Advanced Placement Program/Examinations

Upper Arlington High School administers Advanced Placement (AP) exams in May each year. There are a wide range of Advanced Placement courses reflected in many disciplines. Advanced Placement courses, because of their academic rigor, are assigned a weighted grade factor of 1.2 x letter grade.

Acceptable AP scores enable students to earn college credit by demonstrating competence in freshman college-level coursework. Students who earn at least a score of a 3 on the AP test are guaranteed college credit at all Ohio Public Institutions of Higher Education. The number of credits and how they apply towards a degree vary depending on the test and the college. Be advised that students can only receive credit if they take the AP test. Private universities and universities outside of Ohio have specific policies in place for receiving credit. The cost to take each test is approximately $120 and fees are collected in October.

Students and parents should be very sensitive to the demanding nature of Advanced Placement courses. Students will be asked to be involved in college level activities, particularly in the areas of writing skills, reading, and test taking. Advanced Placement courses place a high degree of emphasis on the student’s own self-motivation, study skills, and the ability to self-direct his or her own learning.

More information on AP can be found at: www.collegeboard.org/

or feel free to contact

Cynthia Ballheim at 487-5240 ext. 2736 or cballheim@uaschools.org

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous, two-year comprehensive curriculum for grades 11 and 12 that seeks to prepare students for post-secondary study through courses and instructional techniques that emphasize:

• critical thinking;

• effective self-expression in presenting and defending one’s point of view;

• application of knowledge

• and an international focus.

Students complete coursework in IB subjects, complete all internal assessments, and sit for external examinations. To receive the IB Diploma, students must successfully take one course from each of six groups, three courses at Standard Level (one or two year courses) and three or four courses at Higher Level (two-year courses). These courses are chosen from the six different groups listed below. This requirement ensures a broad exposure across the liberal arts spectrum. Students who do not wish to earn the IB Diploma may also take individual IB courses for which they will earn certificates upon successful completion of all IB components.

Group 1: Language A1 (language of instruction) - English HL.

Group 2: Language B (modern foreign language) - French SL, Spanish SL, German SL. French HL, Spanish HL, German HL, French ab initio, German ab initio, and Spanish ab initio are also available based on the proficiency of the student.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies - World History with a focus on Africa and the Middle East, Business Management SL & HL, Psychology HL, World Religions SL.

Group 4: Experimental Sciences - Environmental Systems and Society SL, Physics HL, Sports Exercise & Health Science HL, Computer Science HL

Group 5: Mathematics - Mathematics SL (two options), Mathematics HL, Mathematics Applications and Interpretation SL

Group 6: IB Fine Arts - Visual Arts SL & HL, Music SL & HL,, Film SL, or a second course from Groups 2, 3, and/or 4 above.

Pamoja Education offers the opportunity to take some IB Courses on-line at UA, when schedules do not allow access. Arrangements are made with the programme coordinator in order to take this option.

In addition to the above coursework, IB Diploma candidates must successfully complete three additional core components to earn the IB Diploma.

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE – Year 1 & Year 2 0.5 Credit each year

Theory of Knowledge is a course taken over the junior and senior years. Sometimes called “the jewel in the crown,” the purpose of Theory of Knowledge is to engage the learner in ways of knowing while also exploring areas of knowledge. By fostering the skills of inquiry, analysis, and critical thinking. TOK aims to lead the student to processes and activities that stimulate independent thinking. The objective of including several areas of knowledge (Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, History, the Arts, Ethics, Independent Knowledge Systems, Mathematics, Religious Knowledge Systems, Indigenous Knowledge), as well as ways of knowing (Emotion, Reason, Language, Imagination, Faith, Intuition, and Sense Perception), is to guide a student to a balanced understanding of his/her world. This blended course meets, on average, once a week beginning in the second semester of a student’s junior year and ending after the first semester of senior year. TOK leads to both a formal presentation and a formal paper.

EXTENDED ESSAY – The Extended Essay represents the culmination of a student’s work in the Diploma Programme. The Extended Essay is an independent research project on a topic of a student’s choice and related to one of the IB courses that he/she has studied. The upper limit is 4000 words. The process begins in the second semester of grade 11 and concludes by the end of February of the student’s grade 12 year. Members of the teaching staff at UAHS mentor students preparing for their essays, while the IB English Teacher serves as the Extended Essay Coordinator. The Extended Essay, TOK, and CAS are a diploma candidate’s Capstone Project.

CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY, SERVICE (IB CAS)

Grades 11, 12

The IB goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate citizenry comes alive through the CAS requirement. CAS requires students to reach beyond them-selves and their books and encourages them to share their energy and special talents with others in the junior year and continue through the students’ senior year. A system of self-evaluation and reflection enables students to critically evaluate the understanding and insight that they acquire. CAS is graded on a Pass/Fail basis and concludes with a final presentation where students give evidence that they have met all learning outcomes, which includes a service learning component.

What does the IB program cost?

There is a cost to participate in the IB Program that is shared by both the district and the students in the courses. Each year, the district pays an annual membership fee. In the final year of a particular course (most SL courses are 1 year in length), students pay examination/course fees. These are collected in the fall and are approximately $120 for each course. These fees are set by the International Baccalaureate Organization and are non-refundable. A student must consider his/her commitment to the program seriously. Need-based confidential scholarships are available by filling out the District Fee Waiver Form. Please contact IB Coordinator, Cynthia Ballheim, for information at 487-5240 x2736 or at cballheim@ uaschools.org.

University Recognition

Universities around the world recognize the IB Diploma as an admissions credential and recognize it as the single, best preparation for university. Many universities offer IB scholarships, multiple credits for Higher Level courses, and sophomore status to Diploma recipients. This is particularly true in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New York, Oregon, and Texas where state legislation has mandated that all Diploma recipients be recognized. As states continue to be added to this list, it is important to visit http://www.ibo.org for the most up-to-date information. Be sure to visit the research page, which highlights specific benefits of the program.

In May of 2011, the International Bacculaureate gave an optional exit survey to its Diploma graduates. One of the pieces of date form this survey compares the IB acceptance rate at various universities versus the general rate. Here is a brief selection of the findings:

English Learners

English Learners (E.L.) is designed for limited English-proficient students for whom English is not their first language.

The focus of instruction is to help students develop and improve skills in the four communication areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students receive intensive review of English grammar as well as instruction in vocabulary building, essay writing, multicultural literature, and oral presentations. Eligible students may elect this course in lieu of a regular English course for a maximum of two academic years.

* This is just one example of a pathway. Please visit Columbus State or OSU's website for other examples.

College Credit Plus Course Descriptions:

ENGL 1110 Composition I +

English 1100 is a beginning composition course which develops processes for critically reading, writing, and responding to a variety of texts in order to compose clear, concise, expository essays. The course facilitates an awareness of purpose, audience, content, structure and style, while also introducing research and documentation methods. Course reading and writing assignments may be thematically organized.

ENGL 2367 Composition II +

ENGL 2367 is an intermediate composition course that extends and refines skills in expository and argumentative writing, critical reading, and critical thinking. This course also refines skills in researching a topic, documenting sources, and working collaboratively. Course reading and writing assignments are organized around the diversity of those who comprise the identities.

FOTO 1140 Intro Digital Photography

Introduces students to the basic principles and applications of digital photography as a medium, a skill-set, and an integral part of today's digital literacy needs. Topics covered include capturing images using digital cameras while emphasizing the manipulation of camera controls, exposure, lighting, on-and-off camera flash, essential imaging tactics, digital workflow for photography, print, web and image storage and archival. Students are required to have a digital camera (point and shoot or DSLR).

Career Centers

COLUMBUS CAREER CENTERS A contractual agreement between the Upper Arlington and Columbus Boards of Education allows a student at Upper Arlington High School the opportunity to attend Career Centers on a half-day basis for career tech education programs not offered at Upper Arlington High School.

Students apply during their sophomore year and attend during their junior and senior years. For complete information, contact a counselor in the high school Counseling Center. Students can combine their chosen career center choice with the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme.

Columbus Downtown High School

Business

• Financial Services

• Marketing & Logistics

Early Childhood

Information Technology

• IT Support & Services

• Interactive Medis

• Programming/Software Development

Personal Services

• Cosmetology

• Culinary Arts

Engineering Technologies

• Engineering Design

• Manufacturing Operations

Public Safety

• Criminal Justice

Fort Hayes Career Center

Architecture and Construction

• Bricklaying & Concrete Systems

• Carpentry

• Construction Electricity

• Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

•Landscape Design & Plant Science

•Welding

Health/Science

• Bioscience Technology

• Dental Assisting

• Fitness and Wellness

• Medical Assisting

• Medical Lab Technician

• Pathway to Nursing

• Pathway to Surgical Technology

Performing Arts

• Audio

• Dance Performance

• Film and Television Production

• Music Performance

• Theatre Performance

Transportation Systems

• Auto Collision Repair

• Auto Technology

Visual Communications Design

• Art Portfolio

• Graphic Art and Design

• Interior Design

• Photography

Project Lead the Way

Civil Engineering and Architecture

1 credit — Grades 11 & 12

(1 period per day for 1 year)

Prerequisite: Geometry and successful completion of Introduction to Engineering Design or Principles of Engineering.

Fee: $15

Seniors: see counselor to enroll

This course teaches students about the design, technology and engineering fundamentals associated with civil engineering, architecture, landscape design, interior design, and community management fields. Many hands on activities will take place such as soil testing, real working models of structures, construction of foundation, framing, plumbing and electrical systems. The course applies and concurrently develops knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and technology. The course of study includes: design process, modeling, sketching, prototyping, project planning, presentation design and deliver, engineering drawing standards, CAD solid modeling, site planning, building design, innovation, project documentations & presentation, engineering ethics, and virtual design.

Students will study the history of societal evolution, and the role architects and civil engineers play. They will also examine current practices in these industries and consider how technological advances will change the way people build structures and cities of the future. Students will learn about the infrastructure within these communities that take care of all of our basic human needs.

Students will use design software to create virtual models of residential and commercial properties. They will also use professional surveying equipment to plot land areas. Many hands on activities will take place such as soil testing, real working models of structures, construction of foundation, framing, plumbing and electrical systems. Students will also consider how to provide basic needs to a community population, i.e.: transportation, potable water supply, waste removal, transportation, for a city of the future.

Students will use the sophisticated design software and build real working models, they will practice the common sense problem solving skills that professional use. This is introductory program is a great opportunity for students to develop an awareness of or purse their emerging interests in the technology, design and engineering related fields.

Upon completion of the course, students will have a hard copy of a professional portfolio containing research, photographs, drawings and samples of solutions for all of the works they were involved in throughout the year. They will also have an electronic copy of this portfolio. In addition, they will possess many fun artifacts from the design/build prototyping activities they participated in.

This college prep class is known to be fast paced and rigorous. It is also known for the enthusiasm of the students. Being an elective, homework is minimal.

Engineering Design and Development - Project Lead the Way

1 credit — Grades 12, 11 only if other courses not available or offered

(1 period per day for 1 year)

Prerequisite: Completion of two previous PLTW courses or permission of the instructor.

Fee: $25

Seniors can schedule without prerequisite with permission.

This is an engineering research course in which students will work in teams to research, design, test and construct a solution to an open ended engineering problem. The product development life cycle and a design process are used to guide and help the team to reach a solution to the problem. The team presents and defends their solution to a panel of outside reviewers at the conclusion of the course. The EDD course allows students to apply all the skills and knowledge learned in previous Project Lead the Way courses. This course also engages students in time management and teamwork skills, a valuable set for students in the future. Students will be required to purchase additional supplies. Depending on project choice the costs for this course can vary greatly. The projects in these courses naturally lead to exciting capstone experience, even without previous enrollment.

Archived Courses

THEA 1100 Introduction to Theatre +

This course is designed to help students bring critical thinking skills into their experience as theatregoers.

PSYCH 1100 Introduction to Psychology + ^

This introductory course provides an overview of the origins, growth, content and applications of psychology, including the application of the scientific method to the following topics: research methodology; beginning statistics; theories of physical, cognitive, moral and emotional development; sensation; perception; learning; motivation; intelligence; memory; personality; coping processes; abnormality; adjustment; and the individual in small groups and a pluralistic society.

SOC 1101 Introduction to Sociology + ^

This course introduces the basic concepts, methods and findings of sociology as a scientific discipline. The sociological perspective, emphasizing social interaction and structure, is used to explore the following topics: culture; socialization; social groups, including organizations; deviance; various types of social inequality; major social institutions; collective behavior, social movement and social change. This course is only offered in an online format. This course will be scheduled during the regular school day and will be monitored by a UAHS Sociology teacher.

COMM 2245 Introduction to Film

This course offers an introduction to film by analyzing elements of film technique: literature, story, drama, editing, movement, acting, sound, photography, staging and theory.

POLS 1100 Introduction to American Government + ^

This course introduces students to the nature, purpose and structure of the American political system. Attention is given to the institutions and processes that create public policy. The strengths and weaknesses of the American political system are discussed, along with the role of citizens in a democracy.

POLS 1250 State and Local Government ^

This course introduces the student to the nature, purpose and structure of state and local governments, especially in Ohio. Attention is given to the institutions and processes that create public policy, including fiscal policy and the court system. The strengths and weaknesses of the state and local government system are discussed along with the everyday role of citizens in a democracy - especially at these levels of government.

MATH 1148 College Algebra +

This course is a continuation of the study of functions. The concept of transformations is used to graph and analyze functions including quadratic, higher degree polynomial, power, piecewise, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The function concept is applied to solving equation inequalities, and applications regarding these types of functions. Factor and remainder theorems and roots of polynomial functions are included. The concept of functions is extended to include composition of functions and inverse functions. Systems of linear and non-linear equations are solved using algebraic and graphical methods. Trigonometric functions of right angles are defined and used in problem solving.

MATH 1149 Trigonometry +

This course is a study of the trigonometric functions, vectors, and related applications. Topics include right triangle trigonometry; trigonometry of general angles; the unit circle; the graphs of the trigonometric functions; analytical trigonometry; inverse trigonometric functions; verifying identities; solving trigonometric equations; the Law of Sines; the Law of Cosines; applications of trigonometry; polar coordinates and the graphs of polar equations; geometric and algebraic vectors; vector applications; plane curves and parametric equations; trigonometric form of complex numbers;, DeMoivre’s Theorem. The conic sections are defined and analyzed algebraically and graphically.

CHEM 1111 Elementary Chemistry I +

This is an introductory course in fundamental chemical concepts and laboratory techniques. Topics include atomic structure, periodic classification of elements, stoichiometry, solutions, acids and bases, pH and buffers, the gas laws, chemical equilibrium, and nuclear chemistry.

PHYS 1200 Algebra-Based Physics I + ^

This is a laboratory course in classical mechanics (kinematics, Newton’s laws, gravitation, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and angular momentum) as well as fluids, harmonic motion, waves, and sound.

Ohio Transfer Module (OTM +)

The Transfer Module represents a body of knowledge and academic skills common across Ohio colleges and universities. Transfer Module approved courses are general education courses and are guaranteed to

transfer and apply toward related general education subject areas at Ohio’s public colleges and universities. Students completing the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree have also completed the Ohio Transfer Module. For more information, visit: http://www.ohiohighered.org/transfer/transfermodule.

Transfer Assurance Guides (TAG ^)

In addition to completing general education courses at any Ohio public college or university, students can also complete courses in their degree/major that have been pre-identified by the Ohio Board Of Regents for transfer. These courses are described in the Transfer Assurance Guides (TAG) for many majors/degree programs. TAG courses are guaranteed to transfer and apply directly to the major. For more information, visit: http://www.ohiohighered.org/transfer/tag.