26-27 BPS Course Catalog - Flipbook - Page 52
120020 Speech
This course provides a fundamental approach to public speaking through the development of oral communication and
individual speech techniques. Students study the basics of communication and public speaking where they develop selfconfidence in oral presentations. Students also learn the characteristics of effective writing for speeches and improve their
listening strategies. Students research and present speeches on the following topics: informative, persuasive,
demonstration, special occasion and oral interpretation.
Prerequisite: None
Grades Taught: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: .25
NCAA Approved
100320 Honors Humanities (Seaholm)
This is a seminar-based course where students will read and discuss complex texts with philosophical underpinnings. We
will also look at the influence of the visual art and music of the times, taking into consideration how culture permeates all
aspects of life and how the thought of a time period can be reflected in many forms of art, not simply its literature.
Through the seminar format, students will continue learning how to examine difficult material, think critically, question
intelligently and posit their own opinions with textual support. Students will be expected to read outside of class and be
prepared for meaningful conversations about the subject matter.
Prerequisites: None
Grades Taught: 11, 12
Credit: .25
NCAA approved
121220 Grammar and Vocabulary (Seaholm)
Grammar and Vocabulary is a course strongly recommended for all students to take in addition to their core English class.
Grammar and Vocabulary concentrates on the basic skills of English grammar and usage that allow us to communicate
effectively about language and writing. In addition, students study a weekly list of vocabulary words commonly tested on
the ACT, SAT, and Advanced Placement tests.
Prerequisites: None
Grades Taught: 10, 11, 12
Credit: .25
English Language Development for Multilingual Learners
ELD/ESL Course Descriptions
Birmingham Public Schools offer English Language Development (ELD) integrated and Designated language instruction
and ELD content classes. These courses are specifically designed to meet the language needs of our multilingual
learners. In addition, the ELD staff has been trained to provide research-based strategies to support English learners
both socially and academically.
Seaholm and Groves High Schools are proud of the diversity in our academic communities. We have students from a
vast number of countries who speak a variety of languages. Their cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds add an
exciting dimension to our schools. It is our collective responsibility to serve the academic, social, and emotional needs of
our students. Our goal is that our multilingual students will develop linguistic and literacy skills in English as well as to
preserve their native language(s). The course descriptions for classes which support ELD instruction are as follows:
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