Oakbrook Course Registration
2020-2021
Course Registration
It is hard to believe that it is now time to register for classes for the fall! his email will contain an online course selection card, Curriculum Guide and Graduation Planning sheet. Please begin talking with your student about what courses they need to complete the graduation requirements. The Graduation worksheet on the last page of the Curriculum Guide.
Please let us know if you have any questions about the course registration process!
Students should seek to take classes that will put them in their “learning zone.” Research
shows that we learn best when we are appropriately stretched and challenged. Classes
that are too easy or too hard actually impede the learning process. Taking classes that look
good on a resume but are too difficult actually has the opposite effect and truly hinders
student success. Teachers will use a variety of assessment tools and learning standards to
make recommendations for class selection that will help students take classes that will put
them in that “learning zone.”
Registration Forms and Curriculum Guide for 2020-2021
Rising 10th Grade Registration Form
Rising 11th Grade Registration Form
Rising 12th Grade Registration Form
Curriculum Guide- This guide has descriptions of the classes, academic policies and the graduation worksheet. Please notice the course prerequisites before choosing a class. Students that choose a class in which they have not met the prerequisites will be enrolled in the appropriate class.
Directions and FAQ
Directions for Completing the Course Registration Process
· Complete your Course Request card online.
· Make sure that you meet all prerequisites for any selected course. If you do not meet the prerequisites but still want to take the course, complete an appeal form and return to Mrs. Womick or Mrs. Seay.
· Student schedules are determined by course availability, and number of requests.
· Specific questions or concerns about your schedule can be submitted to the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
· You will need 1 unit of Fine Arts for graduation. Fine Arts courses are listed in the Arts section of the catalog
· Courses that count for a computer credit are listed in the Computer section of the catalog.
· Introduction to Graphic Design may count under either the Arts or Computer categories. You may not count the same course in both categories at the same time. Advanced Graphic Design may ONLY count as art and not computer starting with the class of 2021.
· One full unit of fitness is required for graduation.
· One half unit of fitness credit may be given to a student who plays 2 competitive sports within the same school year or that plays the same sport all 4 years.
· US History or AP US History is required for graduation.
· AP Computer Science and Engineering do not count as a lab science.
Students who elect to take AP Seminar must also take AP Language.
· Space in some classes is limited so priority is given to Upper Classmen.
· US Government Honors is a full year, and CP is a semester class.
AP Courses - Should you take them?
There are many reasons that we offer AP classes. AP courses and exams are standardized (meaning the courses meet certain academic criteria and everyone takes an exam of equal rigor), while dual enrollment courses do not follow a standard curriculum. As such, dual enrollment courses may be more variable depending upon the course and school where it is offered, and this means a college to which a student applies later may not be able to judge the rigor and therefore decline giving credit. More selective colleges accept high AP test scores for credit and placement than dual enrollment for credit.
Students that pass their AP tests in May can often opt out of classes in college, allowing them to more quickly proceed to advanced curriculum, have room in tier schedules for study abroad, internships, reduced course loads or even early graduation. Students that choose to retake the class in college have reported to us that the college class was much easier due to their preparation which led to success and confidence.
You can begin taking AP courses in the 10th grade. We recommend no more than 2 in 10th grade, 3 in 11th and 4 as a senior. Students desiring to take more than the recommended amount must have permission from an administrator. Students must meet prerequisites indicated in the curriculum guide in order to be eligible to take an AP class.
Please be aware that there is an additional cost for AP classes, as the exam in May costs $95 per exam and the textbook rental fee is $50 per class.
On the Horizon....
New Courses that are not Listed in the Curriculum Guide
Broadcast Journalism:
This semester course is designed for the study and practice of the basic elements of broadcast journalism. The course will emphasize news-gathering, writing, video recording, editing, and the study of mass media. Students will learn the basic elements of news value and vocabulary specific to broadcast writing. They will also identify various news sources and use interview skills to create stories using video and editing software. Students work in collaborative teams to produce projects using cameras, while learning the basics of studio and field production, lighting and sound. Throughout the year, students will create multiple projects to meet course objectives, including, but not limited to: a commercial, public service announcement, movie trailer, and a broadcast feature package. This entry-level course assumes no previous film or broadcast experience or training. The emphasis is visual storytelling through current technology.
Creative Writing:
This semester-long Creative Writing course is designed for students who enjoy writing as a form of art and personal expression. In this course, students will explore the elements of numerous literary genres (short fiction, poetry, drama, film) and the power of both print and multimedia formats. To develop original writing pieces, students will engage in writing workshops, literary element development lessons, writing/author studies, and peer reviews/conferences. To show evidence of writing development throughout the course, students will be required to engage in writing community activities that require sharing one’s work and in publishing one’s writing beyond the classroom setting. Finally, students will design, edit, and contribute writing pieces to a final writing project for publication.
Introduction to Drawing Techniques:
This course introduces students to classical and contemporary drawing techniques and concepts, with emphasis on the understanding elements and principles of drawing and design. Linear perspective, pictorial composition, figure/ground relationships, shading techniques, tonal value, visual perception, spatial concepts, and critical thinking skills will be explored extensively. Demonstrations, slide lectures, group and individual critiques will be given throughout the course. Various dry drawing media, such as graphite and charcoal, markers, chalk/oil pastels are the primary tools for this class. A daily drawing journal will be kept.
All students will keep daily drawing journals, digitize their work, speak/write about, prepare work for display (art shows on and off-campus).
Course Topics
One-Point, Two-Point, Three-Point Linear Perspective
Planar Analysis & Line Variation
Controlled Contour, Cross Contour, Blind Contour, Gesture Drawing
Line into Value
There will be a modest charge for supplies.