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2009-2010 CURRICULUM
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
English 9
The goal of the Ninth Grade Curriculum is to put a strong emphasis on both literature and grammatical mechanics to enhance the student's ability in both an education and work environment. The students will read and respond to wide range of text to build an understanding of different cultures around the world. The students will also acquire and apply a wide range of writing strategies in order to communicate appropriately with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
English 10
Elements of Literature aims to build on and extend understandings about reading, writing, and critical thinking that students began to develop in their freshman year. Throughout the critical reading comprehension component of this course, students will explore texts representing the major forms of fiction, as well as selected non-fictional texts. Students will develop a “common language” for analyzing and discussing the various elements, which make up fictional non-fictional texts, and apply these understandings to new texts they are engaging with independently. Students will have the opportunity to hone their research skills further by narrowing down topics and creating thesis statements to focus their own writings.
English 11
Literature and the American Identity aims to expand understanding about reading, writing, and critical thing that students have been developing in their first two year at Christ the King Prep. The course content will primarily revolve around the major literary movements and authors of the American literary tradition. Students will explore the development of the American literary identity, the role of historical and geographical context in shaping American literature, and the impact of literature on American society. Essential knowledge and skills taught in the course will move students toward deeper critical engagement with developmentally appropriate texts, and well as emphasize strategies for success standardized test, college-preparatory writing, and professional communication.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Spanish I
Students will learn to communicate successfully in all three modes with Paso a Paso. From the beginning of each chapter in the “Empecemos a conversar”, interpretive skills are developed through the audio and video programs and small group activities that require students to listen to one another and the many reading opportunities in the textbook and support materials. At Christ the King Prep, students should be able to meet standard goals upon successful completion of these chapters.
Spanish II
Students will learn to communicate successfully in the second of three modes with Paso a Paso. Through the course materials, students are taught the following: conversations about classes and homework; describing one’s school and school day; comparing the subjects one likes the most and the least. In addition, students will converse about similarities and differences between their schooling and that of a student in Mexico City. Students will be able to describe their day before and after school; talking about which extracurricular activities, they prefer and compare their extracurricular activities with those of other students. Students will also describe clothing in detail, indicate clothing preferences and make comparisons. At Christ the King Prep, students should be able to meet standard goals upon successful completion of these chapters.
Spanish III
Students will learn to communicate successfully in the third of three modes with Paso a Paso. Students will find comfort in knowing that there is more than one chance to learn the material and that they don't need to know everything perfectly all at once. This course is designed to help students become proficient communicators, and to acquire an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. This will be accomplished through the use of appropriate instructional materials.
MATHEMATICS
Math Skills
This course, required of all freshmen, attempts to strengthen the basic skills necessary for success in higher math. These topics include, but are not limited to, pre-algebra, working with fractions and decimals, number sense, properties of addition and multiplication, working with integers, operations and order of operations.
Algebra 1
Algebra 1 is a study of algebraic concepts such as solving one variable, two variable, system of equations, graphic lines, determining slope, simplifying and factoring polynomials and their applications with emphasis on skill development. Students are encouraged to develop precise and accurate habits of mathematical expression.
Algebra 2
Algebra 2 is the second year required course in mathematics. The course is designed to expand the students’ knowledge of Algebra and to give them the solid function in mathematics necessary for Pre-Calculus and Calculus. Students will use technology such as scientific and graphing calculators as well as computers to solve real life problems through critical thinking, modeling and group activities. The course content involves performing operations with rational, irrational and complex numbers, simplifying all types of algebraic expressions, solutions of systems of linear equations, applications of matrices and determinants, using graph and logarithmic and operations with polynomials.
Geometry
Geometry is a systematic study of the nature of deductive and inductive reasoning as applied to the basic concept of size, shape and relative position of points and sets of points in the plane and three-dimensional space within the framework of Euclidian geometry. The course starts with basic geometry concepts, such as lines and angles and properties of triangles, and proceeds to a more in-depth look at topics such as areas of polygons and circles, quadrilaterals and circles, and right triangles and trigonometry. Computers will be introduced as an aid to geometric problem solving.
RELIGION
Theology 9
The Catholic Church has been a world presence throughout two millennia. From humble beginnings in the early Christian movement, today the Catholic Church exists as the largest 
single Christian denomination. Christ the King Preparatory School functions within the Catholic tradition of learning and service. During this course, students will gain a better understanding of the underlying beliefs, which form our school community, including the Cristo Rey model of high schools, the founders and charisms of sponsoring religious congregations and what it means to be a Cristo Rey student.
Theology 10
Theology 10 is designed so that all students, regardless of faith or background, can succeed and learn to a share love for the history of the Church. This course is an introduction to Biblical literature, which examines both Hebrew and Christian Scripture. It aims to help students comprehend the wealth of Judeo-Christian spiritual tradition and challenges them to grow in their appreciation of God, themselves and other people
Theology 11
God created every person with an internal moral sense, some internal movement which helps us make quick decisions. Our decisions reflect who we are as a person and who we are becoming. By making good choices, we become better people and more human. By making poor choices, we become less human. Our capacity for ethical behavior is what makes us human. During this course, we will examine different moral systems, understand the importance of conscience in the Catholic Church, establish frameworks for good decision-making and the wider effects of moral choices in contemporary issues centered on Christ.
SCIENCE
Physical Science
Designed for ninth grade students, this course serves as both an introduction and a review of basic science necessary for high school requirements. The physical science course content outline covers several basic areas of science including Physics, Earth Science, Astronomy and Chemistry. Course content will include the use of the classroom lectures and note taking, textbook reading assignments, electronic media presentations and internet research.
Biology/Biology Laboratory
This course is designed for tenth grade students as both a high school requirement and possible further study into a college-related science major. The basic units of biology and more in-depth areas of biology are covered in this course. The course content outline is comprised of several basic areas of Biology including, Cell Biology, Genetics, DNA, Botany, Human Structure and Bio Chemistry. Course content will also include the use of classroom lectures and note taking, textbook reading assignments, electronic media presentations and internet research. A complement of weekly laboratory exercises is part of the lesson, including laboratory safety and use of equipment, laboratory practices and hands-on projects.
Chemistry/Chemistry Laboratory
Chemistry studies the structure, properties and reactions of matter especially at the atomic and molecular levels. Both conceptual and mathematical approaches are used. Laboratory experience and reporting are required.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Western Civilization
To understand who we are and where we are going, we must first understand our past. As residents of the United States and citizens of the wider world, we are heirs to the rich heritage of Western Civilization. This course covers the history, culture, and values of the West, as it is understood by modern scholarship. Freshman students will develop basic mastery of history from the Bronze Age through the Renaissance and continue to develop geographic knowledge, reading comprehension skills, writing style, and critical thinking abilities.
U.S. History I
No country has shaped – and continues to shape – the modern world more than the United States of America. Its values, culture, language, technology, history, stories, victories, failures, laws... are the dominant stream in an increasingly globalized society. To understand why, one must understand where the dream that is America originated. Students will develop basic mastery of American history from the earliest European settlements through the American Civil War (1861-1865) and continue to develop geographic knowledge, reading comprehension, writing style, and critical thinking abilities.
U.S. History II
The second course in United States history seeks to continue to develop geographic knowledge, reading comprehension, writing style, and critical thinking abilities that were emphasized and strengthened in US History I. Students begin their studies by focusing on the attempts to heal and mend a fractured country after the Civil War during the era of Reconstruction, continue through two world wars, the Cold War and the changes that are sweeping the country today.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Health
The goals of the course are to help students gain an understanding of the concept of total health. This includes the mental, emotional and social aspects of wellness. In addition, this course will help students demonstrate an understanding of how motivation and commitment can lead to wanted behavioral change; and to understand self-image and its effect on one’s health.
Physical Education
Students exercise with the basic set of calisthenics and short runs in order to improve their health and physical well-being. During the physical education period, classes participate in full-scale games such as dodge ball and kickball. Students also have the opportunity to play basketball, volleyball, indoor football and indoor soccer. All students should be active participants in the physical education activities.
SAT AND ACT PREP CLASS
SAT and ACT Prep Classes are offered to both sophomores and juniors. The course seeks to improve student test-taking skills through the use of testing strategies and practice problems. The course is integrated closely with Christ the King Prep’s math and English curricula in order to ensure maximum efficiency and alignment of the skills being developed in those courses.
