Arabic Introduction to Conversation and Storytelling

In Intro to Arabic, students learn the alphabet as well as the following vocabulary: family, school, furniture, numbers, adjectives, prepositions, country and city vocab and colors. Students work on collaborative projects which include videos, songs and skits. By the end of the year, students can describe themselves, their families, friends and home using written and spoken Arabic. Unlike our other languages, we do not have a full 3-year program in Arabic. This means that Intro to Arabic is open to any student, but only students who have fulfilled their language requirement may take Arabic as their only language class.

A Cappella Foundations

A Cappella Foundations is a vocal ensemble that will introduce students to the fundamentals of a cappella singing, including vocal technique, music literacy, and artistic expression. In a cappella music, everything you hear is made using only the human voice—no instruments—through harmony, vocal technique, and beatboxing-style vocal percussion. They will also cultivate a working knowledge of fundamental music theory and explore the wider cultural context of the repertoire they study. Throughout the course, students will learn how to listen for tuning and ensemble blend during rehearsal. The aim of the course is to develop confident musicians and prepare for a public concert at the end of the term. Weekly individual voice lessons are not required but are available on campus to students for an additional fee. Students who are on financial aid at Beaver have the same percentage of aid applied to their private music lessons. Students interested in taking more than one art class should reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to discuss possible options. One Term Course Prerequisite: No prerequisite

Chinese Intermediate

In Intermediate Chinese, students continue to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. At this level, students have greater autonomy with the language and are encouraged to use it creatively and authentically. Grammar is studied incrementally through storytelling as functional chunks for meaningful communication. Vocabulary is practiced in a thematic and communicative way, and the topics that are discussed include: making recommendations, giving directions, expressing doubt and certainty, and expressing opinions. Students will study the culture and diversity of the Chinese-speaking world in the form of culturally rich images, videos, music, and some authentic texts. Audio and video materials, computer software, games, projects, skits and presentations foster student interaction and participation. Prerequisites: Demonstration of mastery of Foundations of Chinese skills and Departmental Recommendation Required.  Course topics are briefly outlined below. Meeting Our Needs: Students will expand their vocabulary related to people’s feelings, physical and mental states, and various day-to-day needs, such as technology and social interactions. They will also learn about people’s cultural practices, needs, and customs in China and other Chinese-speaking regions. Human Interactions: Students will learn how to express themselves and get to know people better through more in-depth conversations about their backgrounds, hobbies and interests. They will practice the necessary skills and vocabulary to express opinions,  plan outings, pay visits, and learn more about cultural practices when interacting with people with Chinese cultural backgrounds.

Visual Arts Foundations

Learn how to find ideas by experimenting with materials, tools, and artistic thought. This class will support your studio habits to explore a range of mediums like drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and digital arts. We will also focus on building community and developing the possibilities of what art can be.

Instrumental Ensemble II

The Instrumental Ensemble II course builds on and further develops the skills introduced in Instrumental Ensemble I. This ensemble is open to all instruments including strings, woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, percussion). Students will study and play a wide range of repertoire with a focus on building technical skills while exploring the cultural and historical context of the repertoire. This course utilizes components from the classical music traditions and contemporary styles from blues to rock and pop as vehicles to develop students’ technique and creative processes. Class material will integrate music theory, instrumental technique, rehearsal/performance skills, and improvisation skills. The ensemble will perform in formal mandatory concerts throughout the year. Weekly individual instrumental lessons are not required but are available on campus to students for an additional fee. Students who are on financial aid at Beaver have the same percentage of aid applied to private lessons. Students interested in taking more than one art class should reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to discuss possible options. Two Term Course Prerequisite: Instrumental Ensemble I, Ikonoclastic or placement audition

Integrated Math 2: Algebra, Geometry, and Data Science

Integrated Math 2 students expand their algebraic reasoning and understanding of mathematical models including quadratic equations and exponential functions. Students also explore probability and build upon their knowledge of transformations, congruence, and similarity while developing logic skills through conjecture, argument, and proof. Investigations in this course build connections between all topics covered. Prerequisites: Integrated Math 1 or Algebra 1. Offered at the Honors and Standard levels. Honors level requires departmental recommendation.

Chinese Foundations

Foundations of Chinese builds on students’ basic proficiency established in Chinese I. Students may enroll in this course having demonstrated proficiency equivalent to completion of a full-year high school course. This course will continue to develop students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Grammar is studied incrementally through storytelling as functional chunks for meaningful communication. Vocabulary is practiced in a thematic and communicative way, and the topics that are discussed include: hobbies, weather, dining, celebrations, shopping and asking for directions. Students will continue to study the culture of the Chinese-speaking world in the form of language use, traditions and current events. Audio and video materials along with computer software, games, projects, and presentations will be used to foster student interaction and participation.  Prerequisites: Demonstration of mastery of Chinese I skills and Departmental Recommendation Required. Course topics are briefly outlined below. Make a Good First Impression: Students will learn to introduce themselves in culturally appropriate ways and learn about formal and informal speech. Through storytelling, students will learn how to make a good first impression by talking about a variety of topics and making compliments in culturally appropriate ways. Friends from the Start: Students will learn how to communicate ideas related to background information, hobbies, leisure time and celebrations. They will keep expanding their repertoire of talking about friendships and stories that happen when hanging out with friends.

Chinese Introduction to Conversation and Storytelling

These introductory courses for Mandarin Chinese are designed for students who have no previous exposure to the language. It stresses the building blocks of spoken and written communication- pronunciation, tones, stroke order and radical recognition. Students will be able to engage in basic daily interactions in Chinese using speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Grammar is introduced incrementally through storytelling as functional chunks for meaningful communication. Vocabulary is practiced in a thematic and communicative way, and the topics that are discussed include: introductory greetings, family, dates and time, hobbies, visiting friends, making plans, studying Chinese and school life. Students will also study cultural and historic elements of the Chinese-speaking world. Audio and video materials, computer software, games, projects, and presentations foster student interaction and participation. By the end of the first year, students should know approximately 300 words.

English 9: Power and Perspectives

Throughout both the Power and Perspectives trimesters, students read, write, act, create, listen, watch, wonder, debate, and present; they work independently and collaboratively, use their questions as starting points for their work, and employ technology to deepen their learning. Ultimately, they find ways to connect the characters and themes to their own lived experiences and to the world today. Readings can include fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry, and drama, and we read some as a full class and others in small groups; students reflect on and question the texts in a range of writing assignments, anything from scripts for podcasts to analysis of themes to creation of a missing chapter or a PSA. The work stretches their imagination as well as their analytical skills, writing styles, and ability to craft meaningful products.  Power In this trimester course, we question the nature of power and reflect on the ways we ourselves use our power and respond to power. In our readings, we look at the intersection of power and our characters’ gender, age, race, political beliefs, socio-economic reality, or experience; we wonder about the relationship between power and fate; and we ask why some characters let power compromise their beliefs while others use their power for good. Perspectives This course is designed to introduce students to the complex nature of perspective and bearing witness in literature. Through the examination of various texts, students will engage in close reading and critical analysis. They will explore the ways in which different characters and narrators shape the story and influence reader engagement. Students will also learn to examine the relationship between form and content, exploring how different writing techniques can influence our understanding of characters and events. In addition to close analysis of texts, students will also engage in discussions, writing assignments, and projects that encourage them to reflect on their own perspectives and experiences. Through these activities, students will explore how perspective is shaped by cultural, historical, and personal factors and understand the importance of witnessing and engaging with these perspectives as they understand their world. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of the role of perspective in shaping meaning in literature, and will be equipped with the skills necessary to analyze and engage with texts in a critical and thoughtful manner.

Physics Foundations – Motion

The Physics Foundations course serves as a student's first introduction to science in the upper school. This initial term of 9th-grade physics familiarizes students with essential scientific skills and concepts through collaborative investigations and design tasks. Emphasizing problem-solving, teamwork, experimental methods, data analysis, and clear communication, students engage in hands-on activities to understand core principles of kinematics and energy.

Prerequisites: None

B-Side A Cappella

B-Side A Cappella is a vocal group open to everyone—from beginners to experienced singers—with the option to take the class for honors credit. In a cappella music, everything you hear is made using only the human voice—no instruments—through harmony, vocal technique, and beatboxing-style vocal percussion. In B-Side, students rehearse and perform contemporary pop songs while building confidence, musicianship, and strong ensemble skills. Building on A Cappella Foundations, students will learn how to arrange music for voices, experiment with improvisation, and explore how a cappella fits into broader cultural and musical traditions. Rehearsals emphasize collaboration, creativity, and independence, with frequent opportunities to work in small groups and take on leadership roles during weekly rehearsals. B-Side performs in one public concert each term, giving students regular opportunities to share their work with an audience. This course may be taken more than once. Weekly private voice lessons are not required, but are available on campus for an additional fee. Students receiving financial aid at Beaver will have the same percentage of aid applied to private music lessons. Students interested in enrolling in more than one arts course should contact the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to explore scheduling options. Two Term Course. Can be taken for 1 Term only if in conjunction with A Cappella Foundations. Prerequisite: Any Upper School choral ensemble or permission of the instructor.

Ikonoclastic

Ikonoclastic is an instrumental ensemble for students who identify as female or non-binary. All instruments are welcome—strings, woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, percussion). In Ikonoclastic, ensemble members have a real voice in selecting repertoire and shaping interpretations, making the group a creative, inclusive space. Students perform a wide range of contemporary music while strengthening your technique, confidence, and ensemble skills, and you’ll explore the cultural and historical context behind what you play. Past repertoire includes music by Fleetwood Mac, Sade, Tracy Chapman, Train, Ray Charles, Brittany Spears, and Taylor Swift, as well as genres such as tango and bossa nova. Class time blends playing and creating with learning the “why” behind the music, including music theory, instrumental technique, rehearsal strategies, performance skills, and improvisation. The ensemble performs in required concerts throughout the year, giving students regular opportunities to perform for an audience. Students should be able to play their instrument independently and have at least one year of private lessons and/or ensemble experience. New Beaver students will connect with a faculty member before the school year begins to ensure the best ensemble placement. Private instrumental lessons are optional and available on campus for an additional fee, with financial aid applied at the same percentage as tuition. Interested in taking more than one arts class? Reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to explore your options. Three Term Course Prerequisite: One year experience with private lessons and/or ensemble experience.