CTE courses are designed to prepare students for productive futures, while meeting the commonwealth’s need for well-trained and industry-certified technical workers. Virginia acknowledges the importance of CTE to students and the commonwealth through diploma seals awarded by the Board of Education, by recognizing industry credentialing.
Students design, implement and interpret computer-based solutions to problems in several application areas, becoming knowledgeable about programming concepts, algorithm designs, and documentation of the computer solution. AP Computer Science A and/ or IB Computer Sciences can be used as math sequences classes counted “above algebra 2”, or to satisfy the fourth laboratory science requirement when students have successfully completed the laboratory science courses from the different science discipline areas in order to earn the Advanced Diploma.
318584 AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Grade 9 – 12
Prerequisite: successful completion of, or concurrent enrollment in Algebra I
AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.
318685 AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra I
The AP Computer Science A course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem-solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data algorithms, analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design; these techniques represent proven approaches to developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems and large, complex problems.
318585 IB COMPUTER SCIENCE SL
Grades 11-12
Elective
Recommended: A grade of “B - “or better in AP Computer Science A
IB Computer Science SL is a one-year course that concentrates on problem-solving techniques and programming style while learning various data structures and algorithms in Java, Java-Script, and python. Computer systems, social implications, and practical applications are integrated into the course. Students will take the standard level IB examination.
318586 IB COMPUTER SCIENCE HL I
Grade 11
First-year of a two-year program
Elective
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A
Recommended: A grade of “B -“ or better in AP Computer Science A
IB Computer Science HL I is a one-year course that concentrates on problem-solving techniques and programming style while learning various data structures and algorithms in Java, Java-Script, and python. Computer systems, social implications, and practical applications are integrated into the course. Students will take the standard level IB examination.
318594 IB COMPUTER SCIENCE HL II
Grade 12
Second-year of a two-year program
Elective
Prerequisite: IB Computer Science HL I
(Recommended: A grade of “C” or better in IB Computer Science HL I)
This course is designed for those students who wish to continue their studies in computer science. The topics covered will prepare students to take the IB higher level Computer Science exam. Programs will be written in the object-oriented language, Java, Java-Script, and python. Students will take the higher level IB Computer Science examination.
918087 COMPUTER GRAPHICS I
Grades 9-12
Elective
Computer Graphics I students explore and produce original artworks of personal expression using a variety of software computer applications. Art and technical skills are developed through creative thinking, visual problem solving and experimentation on the computer. Students will use the Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign) in the areas of graphic design, digital imaging, and motion graphics/animation. The history of computer graphics, art aesthetics, and criticism are investigated and the ethical issues concerning computer generated imagery are addressed.
918187 COMPUTER GRAPHICS II
Grades 10-12
Elective
Prerequisite: Computer Graphics I
Computer Graphics II allows students to explore more advanced concepts, specific techniques, and produce a wide variety of professional art works focused on real world applications. Students will use their knowledge of the elements and principles of design and their technical skills to make meaningful and complex multimedia art. Skills are further developed through creative thinking, visual problem solving and experimentation using the Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign). Students are expected to create intelligent and personal works of art to serve as strong personal portfolio pieces.
The goal of the Design Department is to have students satisfy the requirements for the Career and Technical Education Seal or the Advanced Mathematics and Technology Seal before graduating from high school. The following Design programs are recognized by the Virginia State Department of Education and are currently offered at Meridian High School. Focus is placed on career pathways and provides the student with career exploration, self-assessment, and workplace readiness skills.
843587 DESIGN I - TECHNICAL DRAWING
Grades 9-12
Elective
Design I - Technical Drawing is a thorough introduction to CAD design. This involves techniques in two and three dimensional drawing and model making. Students will learn to design and build projects as well as learn to use a variety of machines in our design shop. This is a great class for students who want to build a portfolio of work related to architecture, engineering, and three-dimensional design.
843687 DESIGN II - ENGINEERING DRAWING
Grades 10-12
Elective
Prerequisite: Design I - Technical Drawing
Design II - Engineering Drawing builds on the foundation laid in basic technical drawing with more in-depth studies of the graphic language and methods of design for engineers, manufacturers and industrial designers. Students will be expected to acquire a working knowledge of a variety of CAD software. We will employ these drawing skills to create solutions to structural and mechanical problems that can be constructed in our design shop. This class is meant to prepare students for a career in engineering, but is great for anyone who likes working with their hands and working with tools to invent and build. Students who are interested in mechanical, structural, and spatial design can develop a comprehensive portfolio to the specific technical interests of each student.
843785 IB DESIGN TECHNOLOGY SL
Grades 11-12
Elective
Prerequisite: Previous CTE course
Recommended: A grade of “C“ or better in Design II
Design and Technology is a recognized International Baccalaureate course. This course is designed to promote an understanding and appreciation of the technology design process as a cycle. As students work through the technology course and related project, which unifies all aspects of IB design technology, they analyze and evaluate the impact and ethical considerations arising from technology. The course focuses on how design is used to produce outcomes.
Grades 11-12
Elective
Recommended: A grade of “C“ or better in Design II
IB Design and Technology HL I is the first year of a two year course designed to promote an understanding and appreciation of the technology design process as a cycle. As students work through the technology course and related project, which unifies all aspects of IB design technology, they analyze and evaluate the impact and ethical considerations arising from technology. The course focuses on how design is used to produce outcomes.
843789 IB DESIGN TECHNOLOGY HL II
Grades 11-12
Elective
Prerequisite: IB Design Technology HL I
IB Design and Technology HL II is the second year of a two-year course designed to promote an understanding and appreciation of the technology design process as a cycle. Students taking this course have completed the first year of IB Design and Technology and deepen their knowledge of the design process by exploring four additional topics that pertain to the design process: User Centered Design, Sustainability, Innovation and Markets, and Commercial Production.
841407 Sustainability and Renewable Technologies
Grades 9-12
Elective
Prerequisite: None
Sustainability and Renewable Technologies will be offered to MHS students beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. The course explores issues that affect global citizens in the areas of economics, culture, and the environment. The course introduces students to the historic, economic, political, environmental, and cultural issues that impact the global community and its future. Students will address issues affecting the health of our environment and explore solutions offered by sustainable agriculture, energy efficient building design, and renewable energy sources. The SRT course aligns with FCCPS’s focus on sustainability. It provides a curricular intersection for the work happening in the vivarium and aquaria on the Meridian High School campus.
833387 Emerg Med Tech I/II (DE)
Grade(s): 11-12
Prerequisite(s): Students must meet all Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) regulatory eligibility requirements to attend an EMT program, including: Be at least 16 years of age at the start of the course; have parental permission.
This program is a college-level course taught to the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency/US Department of Transportation Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) National Standard curriculum. This program is ideal for students interested in the medical field or any career requiring prehospital care. Students will study anatomy, physiology, introduction to emergency medical care, airway management, patient assessment, medical emergencies, obstetrical/gynecological emergencies, care of the trauma patient, pediatric emergencies, and
ambulance operations. Students will also complete the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for the healthcare provider CPR course. Students will also be provided the opportunity to assist and observe in a hospital emergency department or ride-along on an emergency ambulance. Students will complete EMT I (Semester 1) and EMT II (Semester 2).
• College Credit: This course may be dual enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) as EMS11 and MS120 for a total of up to 8 credits at NOVA. The NOVA entrance requirements must be met before registering.
836587 Sports Med/Athletic Train I
836687 Sports Med/Athletic Train II
836787 Sports Med/Athletic Train III
Grade(s): 10-12
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Sports Med/Athletic Training I for enrollment in Sports Med/Athletic Training II and Successful completion of Sports Med/Athletic Training I & II for enrollment in Sports Med/Athletic Training III
Sports Medicine/Athletic Training is designed for students interested in all aspects of rehabilitative medicine such as physical therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, chiropractic sports medicine, and sports psychology. Students will study anatomy, exercise physiology, therapeutic exercise, utilization of therapeutic modalities for injury treatment, and principles of injury rehabilitation. Students become skilled in the evaluation of athletic injuries, initial emergency medical assessment and care, the design of rehabilitative exercise programs, and protective bracing and taping techniques. In addition, students will receive certification in the National Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED. An integral part of the program is the “hands-on” experience students will acquire while assisting and treating patients under the supervision of licensed sports medicine healthcare specialists during clinical internships.
Students will also take part in independent projects focusing on such topics as sports nutrition, sports performance, injury prevention, utilization of Virtual Reality therapy within physical therapy rehabilitation protocols, and ethical issues currently trending in the sports medicine and sports performance professions. Sports Medicine/Athletic Training II students will have the opportunity to earn national certification as a Physical Therapy Aide/Technician from the American Medical Certification Association. Students enrolled into Sports Medicine/Athletic Training III will earn a locally awarded elective credit. The AMCA certification exams will allow students to be employed within physical therapy clinics under the direct supervision of licensed physical therapists.