There are so many new, incredible course options for next year, that it can be challenging to decide which ones are a good fit for you. So let’s take a closer look at some of them to help you decide.
Do you ever fantasize about being on Shark Tank? If so, Foundations of Product Design is your class. Mr. Pham and Ms. Bono teach Groups X-XII in this full-year course. When asked what his best sell line for the class would be, Mr. Pham enthusiastically responded, “The class is an opportunity for anyone interested in entrepreneurship. It dives into the academics of how businesses are created and run and puts new ideas into perspective.” Even though the first semester focuses on computer software development, luckily, it doesn’t require any background knowledge of computer science. In the second semester, student entrepreneurs will work to create a Shark Tank-style pitch for a company they create. They’ll merge their newly acquired computer science knowledge, adding math and economics into the mix, bringing their vision to life. This course would work perfectly for any GA girls who want to explore computer science, math, and business.
Budding photographers might have felt left out of frame by previous course catalogs. However, with Introduction to Photography 1 in the fall and Introduction to Photography 2 in the spring, the spotlight light is now on them. Again, Groups X-XII can enroll. Similarly, no background knowledge of photography is required, making it perfect for beginners. In this class, students will dive into the fundamental techniques needed to operate a digital camera and learn how lighting can affect the compelling photography they’ll be working on. How cool? They’ll also edit their work while becoming pros at Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom, all essential to mastering photography and seeing the world through a different lens.
If you’re wavering between Precalculus and Accelerated Precalculus, the newly added Precalculus + might be just what you’re looking for. This course sets students up perfectly for entry into either Calculus or AP Calculus AB: Accelerated by building on the study of functions from the previous year. It zooms out and allows students to study polynomial, rational, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Wow!
Out of the three new Senior English courses at GA, English XII: Modern American Storytellers, is a stand-out option. When most people hear English class they imagine reading hundreds of pages per night. However, this course examines film and song as well. Students will be able to make connections to the broader category of American culture through stories represented in writing, music, and on the screen. Possible works include pieces from Hemingway, songs from Bruce Springsteen, and films such as The Nickel Boys, making it perfect for students who want to broaden their literary horizons.
