High School Curriculum

In North America, high school curriculum means the last and final section of compulsory education. High school curriculum is also known as secondary education. According to some, it is the last stage of final and compulsory education generally takes place.

The high school curriculum puts stress on analytical reading, writing, research, strong mathematics and scientific skills. All students receive a five to seven courses of high school curriculum per quarter, which are all considered as honors levels under public or private school systems.

Each year students who are enrolled in high school curriculum have to take English as a part of their course. The mathematics curriculum includes geometry and advanced algebra in addition to one extra advanced course. Most students adopt a four years math course with some level of calculus. The students also need to have a firm base in chemistry, physics and biology.

Students also take three years of history, which includes Early World and American. It is mandatory for students of high school curriculum to take a one-year course of music and art and choose among a variety of music theory, performance, fine arts, drawing, painting, photography and drama. Students are also taught to contribute towards their community. They are in fact groomed to become responsible citizens.

The English Courses  

The English curriculum of high school offers an all-inclusive study of language, literature, and language process from a level of grade nine till twelfth standard. For the talented lot, there are some exclusive English courses like Advanced Placement English and the English courses in the International Baccalaureate Program. Students of English get opportunities to extend their study of English through elective programs in journalism, photojournalism, speech, debate and creative writing.

The Science Courses

The syllabus of high school science starts with an introductory program of Integrated Science in Grade 9. Grade 10 deals with biological principles in accordance to practical laboratory based components. The principal sections of the high school curriculum science courses are ecology, animal form function and plant form and function. Chemistry is introduced and taught at grade 11. The content of the course covers qualitative, quantitative, organic and physical chemistry, and atomic structure and bonding. Physics is also taught at Grade 12.

The Computer Course  

Computers play a major role in the main stream of the courses. Students come up with visual presentations. They even make use of the computer laboratory for several purposes of research, report writing and data presentation. In each and every level, graphing calculators and their associated software are rightly introduced.

The Math Course  

Class discussions, various problem-solving methods, working in groups and the exploration and incorporation of latest technicality – all these are effectively included in high school curriculum math course. The course is so challenging and rigorous that it helps the students to have a solid foundation so that they may be able to perform well in college mathematics.

The History Course  

In most high school history courses, students get involved in research, writing and speaking. Such involvements help them to read critically, take notes, recognize bias and marshal evidence in supporting arguments. Students of history also learn to develop thesis, formulate paragraphs, give form to effective transitions and produce persuasive introductions and conclusions.

Apart from the basic high school curriculum academic courses, students here are allowed to take part in several external interests in various fields of life. In short, high school curriculum is the best way to become an all round citizen.