2016-2017 Course Descriptions
The goal of each of our courses was to create the to be as project-based, hands-on as possible. Students will be very busy creating, designing and planning. Most courses begin with a short lecture, a fair amount of socratic discussion followed by a related project in which students will use their talents to the best of their ability to solve the challenges they are given. (There will be different assignments for students PK- 3rd grade for art and architecture)
Biblical/Ancient Fine Arts
In this year long Biblical Fine Arts course, students will continue explore the many unique areas of the art world in relation to the Biblical/Ancient time period with a strong concentration of Ancient History, Archaeology, Geology and Astronomy. They will be challenged with the opportunity to try their hands at artistic mediums such as: clay, fabric, sculpture, drawing, painting, weaving and many other mediums.
Biblical/Ancient Architecture including Drafting and Modeling
In this year long course, students will dig deeper into the architectural styles of the Biblical and Ancient time periods. They will design, sketch and complete the course with a final design project, while working consistently on an architectural scrapbook with an emphasis on the architecture of Biblical and Ancient History, while teaching students the fundamentals of drafting and architectural drawing and modeling. Students learn to use parallel rulers, triangles, architectural scales and other drafting tools. Students learn a variety of drawing types: plans, elevations, sections, perspective drawing and architectural lettering through a variety of projects and challenges.
Biblically Based Photography
While learning basic photography rules and skills, students are challenged with Biblically and Ancients Based Photography assignments. (Their photographic responses to their reactions to the different a Bible passages). This course has been taken online by children and adults who have successfully used it to challenge their photography skills. Students must supply their own camera and photo editing software.
Beginning Architecture (for students 4-8)
In this year long course, students will dig deeper into the the foundations of architecture. Using the Building Brilliant Minds Online Curriculum, students will experience the courses of Beginning Architecture 1-3 directly with Mrs. G. They will be working on Structures, Designing a Home and Designing a Zoo. Class is all hands on, lots of fun and limited to 10 students. (Currently there are four available spots left). (More classes may be added if interest is higher).
Project-Based Individual Studies
One of the most exciting options for students is to work with Mrs. G. to develop plans for projects based on topics that they would like to study individually. Students and their parents will be mentored through their own course creation for these studies. Full-time students will be expected to participate in one or more project based individual studies.
IEW (Institute of Excellence in Writing) and Communications
Written and vocal communication is such an integral part of an Arts Education. In Semester 1, students will be taught IEW writing and communication/speech with an emphasis on Biblical Writing. In the 2nd Semester, students will be taught to communicate information with an emphasis on Ancient History. For both semesters,students will working on public speaking, poetry, reading, grammar and spelling (all using IEW materials). This course meets twice a week for 1.5 hours per class. See Mrs. G. For more information.
Theater 2016-2017 - Joseph and his Technicolored Dreamcoat
For the 2016-2107 school year, in keeping with with the "Ancients" theme of the year, we will be producing the show "Joseph and his Technicolored Dreamcoat" through RH Broadway Shows. (Don't worry girls.. we will build in lots of fabulous roles for you:)! Students will spend their theater time: rehearsing, singing, dancing, really developing their roles, designing and creating the sets and props and making as many of the costumes as they can. Our shows (by St. Helen Academy Theater Troupe) are highly student centered. Our main goal is that students have a blast in the process and we hope for a successful performance. In 2015-16, we've been working on ANNIE JR. In the past we've produced the shows: Enchanted Journey, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Wizard of Oz with great successes.
Independent Tutoring
During their "work/project times" students enrolled in the full-time program may have the opportunity to be tutored or mentored by tutors (paid privately) in areas such as: piano, dance, sewing, healthy cooking, math, and foreign languages. These opportunities will be discussed with full-time students in their parents in their initial course planning session.
Piano Lessons - Tutor available for individual studies.
Dance Lessons - Tutor available for group studies.
Instrument Lessons (violin, flute etc.) - Tutor available for individual studies.
Sewing Lessons - Tutor available for individual studies.
Healthy Cooking Lessons- Tutor available for group studies.
Teen Math Tutors will be available as arranged during "open times".
AP Art Portfolio Guidance - Offered as an individual study.
Health Education
Mrs. G. is a COPE certified Health Coach. By teaching students and their families healthy habits, she believes that students will have a more successful learning experience and families will benefit.
Biblical/Ancient Fine Arts
In this year long Biblical Fine Arts course, students will continue explore the many unique areas of the art world in relation to the Biblical/Ancient time period with a strong concentration of Ancient History, Archaeology, Geology and Astronomy. They will be challenged with the opportunity to try their hands at artistic mediums such as: clay, fabric, sculpture, drawing, painting, weaving and many other mediums.
Biblical/Ancient Architecture including Drafting and Modeling
In this year long course, students will dig deeper into the architectural styles of the Biblical and Ancient time periods. They will design, sketch and complete the course with a final design project, while working consistently on an architectural scrapbook with an emphasis on the architecture of Biblical and Ancient History, while teaching students the fundamentals of drafting and architectural drawing and modeling. Students learn to use parallel rulers, triangles, architectural scales and other drafting tools. Students learn a variety of drawing types: plans, elevations, sections, perspective drawing and architectural lettering through a variety of projects and challenges.
Biblically Based Photography
While learning basic photography rules and skills, students are challenged with Biblically and Ancients Based Photography assignments. (Their photographic responses to their reactions to the different a Bible passages). This course has been taken online by children and adults who have successfully used it to challenge their photography skills. Students must supply their own camera and photo editing software.
Beginning Architecture (for students 4-8)
In this year long course, students will dig deeper into the the foundations of architecture. Using the Building Brilliant Minds Online Curriculum, students will experience the courses of Beginning Architecture 1-3 directly with Mrs. G. They will be working on Structures, Designing a Home and Designing a Zoo. Class is all hands on, lots of fun and limited to 10 students. (Currently there are four available spots left). (More classes may be added if interest is higher).
Project-Based Individual Studies
One of the most exciting options for students is to work with Mrs. G. to develop plans for projects based on topics that they would like to study individually. Students and their parents will be mentored through their own course creation for these studies. Full-time students will be expected to participate in one or more project based individual studies.
IEW (Institute of Excellence in Writing) and Communications
Written and vocal communication is such an integral part of an Arts Education. In Semester 1, students will be taught IEW writing and communication/speech with an emphasis on Biblical Writing. In the 2nd Semester, students will be taught to communicate information with an emphasis on Ancient History. For both semesters,students will working on public speaking, poetry, reading, grammar and spelling (all using IEW materials). This course meets twice a week for 1.5 hours per class. See Mrs. G. For more information.
Theater 2016-2017 - Joseph and his Technicolored Dreamcoat
For the 2016-2107 school year, in keeping with with the "Ancients" theme of the year, we will be producing the show "Joseph and his Technicolored Dreamcoat" through RH Broadway Shows. (Don't worry girls.. we will build in lots of fabulous roles for you:)! Students will spend their theater time: rehearsing, singing, dancing, really developing their roles, designing and creating the sets and props and making as many of the costumes as they can. Our shows (by St. Helen Academy Theater Troupe) are highly student centered. Our main goal is that students have a blast in the process and we hope for a successful performance. In 2015-16, we've been working on ANNIE JR. In the past we've produced the shows: Enchanted Journey, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Wizard of Oz with great successes.
Independent Tutoring
During their "work/project times" students enrolled in the full-time program may have the opportunity to be tutored or mentored by tutors (paid privately) in areas such as: piano, dance, sewing, healthy cooking, math, and foreign languages. These opportunities will be discussed with full-time students in their parents in their initial course planning session.
Piano Lessons - Tutor available for individual studies.
Dance Lessons - Tutor available for group studies.
Instrument Lessons (violin, flute etc.) - Tutor available for individual studies.
Sewing Lessons - Tutor available for individual studies.
Healthy Cooking Lessons- Tutor available for group studies.
Teen Math Tutors will be available as arranged during "open times".
AP Art Portfolio Guidance - Offered as an individual study.
Health Education
Mrs. G. is a COPE certified Health Coach. By teaching students and their families healthy habits, she believes that students will have a more successful learning experience and families will benefit.