Individuals & Societies
As an Individuals & Societies department we aim to raise global citizens prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. To that end, we create curricula that support civic engagement, inquiry, and civil discourse through a process that encourages questioning, researching, and building evidence-based arguments. Ultimately, our graduates will be participants, not just observers, in the world. Starting in 8th grade, students prepare for the U.S. History and Government Regents exam. In 9th grade, students study Global History and Geography. The course concludes with the NYS Regents exam. 10th graders study participation in government and economics. 11th and 12th graders study one of two possible courses in the International Baccalaureate program: IB Global Politics or IB History. By the end of 12th grade, students are able to make sense of political, social, and economic developments in the world by searching for answers to their own questions, appreciating that there may not be one correct point of view in any situation, and conducting in-depth evaluation of historical sources.
Science
Our students will be stepping into adulthood in a world that changes dramatically at an ever-quickening pace. The science courses at Clinton are designed to help students construct knowledge of the natural world, as well as learn how to engage in the process of scientific discovery. Every science class has a lab once a week in order to provide more time for students to work on inquiry-based and hands-on laboratory experiments.
The science course sequence for the upper grades is living environment, chemistry, and a two-year science IB course. Our program is designed to develop scientific thinkers who approach problems, learning, and design with strong, critical minds. We feel it is our responsibility to provide students with a foundation of scientific knowledge and skills that will give them multiple options when considering the career path they will pursue.
Mathematics
Our focus revolves around developing a deep understanding of algebra, geometry, statistics and the foundational concepts of calculus. Our classes frequently involve difficult contextual problems that challenge students to apply their mathematical knowledge in new ways. This can lead to frustration and a sense of uncertainty, but it is our strong belief that the deepest learning happens through supported struggle. Our central hope is that students show perseverance when attempting problems. Our classes center around collaboration and group discussion as we believe that students learn best from each other.
By the conclusion of tenth grade, all students will have completed High School level algebra and geometry courses. In eleventh and twelfth students will move into the International Baccalaureate program and have the choice of coursework that focuses on abstract concepts that are foundational to higher level calculus courses or coursework that focuses on applied mathematics through statistics and introductory calculus.
English Language Arts
Our ELA courses spiral across the grade levels, meaning that all courses are designed using English Language Arts standards as a foundation. At each grade level, students read, write, and discuss a wide variety of genres and text types.
They apply their craft to make sense of writings from a range of perspectives, time periods, and places. Additionally, they continue to develop their own voice and interests as writers. At the end of 10th grade, our students will sit for the NYS ELA Regents Exam.
Author’s Craft (9th grade)
In this standards-based course, students will solve academic problems while building critical analysis and communication skills. Students will focus on the understandings and cultural perspectives that authors bring to their writing. They will examine the author’s craft both as readers and as writers, paying close attention to language, structure, and technique. Students will explore a variety of topics in literature such as rites of passage, goals and destiny, imagination, and love. They will read, view, discuss, and write about informative and literary texts, and choose individualized reading, writing, and research activities. Students will explore literary works by Carroll, Coelho, Chopin, Collier, Giovanni, Shakespeare, Small, and Waheed, as well as films, and nonfiction texts. They will produce and present argumentative, informative, and narrative texts. By the end of the course, students will have formed opinions, developed arguments, and connected what they studied in class to the world around them. They will have become fully active members of a vital learning community here, as well as begun their preparation to be part of larger communities once they venture out into the world beyond this school.
Representations of Social Conflict (10th grade)
This class includes immersion in the content of language and literature, preparation for the New York State English Regents Exam, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Language and Literature. To these ends, students build on their study of Author’s Craft and develop their critical reading and analyses of texts both literary and non-literary from a variety of time periods, cultures, and genres. Students are also introduced to rhetorical analysis and critical theory and continue to develop their research skills in preparation for the demands of the IB program. The different strands of the course are brought together with a thematic focus on representations of social conflict and an interrogation of how conflict shapes individuals, communities, and our understanding of important historical and contemporary issues. Students will read with a critical eye and an appreciation of multiple perspectives. In addition to a variety of non-fiction texts, potential authors include James Baldwin, Kazuo Ishiguro, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Tim O’Brien, and William Shakespeare, among others.
IB English Language and Literature (11th and 12th grade)
This two-year course gives students the opportunity to study a wide range of literary and non-literary texts in a variety of media. By examining communication across literary and non-literary forms and genres in concert with secondary readings, students investigate the nature of language itself and the ways in which it shapes and is influenced by identity and culture.
In this course, students will develop their reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and presenting skills on the college level. Students will explore elements of language, literature, and performance with a focus on the relationships among, texts, reader, and writers; on the range and functions of texts across geographical space and historical time; and on aspects of intertextuality.
Arts
Art and Design (9th grade)
In Art and Design 9th grade students will explore different methods through which artists develop their artistic practices. Students will be encouraged to experiment, observe and reflect as they work with a variety of different materials. Each project will offer an opportunity to engage with sophisticated conceptual and compositional challenges. In order to supplement the art making process students will look at, discuss and write about other artists and their work.
Media Design (10th grade)
Media Design students will be engaged in a rigorous yearlong quest to better understand the unique role that photos and photo editing play in our understanding of ourselves, the world around us and of history. Students will be challenged to use their cameras to investigate ways that they can frame what they see to give it meaning to other viewers. Students will study the history of photography with the intention of better understanding contemporary uses of photography in art.
For a look at the 2018 – 2019 Photography slideshow.
IB Film (Standard Level or Higher Level)
The IB Diploma Programme film course aims to develop students’ skills so that they become adept in both interpreting and making film texts.
Through the study and analysis of film texts and exercises in film-making, the course explores film history, theory and socio-economic background. The course develops students’ critical abilities, enabling them to appreciate the multiplicity of cultural and historical perspectives in film. To achieve an international understanding within the world of film, students are taught to consider film texts, theories and ideas from the points of view of different individuals, nations and cultures. Students also develop the professional and technical skills (including organizational skills) needed to express themselves creatively in film.
The course emphasizes the importance of working individually and as a member of a group. A challenge for students following this course is to become aware of their own perspectives and biases and to learn to respect those of others. This requires willingness to attempt to understand alternative views, to respect and appreciate cultural diversity, and to have an open and critical mind. Course description from official IB materials.
IB Visual Arts (Standard Level or Higher Level)
The IB Diploma Programme visual arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts.
The role of visual arts teachers should be to actively and carefully organize learning experiences for the students, directing their study to enable them to reach their potential and satisfy the demands of the course. Students should be empowered to become autonomous, informed and skilled visual artists. Course description from official IB materials.
Spanish
9th Grade and 10th Grade Spanish
In the first two years of high school Spanish, our focus is developing the beginning levels of language development. The classes will focus on developing vocabulary and grammar skills that will give them a basis for continuing into IB Spanish. The students will work on developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Also, students will work on a variety of cultural topics to begin the development of their understanding of the products, perspectives, and cultural practices of the 21 Spanish speaking countries.
Ab Initio - IB Spanish for 11th and 12th Grade
Our focus for this two-year Spanish course is building upon what the students have already learned in 9th and 10th grade Spanish classes. The students continue to learn new vocabulary and grammar concepts as well as study cultural topics and build connections between language and culture. At the end of the 2- year course, students will need to, (1) Communicate clearly and effectively in limited contexts, (2) Comprehend and use spoken and written language in limited contexts, (3) Comprehend and use specific common vocabulary and essential grammar, (4) Communicate appropriately according to the audience, (5) Show sensitivity to characteristics of the culture related to the Spanish language. Proficiency will be required in all communication aspects of reading, writing, speaking and listening - skills that will be practiced extensively throughout the course. Students will take IB Internal Assessments and External Assessments in 12th grade only.
Physical Education
Our PE courses spiral across the grade levels with diverse experiences. The curriculum builds lifelong passion for wellness, individual/team sports, and problem-solving activities. Students will establish an athletic, educational and safe environment where all students can be successful.
Health
Our focus in Health is for students to explore the most important aspects of physical, social-emotional, and mental health. Students will learn the scientific concepts of human anatomy and wellness as well as the principles of maintaining a healthy mind and body. Units of study include Social and Emotional Health, Mental Health, Nutrition and Physical Fitness, Drugs, Sexual Health, and Advocacy and Policy. Throughout the course, students will work both independently and collaboratively to discuss how to make healthy lifestyle choices that allow them to stay safe and become well informed global citizens.