Grade 9
English: Required: Connections Across Cultures
Mathematics: Geometry (or Algebra I depending on Grade 8 credits)
Modern Language: French or Spanish (language and level chosen will depend on Grade 8 credit and student interest and aptitude)
Science: Physics
History: History I: Foundations of Civilization
Arts: Art Principles, Foundations of Theatre, Chorus, Jazz Band or Chamber Ensemble
Grade 10
English: Required: American Literature
Mathematics: Algebra II (or Geometry if not taken in Grade 9)
Modern Language: Required
Science: Chemistry
History: History II: United States History (also required for incoming students in Grades 11 and 12 who have not taken a US History requirement)
Arts: 10 credits are required
Co-Curricular: Health & Human Sexuality
Grade 11
English: Required: Rhetoric
Mathematics: Algebra II (if not completed earlier) or an elective
Modern Language: Required
Science: Biology or electives
History: History III: The Twentieth Century
Arts: Electives
Grade 12
English: Literature electives required for two terms
Course Load: Students must accumulate 55 total credits in the Senior year. A minimum of 15 credits must be accumulated in each term, chosen from one-term electives and two-term courses.
Advanced and Honors Courses
In general, courses are designated either Advanced, Honors, or Standard. The path to the most challenging or advanced-level work varies slightly by department. Here's how it works:
English
The ninth-grade course is offered only at the Standard level, allowing students entering our Upper School from a variety of backgrounds to acclimate themselves to the demands of our program. In the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades, students may sign up to take any course at either the Honors or Standard level. Honors students work to a higher level of expectation in terms of both participation and intellectual depth; course descriptions explain the nature of the differentiation in each course.
Mathematics
All foundational courses—Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, and Calculus—have separate Honors sections. At the most advanced level, students may elect to take Advanced Calculus Honors (this course also provides fundamental preparation for the Advanced Placement examination) and/or one or more of the highest-level elective courses offered by the department.
History
The foundational courses in grades 10 and 11 may be taken at the Honors level by any student. Honors students must assemble, present, and defend a portfolio of work and reflection; if a student’s presentation meets the Honors expectations, the course will be listed as Honors on the student’s record. Some of the elective courses typically taken by seniors and some juniors are offered only at the Honors level, while other electives may be taken at either the Honors or Standard level, with the work and expectations differentiated. Honors work and expectations in all elective courses are typical of college-level study.
Science
All foundational courses—Physics, Chemistry, and Biology—have separate Honors sections. Beyond these courses, students may be recommended to pursue study in these disciplines as juniors or seniors in Advanced-level courses, designed as college-level work to provide students with in-depth understanding. In addition, numerous high-level elective courses are offered for juniors and seniors interested in scientific study beyond the foundational courses.
Modern Language
Courses at levels II through IV have separate Standard and Honors sections. There are both Honors and Standard Language V-level electives, with some courses offered as Honors-only.
Performing Arts
Each of the Performing Arts disciplines—choral music, instrumental music, and drama—offers courses at the Advanced level. Students wishing to pursue study beyond the Advanced are encouraged to take advantage of the Independent Study program.
Visual Arts
Students in Intermediate and Advanced courses may elect to take these courses at the Honors level, with Honors work including additional research as well as the preparation and defense of a portfolio.
Advanced Placement Examinations
Students in Advanced courses in mathematics and the sciences may wish to sit the Advanced Placement examinations in these subjects. Students wishing to do this, as well as students interested in other Advanced Placement examinations—typically in English—will be offered the opportunity for extra coursework as well as access to on-line resources to prepare specifically for these tests, usually during the third term of the year.
The School Profile
Each year BCDS updates its School Profile, a document explaining the school’s mission and curriculum that accompanies every college application filed by each student. The Profile clearly designates which are the most challenging and advanced courses offered in each discipline at the school. The profile also provides the basis for extensive conversations between the BCDS College Counseling Office and college admission offices.
2007-08 BCDS School Profile
