Curriculum | Technology | Awards | Summer Reading

Curriculum for Middle and Upper Schools

The Worcester Preparatory School Middle/Upper School offers a traditional, academic college preparatory program of studies. Departmental teaching gives the student the opportunity to work with a number of outstanding instructors each year. All students are encouraged to make use of the library and computer labs to prepare reports, enrich class learning, and work on independent projects. Homework is required for all academic subjects. In the summer, students are required to read three of six novels or plays selected by the school.

Following is a sampling of courses Worcester Preparatory School offers to its Upper School students. The list is not all inclusive and courses may be added, changed, or deleted as required.

English - The basics of English grammar, composition and literature are stressed at Worcester Preparatory School. Special emphasis is placed upon writing and vocabulary development at all levels. English 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 courses emphasize composition/grammar and literature. Upper division courses carry a greater stress on literature. Composition requirements include the writing of various types of paragraphs, letters, research papers, book reports, short stories, and poetry. Students are exposed to literature in various forms: plays, novels, tales, epics, short stories, and poetry.

Advanced Placement English courses are offered to 11th and 12th grade students who have demonstrated superior ability in and/or an intense interest in English. Selected tales, epics, novels, drama, poems, and short stories are discussed, evaluated, and written about in detail.

Mathematics - A general mathematics course is taken by most Grade 6 students. PreAlgebra, which reviews all basic skills taught in the Lower School, is taken by seventh graders and advanced sixth graders. These students are prepared for Algebra I and II which are then taken in the eighth and ninth grades. Algebra I introduces the basic structure of Algebra, and students acquire the facility to apply algebraic concepts and skills. In Algebra II, special attention is given to developing the student's ability to think algebraically.

Grade 10 students begin to adjust to logical systematic thinking in the Geometry course. Proof-oriented class sessions encourage students to organize their thoughts and work.

Pre-Calculus offers a solid preparation for students who intend to continue this study of advanced mathematics.

The school offers several mathematics courses beyond pre-calculus. A student who is in an accelerated program in mathematics takes Calculus I in Grade 11 and A.P. Calculus in Grade 12. Other students in Grade 12 have the choice of taking A.P. Calculus or Statistics.

Computer Education - All students in Grades 6 through 9 have scheduled sessions in the Upper School computer lab. Some classes make extensive use of computer technologies for regular classroom studies. Students in Grades 10 - 12 are invited to participate in computer elective sessions which feature desktop publishing, multimedia programming, web development, and technology trouble shooting. Students in Grade 12 take a refresher course in computer applications (word processing, database, spreadsheet, PowerPoint) in preparation for college

English classes often schedule sessions in the computer lab for term paper instruction. The science labs include a number of multimedia computers that are used in science classes for data collection, online resources, and learning projects. Most Upper School classrooms have computers, printers, and connections to the Internet. Some have scanning and MIDI technologies.

Through classroom and lab studies, students learn to use integrated computer programs (word processing, database, spreadsheet, draw, paint); telecommunications resources; desktop publishing programs; print and photograph programs; web development programs; educational learning programs; multimedia programs; art and music programs, etc. Some Worcester Preparatory School projects have received national and state awards for excellence in computer use in education.

Social Studies - In Grade 6 students learn about ancient civilizations. Content beginning with the period of exploration and continuing until the Civil War is offered in American History to the seventh graders. Students become acquainted with important people and events in American History. The relationship between historical and present day events is explored. World Geography, Grade 8, includes a history of geographic studies and a detailed analysis of various geographic regions. The development of map skills is stressed, and students learn to appreciate the different ways of life in the various regions around the world.

World History I, offered in Grade 9, covers the major developments in world history from prehistorical times to the Renaissance.

World History II, offered in Grade 10, emphasizes the major developments in history from teh Renaissance thrugh the present day.

United States History, in Grade 11, surveys basic American history through a chronological approach. Students become acquainted with outstanding Americans and their significance and influence on historical events. The causes and effects of important events in American history are studied along with the relationship between past and present events in history.

AP United States History is offered to 11th grade students as a more advanced and in-depth study of US history in preparation for the Advanced Placement US History Test.

Contemporary Issues - Grade 12 students study the general concepts of political science and economics. The focus is upon current issues and their political implications. Course content in Contemporary Issues stems from current magazines, newspapers, the media, and resource persons.

Economics - Economics is available as an elective in Grade 12. In this course students study the basics of economic theory.

US Military History features an in-depth study of the Civil War during the 1st semester and World War II, 2nd semester. This is an elective course.

Science - Middle/Upper School science courses are taught in two well-equipped modern science labs. The main science lab is a spacious facility which is enhanced with extensive scientific apparatus including microscopes, models, laser equipment, specimens, an environmental chamber, technology resources, and storage areas. Safety equipment includes eye washes, a shower, and blankets. Adjacent to this lab is an experiment preparation room with refrigeration facilities, and chemical and equipment storage. A smaller lab also includes the same safety features and storage. A lecture room is also adjacent to the main lab.

Science courses at the Worcester Preparatory School are designed to meet the needs of scientifically-oriented students as well as those desiring a basic science background. Lab work, demonstrations, and investigations are all integral parts of the program as students are encouraged to discover through experimentation, discussion, and lecture. All students are required to take a science course each year.

The Grade 7 Life Science course surveys the plant and animal kingdom and provides a foundation for future studies in the field of life science. Enhancing the curriculum at this level is a series of dissections of different species such as worms, frogs, fish, clams, crayfish, and fetal pigs.

Grade 8 students study Earth Science. This course emphasizes basic knowledge of the earth and use of this knowledge as a key to the development of an informed citizenry. Environmental and economic concerns are studied as well as awareness of natural phenomena and utilization of energy sources.

Grade 9 students study Physical Science. This is a course especially designed to give students practice in the techniques of the scientific method. A hands-on experiment-oriented course, which includes content emphasizing the study of atoms, molecules, compounds, elements, molecular motion, and energy.

Biology, a course for the Grade 10 students, encompasses a study of the basic biological processes of the human body as well as the growth and development of various organisms. The biological basis of behavior is covered in this study. An Advanced Placement Biology course is also offered.

Chemistry, required for Grade 11, is a lab-oriented course which covers atomic theory, conservation laws, kinetic theory, condensed phases of matter, the periodic table, atomic structure, energy changes, rates of reaction, equilibrium, oxidation, carbon compounds, etc. AP Chemistry is also offered.

Physics and Advanced Placement Physics generally taken by Grade 12 are laboratory oriented courses covering scientific principles such as the study of motion, force, projectiles, and wave motion.

Foreign Language - In Grade 6 students have a review of French and Spanish learned in the Lower School. Students are introduced to Latin in grade 7 & 8 through a course which stresses Latin root words and the structure and appreciation of language. Incoming 9th grade students are given foreign language preference forms. At that time students may choose either French or Spanish. Preferences are, however, not guaranteed. Once students are enrolled in either French or Spanish, transfers to the other language may not be allowed. The first level of each foreign language course includes an introduction to the culture or cultures of the countries in which the language is spoken as well as the basics of grammar and conversation. The sound system and intonation patterns are presented as the students gain an elementary understanding of the spoken language. Other course levels available are II, III, and IV. In these offerings more difficult grammar, writing, vocabulary, literature, and speaking patterns are presented. In upper level courses, class sessions are conducted, for the most part, in the target language.

Art - Grades 6 and 7 art students are introduced to five major concepts: line, form/shape, color/value, texture, and space. Each project in which the students engage helps to explain one or more of the concepts.

Grade 8 is introduced to five additional concepts of art: emphasis, proportion, balance, rhythm, and unity. These concepts are explored through the use of visual aids, sequential learning, creative activities, and class discussions.

Art Appreciation, required for graduation, is a course in which students are introduced to the fundamental facts, history, and concepts of art. Students learn to recognize an artist's work and to converse on the techniques used as well as the schools of art which influenced each artist.

With the instructor's approval, students in grades 9 - 12 are eligible to take Art Elective, an arts and crafts practicum. In this course virtually all of the possible media in art are used and studied on advanced levels.

Music - In Middle School students learn about the expansion of musical ideas, orchestral instruments, melody, harmony, rhythm, articulation and well known composers. They learn to relate music to its historical and social setting. Students gain an increasing awareness of musical style, periods of music, and participate in choral performances.

Music Appreciation, a course for students in grades 9-12, is required for graduation. Building upon the knowledge and skills taught in music classes in grades K-8, students learn to listen to music for the aesthetic benefit as well as for technical analysis. Emphasis is placed upon a study of the theoretical and historical bases of music. Students also learn to recognize important classical works as they gain an understanding of the many forms and arrangements in music. At all levels students are exposed to appropriate applications of computer technology.

Photography - A photography elective is available for Upper School students and is taught by a professional photographer.

Physical Education/Dance - The physical education program provides students with activities that will help them develop the skills, coordination, fitness, and good sportsmanship, which come from involvement in healthy physical activities with others. At all levels, emphasis is placed upon the development of the skills of movement and the conditioning of the heart, lungs, and muscle systems of the body. Students develop an appreciation of good physical conditioning as well as an interest and desire to participate in lifetime recreational sports. A balance is provided in those activities commonly grouped as team and individual sports, self-testing activities, dance and rhythms.

The program generally presents basic skills which can be employed in a comprehensive intramural, interscholastic, and recreational program for all boys and girls.

Some of the activities for girls include archery, basketball, field hockey, dance, tennis, volleyball, lacrosse, and track and field.

Boys' activities include soccer, volleyball, basketball, archery, conditioning, dance, tennis, track and field, softball, and lacrosse.

Physical education is required of all Middle/Upper School students Grades 6-10.