Bible 9-Old Testament Survey

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9

This course will give a broad overview of the Old Testament as the foundation of our faith. Students will be equipped with a basic historical layout of the Bible by exploring its major events, characters, themes, and theological concepts. The redemptive-historical thread of the Bible from Genesis to Jesus will be exposed, providing the opportunity for students to see and experience God's sovereign plan and grace to us all.

Bible 10-New Testament Survey

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10
 

SEMESTER 1: The Life and Works of Jesus course will explore the accounts of Jesus’ life as recorded in the Gospels while drawing practical insight and life application. The class will cover the historical context, structure, styles, key themes, and events of Matthew.

SEMESTER 2: The Theology class will study the foundational tenets of the Christian faith covering Bibliology, Theology Proper, Anthropology, Hamartiology, Ecclesiology, Pneumatology, and Eschatology. The class is designed to help students think through the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of Christianity.

Bible 11-World Religions and World Views (semester 1)

Bible 11-Christian Apologetics and Evangelism (semester 2)

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11
 

SEMESTER 1: This course will help students learn how to love God completely and their neighbors compassionately. There will be many opportunities for students to learn how to see themselves as God sees them according to a Biblical framework. We will encounter various stories of famous atheists and their disagreements with the Christian faith tradition. Upon analysis students will understand the importance of learning the arguments for the Christian faith. The goal of this course is to find our stories in the grand story of God as we see it climaxed in the person of Jesus Christ.

SEMESTER 2: This course will define religion and compare and contrast Christianity to Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Mormonism based on their views of God, sin, salvation, Jesus, and the afterlife. Their scriptures, symbols, and historical and cultural backgrounds will  be explored via a group research project for the course of the semester. The goal of this class is to learn the great joy in loving our religious neighbors well. 

Bible 12-Christian Leadership, Senior Project (semester 1)

Bible 12-Biblical Leadership Principles (semester 2)

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9

SEMESTER 1: This course will examine a biblical theology of servant leadership beginning with God’s mandate to exercise dominion as bearers of his image and culminating with an understanding of Jesus as the exact representation of God’s image. Students will discuss the common ways in which their practice of leadership will be realized by following the pattern set by Jesus, while also exploring the unique ways in which God has designed each of them to lead in different ways. Students will have the opportunity for practical application of these lessons through their Senior Leadership Project which will be formulated and proposed during this first semester and then implemented during second semester.

SEMESTER 2: This course is designed for students to learn and develop leadership skills and a servant mentality. This course explores key biblical principles and teachings that can guide and inspire effective leadership. Participants will dive into Old and New Testament scriptures to extract timeless wisdom applicable to contemporary leadership challenges. This second-semester course will support the Senior Leadership Project.

English 9 - Survey of English Literature

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9

In this class, students will develop their skills in reading literature, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and discussion. They will read a variety of novels, poems, plays, short stories and non-fiction, including selections such as Lord of the Flies, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Silence Between Us, The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, and others. Students will write in a variety of forms, including expository, narrative, poetry, and persuasive. Students will develop skills in speech, developing thesis, critical thinking, reading and literacy approaches and analytical and expressive writing. 

English 9 Honors - survey

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9

Choosing an honors course is a great way to embrace a challenge and to focus on improving your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. While our core texts may sometimes align with the non-honors course (see above), the level of analysis and work completed with those texts will vary. Honors students are expected to come into the course with some foundational skills that we can build upon and expand together. Students in an honors course will be asked to think critically, work diligently, be collaborative and work independently while embracing academic rigor. They will also be expected to interact with literature independently with pre-AP level texts. 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10

Students read a variety of American Literature to develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Writing assignments emphasize organization in a variety of writing styles, while practical grammar study aims at improving and maturing sentence construction and active voice. There will be multiple opportunities for presentations and speeches. Weekly classwork and quizzes will continue through the year. Students are required to continue to demonstrate a high capacity for independent learning, critical thinking, and skills mastery. Students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their growth in this course. The overarching questions of the course are: What does it mean to be American? Christian? Human? And how do these identities intersect or conflict? 

Algebra 1 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10
 

Algebra 1 is a math course that teaches the basic algebraic concepts of working with signed numbers in the four operations, inequalities, using exponents, working with polynomials in the four operations, factoring, graphing linear and non-linear equations, using radicals, and simplifying rational expressions. Daily lessons are taught and reinforced by homework.

Geometry

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
 

Geometry is the study of the “measure of the earth” (“geo”-earth and “metron”-measure). This lofty goal includes logical reasoning, formal proofs, constructions, the study of properties and relationships of geometric shapes, and the use of Algebra as a tool.

Algebra 2 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
 

Algebra 2: This course will continue the exploration to visualize, express, interpret, solve, transform and describe various mathematical functions and their inverses. Functions include:  absolute value, linear, piece-wise, quadratic, exponential, trigonometric, logarithmic and square root functions, along with their graphs, applications, and multiple representations. 

Algebra 2 Honors 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 with a grade of B+ or higher
 

Algebra 2 Honors: This course is an accelerated Algebra course that will deeply explore, visualize, express, interpret, solve, transform and describe various mathematical functions and their inverses. Functions include:  absolute value, linear, piece-wise, quadratic, exponential, trigonometric, logarithmic and square root functions along with their graphs, applications, and multiple representations. 

*Students planning to eventually take Pre-Calculus are encouraged to take this class over the regular Algebra 2 class.

Statistics 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
 

This course is offered as an alternative to Pre-Calculus. It provides students with an introduction to important topics in statistics by focusing on the statistical thinking behind data collection and analysis. It helps students be more discerning consumers of statistics, teaching them to interpret the numbers in surveys, election polls, and medical studies. Topics include sampling, surveys, experimental design, organizing data, distributions, probability, and inference.

AP Pre-Calculus

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Optional Fees: $300 for 4 semester hours of college credit

By definition: In American mathematics education, pre-calculus, an advanced form of secondary school algebra, is a foundational mathematical discipline. Pre-calculus is actually two separate courses: Algebra and Trigonometry. Pre-calculus prepares students for calculus the same way as pre-algebra prepares students for Algebra I. While pre-algebra teaches students many different fundamental algebra topics, pre-calculus does not involve calculus, but explores topics that will be applied in calculus. This course involves an in-depth study of trigonometry and advanced algebra, through graphing, polar and complex number systems, circular and inverse functions and applications. There is an additional fee paid to GFU for the credit.

Advanced Placement Calculus AB

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus
Optional Fees: $300 for 4 semester hours of college credit

By definition: Calculus (Latin, calculus, a small stone used for counting) is a branch in mathematics focused on limits, functions, derivatives, integrals, and infinite series. This subject constitutes a major part of modern mathematics education. It has two major branches, differential calculus, and integral calculus, which are related by the fundamental theorem of calculus. Calculus is the study of change, in the same way that geometry is the study of shape and algebra is the study of operations and their application to solving equations. A course in calculus is a gateway to other, more advanced courses in mathematics devoted to the study of functions and limits, broadly called mathematical analysis. Calculus has widespread applications in science, economics, and engineering and can solve many problems for which algebra alone is insufficient. There is an additional fee paid to GFU for the credit.

Advanced Placement Calculus BC 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB
Optional Fees: $300 for 4 semester hours of college credit

This course will provide students with an opportunity to continue their mathematical journey, while simultaneously serving as student tutors for those at the beginning of their high school mathematical journey. Academically, students will continue their AP Calculus program by completing the BC portion of the AP program. Focusing on topics such as parametric, polar and vector functions, and series. The second half of the year, students will expressly engage in the foundations of a typical college's introductory to statistics course. Topics to be explored will include sampling, surveys, experimental design, organizing data, distributions, probability and inference. This course will be eligible for dual credit enrollment for both Calculus 2 and Intro to Stats. 

Choir “Westside voices”

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Fees: $85 Performing Arts activity fee - assessed once for unlimited PA courses each year 
May receive credit for multiple years
 

Westside Voices is the non-auditioned, mixed-gender introductory choir class for anyone interested in singing. Participation in choir demands a one-year commitment. Students in this class develop skills in vocal production, breath management, sight-reading, and music theory, as well as singing some of the world's greatest choral literature. Students chosen for our select ensemble groups, Soli Deo Gloria and Bella Voce, join with our Westside Voices class to form our Concert Choir which competes in District and State events. The Concert Choir also enjoys two retreats per year for the purposes of building unity and preparing for the State Championships. All retreats, concerts, and festivals have a mandatory attendance rule.
 

Treble Choir “Bella Voce”

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Enrollment by audition/teacher addition
Fees: $85 Performing Arts activity fee - assessed once for unlimited PA courses each year 
May receive credit for multiple years

Bella Voce Treble Choir is a Soprano/Alto ensemble consisting of 10-15 singers. This is considered one of Westside's two varsity small vocal ensembles. Students in this ensemble exhibit intermediate to advanced choral skills and will work together to achieve intermediate to higher levels of repertoire. All students will learn to sing with proper vocal technique for sopranos and altos. Students will also learn music theory, ear training, and sight-reading. Participation in this ensemble demands a one-year commitment. Bella Voce participates in all Concert Choir activities as well as their additional concerts. During the Christmas season, Bella Voce will perform some concerts around the Portland Metro area. Auditions for this ensemble are held each spring for the coming year. Auditions will include exercises in group singing, solo singing and sight-reading. Since several concerts are scheduled for this group outside of school time, the student must realize the commitment level must be very high to participate in this group. All retreats, concerts, and festivals have a mandatory attendance rule.
 

Soli Deo Gloria

Fitness ACTIVITIES

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Fees: $20 Uniform fee 
May receive credit for multiple years

This course will cover basic strength training techniques and advanced dynamic fitness exercises. Students will learn and perform strength and fitness exercises on a regular basis. We will be doing a variety of exercises and workout styles to teach a range of fitness options. Occasionally, we will have a unit that breaks the regular routine to get some differentiated training. Various sports will be played as well.

Strength and Conditioning

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Fees: $20 Uniform fee 
May receive credit for multiple years

The goal of the Strength & Conditioning course is to prepare all students for a physically active lifestyle. The focus of this course is to improve an athlete’s power, strength, flexibility, mobility, muscular endurance, and agility by stressing technique and attention to detail. Fundamental techniques in strength training, cardiovascular training, stretching, and speed and agility will be taught through this course. Strength training increases metabolic rate, increases or restores bone density, and improves lean muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Strength training has been shown to enhance athletic performance, as well as improve one's quality of life. Using proper safety procedures, students will perform core, power, and auxiliary weight training techniques to work towards these benefits. 

Chemistry

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Fees: $30 Lab Fee

This laboratory class will undertake a study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Students will investigate properties of atomic particles to understand how macroscopic phenomena relates to sub-microscopic arrangements. Topics covered include atomic theory, atomic structure, periodic table arrangement and trends, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, thermochemistry and reaction rates. General algebra skills are necessary and students are required to have a scientific calculator.

AP Chemistry

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11, 12
Fees: $30 Lab Fee 
Prerequisite: Chemisrty
Optional Fees: $300 for 4 semester hours of college credit

As recommended by the College Board, AP Chemistry typically follows second-year algebra and high school chemistry. It prepares students to take the AP Chemistry test in the spring and begins where first-year chemistry leaves off. It involves a more detailed investigation into topics such as atomic theory and structure, acids and bases, chemical bonding and stoichiometry. Other topics covered include oxidation and reduction reactions, kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics. AP Chemistry laboratories are equivalent to those of typical college courses. It is a challenging college level course designed for students wishing to study health sciences, medicine, engineering and other science disciplines in college.  

Biology

Credit: 1.0
Grades:  9, 10
Fees: $30 Lab Fee

This is a laboratory class which will provide an understanding of the world of living things.  Students will study cell biology, the molecular basis of heredity, interdependence and classification of organisms, organization in living systems and evolution.  

Advanced Placement Biology

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology 
Fees: $30 Lab Fee
Optional Fees: $300 for 4 semester hours of college credit 

This course is designed to be equivalent to two semesters of a college introductory level biology course.  The pace and information covered in this course are much more rigorous than freshman biology.  The class adheres to the standards instituted by the College Board for all AP courses and covers all of the topics in the AP Biology Course Description, which include biochemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, molecular basis of inheritance, DNA technology, evolution, microbiology, classification, plants, animals, animal physiology, and ecology.  This is a laboratory class in which students are expected to collect data and be able to use it to solve biological problems. 

There is an additional fee paid to George Fox University for college credit.

World History

The purpose of this course is to study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the world from c. 1200 CE to the present. You’ll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.

There is an additional fee paid to GFU for college credit.

This course is a chronological history of the United States. The goal is to understand the causes and effects of events in our nation's past and to help the student become culturally literate. Students study political, economic, social and intellectual history. Resources include A History of the United States (2005) by Daniel Boorstin, and teacher-developed comprehensive worksheets to cover each of the thirty-six chapters. We read 4 shorter books as supplements ( Light in the Forest, Red Badge of Courage, The Book of Heroes and Raisin in the Sun). During the second semester there is a short research paper concurrently assigned with the junior English class.

This Advanced Placement course uses the same primary textbook as the regular class. This college-level survey course follows a lecture and discussion format which will emphasize cause/effect and relating the past to what is happening today.  Students should sense that today’s current events are the result of past influences.  The fall semester project is a debate featuring Oregon ballot measures (initiatives or referendums on even years or current event issues on odd years).  The spring semester project is an interview with someone who spent part of their teen years during the Great Depression or World War 2.  During the second semester there is also a short research paper concurrently assigned with the junior English class. We read the following books:  Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick, 1776 by David McCullough, Presidential Courage by Michael Beschloss, and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.  Our text is Making America (Cengage 2019).  There is an additional fee paid to GFU for college credit.

The first semester begins with a study of the U.S. Constitution.  After studying the US Constitution in the first week, we will focus on each branch of the federal government:  legislative, executive and judiciary.  We finish the semester with a study of state and local government. Students do an interview of a local nonprofit or government agency, a small group poll of the public, and a team debate. They also read the books Legislating Morality and Great Souls.  

The second semester is Economics. The primary textbook for this course is Junior Achievement’s JA Economics (2019). The text defines terms and explains concepts.  A workbook applies those concepts which cover:  supply, demand, market clearing price, free enterprise, productivity, competition, international trade and financing. The student is also required to read The Millionaire Next Door and Economics in One Lesson.

Advanced Placement European History

Students are an integral part of the learning process through discussions, group projects and paired work. Some of these include a Reformation Roundtable, Speed dating, creating a flat absolute monarch, and designing a cereal box for the Italian and German Unification period.  Don’t know what these are?  Become a part of European history and discover the European world from the Renaissance to present day.

There is an additional fee paid to GFU for college credit.

This is an elective course open only to juniors and seniors.

This is a basic business course designed to acquaint students with the activities associated with a business. Students will gather a basic understanding of general business, economics, entrepreneurship, business communications, business ethics, the government’s role in business, marketing, and business finance. Overall, the course gives students a broad exposure to business operations and a solid background for additional business courses.  

This is an elective course open only to juniors and seniors.

In this course we will expose students to the basics of sound personal finance, giving them the necessary skills to wisely and shrewdly manage their own fiscal resources both now and in the future. General business practices will also be studied and applied throughout. 

Introduction to Art

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Prerequisite: N/A
Optional Fees: $85 Art Activity Fee

Introduction to Art is the entry-level art class focusing on art fundamentals, art materials and their techniques, art history, and the elements and principles of design. Students will gain experience creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, collage, and mixed media. Students will learn to create, critique, evaluate, analyze and appreciate works of art throughout the course in their historical and contemporary cultural contexts.

Advanced Art (2D)

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Elective Prerequisite: Introduction to Art
Optional Fees: $85 Art Activity Fee

AP Studio Art 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11, 12 
Elective Prerequisite: 2 years of high school art
Optional Fees: $85 Art Activity Fee

AP Studio Art: This is the most advanced course offered at Westside requiring at least two years of high school art or teacher consent. This course focuses on preparing and guiding students as they produce between 10-15 artworks that satisfy the requirements of the Selected Works & Sustained Investigation sections of the AP Portfolio. AP is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation by the AP College Board in May. Students will concentrate on either two-dimensional OR three-dimensional design and be challenged to expand their skills with use of new media, combining media, and problem-solving approaches to design. Students should expect to work outside of class time regularly in order to meet deadlines. 

Repeating the AP Studio Art class the following year is allowed; a second portfolio would be created and submitted (Available AP Portfolios: 2D Art & Design, Drawing, and 3D Art & Design). 
 

Digital Design

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Prerequisite: Intro to Art highly recommended
Optional Fees: $85 Art Activity Fee

With focus on Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, this course will use the Adobe Creative Apps collection of professional-class, industry leading digital design tools to explore the basic principles of digital design in the 21st century. Students will develop a wide variety of digital design skills while implementing aspects of the elements and principles of art. The end result will be acquiring skills and practical experience in real-life design applications, potentially unlocking the doors to success in the world of digital design.

ADVANCED DIGITAL DESIGN

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Elective Prerequisite: Digital Design, Intro to Art/or comparable
Optional Fees: $85 Art Activity Fee

The Advanced Digital Design course will offer students an intensive exploration of design principles, theory, and techniques using the powerful tools available in the Adobe Creative Suite. Expanding upon the tools and concepts learned in Digital Design, the course will include history of design and typography, theory, psychology of color and symbol, and current trends in the industry. Students will apply this knowledge to creating varied projects similar to what they would encounter in industry. Projects will include magazine layouts, brochure and infographic design, logo and branding, package design with 3D mockups, and more. In today's digital age, proficiency in graphic design software is essential for a wide range of creative and professional endeavors, and this course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this field.

Throughout the course, students will dive deep into the various applications within the Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. They will learn advanced design techniques, integrated workflows, and best practices to create visually stunning and professionally polished digital designs. At the end of the course, they will have a digital portfolio ready for submission to a college design program, or to use in free-lance work.

Digital Photography

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Equipment Requirements: A personal DSLR camera, flash drive, memory card
Elective Prerequisite: Intro to Art (or comparable)  

Digital Photography offers students an immersive introduction and exploration into the history, aesthetics, science, theory, and practice of digital photography. This course provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to capture, edit, and present compelling photographic images. Students will learn how a camera functions, the relationship between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, how to compose images, lighting techniques, image editing and post-processing, and ethics related to creating and presenting images. Additionally, students will learn to use their digital phone as a camera as well as how best to organize the workflow necessary to handle digital images through Adobe Lightroom as an organizational tool, and the industry standard, Adobe Photoshop for finish editing.

Yearbook 

Credit: 1.0 (May receive credit multiple years)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Prerequisite: Enrollment by application

Yearbook is a course for students who want to gain a conceptual as well as an experiential understanding of the process and completion of a yearbook. This course focuses on the instruction, creation, and practice in putting together a creative and unique yearbook publication that represents the Westside Christian High School community. Students must have available time outside of the school day. Application required.

French 1 presents an introduction to the French language and the countries and cultures of the people who speak it. Over the course of the year, we will learn how to engage in the target language at a novice-mid level about several topics, including school, family, friends, and pastimes. We will also take a look at the lives of the French-speaking people around the world, even bringing several of their cultural experiences into our classroom.

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11
 

Spanish 1 presents an introduction to the Spanish language and the countries and cultures of the people who speak it. Over the course of the year, we will learn how to engage in the target language at a novice-mid level about several topics, including school, family, friends, and pastimes. We will also take a look at the lives of the Spanish-speaking people around the world, even bringing several of their cultural experiences into our classroom.

Spanish 2

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Spanish 1

Spanish 2 builds on the introduction to the Spanish language and the countries and cultures of the people who speak it that was started in Spanish I. Over the course of the year, we will further develop our ability to engage in the target language at a novice-high level about several topics, including travel, food, clothes, and daily routines. We will also take a look at the lives of the Spanish-speaking people around the world, even bringing several of their cultural experiences into our classroom.

Spanish 3

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Spanish 2
 

Spanish 3 is a continued study of the Spanish language and culture.  Emphasis is placed on increased vocabulary and grammatical mastery in speaking, reading, listening and writing.  Previously taught grammar concepts are reviewed and expanded upon.  New concepts, including the subjunctive, are introduced.  In the area of speaking, students strengthen their ability to talk about their lives and everyday events, including events in the past.  Students read novels in Spanish that explore cultural topics. This class is an important tool to allow students to solidify and build upon the base of knowledge gained in the previous two years.  A communicative approach is taken to this course, so students will experience immersion in Spanish at least 90% of the time.

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Enrollment by application *May receive credit for multiple years 
Elective

Academic coaching is designed to provide assistance with the skills, habits, and attitudes necessary for success in all Westside Christian High School courses. Students must have a documented learning disability to enroll in this class. The primary aim of this class is for students to develop a strong sense of self-accountability and self-advocacy. While there will be opportunities for students to complete homework assignments in class (only when we have completed the day’s task), this course is not a study hall. A number of pertinent topics will be discussed including, motivation, goal-setting, time-management, organization, learning styles, listening, reading, note-taking, writing, and test-taking strategies. Some of these will be addressed in a class-wide context and others will be addressed on a one-on-one basis, depending on the unique needs of individual students. Weekly one-on-one Family Portal check-ups are designed to keep the student fully aware of and moving forward in their academic performance. Students with a GPA above 3.0 are not eligible to join this class.