Core Curriculum

Seventh Grade

Prealgebra – focuses initially on numbers and their properties, especially integers, decimals, fractions and percentages. Students are then introduced to elementary set theory and move on to geometric figures and their properties. Finally, they study linear equations.

Earth, Life and Space Science I – topics include insects, astronomy, trees, rocks, mammals, plate tectonics, weather, plants, surface processes and birds. Observation and the development of a sense of wonder are stressed. Classification and data analysis are involved in each topic.

Literature and Composition I – focuses on grammar, with the goal of making the students better readers and, ultimately, better writers. The course begins with a study of the parts of speech, then teaches the construction of sentences and culminates in teaching how to write a coherent paragraph of at least five sentences. Throughout the year, the students read both literature and poetry. They learn how to discern and discuss plot, setting, imagery, character and other elements of literature. Reading list: Alfred Lansing, Shackleton’s Valiant Voyage; Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer; Richard Adams, Watership Down; Jack Schaefer, Shane; and British and American poetry.

Ancient History – studies early civilizations from the rise of the Sumerians around 3500B.C. to the sacking of Rome in 410 A.D. Specifically, students learn about the civilizations of the Tigris-Euphrates River Valley, Egypt, the Near East, Greece and Rome and how they interacted. The course involves reading, lectures, note-taking, discussions, video and various hands-on activities.

Old Testament – studies the main characters and narrative accounts of the Old Testament. In particular, the focus is on God’s creation, his establishment of a covenant with his people, the history of Israel, prophecy and the messianic hope.

Latin I – a study three of the groups (declensions) of nouns and adjectives and all verb groups (conjugations), including irregular verbs. Students are expected to master a substantial vocabulary, to understand elementary Latin grammar and to acquire a basic skill in translating from English to Latin as well as from Latin to English.

Music I – focuses on recorder playing, music theory and the history of the Baroque Era in music. The rudiments of note-reading, note values and rhythm, time signatures, major scales and key signatures are studied. By the end of the semester, students perform individually in a recorder recital and write several elementary melodies.

Art I – begins with a unit on calligraphy, emphasizing basic pencil techniques and the use of color in illuminated word designs. Students are then taught to draw, with an emphasis on proper proportions and shading. They finish the semester by studying and practicing portraiture.

Eighth Grade

Algebra – focuses on developing skills for solving equations with one or two variables. Quadratic as well as linear equations are solved. Students are also introduced to functions and their graphic representations. The concepts and skills the students gain in this course are the foundation for all future mathematics at Trinity School.

Earth, Life and Space Science II – builds on topics covered in the seventh-grade course. Each student completes a major project on a topic from life, earth or space science. This project includes a written report and the construction of a three-dimensional model.

Literature and Composition II – focuses on the reading and discussion of literature, the mastery of English grammar and punctuation and the writing of a formal paragraph. Instruction in the rules and structure of English grammar and coherent paragraph-writing lays a foundation for the essay-writing that students will later pursue in grades 9-12. Readings include: J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit; Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol; Beowulf; Roger L. Green, King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table; William Gibson, The Miracle Worker; British and American poetry.

Medieval History – a thematic examination of the history of Western Europe from roughly 200 B.C. to the beginning of the Renaissance. Students learn about the emergence and spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire, the development of modern nation-states from the collapsed Roman Empire, the role of the Catholic Church and its institutions in Western Europe, the struggles between the Catholic Church and secular authorities and the conflict between Islam and Christian Europe. Primary and secondary sources are read and discussed.

New Testament – begins with a review of the Old Testament claims about the end of Israel’s exile and then proceeds with an in-depth reading of the Gospel of Mark. The focus of the reading is on the new covenant that Jesus establishes with his followers by his life, teaching, death and resurrection. Acts of the Apostles is read to illustrate how the early Christians tried to live out Jesus’ new covenant. As time permits, students read and discuss excerpts from the Epistles and the Book of Revelation.

Latin II – covers the core grammar of Latin.  Students learn the indicative forms of active and passive verbs, five noun declensions, adjectives, pronouns, adverbs and subordinating clauses.  Learning new vocabulary and grammar is aimed increasingly at understanding relationships of different parts of a sentence and at coherent and fluid translation of Latin stories. 

Music II – builds on the foundation laid in seventh grade. Students continue playing the recorder (now in ensembles) and study the history of the Classical Era in music, focusing on Mozart. Minor scales, key signatures, triads and intervals are covered in music theory and a two-part composition is written at the end of the semester.

Art II – begins with a review of the drawing techniques learned in seventh grade. The students then learn several new drawing skills and new techniques with colored pencils, pastels and watercolors.

Ninth Grade

Geometry – a study of the geometry of objects, including lines, triangles and circles. Students are taught to extract mathematical information from visual images of geometrical objects, to understand the mathematical relationships between geometrical objects and the structure and role of proofs in geometry.

Precalculus – a study of the general concepts behind functions and the particular classes of functions: polynomial, rational, root, logarithmic, logistic and exponential. Functions are represented graphically, symbolically and numerically. The semester ends with a study of asymptotes and infinity.

Biology – begins with a short introduction to the unifying themes of biology: cell theory, genetics and the theory of evolution. An inductive approach to the study of kingdoms follows, focusing on bacteria, protozoa, fungi, sponges, worms, mollusks, arthropods, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Students dissect earthworms, starfish, squid, grasshoppers, sharks, frogs and fetal pigs. This is followed by a more substantial discussion of cell theory and genetics, followed by a unit on anatomy and physiology. The course concludes with a unit and project on ecology.

Humane Letters Seminar – introduces the basic chronology of events in American history from colonial times to the early 20th century.  Students read original texts with special attention given to the foundational texts of American democracy.  The meanings of events are discovered in their own historical contexts so that students can understand that contemporary events are deeply rooted in the past.  The literature texts are by American authors, and although they reflect certain historical issues they stand on their own as literary works. A significant amount of time is spent training students in the fundamental skills necessary to participate effectively in the seminar. Students are taught to write a basic, five-paragraph essay. Reading list: The Federalist Papers (selections); Lincoln-Douglas Debates (selections); Stephen Crane, The Red Badge of Courage; Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird; Henry David Thoreau, Walden, Civil Disobedience; Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn; Willa Cather, My Antonia; Frederick Douglass, A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave ; Upton Sinclair, The Jungle; Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea; Thornton Wilder, Our Town; American short stories and poetry.

Roman Catholic Doctrine – focuses on Roman Catholic beliefs and doctrines as expressed by the Nicene Creed, Roman Catholic practices (especially the sacraments) and Roman Catholic ethics as expressed in the Ten Commandments. The history of the Catholic Church in modern world is also studied.

Protestant Doctrine – a survey of the pivotal events and influential figures in church history. The students follow the concerns of the early church through the turbulent 16thcentury and the consequent rise of denominationalism and ecumenism. They study the four main branches of Protestantism: Lutheran, Calvinist (or Reformed), Anabaptist and Anglican. The course includes an independent study during which the students are guided through an investigation of the foundations, doctrines and practices of their own faith traditions.

Latin III – begins with an intensive eight-week review of the grammar learned in the seventh- and eighth-grades. Complex sentence constructions, including the use of subjunctive clauses, gerunds and gerundives are introduced. Students are prepared to translate Caesar, Cicero and Virgil in the 10th grade.

Music III – applies the musical skills developed in the seventh and eighth grades to the study of choral music. The focus is on developing a healthy vocal technique, choral score reading and ensemble performance. The study of music theory and composition continues with an emphasis on four-part harmony, culminating in a four-part vocal piece composed in the second semester.

Tenth Grade

Precalculus – studies definitions and applications of trigonometric functions and vectors and introduces matrices. Linear transformations and their connection to matrices are explored. Probability and the study of conic sections conclude the year.

Chemistry – studies the structures, properties and reactions of substances at the atomic and molecular levels. Small-scale labs and demonstrations provide the physical experience of chemistry. Topics in the first semester include the periodic table, bonding, stoichiometry, reaction rates and equilibrium, states of matter and redox and acid-base reactions. The second semester is devoted to organic chemistry and biochemistry, with an emphasis on understanding the structures of proteins and DNA.

Humane Letters Seminar – studies the history, literature and political philosophy of England and Europe from 1066 through the early 20th century. Students continue to work on writing coherent analytical essays and on developing more sophisticated organizational and stylistic techniques. Reading list: T.S. Eliot, Murder in the Cathedral; Robert Bolt, A Man for All Seasons; Hobbes, Leviathan (selections); Locke, Of Civil Government (selections); Rousseau, Essay on the Origin of Inequality; Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities; Burke, Reflections on the French Revolution (selections); Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice; Engels, Socialism: Utopian and Scientific (Part III); Marx and Engels, The Communist Manifesto; Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment; George Orwell, Animal Farm; British poetry.

Scripture (Old Testament) – introduces students to the vocabulary, grammar, imagery, literary forms and other devices used by Old Testament authors in order that they can understand what these authors were saying to their contemporaries. A particular emphasis is placed on understanding the story of creation, the fall, the formation of Israel and God’s work of restoring creation and establishing his kingdom. The students read selections from Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the Psalms, Job, Ecclesiastes, Sirach, 1-2 Maccabees, Daniel and the Wisdom of Solomon. They also study portions of Enuma Elish, The Gilgamesh Epic and Josephus’ Jewish Wars.

Latin IV – begins with a short review of grammar. Students translate Caesar’s De Bello Gallico (The Gallic War), Cicero’s Oratio Prima in Catalinam Habita (First Oration Against Cataline) and Virgil’s Aeneid. The goal is for students to translate fluently (with the aid of vocabulary lists, grammar notes and historical commentary) and to grow in appreciation for the subtleties, beauty, complexity and precision of language.

Music IV – focuses on composition and theory through a study of 16th century counterpoint techniques, culminating in the composition of an original work. Several of these are chosen to be performed in the Spring Fine Arts concert. Students also continue to study and perform choral music.

Eleventh Grade

Calculus – a study of limits and their application to slopes, derivatives of functions and the area under curves of functions (that is, to integrals). Real-world applications are emphasized. Both semesters include a week-long project involving several calculus-related story problems. Differential equations are introduced, as time permits.

Physics – a study of mechanics (motion, energy, momentum), waves and thermodynamics.  Students develop conceptual understanding and problem-solving competency through laboratory work, traditional problem solving and the writing of computer code to simulate physical situations.  Students are given laptop computers and are taught computer coding in the MATLAB program.

Humane Letters Seminar – focuses on the close reading and discussion of texts drawn from the classical Greek and early Christian corpus. Students continue to work on writing analytical essays. They write at least 6 essays per semester. Reading list: Homer, Iliad and Odyssey; Aeschylus, Oresteia; Sophocles, Theban plays; Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War; Plato, Meno, Euthyphro, Gorgias, Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Republic; Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics; Augustine, Confessions; Athanasius, On the Incarnation.

Drama I – introduces students to the elements of acting, performance and play production. It begins with technical instruction, group activities and creative workshops designed to build acting skills – especially those of voice, movement, stage presence and collaboration. Students produce and perform a full-length play from Shakespeare’s corpus.

Art III – focuses on learning how to look at and create representational and nonrepresentational abstractions.

Art History 1 – covers sculpture, architecture, painting and other forms of art from the prehistoric era through the 12th century A.D. Students learn how to employ artistic vocabulary, formally analyze a work of art and appreciate art in its historical context.

Modern Language I – Students select French, German, or Spanish. The focus of each course is mainly the study of grammar and vocabulary, enabling the student to read and translate basic literature in the target language. The student will also have some experience with oral language, both speaking and listening. Cultural exposure takes a tertiary role, accessed through the other aspects of the course.

World Issues – a hands-on course that offers an opportunity for students to apply the critical thinking skills they’ve learned in other courses to current issues encountered by humanity in different regions in the world. Students first research specific problems individually, then methodically propose and evaluate possible solutions in groups. Through the study of human suffering, poverty and disease, they come to understand the depth and complexity of the issues facing humanity and experience the challenges of bringing about change.

Twelfth Grade

Calculus – a study of multivariable calculus. The semester provides a synthesis of functions (especially in parametric form), vectors, matrices and single-variable calculus. Additional topics in calculus are covered as time permits.

Group Theory – an introduction to abstract mathematics. The focus is on symmetry and invariance, using geometric figures, matrices and transformations as models for groups.

Physics – a continuation of the previous physics course using calculus in problem- solving. Some topics in mechanics are revisited using the calculus, culminating in the solution of the Kepler problem.  Other topics include special relativity, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics and particle physics.   Students create problem-solving programs in MATLAB.

 

Humane Letters Seminar – focuses on a close reading and discussion of texts in medieval and modern literature, philosophy, theology and poetry. Students write approximately 6 essays per semester and are expected to write with increasing depth, grace and sophistication. Reading list: Augustine, The Spirit and the Letter; Luther, Commentary on Galatians (selections) ; Flannery O’Connor, Parker’s Back; Thomas Aquinas, Treatise on Law; Shakespeare, Macbeth; Locke, Second Treatise on Civil Government; Rousseau, On the Social Contract; John Stuart Mill, On Liberty; Dante, Inferno; James Agee, A Death in the Family; Carver, A Small, Good Thing; Montaigne, In Defense of Raymond Sebond; Shakespeare, Hamlet; Descartes, Meditations; Wallace Stevens, ‘The Idea of Order at Key West” and “Sunday Morning”; Ethan Canin, The Palace Thief; Hegel, Reason in History; Marx, Alienated Labor and Private Property and Communism; Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov.


Scripture (New Testament) – focuses on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament expectations. The goal is twofold: 1) to learn to read the New Testament by being attentive to Old Testament allusions, the historical context and different literary styles at work in the New Testament; and 2) to learn about the understanding of reality posited in Sacred Scripture. The course focuses on Luke’s Gospel and his Acts of the Apostles, Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and the Ephesians, John’s Gospel and the Book of Revelation. Portions of other Gospels and letters are used where appropriate.

Drama II – begins with a review of the basics of acting and ends in the production of a play from the modern repertoire.

Art IV – continues to develop techniques learned in previous years. Students design and execute a major original work.

Art History II – examines art from the 12th century to the present. Students expand their ability to employ artistic vocabulary, formally analyze a work of art and appreciate art in its historical context.

Modern Language II – continuation Modern Language I.

"The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life."

Plato