aging, and death and dying. Family life topics include discussions of family planning as well as contraceptive options.

Health 3

Wellness & Fitness –  Topics addressed include the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of 
health, including respect, values, goal setting, stress management, conflict resolution, sexual harassment, and 
decision making. Additional areas of focus are first aid/CPR, eating disorders and the importance nutrition plays in 
health and personal well-being; skills to avoid the use of alcohol and tobacco, and the importance of fitness.

Physical Education

 Course content will introduce students to the skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities; cardio-respiratory endurance; strength and flexibility; selected team, individual/dual sports; understanding the implications and benefits of involvement in physical activities; participation in physical activities; and social development.  In other words, we will focus on developing a physically educated person.  Provides all students the opportunity to choose a variety of physical education activities. These activities are designed to provide lifetime carryover skills and are used at 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade levels to introduce skills transferable between all activities. Each activity has goals of physical fitness, skill development and activity knowledge.  This class will earn 3.75 credits.

Holistic Health

Holistic Health is offered here at Collier as an alternative to traditional physical education. Holistic health/PE was created to further help our our students with brain development as it is an integration of sensory motor, visual processing, and cognitive exercises. In our holistic gym we work on exercises for balance spatial awareness midline of the brain and focus. Integrated with these are visual motor tasks that help develop our students' visual processing systems. Holistic students also participate in the cognitive program “Brainware” 2 to 3 days per week. Brainware is also an integrated program that works to develop 41 different cognitive abilities including working memory and executive functions.

Agriscience (Greenhouse Management)

The students in this vocationally oriented course will have the opportunity to combine hands-on experience in gardening, landscape and greenhouse horticulture with the traditional science-lab classroom experience.  The course will focus on introducing the students to the scientific principles that are involved in the art and science of breeding, propagating, installing, and maintaining plants that are used to enhance and improve the human environment.  Landscape design, plant science, natural resource management, and entrepreneurship in agriscience are some of the topics that will be studied. This is a double period class. 

Barbering

This career oriented course is designed to acquaint a student who aspires to work in the field of cosmetology with the skills and knowledge the professional barber must possess.  Students will be given a thorough understanding of both the theory and the practice of all pertinent subjects.  The students will acquire entry-level skills that are required to render professional services and pass the state licensing exam.  Bacteriology; decontamination and infection control; shampooing, rinsing, and conditioning; haircutting; manicuring and pedicuring; and the salon business are some of the topics covered in this course.  

Building Trades

This pre-vocationally oriented course provides students who aspire to work within the construction occupational cluster with the basic skills and technical aspects of carpentry the professional carpenter must possess.  Students will be given a thorough understanding of both theory and hands-on experience within the field to enhance career development and develop entry level skills.  In addition, elements of Project Discovery’s “Construction Trades”  Module will be introduced when weather prohibits outdoor activity.  Topics covered include safety; measurement; the identification, selection, and use of power and hand tools; lumber; framing; shop organization and maintenance; career opportunities; and cooperation within the workplace.  This is a double period class.

Computer Appls I-IV

Computer Applications I-IV serves as an open lab where students are free to work with Computer Science, Digital Arts, and S.T.E.M. simulation materials. This course enables students with prior experience as well as those new to I.T. a chance to work with varying materials for which they have a desire to work with or may just want to try initially. Students also find themselves exposed to different content which their classmates are working with which often peaks their interest to try something for which they may not have had interest otherwise. 

Computer Science Discoveries

This is an introductory course in which students are exposed to the basics of computer science. Students work individually and as a team as they learn to work with / create websites and applications. Students will also learn about how technology actually functions due to constructs such as binary code. Students are free to take Computer Principles the following year during which students will dive deeper into programming and also learn about networking. 

Computer Science Principles (Coding)

Computer Science Principles (CS Principles) is a computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. It is designed from the ground up (by Code.org) to be an accessible and engaging course for all students, regardless of background or prior experience. It provides students opportunities to engage with relevant topics in a wide variety of contexts and aims to show all students that CS is for them. ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) standards which are endorsed by NJ are used in this document. - https://www.iste.org/standards/for-students 

Cosmetology

This career oriented course is designed to acquaint a student who aspires to work in the field of cosmetology with the skills and knowledge the professional cosmetologist must possess.  Students will be given a thorough understanding of both the theory and the practice of all pertinent subjects.  The students will acquire entry-level skills that are required to render professional services and pass the state licensing exam.  Bacteriology; decontamination and infection control; shampooing, rinsing, and conditioning; haircutting; manicuring and pedicuring; and the salon business are some of the topics covered in this course.  

Culinary Arts

This introductory course is designed to develop student abilities to acquire entry-level skills in the food service / culinary arts industry.    Students will acquire the basic knowledge to work in volume - feeding establishments.  They will have the opportunity to learn and practice safety and sanitation procedures, use and maintain commercial food service equipment, and prepare food.  All students participate daily in the kitchen laboratory in planning, preparing, and serving cafeteria and special event meals.  The program is operated on an open-entry/open-exit basis and features a course of study which allows the student to proceed at his or her own pace.  The structure of the curriculum is such that with the completion of each unit of study, the student will be job ready for the skills covered in the next unit.  Actual food preparation accounts for seventy percent of the learning activities, while the additional thirty percent is provided by text, videos, handouts, lectures, etc.   
Esthetics – Fashion - This course is designed for those students who want to develop their talents to create personal style, apply essentials of style to their own lives, or explore styling as a professional career. It provides students with the opportunity to experience the development of apparel, wardrobe planning, consumer decisions, advertising campaigns, analysis of fashion trends, fashion history, current trends, designers, hair styles and make up. Projects may include internet and magazine research, timelines, portfolio presentations, coloring, modeling, accessorizing and total look concepts. 

Filmmaking

The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language.  Filmmaking offers an introduction to the methods and uses of digital video design, production, and editing.  Units of study include storyboarding, lighting, sound, camera control, non-linear editing, stop motion, special effects, and live production.  Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history.  Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of video equipment.  

Music Technology – Pro tools

This is an elective class which is primarily designed to introduce and foster the study and practice of where the technology and music worlds intersect. It is for those students who want to know how their favorite music is produced.  It is intended to give students an introduction to Pro Tools. Course workshops will focus on pop/rock/modern techniques of recording but will make students familiar with the older techniques, through practice and written papers. Students will make use of Collier’s recording studio and student Pro Tools stations in order to get hands-on training in Pro Tools. Though this course our students will have the opportunity to learn about live sound and put their knowledge into practice at an open mic, musical/drama, and music concerts.  This program can serve all of the following: the student with no prior musical experience, for students who already study an instrument in our school, for students who take private lessons or for students who have learned about music or an instrument in a less formal fashion.  Students will be provided hands-on experience with the technology in order to gain a first-hand understanding of the cutting-edge innovations that exist in Music Technology. They will be able to demonstrate how technology can be used to aid in the recording and presentation of acoustic instruments as well as how electronic music can be produced or recorded.  

Sound Production

The Art and Science of Audio Recording is for students that want to know why their favorite records “sound” the way they do. It is intended to give students an introduction to world of audio and give them the tools in order to work in that field. This course will focus on pop/rock/modern techniques of recording, but will make students familiar with the older techniques.  Making use of Collier’s recording studio students will get hands on training in hardware, different MIDI programs, and Pro Tools. Student will also get an idea of live sound though classroom instruction and school concerts.  

Stem – Robotics

STEM is a full year study designed primarily for students who want to enhance their knowledge of technology and science.   This course seeks to build a firm foundation for understanding technology by blending an understanding of basic physics principles with practice in applying these principles.  Concepts like force, work, and rate are introduced and their applications in mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems are demonstrated.   This course provides students with the fundamental understanding of the engineering design process. Students will engage in the engineering design process of design and build through project based work that infuses guiding industry standards along with engineering, science, and mathematic principles.  In addition, a large segment of time will be devoted to robotics.  Each unit builds on knowledge learned in the previous unit to help the student understand modern interdisciplinary systems. The correct use of laboratory equipment will be learned, and laboratory experiments will complement each area of study.