Electives
(Leadership/Psychology)
(Leadership/Psychology)
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Semester or Year Long Course
This course is designed to assist students new to high school and/or leadership roles in cultivating essential leadership skills and developing strong personal character. It is ideal for students eager to take an active role in creating a positive school culture, while also building skills for success in school, the community, and future careers.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
Develop core leadership competencies, including:
Strong Communication: Enhancing listening, speaking, and collaborative skills.
Organization: Managing tasks, setting priorities, and achieving goals effectively.
Community Building: Creating inclusive environments and fostering connections.
Problem-Solving: Addressing challenges with creativity and resilience.
Explore leadership styles and group dynamics.
Engage in character-building activities to strengthen integrity, empathy, and responsibility.
Participate in experiential learning activities and media-based instruction.
Curriculum Framework:
This course follows the Jostens Renaissance curriculum, emphasizing active, hands-on learning. Students will practice leadership principles through real-world applications and collaborative projects, preparing them for meaningful contributions to their school and beyond.
10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Leadership, or holding an ASB position
This advanced leadership course is designed for students who are passionate about making a positive impact at West Valley High School (WVHS) and supporting ALL students. The curriculum focuses on character development and expands upon foundational leadership concepts, including:
Interpersonal Communication: Building strong relationships and fostering inclusivity.
Project Management: Planning, organizing, and executing initiatives effectively.
Student Government: Developing skills for governance and representation.
Organization: Managing responsibilities with precision and professionalism.
Key Components:
Students will apply these skills in practical ways by planning and implementing student activities that enhance WVHS’s culture and climate. Emphasis is placed on supporting both curricular and extracurricular activities to create an inclusive, thriving school environment.
Expectations:
Students in this course are:
Self-Motivated: Able to take initiative and commit time to leadership projects outside of the school day.
Role Models: Expected to serve as respectful representatives of West Valley High School, embodying the values of leadership and integrity.
Curriculum Framework:
Instruction is grounded in the Jostens "Renaissance" curriculum, providing a structured yet dynamic approach to leadership development and real-world application.
There are now four semesters of Psychology offered on a two-year rotation (students can now take Psychology during 11th and 12th grade). Topics are different each semester so students may take any or all of the semesters for elective credit.
Psychology A: Psychology and You (SOC101)
11th or 12th grade elective
Semester Long Course
Have you ever wondered why you are the way you are or why others do what they do? This class focuses on how psychology relates to your life. Psychology relates to everything…friends, family and future! We look at practical information about how we develop and interact with others, how we learn and remember. We learn about personality, developmental milestones, learning, group interactions and social influences.
Psychology B: Abnormal Psychology (SOC102)
11th or 12th grade elective
Semester Long Course
Have you ever been curious about abnormal behavior, mental illness or brain disorders? This class focuses on
explaining and understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of psychological disorders. We look at different explanations for abnormal behaviors, the psychology of superheroes, and the history of mental illness. We study different types of disorders (everything from depression to autism to schizophrenia) as well as the psychology behind negative social behaviors (like criminality, mob violence, cults, terrorism). We use lots of movies as case studies!