English - 40 units
History - 30 units (History I, II, III)
Mathematics - 30 units
Science - 30 units (20 required in laboratory science)
Modern Language - 30 units (in a single language)
Arts - 20 units
Electives - 45 units
Afternoon Program-Physical Education & Athletics (see requirements in “Clubs & Activities” under “School Life”)
Satisfactory completion of our Co-Curricular and Interdisciplinary Program.
Community Service - 40 hours
In most cases, two-term courses count as 10 credit units; one-term courses count as 5 credit units. A minimum of 225 credit units is required for graduation.
It should be kept in mind that competitive colleges expect students to select the most challenging program within their abilities. The most prudent approach is to go as far as possible in as many disciplines as possible. Four courses per term represent, in most cases, a reasonable minimum.
In order to graduate, BCDS requires every senior to take and pass a minimum of four full-credit graded courses from at least three separate academic departments. This requirement is independent of the number of credits needed for graduation accumulated over grades 9-12. In addition, a senior must satisfactorily complete all afternoon program requirements.
Afternoon Program Requirements (2007-2008):
All ninth and tenth grade students are expected to participate in the afternoon program all three seasons. At least one season must be an interscholastic sport.
All eleventh and twelfth grade students are expected to participate in at least two seasons per year. At least one season must be an interscholastic sport or fitness option.
NOTE: A student may apply to the Dean of Students and Director of Athletics for a waiver from interscholastic sport/fitness activity requirements in the following cases:
• medical exigency
• if a student has a regular outside-of-school commitment involving vigorous physical activity that does not parallel Beaver’s offerings
Fall Season Overview
Athletics: Fall athletics begin with preseason for all varsity and junior varsity fall teams on Monday, August 27th, and run through the first week of November. Attendance at all games and practices is mandatory except for extraordinary circumstances. Doctor, dentist and orthodontist’s appointments should not be scheduled during sports times.
Varsity and Junior Varsity Boys & Girls Soccer: The season begins with double sessions during preseason on Monday, August 27th. The teams practice every day after school from 3:40-5:15. The varsity plays between 18-20 games, and the junior varsity plays between 14-16 games. There are 3-5 Saturday game commitments during the season. The regular season concludes on Saturday, November 10th, unless a varsity team is invited to the NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletic Council) tournament which begins on Wednesday, November 14th and concludes on Sunday, November 18th.
Varsity & Junior Varsity Field Hockey: The season begins with preseason on Monday, August 27th. The team practices every day after school from 3:40-5:15 on the Upper Field. Twice during the past six years, Beaver has had enough players for two teams. The varsity plays between 16-18 games, and the junior varsity plays between 12-14 games. There are 3-5 Saturday game commitments during the season. The regular season concludes on Saturday, November 10th, unless the varsity team is invited to the NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletic Council) tournament which begins on Wednesday, November 14th and concludes on Sunday, November 18th.
Varsity Cross-Country: The season begins with morning runs during preseason on Monday, August 27th. The team practices every day after school from 3:40-5:15 running in Chestnut Hill. They race in dual or tri-meets every Wednesday in the fall. There are occasional Monday or Friday meets, and 2-3 Saturday commitments. They run a 3.1 course against EIL teams. The cross-country team will run in the EIL Race on Saturday, November 3rd. If selected for the NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletic Council) tournament, they run on Saturday November 10th.
Varsity Golf: The season begins with morning or afternoon tee times during preseason on Monday, August 27th. The team practices at Putterham Golf Course Monday through Thursday (Friday tee times are very difficult to secure in the fall). The team is limited to 10 players. Only the top 6 ranking players will compete in matches. Due to weather, course conditions and pace of play, parents will need to exercise some flexibility in arranging pick-up times at Beaver. The EIL golf tournament is Wednesday, October 31st.
Fitness Option: Weight Training and Fitness: This group meets four days, Monday through Friday, from 3:40-5:15.
Arts
Photography: In After School Photography, students meet in the darkroom to learn the basics of black and white photography. The students are expected to work on one conceptually driven, long term project throughout the term. This project is shared with the group and assessed by critique. Students should be self-motivated and must demonstrate serious dedication to the creative process in order to get full credit for their participation. Photographers meet after school from 3:45-5:00 on Monday through Thursday.
Class open to 10th, 11 th, and 12 th grade students.
Visual Art: During visual art studio time, students explore their own interests as visual artists, and further develop their artistic style by experimenting with a variety of media including but not limited to printmaking, ceramics, painting, and/or computer arts. Students are expected to work independently and demonstrate dedication to the creative process. Students also have the opportunity to receive feedback from their teacher and peers as they collaborate during critiques and on group art projects. This co-curricular is strongly recommended for students putting together a visual art portfolio for college. The Boston arts community is used as a resource as students visit galleries, museums and/or artist’s studios. Student artists are also actively involved with events in the Nancy Lincoln Gallery. Students should be self-motivated, demonstrate serious dedication to the creative process and meet attendance requirements in order to get full credit for their participation. Studio artists meet after school Monday through Thursday 3:45-5:00.
Fall Play: The Fall Play is a full-scale production performed in Bradley Hall or in the new Beaver Arts Center. Cast by audition and accommodating fifteen to twenty cast members, the play is performed for three evenings in mid-November. Rehearsals take place Monday through Friday from the end of classes until 5:15. There are usually several Saturday rehearsals, and students are expected to stay late the week before and the week of the production. Recent productions: Inherit the Wind, Lady Windermere’s Fan, Museum, Our Town, Much Ado About Nothing, Antigone and On the Razzle.
Drama Tech: The Fall Term offers a variety of technical positions in both Middle and Upper School plays, Concerts and Performing Arts events. Students will be involved in all aspects of production from stage managing, assistant directing, and costuming to building sets, and running lights and sound. Tech crew usually meets three to five days each week and several Saturdays during the season. The tech crew is required to be available for extra work the two weeks prior to the production, and the run of the show for the three evenings in mid-November.
After-School Community Service Program: The Community Service Program offers students the opportunity to participate in either Beaver sponsored or individually designed placements in community service. Students complete 25 hours per Term, meet as a group bi-monthly, and are supervised by the community service coordinator. Popular placements have included working in after school programs in several Boys and Girls Clubs and Boston Schools, visiting elderly people in nursing homes and serving meals at various homeless shelters in the Boston area.
Writers Studio: This group meets four days per week, 3:45-5:00. Students are coached as they work on writing projects, often submitted to "The Heliconian", our student literary magazine.
Winter Season Overview
Athletics: The winter season begins with try-outs on Monday, November 12th. The regular season concludes with EIL tournaments on Saturday, February 23rd. The varsity basketball teams will either practice or play in holiday tournaments during the winter break. There are 5-7 Saturday game commitments. The teams will practice Monday through Friday. Due to the fact that Beaver fields five Upper School basketball and two volleyball teams, basketball and volleyball have a rotating practice schedule. The “early” practice is from 3:40-5:15. The “late” practice time is from 5:15 to 6:45. Frequently the later slot is used by the varsity teams, typically comprised of juniors and seniors who drive. The NEPSAC basketball tournaments begin on Wednesday, February 27th and conclude on Sunday, March 2nd. Attendance at all games and practices is mandatory except for extraordinary circumstances. Doctor, dentist and orthodontist’s appointments should not be scheduled during sports times.
Varsity and Junior Varsity Girls and Boys Basketball: All basketball players will try out for the varsity team beginning on Monday, November 12th. Cuts to the junior varsity or freshman teams will be determined by Monday, November 19th. The varsity teams play between 19-25 games including Beaver’s holiday tournament, Holiday Hoops, and other invitational tournaments. The junior varsity and freshman teams play 17-21 games. Games are played on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Occasionally, the teams play on Mondays.
Varsity Wrestling: The wrestling season begins on Monday, November 12th. The team practices Monday through Friday in the Green Gym from 3:40-5:15. They wrestle in 14-17 matches in either dual or tri-meets.
Varsity and Junior VarsityVolleyball: The volleyball season begins on Monday, November 12th. For the past few years, Beaver has fielded a varsity and junior varsity team. They frequently practice together, but there are occasions when separate practices are held. The varsity plays 14-16 matches and the junior varsity plays 12-14 matches.
Fencing: Fencing practices Monday through Friday in the upper level of the gym, beginning on Monday, November 12th. Due to its popularity, more schools are adding fencing and the number of schools Beaver can compete with continues to increase. Matches are held on Wednesdays and Fridays. Beaver currently offers three weapons (foil, epee and saber).
Fitness Option: Weight Training and Fitness: This group meets four days, Monday through Friday, from 3:40-5:15.
Arts
Photography: In After School Photography, students meet in the darkroom to learn the basics of black and white photography. The students are expected to work on one conceptually driven, long term project throughout the term. This project is shared with the group and assessed by critique. Students should be self-motivated, demonstrate serious dedication to the creative process and meet attendance requirements in order to get full credit for their participation. Photographers meet after school from 3:45-5:00on Monday through Thursday.
Class open to 10th, 11 th, and 12 th grade students.
Winter Play: The Winter Play will be performed in the new Beaver Arts Center. Cast by audition and accommodating a cast of 12-20, the production is sometimes student written and directed. Rehearsals take place Monday through Friday from the end of classes until 5:15. There are usually several Saturday rehearsals, and students are expected to stay late the week before and the week of the production. The play is performed in mid-February for three evenings. Recent productions have been Knock Out, a student written exploration of gender differences; The Laramie Project, Spoiled, and Daniel and the Dragon of Darkmore, an original piece about friendship and truth.
Drama Tech: The Winter Term offers a variety of technical positions in both Middle and Upper School plays, Concerts and Performing Arts events. Students will be involved in all aspects of production from stage managing, assistant directing, and costuming to building sets, and lights and sound. Tech crew usually meets three to five days each week and several Saturdays during the season. The tech crew is required to be available for extra work the two weeks prior to the production, and they run the actual show for the three evenings.
After-School Community Service Program: The Community Service Program offers students the opportunity to participate in either Beaver sponsored or individually designed placements in community service. Students complete 25 hours per Term, meet as a group bi-monthly, and are supervised by the community service coordinator. Popular placements have included working in after school programs in several Boys and Girls Clubs and Boston Schools, visiting elderly people in nursing homes and serving meals at various homeless shelters in the Boston area.
Spring Season Overview
Athletics: The spring season will begin with tryouts on Monday, March 10th. Spring Break begins on Friday, March 14th and practices resume on Monday, March 31st. The season concludes on Friday, May 23rd. Except for lacrosse, all other spring athletic contests are not governed by a clock, so parents will need to be flexible in arranging pick-up times. If there is inclement weather, the teams will practice indoors from 3:40-5:15. Attendance at all games and practices is mandatory except for extraordinary circumstances. Doctor, dentist and orthodontist’s appointments should not be scheduled during sports times.
Varsity Baseball: Varsity baseball plays on the Upper Field beginning Monday, March 10th, which it shares with the girls’ lacrosse program. The team plays 16-18 games each season primarily against EIL teams. Practices times are Monday through Friday from 3:40-5:15 and if there are field space issues (a home girl’s lacrosse game) the team moves to a batting cage installed in the Green Gym. There are 2-3 Saturday commitments.
Varsity Softball: The softball team plays on the Lower Field beginning Monday, March 10th. The team practices from 3:40-5:15, Monday through Friday, and shares the batting cage with the baseball team on rainy days. The team plays 16-18 games against EIL teams. There are 2-3 Saturday commitments.
Girls Lacrosse: The girls’ lacrosse team practices from 3:40-5:15 on the Upper Field beginning Monday, March 10th. The team plays 16-18 games. There is an EIL tournament on Saturday, May 17th. There are 2-3 Saturday commitments.
Boys’ Lacrosse: The boys’ lacrosse team practices from 3:40-5:15 at Soule Field on Hammond Street in Chestnut Hill beginning on Monday, March 10th.The field is behind the Brookline Recreation Department building. The team plays 16-18 games per season against EIL and some ISL teams. There are 2-3 Saturday commitments. The NEPSAC tournament begins on Wednesday, May 14th and concludes on Saturday, May 17th.
Varsity and Junior Varsity Boys and Girls Tennis: The tennis program begins with tryouts on Monday, March 10th. Cuts to the junior varsity will be made after players return from Spring Break. Each team carries 8-10 players and plays a 3 singles/2 doubles format. Tennis cannot be played on wet courts, so the decisions on practices and/or matches may be made in mid-afternoon causing problems with transportation.
Ultimate Frisbee: Ultimate Frisbee begins Monday, March 10th, and concludes Friday, May 23rd. Practices are from 3:45-5:15, Monday through Friday. The team will play approximately ten interscholastic matches, usually on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Fitness Option: Weight Training and Fitness: This group meets four days, Monday through Friday, from 3:40-5:15.
Arts
Visual Art in the Community: During Visual Art in the Community, students will collaborate with their peers to plan and implement community arts projects. Collaborations may include a studio art critique co-operative, a group mural, or art-based learning activities with children at the Haley School. The Boston arts community is used as a resource as students visit galleries, museums, artist’s studios and community centers. Student artists are also actively involved with events in the Nancy Lincoln Gallery. Students should be self-motivated, demonstrate serious dedication to the creative, collaborative process and meet attendance requirements in order to get full credit for their participation. Community artists meet after school Monday through Thursday 3:45-5:00.
Spring Musical: The Spring Musical is a full-scale production performed in Bradley Hall. Cast by audition and accommodating twenty to thirty cast members, the play is performed for three evenings in mid-May. Rehearsals take place Monday through Friday from the end of classes until 5:15. There are usually several Saturday rehearsals, and students are expected to stay late the week before and the week of the production. Recent productions: Bye, Bye, Birdie; 42nd Street, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; Cabaret; Grease and The Wiz.
Drama Tech: The Spring Term offers a variety of technical positions in both Middle and Upper School plays, Concerts and Performing Arts events. Students will be involved in all aspects of production from stage managing, assistant directing, and costuming to building sets, and lights and sound. Tech crew usually meets three to five days each week and several Saturdays during the season. The tech crew is required to be available for extra work the two weeks prior to the production, and they run the actual show for the three evenings.
After School Community Service Program: The Community Service Program offers students the opportunity to participate in either Beaver sponsored or individually designed placements in community service. Students complete 25 hours per Term, meet as a group bi-monthly, and are supervised by the community service coordinator. Popular placements have included working in after school programs in several Boys and Girls Clubs and Boston Schools, visiting elderly people in nursing homes and serving meals at various homeless shelters in the Boston area.
Writers Studio: This group meets four days per week, 3:45-5:00. Students are coached as they work on writing projects, often submitted to "The Heliconian", our student literary magazine.
