At Andover High School, students have the opportunity to study one of the four languages offered through the school: Spanish, French, Chinese or Latin. I chose to study Latin, because it is the origin of the five romance languages including French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian, and although a dead language, the course goes way beyond basic translation and memorizing vocabulary. Learning numerous Latin roots, words and phrases has helped me been able to interpret different languages and more complex words in the English vocabulary! What I enjoy most about taking Latin class is learning about many difference cultures, groups of people, and ancient ways of life from places around the world. It is interesting to learn about how these cultures have influenced our world today, and is fascinating to see how many of the english words and phrases we use today come from Latin origins.
Music & Society: A Study of Culture explores the ways that society influences music and music changes society. Case studies of the Beatles and of artists of students’ choosing help students address issues surrounding the creation, production, and interpretation of music. The course traces the origins of popular musical genres back to Africa and Europe. Students analyze the historical and cultural context of genres such as Spirituals, Reggae, the Blues, Jazz, Folk, Rock, and Hip Hop. Guest artists may contribute. Students study these and other topics by participating in small group activities, researching, presenting orally, writing, and listening to a wide variety of music
In The Modern World, students examine historical events and themes that have occurred in different areas of the world in modern times, from approximately 1815 to the present, and are exposed to the historical events preceding and contributing to these events. Students develop communication skills through writing, discussion, and presentations with an emphasis on developing analytical and persuasive writing skills. As students explore different cultures and different time periods, they are asked to examine multiple perspectives and use creative approaches to analyze cause and effect. They are asked to think critically as they examine primary sources and undertake historical analysis. They work collaboratively with their peers on short and long-term projects designed to help students understand the significance of key historical events in the development of the modern world.
In World History: Global Interactions, students examine historical events and themes that have occurred in different areas of the world during the time period of early modern world history, approximately 1000 CE-1815 CE. Students develop communication skills through writing, discussion, and presentations with an emphasis on developing analytical and persuasive writing skills. As students explore different cultures and different time periods they are asked to examine multiple perspectives and use creative approaches to analyze cause and effect. They are asked to think critically as they examine primary sources and undertake historical analysis. They work collaboratively with their peers on short and long-term projects designed to help students understand the significance of key historical events in the development of the early modern world.
Film/Video Production is a hands-on course designed to demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of television as a medium for communication. Working primarily in groups, students learn about the principles of communication, techniques of effective audio/visual communication and technical setup and operation of television equipment. They are taught to write, produce, direct, and edit both studio and field productions for use on the Andover Channels: Educational Channel (Verizon 43/ Comcast 99) and Public Channel (Verizon 47 / Comcast 8), also streamed live 24/7 at AndoverTV.org. The course involves after-school hours that will be used to record various sports and school events. At the conclusion of the course students have the opportunity to receive a certification in Video Production. Students enrolled in this course have access to a computer lab but are encouraged to bring their own district-approved laptop as well for scriptwriting, note taking, and daily assignments.
Web Design & Development I is a project-based course that introduces students to the design and development of websites using HTML5 and CSS3 and JavaScript. By the end of the course, students know how to plan, design and code web applications from scratch. Students learn how to convert a design mockup into static web pages and to use Responsive Web Design Fundamentals so their web apps look good on any device - desktop, tablets and mobile! Throughout the course students become proficient in the languages of HTML and CSS. In addition, the basics of JavaScript are covered. Technologies, software and frameworks used:
Brackets code editor
Image editors such as Pixlr and Gimp
Materialize CSS front end framework based on Google’s Material Design
Some additional topics covered include:
How the Internet Works and the Internet and Society
User Interface and User Experience