Yadkin Virtual Academy

Course Descriptions

 All courses are 1 semester, 1 credit courses unless otherwise noted.  Courses can be taken for credit one time only, unless otherwise noted.

 Prior approval by the virtual academy school administrator is required in order to enroll in these courses.  These courses can only be utilized by students currently enrolled in off campus courses, such as the Career and College Promise program with Surry Community College.  These courses are taught by local Yadkin County Teachers.

 English I                                                                             

Course Number: 10212X01

Students in English I develop skills in oral and written communication, as well as, speaking and listening. Students read a variety of literature and focus on opinion, informative/ explanatory and narrative writing. Attention is given to advancing research skills also.     

Length of Course:  1 unit   

Recommended for Grade: 9

English I – Honors                                                       

Course No. 10215X01

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; an “A” in eighth grade Language Arts OR an “A” or “B” in an AIG enrichment class AND level IV on eighth grade Reading EOG.

In addition to the common core curriculum prescribed for English I, students work at an accelerated pace and extend learning experiences with independent research, and in-depth studies of texts. Additionally, students in Honors English I develop a stronger background in grammatical conventions of written and spoken language. Students should exhibit willingness and the ability to work independently, as well as in whole-group and small-group settings.  Students should be self-motivated and exhibit a level of maturity that enables them to meet the demands of a more rigorous program of study. Homework each day includes reading and additional assignments relevant to class activities.

Length of Course:  1 unit     

Recommended for Grade: 9

English II                                                                 

Course No. 10222X02

Prerequisite: English I

Students in English II read, discuss, and write about classical and contemporary world literature in a cultural context to appreciate the diversity and complexity of world issues and to connect global ideas to their own experiences. Students will continue to explore language and writing for narrative, informative/explanatory, opinion/argumentative and narrative purposes. Research skills will be exhibited in written and oral presentations.

Length of Course:  1 unit    

Recommended for Grade: 10

English II – Honors                                                  

Course No. 10225X02

Prerequisite:  “A” or “B” in Honors English I, or a strong “A” in English I (equating the level IV prerequisite required for English I).

In addition to the common core curriculum prescribed for all English II students, Honors English II students conduct more independent investigations into texts and themes. These students critically interpret and evaluate fiction and nonfiction texts related to cultural studies. They write extensively, exhibiting a higher level of literary interprepation as well as writing connentions. Challenging assignments in literature, composition, and vocabulary are given to promote critical thinking.   

Length of Course:  1 unit  

Recommended for Grade: 10

English III                                                              

Course No. 10232X03

Prerequisite: English II

Description:  Students in English III analyze United States literature as it reflects social perspective and historical significance. The emphasis in English III is critical analysis of texts through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and using media. Students advance their skills in research as well as opinion, informative/explananory and narrative writing.

Length of Course:  1 unit    

Recommended for Grade: 11

English III – Honors                                     

Course No. 10235X03

Prerequisite:  “A” or “B” in English II Honors.

Description:  The curriculum for English III Honors is much the same in content as that of English III. However, students will be expected to study at a greater depth and breadth.  More research will be done, as well as more critical, independent reading and writing.  

Length of Course:  1 unit   

Recommended for Grade: 11

English IV                                                                  

Course Number: 10242X04OL

Prerequisite:  English III

Students continue to explore informative/expository, argumentative, and narrative contexts with a literary focus on British literature.  The emphasis in English IV is on argumentation by developing research skills, which enable the student to speak and write from an informed position.   

Length of Course:  1 unit   

Recommended for Grade: 12

English IV – Honors                                                  

Course Number: 10245X04OL

Recommended:  “A” or “B” in Honors English III

English IV Honors is designed as an in-depth reading of British literature. Emphasis is placed on close reading of researched information, which will be the basis for position papers and presentations.

Length of Course:  1 unit    

Recommended for Grade: 12

Technical English IV                                                                 

Course Number: 10242X0TOL

Prerequisite: English III

Technical English IV is designed as an in-depth reading of Technical Manuals.  Emphasis is placed on close reading of information, which will be the basis for papers and presentations. 

Length of Course:  1 unit

Recommended for Grade: 11

Math I                                                                                     

Course Number: 21032X01

This course asks students to solve problems by applying algebra, geometry, probability and statistics in a connected approach with a focus on algebraic equations and linear, quadratic and exponential functions.  Students will be expected to describe and translate graphic, algebraic, numeric, tabular and verbal representations of relationships and use those representations to solve problems.

Length of Course:  1 unit 

Recommended for Grades:  9-12

Math II                                                                                           

Course Number: 22012X01                                              

Math II - Honors

Course No. 22015X01

Prerequisite: Math I

Continues students’ study of topics from algebra, geometry, and statistics in a problem centered, connected approach. Functions, matrix operations and algebraic representations of geometric concepts are the principle topics of study. Students will be expected to describe and translate among graphic, algebraic, numeric, tabular, and verbal representations to solve problems. Appropriate technology, from manipulatives to calculators and application software will be used regularly for instruction.      

Length of Course:  1 unit     

Recommended for Grades:  9-12

Math III                                                                               

Course Number: 23012X01

Math III - Honors 

Course Number: 23015X01

Prerequisite: Math I and II

Recommendation:  A or B or in Math I and Math II

Continues students’ study of topics from algebra, geometry, and statistics in a problem centered, connected approach. Functions and the deductive methods of proof with geometric concepts are the principle topics of study.

Students will be expected to describe and translate among graphic, algebraic, numeric, tabular, and verbal representations of relationships and use those representations to solve problems. Appropriate technology, from manipulatives to calculators and application software will be used regularly for instruction.

Length of Course:  1 unit 

Recommended for Grades:  9-12

Math IV                                                                                      

Course Number: 24092X01 

Math IV - Honors 

Course Number: 24095X01 

Prerequisite: Math III

The primary focus of this course is on functions and statistical thinking, continuing the study of algebra, functions, trigonometry, and statistical concepts previously experienced in NC Math 1-3.  The course is designed to be a capstone to introductory statistical concepts.  Additionally, the course intentionally integrates concepts from algebra and function to demonstrate the close relationship between algebraic reasoning as applied to the characteristics and behaviors of more complex functions.  Students will be prepared for college level algebra and statistics or as a bridge to prepare student for Pre-calculus or other advanced math courses.

Length of Course:  1 unit 

Recommended for Grades:  11-12

World History                                                                   

Course Number: 43032X0S

World History - Honors

Course Number:  43035X0S

In this course world history will be studied through conceptual perspectives. For example, students will learn about world events such as the Renaissance, Protestant Reformation and printing revolution through concepts such as reform, exploration and improvement.

Length of Course:  1 unit

Recommended for Grade: 9

American History: The Founding Principles, Civics and Economics  

Course Number: 42092X01

This course is an analysis of public problems and issues for the American citizen from a conceptual framework. It is designed to prepare students to become productive and knowledgeable participants in society in the areas of economics, politics and laws. 

Length of Course:  1 unit

Recommended for Grade: 12

American History: The Founding Principles, Civics and Economics - Honors

Course Number:  42095X01

Recommendation: Level IV English I EOC

Honors Civics and Economics covers the course materials in a greater depth and at a quicker pace than the standard course. Students learn to express and defend their ideas. Opportunities are given for students to be reflective thinkers. Students select areas of interest in course material which they study independently.

Length of Course: 1 unit

Recommended for Grade: 12

American History I           

Course Number:  43042X01

American History I- Honors

Course Number:  43045X001

This course begins with the European exploration of the new world through Reconstruction. Students will   

examine the historical and intellectual origins of the United States from European exploration and colonial settlement to the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras. Students will learn about the important political and economic factors that contributed to the development of colonial America and the outbreak of the American Revolution as well as the consequences of the Revolution, including the writing and key ideas of the U.S. Constitution. American History I: The Founding Principles will guide students as they study the establishment of political parties, America’s westward expansion, the growth of sectional conflict, how that sectional conflict led to the Civil War, and the consequences of the Civil War, including Reconstruction.

 Length of Course: 1 unit

Recommended for Grade: 10

American History II                                     

Course No. 43052X0OL

American History II- Honors

Course Number:  43055X001

Prerequisite: American History I

A study of the history of the United States since the era of Reconstruction following the Civil War to the present--focusing on political, economic, and social events related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies of the Cold War and post-Cold War eras, reform movements (including the progressive and Civil rights movements).  Students will study geographic influences on major historic events and causes and effects of the Great Depression, examine modern constitutional issues, evaluate the relationship of the three branches of the federal government, and analyze efforts to expand the democratic process.  The class will spotlight the labor movement, artistic and cultural influences on American history, the impact of technology upon American History and develop the students’ use of critical thinking skills to interpret historical methods, points of view, and place events in historical context.

Length of Course: 1 unit

Recommended for Grade: 11-12

Earth/Environmental Science                                          

Course Number: 35012X0S

Earth/Environmental Science-Honors

Course Number: 35015X0Y

This course will focus on the function of the earth’s systems and the effect of human interactions on these systems. Inquiry-based study of geology, oceanography, meteorology, environmental geology and astronomy will take place.

Length of Course:  1 unit

Recommended for Grade: 9

Physical Science                                                                  

Course Number: 34102X0S

Prerequisite: Earth Science

This course focuses on forces and motion, properties and change of matter, as well as, conservation and transfer of energy.

Length of Course:  1 unit

Recommended for Grades:  11 – 12

Biology                                                                                   

Course Number: 33202X0S

Recommendation: Successful completion of Earth/Environmental Science

The biology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations of the biological sciences begun in grades K-8.  High school inquiry is expanded to include more abstract concepts such as the function of DNA,  biological  evolution,  and  the  interdependence  of organisms.

Length of Course:  1 unit

Recommended for Grade: 10

 Biology – Honors                                                                   

Course Number: 33205X0S

Recommendation:  Successful completion of Math I with level III or IV on the EOC Test and teacher recommendation.

This course is a fast-paced, in-depth study of biology.  The content material includes an in-depth study of life, cell biology, genetics, theories of evolution, animal and plant biology, classification and ecology.

Length of Course:  1 unit

Recommended for Grade: 10

Career Management                                                   

Course Number:  CC452X0S

This course prepares students to locate, secure, keep, and change careers. Emphasis is placed on self-assessment of characteristics, interests, and values; education and career exploration; evaluation of career information and creation of a career plan. Based on the National Career Development Guidelines, skills learned in this course include, but are not limited to communications, interpersonal skills, problem solving, personal management and teamwork. English language arts are reinforced.  Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course include business/industry field trips, internships, job shadowing, and service learning. Student participation in Career and Technical Student Organization, (CTSO) competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.   

Length of Course: 1 Unit

Recommended for Grade: 9–10

Foundations of Information Technology

Course Number: 

This introductory course provides students with the foundation to pursue further study in information technology.  Emphasis is on network systems, information support and services, programming and software development, and interactive media.  Mathematics is reinforced.

Length of Course: 1 Unit

Recommended for Grade: 9–10

Principles of Business and Finance

Course Number:  BF102X0OL

This course introduces students to topics related to business, finance, management, and marketing to cover business in the global economy, functions of business organization and management, marketing basics, and significance of business financial and risk management. English language arts, social studies, and mathematics are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course include mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, and job shadowing. Cooperative education is not available for this course. DECA (an association for Marketing Education students) and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences. 

Length of Course: 1 Unit    

Recommended for Grades: 9-12