Diploma Requirements _____________ 2

Course Substitution, Change _____________ 3

Student Load _____________ 3

Leadership Studies _____________ 4

Course Offerings _____________ 5

Art _____________ 5 6

Distance Learning _____________ 6 7

Electives _____________ 7 8

English _____________ 9 10

L.O.T.E.

(Language Other Than English)

_____________ 10 11

Math _____________ 11 13

Music _____________ 13 15

Physical Education _____________ 15

Religious Studies _____________ 15 16

Science _____________ 16 18

Social Studies _____________ 18 20

Page

English 4 4

Social Studies 4 4

LOTE (Language Other Than English) 3 3

Mathematics 3 3

Science 3 3

Art, Music, Dance 1 1

Health 0.5 0.5

Computer Applications or Advanced Comp. Appl. 1 1

Religious Studies 4 4

Physical Education 2 2

Additional Credits 2 2

Leadership Studies 0 0

Public Speaking 0 0

* Possible future requirements are under consideration and would be implemented if

recommended. Ample notice would be given if changes are implemented.

English 1 1

Social Studies 2 2

LOTE (Language Other Than English) 1 1

Mathematics 1 2

Science 1 2

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If a student requests a course substitution from another academic institution or certified organization for a

course in the SHA curriculum, the following criteria apply:

1. Course substitutions may be made so that the student can fit other courses in her schedule or

participate in more advanced courses in addition to the SHA curriculum.

2. If a senior requests to take a college course during the academic year, she must carry a B average in

the specific subject area. Permission of her school counselor and parents is necessary.

3. The amount of class hours of the substitution must be equivalent to the time required by New York State,

and closely parallel the course curriculum at the Academy.

4. The instructor must be qualified/certified and willing to submit grades in coordination with the

Academy's grading time schedule.

Students and parents are urged to select courses carefully during the scheduling process, observing course

prerequisites and graduation requirements. The Counseling Center must approve all course selections.

1. If there is a serious reason for changing a course after classes begin, the student must present written

approval from her parents and obtain all required signatures on the course change request form.

2. A course must be completed and passed for credit to be granted. No partial credit will be given.

Dropping a Course: Once schedules have been finalized only programmatic changes (class misplacement,

student not enrolled in enough courses, course failure, missing a required course, etc.) are the only reasons a

course will be changed.

Freshwoman and Sophomore students must carry a minimum of seven (7) credits per year.

Junior and Senior students must carry a minimum of six and one half (6.5) credits per year. To prepare for future

college rigor, increasing Junior & Senior loads to 7.0 or more is under consideration.

1. Religion 1 1. Religion 1

2. English 1 2. English 1

3. World History 9 1 3. US History / Government 1

4.

5.

Math

LOTE

1

1

4. Graduation Requirements /

Electives

3

6. Science 1 5. Physical Education 0.5

7. Physical Education 0.5

8. Computer or Music or Art

Electives

0.5

1. Religion 1 1. Religion 1

2. English 1 2. English 1

3. World History 10 1 3. Economics / Participation in Gov’t. 1

4.

5.

Math

LOTE

1

1

4 Graduation Requirements /

Electives

3

6. Science 1 5. Physical Education 0.5

7. Art or Health or Music or

Computers

0.5

8. Physical Education 0.5

Page

The Leadership Studies focus throughout all four years at Sacred Heart Academy is to empower our students

with the skills, the compassion and the confidence to be leaders wherever their hearts, their faith and their

goals take them.

Sacred Heart’s Leadership program is based on a service leadership model. The Leadership Studies program is

an integral part of every student’s learning experience. Through a variety of educational approaches: formal

presentations, experiential learning, and selfawareness

exercises, our students develop skills in important

leadership areas. These positive values and skills acquired instill confidence as our students develop into young

women who will serve as role models to their peers, families, and communities.

Freshwomen begin leadership studies with a threehour

interactive seminar. The seminar is followed up

with a four week block of study focusing on selfawareness,

selfrespect,

personal values, and

establishing priorities. During the Freshwoman year, students are introduced to the different types and

forms of leadership.

Sophomore leadership curriculum will engage students in ten to twelve sessions of activities and

discussions designed to promote the leadership skills of listening, communicating, problem resolution

and effective group process.

Junior leadership studies will focus on leadership within the community. Women who are leaders in

Western New York will present a lecture series for the junior class allowing students to learn more about

the numerous leadership opportunities for women in all respects of life: career, family and volunteer

service to church and community.

Senior students will be required to draw upon all of the leadership skills they have learned and apply

these skills as they plan and complete service projects of their own choosing. The senior students will

look into their hearts as they identify a need within the school, community or even globally and

formulate plans to help meet the identified need. Students will work in small groups, consulting with the

Leadership Studies Coordinator as they establish goals and plan their projects, activities or fundraisers

designed to assist others.

Each person has the ability to be a leader in her own way. Advanced Leadership Studies builds on the

skills acquired during grade 9 & 10 Leadership Studies to encourage students to explore leadership styles

and opportunities in greater depth as they continue to discover, strengthen and practice leadership

skills. Topics covered in this class include: what makes a good leader, group behavior and process,

public speaking, conflict management, majority rule decision making, consensus decisions making, nonverbal

clues, positive feedback, personal motivators and recognizing the contributions of everyone.

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cr. Credit

1D Course

offered one day per cycle

S Semester

course 2D/3D Course

offered two/ three days per cycle

F Full

year course 4D/5D Course

offered four/five days per cycle

PR Prerequisite

required

The offering of certain advanced level and elective courses is contingent upon the number of students

enrolled, based on the collaborative discretion of administration and department chairpersons.

This is an introductory course to familiarize students at all levels with various aspects of art. Students will

enjoy a variety of creative art experiences, using different techniques and media. Students will also

learn the basic language of art and develop an appreciation of art by studying artists and their work.

This course will focus on the creative process of making threedimensional

art. Students will gain a

greater understanding and appreciation of the threedimensional

world around them as well as the

artists who create threedimensional

works. Students will design and create various types of sculpture,

assemblage, bead and textile works.

PR: 6110 or 6120.

This course is an extension and expansion of ThreeDimensional

Art. Students will continue to explore

and build on techniques involved in creating threedimensional

art. Further exploration and

development of personal style, creativity and mature technique will be emphasized. Independent work

and responsibility to carry themes and ideas to completion are involved. Instructor approval required.

Fundamental development of both technical skill and creativity by exploring properties of various

media. Opportunities are provided in drawing, designing, printmaking, realistic and abstract rendering,

and portrait work.

Handbuilding

stoneware pottery according to traditional methods is balanced with freedom in

creative expression. Total process shaping,

firing, glazing, and displaying is involved. Available to 11th

and 12th grades only.

This is an intensive study of drawing with wet, dry and mixed media on a variety of twodimensional

surfaces. Opportunities for experimenting with tools, media, and techniques in rendering abstract, stilllife,

landscape, and other subjects are presented.

PR: 6110 or 6120.

Students develop basic skills in using transparent watercolor. Materials, techniques, color, skill

development and various subject matter will be introduced. Students will gain experience exploring

and expanding use of various media and techniques.

PR: 6110 or 6120.

Students develop skills in handling brush and knife with oil paint, in terms of stilllife

subjects, landscape,

floral compositions, and abstract interpretations. Various techniques such as underpainting, alla prima,

impasto, scumble, glaze, sand texture, and collage are studied.

PR: 6110 or 6120.

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Serious and intensive work in oil or watercolor is emphasized. Personal style, mature techniques, and

creative approaches are expanded. Independent work and regular inclass/

outofclass

assignments

are required.

PR for Advanced Oil Painting: 6133 and instructor approval.

PR for Advanced Watercolor: 6132 and instructor approval.

This course is a continuation and extension of basic pottery skills in a semiindependent

setting.

Opportunities are given for further exploration of handbuilding

techniques, in addition to working on

the potter’s wheel. Personal style, mature technique, and creative approaches are expanded.

PR: 6130 and instructor approval required.

Students develop basic skills involved in acrylic painting. Materials, techniques, color, skill development

and various subject matter will be explored. Various acrylic and collage artists and works will be

introduced. Students will gain experience, using and combining both acrylic paint and collage.

PR: 6110 or 6120.

The focus of this course will be humanity’s search for meaning in creation. Students will study the

spiritual message in artists’ works and use the arts to explore the connection between the human person

and God. Students will create visual art to explore their own spirituality and to enrich their own spiritual

life. Open to grades 9, 10, 11 & 12. (Not offered in 200809)

This is a new “handson”

approach to Art History. Students in this course will develop knowledge of the

history of art by practicing techniques that are representative of the artist and his/her historical period

and by creating replicas of art through the ages. Students will also investigate how art both reflects and

affects the culture of a society. Open to grades 10, 11 & 12. (Not offered in 200809)

The following courses are offered for Junior & Seniors through distance learning in conjunction with Daemen

College. Students will receive three college credits for each course. A fee is involved.

The entry level ASL I and intermediate ASL II are designed to introduce the student to the continuum of

sign language in the United States. They examine the history of the various signed systems, current

trends in Deaf culture and education, as well as developing practical sign language skills. These skills

include finger spelling, numbers, vocabulary acquisition and nonmanual

communication skills. Pidgin

Signed English (PSE), a derivative of American Sign Language (ASL) will be the primary mode of

communication. ASL I and ASL II are not a study of the linguistics of American Sign Language, although

they will be introduced.

This course is art that incorporates digital media and computer technology into the artistic project.

Since digital art is not limited by genre, this course will explore the integration of multimedia formats such

as digital photography, web layout, basic digital video and animation. The first semester will explore

DREAMWEAVER. The second semester will explore FLASH.

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This course is designed for students who wish to familiarize themselves with the concepts, issues, and

techniques of new venture creation and entrepreneurship. It also would assist the student in future

creation or acquisition of a business. Topics include (but are not limited to) researching a venture's

feasibility, and planning, organizing, launching and managing a business.

This course is designed to improve students' oral communication skills. The students will learn the basic

principles of speech organization, oral argument, and effective delivery. Each student will present

several prepared speeches and at least one extemporaneous speech. Since this course has a limited

enrollment and is intensive, students who enroll must be firmly committed and highly motivated. Open

to grade 11 and 12. (offered 200809

school year)

This course covers all aspects of publishing the school yearbook including the layout design, copy

writing, business and elements of photography and art.

PR: Open to 11th and 12th grade students with a B average and instructor approval.

The course provides Senior students with an opportunity to work with and observe professionals in a field

of the student’s interest. The Internship teacher will arrange a suitable placement for the student.

Students will spend three afternoons per week (or the equivalent) at the workplace and one class

period a week at Sacred Heart. (Students must provide their own transportation to the internship site.)

Class sessions address workplace situations and problems, resume writing, appropriate professional

dress, workplace hierarchy, business entertaining, and career preparation. Guest speakers lend their

expertise to several classes.

PR: Interview and instructor approval.

In this “hands on” computer course, students will acquire skills in word processing, database,

spreadsheets, graphics, and presentation applications using Microsoft Office and other software

packages. Students will also be introduced to computerbased

research using reference software and

the Internet. Students will be trained on the use of SHAspecific

computer systems and equipment.

Students are required to take this course or pass the SHA computer competency test with a minimum

score of 75% in order to take Level II to Advanced. This exam will be given at Sacred Heart Academy in

June.

This course will provide further instruction in database management, the development of spreadsheets,

and the use of the Internet. Students will take apart a computer and learn to add or remove hardware

features. They will use Excel to create and enhance spreadsheets and to perform calculations on data.

Using Access, they will learn to design basic databases, to perform queries, and to create reports. They

will do a variety of Internet projects and activities useful for educational, personal, and business

purposes. Projects will be required throughout the course.

This course includes an introduction to the history of computer development, exploration of the way

computers work, and an introduction to Visual Basic for programming computers. Students will learn to

analyze programming problems logically and will then write programs to solve these problems. A final

project is assigned. Guest speakers will describe their own experiences in the workplace.

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The course will provide indepth

experience in using a computer to create attractive documents and

presentations. Word, PowerPoint, Photoshop and PageMaker will be used to illustrate formatting, fonts,

tables, columns, color, shading, and footnotes. Students will learn to work with graphics and text taken

from a digital camera, scanner, or the Internet. Students will add artwork and/or graphics to a

presentation or document. This course includes learning how to take advantage of a wide variety of

printing options. Projects will be required throughout the course.

Discover the full potential of the TIgraphing

calculator and learn how to effectively use all aspects of

the technology available at SHA. Every student will acquire better study skills and essential SAT practice

based on the various interactive calculator/computer activities that will be a part of the course. In

addition, students will become proficient with a variety of computer programs and equipment which

SHA owns.

Requirement: Each student must have a TI83,

a TI83

Plus Silver Edition, a TI84

Plus, or TI84

Plus Silver

Edition Graphing Calculator. The TI84

Plus Silver Edition is highly recommended.

This course will utilize the latest theories in critical thinking, using both online and printed resources.

Students will develop skills in the following areas: fundamentals of traditional critical thinking, selfknowledge,

recognizing errors in thinking, and the process of evaluation. Course requirements include

both written and verbal analysis of contemporary issues. The course content will be drawn from all

academic disciplines and contain creative problem solving strategies. Available to 11th and 12th

grades only.

This class will give students a broad understanding of dance through physical participation. Dance

classes teach basic skills in modern, ballet, jazz, and musical theatre technique. Designed to challenge

all level dancers while not intimidating beginners, the class will learn a series of combinations throughout

the semester.

This class is designed to challenge the intermediate/advanced dancer. It emphasizes proper technique

in all levels and styles of dance, including ballet, lyrical, jazz, modern and musical theatre. These

students will be given opportunities to perform at various functions through out the school year.

PR: Auditions are required.

Students who take this course will develop basic accounting competencies and be able to

demonstrate knowledge of the accounting cycle. Upon completing this course students will be able to

analyze transactions, journalize and post into a ledger, and prepare financial statements. Open to

grades 11, 12.

The aim of this course is to prepare students for the challenges of independent living. Basic sewing

techniques will be taught and used to produce an original hand crafted project. Money management,

check writing & checkbook balancing, preparing tax returns as well as renting/leasing apartments and

car purchasing are also covered. Open to grades 11, 12.

This is an elective enrichment course designed to provide familiarity with the specialized vocabularies

used in law, medicine, science, pharmacy, business, etc. Course includes Latin mottos and quotations

along with a study of Latin and Greek roots which aid in increasing SAT I verbal scores. It is

recommended for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. No previous knowledge of Latin is required.

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This course is a study of the short story, the novel, poetry, drama, and Greek mythology. Emphasis is

placed on developing grammar, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Course requirements

include outside reading, research project, tests, vocabulary study, summer reading and utilizing

technology to advance research skills, communication and presentation.

This course is a comprehensive study of the short story, the novel, poetry, drama, and mythology.

Extensive writing is required and includes a research project. Students are introduced to critical analysis

and literary interpretation. Course requirements include outside reading, research project, tests,

vocabulary study, and summer reading.

PR: The HSP test and current grades in the 90’s.

This course is a study of poetry, short stories, novels and plays including Julius Caesar. Emphasis is placed

on reading and writing skills, grammar review, vocabulary, and oral communication. The course

requirements include outside reading, written responses tests, several long term assignments and one

research paper.

This is a comprehensive survey of short stories, novels, poetry and drama both contemporary and

Shakespearean. Emphasis is placed on interpretative/analytical skills with extensive reinforcement of

the mechanics of writing, grammar, oral communication and vocabulary study. The course

requirements include independent reading, essays, projects and a research paper.

in Literature Survey 1 Honors.

This course is a study of American literature and American writers, past and present with a

concentration on major novels, plays, biographies, poetry, essays, articles, and short stories. Emphasis is

placed on writing skills and vocabulary development. The course requirements include a term paper,

tests, quizzes, oral presentations, outside reading, and the Regents examination.

This is a college level course that focuses on reading complex texts and understanding the relationship

between style and substance. Students in this AP course will engage in the close reading of texts in

American literature and will be encouraged to analyze the writer's language to discover his or her

purpose. In addition, students will hone their own writing skills by practicing a variety of forms, including

narrative, expository, and argumentative. All students who take this course will take the English

Language and Composition Examination. A fee is required.

PR: Juniors with an Aaverage

for the previous two years of English and above average PSAT scores

may be eligible. Acceptance is subject to AP English teacher's approval.

This is a survey of British and World literature from the ancient Greeks to the twentieth century. Emphasis

will be placed on vocabulary development, essay writing skills and critical analysis. Course

requirements include research papers based on independent reading and analytical papers based on

inclass

reading.

This college level course, taught seminar style, engages students in the careful reading and critical

analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students will deepen their

understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their

readers. Course requirements include summer reading and the Advanced Placement Exam. A fee is

required for the exam.

PR: Seniors with an Aaverage

for the three previous years of literature, and above average PSAT

Verbal scores. Acceptance is subject to AP English teacher's approval.

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following courses will be available in future years, but not for the 20082009

school year:

1032 AMERICAN LITERATURE REGENTS HONORS

1058 STUDYING SHAKESPEARE

1042 JOURNALISM

In this course students will explore various genres of creative writing including poetry, short stories and

children's stories. Students will develop skills in the art of vivid description and the use of a variety of

literary devices and techniques to create distinctive, vivid and imaginative pieces. The course requires

a journal, long term projects, and daily writing.

PR: C average in Literature Survey I and II, American Literature. (offered 200809

school year)

This course is an historical and chronological study of drama and dramatic theory, beginning with the

Greek Theater through present day. In the final section of the course, the students will dramatize

selected works, and the students will both stage and direct the play. The course requirements include

tests, analytical papers, performance. Students will also be required to attend a minimum of one

professional performance each quarter and write a critique on the performance.

PR: C average in Literature Survey I and II, American Literature. (offered 200809

school year)

This course uses the novel to explore the role of women in society from the nineteenth century to the

present. Students will investigate the impact of the political climate and social context on women by

reading the novels of Hardy, Dreiser and Tolstoy. Students may be required to purchase paperback

texts for this course. (offered 200809

school year)

This course is designed to improve students' oral communication skills. The students will learn the basic

principles of speech organization, oral argument, and effective delivery. Each student will present

several prepared speeches and at least one extemporaneous speech. Since this course has a limited

enrollment and is intensive, students who enroll must be firmly committed and highly motivated. Open

to grade 11 and 12. (offered 200809

school year)

Accelerated placement of freshwomen is determined by scoring 75% or above on the SHA placement exam

offered in June.

This course is an introduction to understanding, speaking, reading, and writing a foreign language and

a study of the culture. Basic vocabulary and grammar dealing with everyday situations will be covered

only.

This course reinforces the skills and vocabulary learned in level I, as well as developing further

competency in communicative proficiency and writing skills.

This course is a continuation and refinement of skills learned in Levels I and II. Conversation, listening

comprehension and writing are stressed. NYS Regents examination is offered.

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This course is a continuation of language skills developed in Levels IIII.

Emphasis is on conversation,

composition and improvement of reading skills. The study of culture and history is expanded.

PR: Successful completion of Regents exam in Level III.

This course allows more indepth

study at a faster pace. This course is recommended for students who

wish to be challenged or who intend to take Advanced Placement Spanish or French.

PR: Successful completion of Regents exam in Level III. Aoverall

Spanish average.

This is a college level course in conversation and composition, which emphasizes the use of language

for active communication. A good command of French/Spanish grammar and vocabulary,

competence in listening, reading, speaking and writing are required. Students are required to take the

AP exam. A fee is involved.

PR: A average in Levels I, II, III, IV. Acceptance is subject to AP teacher's approval.

Placement of freshwomen is determined by the entrance exam scores and seventh and eighth grade marks.

Students in accelerated placement are required to take a math placement exam. Each student must

successfully complete the Regents Math A Assessment or Algebra Regents in order to graduate.

This is the first math course students will take in high school. Some of the topics covered in this course

include linear relationships, solving equations and inequalities, radicals, exponential relationships,

quadratics, proportions and right angle trigonometry. Students will be taught to investigate, reason,

argue, justify, prove and apply the various concepts covered. Students will take the Algebra Regents

Exam at the conclusion of this course.

These courses will cover the Algebra syllabus across two years. Students will take the Algebra Regents

Exam at the end of the Math 10.

PR: Placement determined by Eighth grade math results, Guidance and recommendation of math

teacher.

These three courses will cover the material of Math I and Math II, over a period of three years. Students

must pass the Regents Math A Assessment.

PR: Placement suggested by Guidance and advice of math teacher.

Geometry is the second math course students will take in high school. Some of the topics covered in

this course are congruence and similarity of triangles, transformations, coordinate geometry, properties

of triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles. Students will be required to use traditional geometric tools as

well as technological means that model these tools more efficiently and accurately to prove both

formally and informally that the conclusions made logically follow the conjectures made about various

geometric situations.

PR: Pass Algebra Regents Exam.

This course covers all of the material covered in Math II. In addition, students will be challenged with

more difficult problems and some additional study in related math topics. Regents Math A Assessment

is required.

PR: Aaverage

in Math I and recommendation of Math I teacher.

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This course is a continuation of the Regents sequence and further integrates the topics of algebra and

geometry, probability and statistics, polynomials, transformation geometry, logarithms, circles and

circular functions, the binomial theorem, series and sequences, and complex numbers. Regents Math B

Assessment exam is required.

PR: Pass Math I and II.

These two courses will cover all of the topics included in Math III, over a three semester period. Students

will take the Math B exam in January of the second year. The fourth semester will include select Math 12

topics.

PR: Recommendation of the Math II teacher.

This course covers all the material of Math III. In addition, students will be challenged with more difficult

problems and some additional study in related math topics. Regents Math B Assessment exam is

required.

PR: Recommendation of Math II teacher.

This course is designed to cover specific areas that are related to a first year college mathematics

course. Topics include advanced algebra, trigonometry, matrices, vectors, probability, statistics, and

functions. Topics will be covered in greater depth in Math 12.

PR for Math 12: Completion of Course I, II, III.

PR for Integrated Math 12: Three years of integrated high school math classes.

(1 cr., F)

This course offers enrichment in advanced mathematics, an introduction to calculus, analytic geometry,

vectors, probability, statistics, and functions.

PR: Three years of high school math, a C+ average in Math III.

This class offers an introduction to college level calculus. Topics include limits and continuity, differential

and integral calculus of functions of one variable. Students will not be prepared for the AP exam at the

end of the year.

PR: The recommendation of the PreCalculus

teacher.

This is a college level course in differential and integral calculus. Students are required to take the

Advanced Placement examination. A fee is involved.

PR: An Aaverage

in PreCalculus

or the recommendation of the PreCalculus

teacher.

This course is an advanced mathematics course designed to build upon PreCalculus

math. This course

will include the study of functions and finite mathematical systems (including mathematics of finance,

systems of equations, matrices, and probability).

PR: Enrollment in PreCalculus

(maintaining a C average) or completion of PreCalculus

with at least a

C average.

This course is an introduction to the concepts of statistics with a strong emphasis on reasoning and the

application of statistical concepts and formulas.

PR: Enrollment in PreCalculus

(maintaining a C average) or completion of PreCalculus

with at least a

C average.

Finite Mathematics and Elementary Statistics are offered through Canisius College for Canisius College credit.

The classes meet at 7:15 a.m., three days a week following the college schedule. A fee is involved.

Page

York State has changed the Math requirements needed for graduation. Below are two paths to

completion of Math based on SED guidelines and date of enrollment at SHA.

Math A Exam

no longer exists

Integrated 10

Algebra

Integrated 11 Integrated 12

Jan. Math A

Math III

Jun. Math B

PreCalculus

AP Calculus

Jan. Math A

Math III

Jun. Math B

PreCalculus

or

Math 12

Trigonometry

PreCalculus

or

Math 12

(passed Algebra

Regents)

Algebra 2

Trigonometry

PreCalculus

AP Calculus

Jun. Algebra Regents

Integrated 11

Geometry

Integrated 12

Wind Ensemble is open to students who play woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Music of

varying styles is studied and the ensemble performs at music department concerts and other school