Grade 9
Media Arts
In this year-long course, students will learn the fundamentals of video production, including lighting, cinematography, sound recording, and editing. Although the class is intended for the novice filmmaker, experienced students are welcome, and projects will be adapted to challenge their individual skill levels. Class time will be primarily devoted to student- and instructor-designed projects that may include video poetry, music videos, public-service announcements, short features, and documentary projects. Our emphasis will be on developing projects from concept (preproduction) through construction (production and postproduction) to culmination (screening).
Newspaper
Yearbook
Join the staff of the of the Garrulous Pine yearbook. Fundamentals of layout and design, typography, and photography will be intertwined with understanding different forms of journalistic writing. Experience is required for editorial staff. All others are welcome, and we’ll gladly put you to work! This class will meet two times per week for the entire year; upon completion, students will receive a half-credit.
Drawing & Painting
Students in this course have the opportunity to express themselves in drawing, painting, and printmaking techniques. Emphasis is placed on acquiring a wide range of skills. In print-making, students will produce block prints, mono prints, embossings and etchings. Using the campus, we will draw and paint outdoors. Studio work will include portraiture and life drawing from professional models. Projects include both assigned and independent, student-initiated pieces in traditional and contemporary formats. The class provides time for skill development, which supports students’ independent work.
Beginning Tennis
This course teaches students who are new to the game the fundamentals of tennis. Instruction will include the proper technique and key mechanical components to successfully hit forehands, backhands, serves, volleys, and overheads. Drills and team match play, rules, and etiquette are included.
Rock Climbing
Students learn the basics of climbing and belay techniques, equipment maintenance, climbing safety, and risk assessment.
Advanced Instrument Study
Advanced music students may combine private lessons outside of school, weekly practice, and performance in two concerts to receive half an arts credit. Instructor approval is required.
Piano Study
This course is for the beginning or intermediate student who wants to expand knowledge and increase skills on the piano. A required practice regimen will be discussed and agreed upon and must be maintained for course credit. A weekly meeting time with the instructor is arranged.
Instrumental Duets and Ensembles
Advanced music students may form duets, trios, or ensembles to explore classical literature and performance. Participation in Catlin Gabel concerts, directed by the instructor, is required. Open to all Upper School students.
Applied Theater Concepts
The class is an introduction to many aspects of theater, including costuming, makeup, stage management, and properties. The class focuses around eight learning projects in makeup, mask-making, costume adaptation, sound editing, the projected image, prop construction, set design, and qualities of light. Each student will then identify an area of concentration. The course requires participation in two mainstage productions and the Director’s Festival of One-Acts. Each student will also attend one performance experience per semester and will maintain an electronic learning portfolio of the work of the class. Open to all students.
Outdoor Leadership & Adventure
The program is a group-oriented effort to expose students to new skills and experiences associated with outdoor education. It is progressive and is designed so that individual sessions build on previous ones. Attendance at all events is important for success, for both the individual and the group. Activities include a ropes and challenge course, orienteering, GPS work, canoeing, rock climbing, Ultimate Frisbee, rappelling, ecology, hiking, route finding, and mountain biking. To meet a one-term PE requirement, a student must participate in 36 hours of OLA activities. There is one required weekend trip over the course of the term.
CPR/First Aid
CPR and First Aid follows the American Red Cross syllabi for Adult CPR, AED, and first aid. The course is taught using videotapes and handbooks, and students will practice established procedures in dealing with emergencies in CPR, the automatic external defibrillator, and first aid. Students demonstrate competency in these procedures using mannequins and classmates to pass the certification. The course will cover the following: recognizing emergencies, personal protection, what to do before providing care, prioritizing care, rescue breathing, cardiac emergencies, choking, administering CPR and the AED, sudden illness, wounds, bleeding, burns, heat emergencies, and injuries to bones, muscles, and joints. At the end of each unit, students take a written examination for American Red Cross certification.
Lifetime Fitness
Lifetime Fitness is required for graduation; students are encouraged to complete the class during the freshman or sophomore year. This course provides an introduction to the components of physical fitness, including cardio-respiratory fitness, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and agility. Each student maintains a personal exercise workout journal, tracks progress, assesses level of physical fitness, and sets personal goals.