Our Curriculum
A deep dive into the core subjects
The four primary subjects that make up our school high school core curriculum are English (sometimes referred to as English language arts or simply language arts), math, science and social studies. High school students are almost always required to also take a certain number of classes in the arts, physical education and foreign languages.
Primary and High school English curriculum / language arts
Almost all Primary and secondary require full years of English classes for high schoolers. English classes at the high school level usually covers classic and period literature, drama, research, grammar and writing.
Givers World Mission School English classes often consist of reading, discussing and writing about several novels, plays or other books throughout the year, among other language-based activities.
English classes are unique in that students aren’t taught “right” answers versus “wrong” answers the way they are in, say, mathematics. Rather, English teachers get to teach students how to look at questions from multiple perspectives, or perhaps even arrive at several conclusions. Students must learn how to defend their ideas as they become more effective at oral and written communication.
| Pros of teaching English | Cons of teaching English |
|---|---|
| You get to expose students to new ideas, cultures and histories through literature | Adapting to diverse reading levels in one classroom can be a challenge |
| You get to teach students skills that will directly transfer into their adult lives, such as research, analysis, problem-solving and open-mindedness | Grading long papers and essays can be time-consuming |
| English teachers show students how to look at multiple perspectives instead of finding a “right” or “wrong” answer | It may not be as exciting—for you and the students—teaching more tedious subjects like grammar and punctuation |
| Teaching English means you are constantly learning as well | English teachers may have to teach other topics that don’t fit neatly into other classes, such as test preparation, writing college admissions essays, building a resume, etc. |
High school math curriculum
High school math classes typically include algebra, geometry and trigonometry. More advanced students may take classes in pre-calculus, calculus or statistics.
Math is, in many ways, the antithesis to English classes—in mathematics, there is usually one right answer and a process to get there. Math is concrete and objective, so math teachers don’t usually have to put as much effort into coming up with creative ways to deliver the course content. Being a math teacher can be difficult in its own ways, however. Math is notorious for being a subject that people struggle with, which means it’s up to math teachers to figure out how to make breakthroughs with their students which can be especially challenging in a classroom of students with varying abilities. In addition, it’s important that math teachers show real-world applications of math to engage students and demonstrate its relevancy.
| Pros of teaching math | Cons of teaching math |
|---|---|
| The curriculum is typically straightforward and scaffolds on itself easily | Many students find math very challenging, so it’s up to the teacher to help students work through their anxieties |
| Grading tests is relatively quick (no essays!) | At the high school level, most parents aren’t able to help their kids with homework anymore |
| Because math can be so challenging for some students, it can be extra gratifying when you help students finally “get it” | Grading tests are relatively quick (no essays!) |
High school science curriculum
Primary and high school science is the most common requirement from a country. High school classes cover topics such as biology, chemistry and physics. Some schools may also offer classes in environmental science, astronomy and more.
Science teachers show students how our physical world works—and how we know—but they also provide opportunities for students to discover these ideas for themselves. Through the scientific method, science teachers help students understand how to ask questions, make hypotheses, test their ideas and draw reasonable conclusions. All of these are skills which are imperative for adulthood, regardless of whether they are testing out a scientific theory or debunking misinformation.
| Pros of teaching science | Cons of teaching science |
|---|---|
| You get to guide students through exciting hands-on experiments and lab activities | Some students and parents’ personal beliefs may conflict with the course material |
| It can be gratifying to spark students’ curiosity and see them make discoveries | Science experiments can be dangerous—it’s imperative you make sure students take every proper safety precaution to avoid accidents |
| You get to show students how to use various tools and technologies | Some students’ and parents’ personal beliefs may conflict with the course material |
High school social studies curriculum
Six years of social studies in high school, which typically encompasses courses in world history, Sierra Leone. history, economics, government and civics.
Social studies classes enlighten students about our world, its societies, cultures and our shared and unshared histories. Social studies teachers must present what we know while simultaneously encouraging students to think critically and draw their own conclusions about historical events, politics and the like.
Social studies teachers can usually get pretty creative when it comes to crafting lesson plans and activities that convey the course content. Teaching social studies can be difficult, however, when sensitive topics such as disturbing historical events come up. Social studies teachers must know how to provide the facts, put things in a modern context and mediate potentially tense classroom discussions.
| Pros of teaching social studies | Cons of teaching social studies |
|---|---|
| There is a lot of room for integrating fun projects and activities into the curriculum | It can be challenging making history relevant to today’s youth |
| There are not usually any statewide standardized tests for social studies, so it’s not something teachers have to prep students for | You’ll likely have to teach students about upsetting historical events and sensitive topics that still have effects today |
| As a social studies teacher, you may get to facilitate discussions (or even debates) on civic matters and expose students to politics and current events | History is not always certain—it can be frustrating for teachers (and students) when the “facts” can’t always be proven |
Physical education / Health
Physical education (PE) courses get high school students moving and active, and also teach them best practices in living healthy lifestyles. Beyond exercise-based activities and games, typically cover topics in nutrition, anatomy, physiology and sexual health and education. High school students are usually required to take one or two PE classes before they graduate.
Many PE teachers gravitate towards the subject because they have a natural interest in fitness and sports. It can also be relatively low-stress compared to other teaching roles that hinge on standardized testing, but it also presents unique challenges not found in other subjects.
| Pros of teaching physical education | Cons of teaching physical education |
|---|---|
| Students may be more engaged with the course content because it includes a lot of fun physical activities and games | Teaching units on sexual education can be awkward and uncomfortable for students, causing them to disengage |
| You get to move around more, play games and be more physically active than most teachers | Working outdoors can be challenging in climates with more extreme temperatures |
| You get to directly see students improve their physical health and build confidence in their abilities | Some students may view PE as an easy class to slack off in and refuse to participate |
World languages
Foreign language courses are another common high school curriculum requirement. Spanish is by far the most widely offered foreign language class for high schoolers in the U.S., but other common languages include French, German, Japanese, Chinese and American Sign Language (ASL). Two years of a foreign language is a typical requirement.
World language teachers get to see their students acquire a new language and become more cosmopolitan citizens of the world. They also get to immerse their students in the culture(s) of the language they teach, which can pave the way for fun cultural activities and celebrations.
One thing that is important for any language teacher is the ability to instill confidence in your students and encourage them to make mistakes. This is especially true for speaking skills, which can make some students clam up for fear of sounding bad. In truth, learning a language requires stumbling through sentences and making a lot of errors in order to get better.
| Pros of teaching world languages | Cons of teaching world languages |
|---|---|
| There are a lot of creative methods and activities to teach a language | Students often find that learning pronunciation and grammar can be challenging and tedious |
| In addition to the language itself, language teachers also get to teach about the culture(s) associated with that language | You need to be fluent in the language that you teach, which can take a lot of time and practice |
| Students get to pick which language they want to learn, so they may be more enthusiastic about the content | World language teachers must encourage their students and build their confidence so that they feel comfortable speaking |
High school arts curriculum
Arts classes at the high school level can include numerous different courses such as band, orchestra, choir, drawing and painting, drama, ceramics, music theory, photography and others, depending on what a school offers.
Being an art teacher can look very different depending on what you teach. Arts classes can generally be split into two categories: performance arts (e.g. band, choir, orchestra, etc.) and visual arts (drawing and painting, photography, etc.). The band director, therefore, is going to have a vastly different curriculum compared to the ceramics teacher, and each kind of art class is going to have its own set of challenges and rewards.
| Pros of teaching the arts | Cons of teaching the arts |
|---|---|
| Grades in arts classes are mostly based on the student’s effort, which can make grading relatively fast and easy | Arts classes may be prone to a lack of funding compared to other subjects |
| In addition to the language itself, language teachers also get to teach about the culture(s) associated with that language | Arts classes may require stocking, cleaning and maintaining a lot of tools and materials |
| Students usually opt into the arts classes they want to take, so they may be more engaged | Parents may not be as responsive to helping struggling students because they don’t consider |