Click on a subject link for more information about the classes taught at the high school. For specific information on requirements for graduation, please refer to the Student Handbook and the Graduation Requirements Letter.

Agriculture
English
Fine Art
Foreign Language
Mathematics
Physical Education and Health
Science
Social Studies
Technology Education
Learning Labs

GEAR UP for Student Success and Advisories

As a GEAR UP for Student Success School, Wahkiakum High School was given the use of a program called Career Cruising. This online program allows students to take interest and skills surveys and matches them up with possible career paths. The students can then research these occupations and discover schools in the region that will prepare them for these jobs. The program will also provide them with a suggested high school course of study to get them ready for college or post high school education.

This program dovetails beautifully with our current portfolio project and will replace the Kuder skills survey in the senior project. The students who have taken this survey have really liked it. All of the students will have an opportunity to access Career Cruising during scheduled classes or monthly advisory.

Agriculture

NOTE:  Some Agriculture courses at Wahkiakum High School are designated as "Tech Prep" courses. These courses are capable of earning college credit. See the instructor or check with the Counseling office for details. These classes are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Agricultural Science*:  Recommended before taking other Ag courses. First semester: Explores FFA/Leadership development, animal science, plant science, forestry, and record keeping.
Second semester: beginning Ag skills including safety, sketching and drawing, arc welding, oxyacetylene welding, rope work, fasteners, tap and drilling, tool identification and use, and plumbing.

Agricultural Mechanics*: Classroom and shop instruction in arc welding, oxyacetylene welding and cutting, electricity, cold metal work, concrete work, plumbing, carpentry, and equipment repair and maintenance (not all topics are covered in one year). Student skill displays and projects required.

Forestry*:  Explores dendrology, regeneration, mensuration, protection, timber harvest, fish and wildlife management, forest products, multiple use, and forest business.

Wildlife Studies: Wildlife studies consist of students working part time in the classroom, while the other half using the environment for their lab. Students will gain knowledge about a wide array of local and non-local animals. The students will be working with some of the most up-to-date trial cameras to track and locate different predator and prey relationships. Not only will they learn about wildlife on land, but they will be studying aquatic organisms all the while becoming familiar with the Columbia River tidal structure.

Community Projects: In this class, students work in the field, community, and classroom. Students work with, and gain knowledge from, local carpenters, welders, electricians, auto mechanics, and other individuals working in vocational related areas. The students will also be using new technological tools, while building projects in and out of the classroom working environment.

English

Intro to Literature (9th):  Intro to Literature involves an emphasis on written and oral communication skills: writing, grammar, vocabulary development, listening, and following directions. Various genres of literature, kinds of computer-related technology, and team dynamics are used for the application of the skills.

World Literature (10th):  Students will be exposed to varieties of world literature and expressing insights through written and oral communication. Writing style will be emphasized, leading to self-managed year-end portfolios representing the four types of writing. An introduction to public speaking and drama will conclude the year.

American Literature (11th/12th):  A survey of American literature is presented through its various stages of development. Writings of several American authors are used as vehicles for study, discussion, comparison, debate, appreciation and comprehension. Students practice communication skills of writing, listening, speaking and thinking. A unit on careers, personal business forms and resumes is included.

British Literature (11th/12th):  British Literature consists of two areas of study: Children's Literature and English Literature. Children's Literature offers students an opportunity to read, evaluate, discuss, present and to compare folktales and children's books. Bloom's taxonomy is used as a basis for activities: understanding and using the taxonomy, and creating plans and projects. English Literature introduces students to examples of writings that range from the Anglo-Saxon to modern times.

Rhetoric & Communication (11th/12th):  This course offers the student a practical, hands-on application of English. As the course title implies, emphasis is on persuasive communication in a variety of formats. Students who successfully complete this course will have developed fundamental skills in public speaking, story scripting for film, technical writing, critical analysis of text and non-text sources, resume-building, Powerpoint presentation, and creative writing in both poetry and prose.

AP English Literature and Composition (11th/12th, "B" Eng average, instructor permission):  This is an advanced placement, challenging, college-level course that focuses on the art of rhetoric and how applying this art can improve one's effectiveness both as a writer and as a reader. The intent of this course's instruction is to move beyond the"'what is a work saying" to emphasize more the Why and How a work of writing is crafted. Upon completion of this course, students can expect to have the ability to analyze different text and non-text sources and to write strong, clear persuasive arguments of their own. To receive credit as an AP class, students are expected to take the College Board exam (or its equivalent) offered in May.

Fine Art

Art:  This course starts with the basic fundamentals of drawing elementary shapes and forms freehand. As the skill level improves, students will be guided through projects designed to introduce them to composition, perspective, medium usage, etc. The amount of material covered varies with the ability of the student.

Band:  The high school band is both an academic and an activity class. Emphasis is placed on improving personal skills on individual instruments, ensemble playing, music theory, and community service. The class does not have a large amount of written homework. However, in lieu of written homework, students are expected to perform with the band at various band activities throughout the year. These include a minimum of two concerts per year, playing at all home football games, and playing at one basketball game per week (during the season). Additional events may include performances at Massed Band Festivals, contests, or performance tours. Students with an excused absence from class or activity will be given the opportunity to do other work outside of class time to make up grade points missed due to non-participation.

Chorus:  Emphasis on breathing techniques, scales, different ranges, reading music, and performing in front of an audience.

Communication Arts:  This is structured as a low-intensity exploration of verbal and non-verbal communication. The overall objective is to have students develop greater confidence in communication at the interpersonal, small group, organizational, and public levels. In addition, the course promotes self-management and organization of thought. Tailored to provide a broad sampling of genres, the course is broken down into four sections (corresponding to the academic year's four quarters): public speaking, drama, debate, and mock trial.

Foreign Language

Spanish I:  Students will begin to express themselves in a second language and be able to understand Spanish when spoken. Students will be required to be active in the learning process. They will write and act out short stories, as well as learn Spanish songs to gain fluency. Students will also gain an understanding and appreciation for Spanish culture and customs.

Spanish II:  Students will continue to enrich their vocabulary and mastery of the Spanish language by writing and acting out short stories in a second language. The second year will focus on using past, future, and conditional tenses. This will give students the knowledge base they need to have a better understanding of important grammar concepts.

Mathematics

NOTE:  Freshmen entering school in fall of 2009 (graduating class of 2013 and later) may not take Pre-algebra for a Wahkiakum math credit. Pre-algebra will count as an elective credit.

Pre-Algebra:  Basic computational and problem solving skills in preparation for further study of math.

Algebra I:  Designed to review and further develop basic principles of Algebra and Geometry. Explores geometric concepts such as area, volume, perimeter, and degree measurement. Algebra concepts include variables, equations, working with real numbers, polynomials, solving word problems, and probability and ratios.

Algebra II:  The second year of an integrated approach to Algebra and Geometry. Topics include perimeter, area and volume of 2- and 3- dimensional figures, expressions and equations, exponents, polynomials, graphical solutions; and many specific types of word problems.

Algebra III:  Study of trigonometric and circular functions and their graphs, solving oblique triangles, graphing sinusoids, polar complex numbers, exponents and logarithms, polynomials, and advanced graphing.

Pre-Calculus:  An introductory class in Calculus, which is a branch of mathematics that deals with continuously changing quantities.

Calculus:  For advanced students who have completed Algebra I, II, III, and Pre-Calculus classes. Study of limits, derivatives to find slopes, and integrations to find areas and volumes under a curve.

Physical Education and Health

Physical Education:  This course will include a wide variety of physical activities. Emphasis is on individual skill development, strength, and conditioning, as well as the ability to maintain a lifetime of physical fitness.

Weight Training:  Physical fitness through exercise, weightlifting, and similar activities. Students will learn of the lasting benefits of such training and the safe and successful procedures for this class. Students will be expected to perform physical fitness warm-ups, and exercises to prepare themselves to begin lifting.

Science

Biology:  The study of living things in their various forms.

Physical Science:  The study of the composition and properties of matter, focusing on exploring basic physics and chemistry concepts. Lab experiments and problem-solving exercises are emphasized.

Environmental Science:  Field-based study of stream ecology and watershed science, with an emphasis on how people and the environment interact in aquatic ecosystems.

Physics:  Study of forces (mechanical, electrical, and atomic) and their impacts. Conservation, mass/energy, wave motion, and atomic theory are included. The force of gravity and Newton's Laws of Motion are foundational.

Chemistry:  Includes the following: the periodic chart, various ways of expressing a mole, pressure, volume, temperature relationships, models, atomic theory, conservation of mass/energy, kinetic molecular theory; light, color and atomic structure; molecular structure of gases, liquids and solids; chemical reactions, rates, equilibrium and energy changes; nuclear chemistry and environmental concerns. At least one day per week is spent in the lab.

Social Studies

US History:  This course will explore the following subjects: Discovery and colonization of the "New World" and the conflict over it; the American Revolutionary and Constitutional Period; Growth of Democracy; Politics in America (national and sectional); Abolitionism and Slavery; Civil War and the Reconstruction Era; Westward Expansion and Native Americans; Industrialization and Immigrations of America; Cultural development and changes. If time allows, the Progressive Era will be covered.

World History:  This course will explore the following: ancient and classical world civilizations (rise and fall); the Byzantine Empire; the Medieval World, Dark Ages, Feudalism, Religious Institutions, etc.; Renaissance and Reformation; Rise of absolute monarchies and growth of Nation states; French revolution and Napoleon; Age of Empires in Asia, Africa, and the Americas; Commercial Revolution; Growth of Democracy and Revolutions; Age of Reason and Exploration; Growth of Nationalism and Unification; Scientific Revolution; and the Age of Enlightenment.

Contemporary World Problems:  This course will explore the following subjects: Global Decision making, Trade issues, foreign markets, International organizations. Nuclear Proliferation and Arms Race; Conflict management and resolution; Environmental issues, deforestation and pollution; population growth and demands on resources, food issues and poverty; war and terrorism; family issues; suicide; World AIDS crisis and other health issues; discrimination and prejudice; genocide and human rights; justice and crime, and other topics, as time allows.

Technology Education

Graphics Communication:  Study of information and skills relative to communications using tools, materials, and processes pertaining to the printing/graphic video communication industry. Students progress through the course assembling a portfolio to be used as an example for future employment opportunities.

Computer-Aided Design I:  Introduction to the basic principles of drafting and computer-aided design, as well as basic computer and printer equipment. Students will learn orthographic projection, isometric drawing, assembly drawing, and some architectural drawing.

Computer-Aided Design II:  This course will cover architectural drawings and computer aided drafting. Required drawings will include: site plan, floor plan, foundation drawings, elevation views, wall sections, perspective drawings, selected class activities and research as it pertains to the structural integrity and energy efficiency of buildings. Emphasis will be placed on alternative energy saving resources.

Technical Projects:  For students wishing to pursue post-high school technical careers. It provides hands-on project building in which the student may apply the concepts and principles gained through math, sciences, and vocational courses. Emphasis will be placed on large scale prototype research, development, and management. Some typical examples of projects in this type of program: The Pegasus Hovercrafts, Wind Tunnels, Tri-Magnum (three wheeled vehicle) electric car., and an interior decoration project.

Learning Labs

Learning Lab English:  For students who qualify for English assistance. Topics covered include grammar usage, sentence patterns, real-life English skills, basic writing, reference skills, filling out forms, and reading everyday materials.

Learning Lab Math:  For students who qualify for math assistance. Topics covered include basic math functions/skills, consumer math for shopping, food skills, banking skills, wages, and traveling.

Learning Lab Life Skills:  For students who qualify for assistance in life skills. Topics covered include home and family skills, hygiene, social skills, health and wellness skills, and community interaction skills.