Students will learn investigative skills, responsible reporting, and journalistic writing techniques as they read, respond to, and write their own news and feature articles. Students conduct interviews, research, write, and design their own publications.

Students will have the opportunity to explore topics and genres that interest them. Journaling and free writing will be part of almost every class and will play an important part in generating ideas and material to be expanded into more complex writing. Students will also participate in writer’s workshops to receive peer and teacher feedback.

In this course, students will further develop their understanding of genre and techniques introduced in Creative Writing I. Students will explore advanced poetic forms, compose evocative imagery, construct complex narratives,and delve more deeply into the writer’s craft. Students will have the opportunity to engage in self-directed, individualized writing projects specific to their own literary interests and writing style. Designed to run concurrently with Creative Writing I, students will participate in writer's workshops and foster a creative writing community within the classroom. Creative Writing II students will routinely revise and reflect on their own writing as well as demonstrate an awareness of the literary, cultural, and historical contexts within which they write, including the influence of past and present literary forms, structures, styles, and traditions.

Students will delve into the physics of cinema as seen on the big screen. Movie scenes will be analyzed to see if the laws of physics are being obeyed or broken. Concepts learned in the sophomore year physical science class will be revisited and elaborated on.

Look at the world around you–what do you see? There is all this “stuff” that things are made of, and there is even more “stuff” that we can’t see (for example oxygen or microorganisms). Explore the foundational nature of chemistry that structures the technological world in which we live. Examine the ways in which different materials interact, and how these materials and reactions are used in the modern world.

The study of marine science explores the diversity of coastal marine habitats and ecosystems. Students will explore and utilize the tools scientists use to study these areas, with an emphasis on topics related to human impacts and environmental health. Fieldwork and data collection sites will include explorations of the rocky intertidal zone, neighboring island ecosystems, as well as seabird and marine mammal foraging habitats.

Anatomy and Physiology is the study of the structure and function of the human body. This course will prepare students for advanced biological studies, work in the allied health fields, and other science-based careers. Laboratory experiences, case studies, and data analysis activities will provide students the opportunity to explore the following topics: the major body systems, how the body systems work together to provide homeostasis, body functions in the healthy and diseased states, blood typing, muscle and nerve action, and bioethics.

This is a one semester course designed to introduce the basic principles of biotechnology, molecular biology as well as basic laboratory skills using state of the art laboratory equipment. Students will conduct a Forensics Lab where students will use synthetic blood and gel electrophoresis to simulate the use of molecular technology techniques used in criminal investigations. Additionally, a Food Safety Lab will be conducted where students will perform PCR amplification on food samples to determine if they are contaminated with pathogenic E. coli.

This course is designed to increase students’ historical understanding of notable issues in the 20th century including the Holocaust, Rwanda, Armenia, and the cold war through the end of the 20th century. As students explore the complexities of these issues, they will reflect on the choices citizens make regarding the issues they confront today and consider how they can make a difference by becoming thoughtful, responsible citizens.

Throughout history, spies have collected information that has changed the course of history. This course will look at how spying and espionage has changed the course of history, starting in ancient Greece until today. Explore history through the eyes of spies and secret agents.

This course will cover the history of Massachusetts from the time when it was the home to native peoples to the 21st century. Students will see how Massachusetts history relates to New England, the United States and the world. Particular attention is placed on the Avon area in relation to Massachusetts history.

This course examines topics such as analysis of media, and the impact of journalism at various periods of United States history. Students study these topics by exploring and researching guiding questions such as, “Why is a free press essential to democracy?” and “What are principles of responsible journalism?”

Students will examine the principles of psychology through an experimental approach. These principles are organized in seven broad content domains: Scientific Inquiry, Biopsychology, Development and Learning , Sociocultural Context, Cognition, Individual Variations and Applications of Psychological Science. Each principle will be taught via the scientific method; creating a hypothesis, designing an experiment, collecting data, and drawing conclusions.

This course will explore the structural elements of a play: character, objective, obstacles, tactics, resolution, and raising the stakes. Students will learn how to work collaboratively and independently to write monologues, scenes, and short plays.

This course will alternate between work done onstage and backstage. Students will learn the basics of design for sets, lighting, sound, props, and costumes, as well as developing performance skills in improvisation and scripted work.

This course is designed for students who wish to explore new possibilities in the communication of ideas through the visual language of art, in projects that promote in-depth experiences, self-evaluation, and creative problem-solving, as well as many other 21st century skills (see the general statement for Art). Students will investigate a variety of drawing and painting approaches, working from life as well as the imagination. Research and writing assignments provide opportunities for the examination of ideas and self-reflection. Quality artwork of past and contemporary artists will be studied for appreciation and reference. With the permission of the instructor, this course may be repeated for credit.

Students will build on the skills learned in Drawing and Painting I and be challenged to achieve a more advanced level of drawing and painting skills. Students will explore multiple mediums, work on a larger scale and develop a more in-depth understanding of the creative process. Students will develop personal interpretations of sources through a reflective process of various written assessments.

In this course, students explore the communication of ideas in 3-dimensions through the visual language of art, with a wide variety of materials, working from life as well as the imagination. Projects promote in-depth experiences, self-evaluation, and creative problem-solving, as well as many other 21st century skills (see the general statement for Art). Research and writing assignments provide opportunities for the investigation of ideas and self-reflection. Quality artwork of past and contemporary artists will be studied for appreciation and reference. With the permission of the instructor, this course may be repeated for credit.

This course is appropriate for self-motivated students who are interested in concentrated, individualized study in visual arts. Preparation of a college/art school admission portfolio can be accomplished through this course. Students work to develop a personal vision which communicates their ideas using a variety of student-chosen media. Rigorous engagement with in-depth projects requires self-evaluation, creative problem-solving, as well as many other 21st century skills (see the general statement for Art). Students planning to major in visual arts in college should take this course both junior and senior years. A summer assignment is required prior to the start of the course.

Over the course of the semester students will develop a skill set in metalsmithing and create both jewelry and sculptural objects. Students apply the elements and principles of art to their designs and practice self-expression. Students will explore techniques and processes using non-ferrous metals in a safe environment while finding solutions to challenging assignments. The emphasis of this course is active participation, skill development, and problem solving.

Students will experience the issues, concepts, and techniques of preparing and producing a yearbook. Using an established online program, students will plan, organize, schedule, and construct layouts. Students will learn about advertising, photography, and the creation of copy for a yearbook. Official yearbook deadlines must be met; time outside of class may be required to do so. Admission to the class requires a completed application form in the spring and an interview with or permission from the instructor.

In this course students will learn the process of creating and glazing clay works of art. Students will study both historic and contemporary artists, their work, and their impact in the arts as well as the world around them. In class, students will learn several clay techniques while focusing on how they can connect their interests, beliefs, and views to their works of art. Students will work independently and collaboratively in class, contribute in class critiques, and speak constructively about their work and the work of others. Students will be encouraged to investigate identity, social and political issues, current events, and themes that they feel strongly about. Students will experiment with a variety of tools and materials, investigate new and traditional clay processes and learn how to operate in a studio environment.

In this class, students will build on skills and techniques they focused on in Ceramics 1. Students will continue to investigate historic and contemporary artists, their work. Students will dive into more challenging ceramics processes, creating abstract, functional, and figurative pieces. Students will have the opportunity to work on the pottery wheel, allowing them to shape clay with their hands on a spinning surface! This class is for students who enjoyed and excelled in Ceramics 1 and are looking to create a series of work that represents their identities, ideas, and beliefs on a more advanced level.

In this course students will gain an understanding of the basic operations and functions of a digital single lens reflex camera and the manipulation of its settings to achieve a specific result. Students will learn about photographic elements of art and principles of design, composition, and lighting. They will explore the history of photography, learning about its scientific and technological developments, important innovators in the field, and relevance within diverse cultural contexts as well as modern day photography. Students will write and speak about aesthetic, technical and expressive qualities in a photograph and will learn about critiquing their work as well as the work of others. Students will learn image techniques and digital manipulation using the Adobe suite.

In this course, students will continue their exploration of photographic techniques. Students will explore DSLR cameras, with an emphasis on composition techniques and creative expression via photographs. Adobe Photoshop’s editing capabilities will be explored in greater depth. In addition to their visual projects, students will participate in oral critiques and written assessments of their work and the creative process. In this advanced course, students are required to take photos outside of class.

In this Fiber Art course, students explore traditional fiber techniques such as sewing, quilting, embroidery, crocheting, and knitting. Students will practice visual communication of ideas in 3-dimensions. Projects promote in-depth experiences, self-evaluation, and creative problem-solving skills. We will also practice many other 21st century skills such as; critical thinking, collaboration and innovation. Research and writing assignments provide opportunities for the investigation of ideas and self-reflection.

This fast-paced, hands-on beginner’s course provides students with the primary skills needed for musical independence. Ear training, vocal training and instrumental techniques will be covered, along with music notation, composition and improvisation. Course work will include performances and written work.

Keyboard and Guitar will focus on teaching the basic skills for both instruments. Students will learn to read music and perform individually and in groups. Music theory, ear training, and composition will be major components of the course. Course work will include both performances and written work. Instruments are not required.

Band is open to any student who plays a musical instrument and is willing to learn music representing a wide variety of styles from classical to pop and jazz. Music theory, ear training, sight reading and improvisation will also be covered. Public performances are mandatory. In addition to performance, written work will also be expected.

General Chorus is open to any student who enjoys singing. The student must be willing to learn music representing a wide variety of styles from classical to pop and jazz. Music theory, sight singing, and vocal techniques will be covered. Public performances are mandatory. In addition to performance, written work will also be expected.

In this course, students will understand the study and structure of music. The course covers the rudiments of music, musical terminology, scales and keys, intervals, chords, progressions, transpositions, harmonization, music form, composition.

This course is intended to continue the development of a student’s computer literacy by reinforcing the skills necessary to efficiently operate computers and iPads. Students will be expected to attain proficiency level of competence using the popular Microsoft/Apple applications: Word/Pages, Excel/Numbers, and PowerPoint/Keynote, as well as other appropriate software packages. Macbooks and iPads will be used throughout the entire course.

Digital Media is a project-based class that uses Adobe Creative Cloud Software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and Animate. Students will be encouraged to focus on their own personal strengths and interests when creating for themselves, and consider empathy when designing for others. By the end of the class, students will have developed the fundamental design skills needed to enter the fields of graphic design and marketing. This class includes a free subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud products for all enrolled students.

This class focuses specifically on the programming area of computer science, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills. Students will experiment with text-based programming languages such as Python and Javascript to create art, games, animations, and apps. Students will leave this class with foundational knowledge of programming that can be used in a variety of fields and careers.

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of computer science. Topics covered include programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data. Students use their computer science skills for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun.

This class is designed to examine the way that practical problems are solved by the development or use of technology. Students will focus on applied technologies such as engineering design, construction, energy and power, communication, transportation, and bioengineering. Through hands-on, project based curriculum, students will achieve a first-hand understanding of the interactions between science, technology, engineering, and math and learn how each of these relates to real world applications.

Teacher assistants provide extra help to teachers within their classroom. This can include making copies, grading quizzes/tests, or helping set up the classroom. Approval of Teacher, Guidance Office, and Principal are required.

This course will help students develop strategies to find their appropriate college/career path. Students will gain an understanding through self-assessment and career exploration. The students will also develop skills and competencies including preparing a resume, writing a cover letter, filling out an application, learning soft skills and developing interviewing techniques.

Early college programs help students get ready for postsecondary education and the workforce by combining college and high school courses. These initiatives can shorten the time and expense required to obtain a college degree by enabling students to accrue free college credits prior to high school graduation. Early college programs are made available to students who have historically been underrepresented in higher education, such as first-generation, low-income, and minority students. AMHS early college courses include: 

• Intro to Sociology

• Public Speaking

• Intro to Computer Science

• Music Across Cultures

• Intro to Criminal Justice

• U.S. History II

• Intro to Environmental Science