Academics

Course Descriptions Catalog 2011-2012

Curricular Vision

With a strong foundation in tradition and structure, at the same time the Boys' Latin Charter School of Philadelphia is alive to innovation. Responding to the changing world of the twenty-first century, our curriculum has grown in new ways without giving up the core curriculum that is a hallmark of the School.

Language Arts

Courses in English and Language Arts will focus on students developing an understanding of their values and their society so they might discover how to situate themselves in a dynamic and increasingly complex modern world. To facilitate this exploration, courses will center on careful examination of literature that both initiates and aids the development of these insights.

The department recognizes that a student must master a variety of language skills if he is to participate successfully in our society. Among these skills is the ability to read critically, to interpret logically, and to communicate effectively in both oral and written expression. Throughout their career at Boys’ Latin, students will learn how to communicate through various forms of written and oral language and read works representing diverse voices and experiences.

Mathematics

The goal of the Mathematics department at Boys’ Latin is to prepare each student for success in college-level courses, in both the hard and social sciences. We require that every student understand how to use mathematics to describe real-world phenomena and test and communicate their findings. We also encourage motivated students to explore the abstract world of mathematics for its own sake.

We believe in balancing students’ need for strong basic skills with problem solving and critical thinking, and we are committed to the pursuit of the latter on the foundation of the former. As such, we see the following tenets as fundamental to our curriculum:

that elementary numeracy and the algebraic and geometric properties taught in middle school are foundational to success in high school courses;
that algebra is important as a modeling and problem-solving tool, with sufficient emphasis placed on technical facility to allow conceptual understanding;
that geometry in two and three dimensions be integrated across topics at all levels and include measurement;
that the study of counting, data analysis, and other topics from discrete mathematics be woven into the core courses and supplemented by the additional courses;
that developing problem-solving and test-taking strategies depends on an accumulated body of knowledge;
that computer- and calculator-based activities be part of our courses;
that a strong secondary foundation is more important than the breadth of courses taken.

Our intention is to have students assume responsibility for the mathematics they explore—to understand theorems that are developed, to be able to use tools and techniques appropriately, to know how to test results for reasonability, to learn to use technology appropriately, and to welcome new challenges whose outcomes are unknown. The goal is that students become self-sufficient in their learning and problem solving, able to access prior knowledge and appropriate resources in the pursuit of knowledge.

History

History

A scholar once said, “History teaches everything, including the future.” The history department at Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter school has created our history curricula to promote the idea that history continues to shape and influence our lives. In our courses, we challenge our students to think critically, ask questions, and articulate ideas in historically supported arguments. We consistently connect historical events to the modern day world so the students will understand the present, consider their own beliefs, and develop empathy for different cultures. We support these ideas through a plethora of engaging activities such as Socratic seminars, role playing, debates, and writing assignments. It is our goal, by the end of their senior year, to have well-rounded students who are able to perform and achieve in college level history classes.

Physical Science

Physical Science

The primary goal of the Science Department is to provide a comprehensive program to produce science literate students, well prepared to understand the world around them. To meet this goal, Boys’ Latin offers a variety of science classes directed towards students of all abilities and interests, and designed to reflect the state framework. Each course offers a challenging, activity based curriculum infused with technology. Students experience science through hands on labs, individual and group research projects, problem solving activities and class discussions. A broad based thematic approach is provided in the entry level classes. Students may then choose more advanced classes in both physical and life science disciplines. Lab work is emphasized in all courses.

Latin

The primary goal of the Latin Department at Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School is to develop in our students the ability to read significant works of Roman authors in Latin while growing in our understanding of and appreciation for the English language. We believe in the intrinsic value of Latin literature and thus we focus upon those skills that enable students to delve into the literature of the Romans such as vocabulary building and grammar acquisition. Through the study of Latin grammar and syntax, students master the richness of English as a language and a literature as well as gain a historical overview of how language and its structures develop and work.
It is our belief that the study of Latin needs to be set in its context, and that the content of the assigned readings can best be appreciated through the development of an understanding of Roman society, history and habits of thought. In addition, students also learn some of the arts of precision, self-criticism, and building conceptual models. In advanced courses, class discussions regarding translation and multi-faceted projects are incorporated into each trimester. It is our goal to have students, by the end of their senior year, be able to appreciate and read original works of Latin authors so that they might be able to take an advanced level college author class.

Fine Arts

Fine Arts

The students attending Boys’ Latin have the opportunity to receive a rewarding and cathartic experience as part of the Boys’ Latin curriculum. The Fine Arts Department at Boys’ Latin consists of Visual Arts, Acting, Presentation, Entrepreneurship, Music, Chorale, and Technology.

The goal of the Fine Arts courses is to bring out expression, talents, and introspection from our students. Boys’ Latin students get to choose the course they want based on their personal interests.

Fine Arts courses equip students with the skills they need for further studies in the arts. They also provide an outlet for students in search of a means of expression. Our dedication to the Fine Arts adds to the well-rounded education our students deserve.