Pedagogy Committee

Post 1.
Science offerings for 9th grade. this is what I sent to Susan Hastings.
We are looking at giving the 9th graders a Main Lesson Focus Block in Science next semester. Even without this extra block, the following plan which is already in place, meets State Standards for Science.

1. East Asia - some Geology, Science & Technology (1.5cr)
and
2. Small amounts of science in four other blocks.

Next year, he will have Main Lessons (5 weeks each) of:
1. Physiology, Anatomy, Sex Ed, Health, etc. (3cr)
2. Zoology (3cr)
3. Revolutions - some History of Science (1cr)
and
4. Small amounts of science in four other blocks.

His Junior year will have some science in Africa, 21st Century, and CultSymp.
His Senior year will have full blocks of Evolution & Genetics and Ecology, will units on Physics and Chemistry squeezed into other blocks.

Post 2.
I found this on the San Francisco Waldorf High School Web site. I think it would be a great curriculum for sponsors to bring to class meetings.

The Health and Social Issues classes begin in the 9th Grade introducing the basic information that students need to move consciously and safely through the adolescent years. This class covers topics of sex and AIDS education, drug and alcohol use, as well as the development of healthy self-esteem. The format is conversational and the atmosphere open and confidential at the same time, so that students may feel free to discuss their concerns. This class continues into the 10th and 11th Grades and culminates in the 12th Grade under the title of Senior Seminar or Life Skills. The topics and content are set according to the developmental phase of each group. All 10th Graders participate in a First Aid course conducted by the Red Cross and receive certification.

Health and Social Issues Course Descriptions
All courses listed are required for all high school students

HEALTH and SOCIAL ISSUES I Grade 9

In the three-week Health and Social Issue class, we used the teen version of Changing Bodies, Changing Lives by Ruth Bell as our main text. The students present a chapter of their choice and lead a group discussion, in this way approaching in a somewhat objective fashion the many challenges faced by adolescents in today’s society. The instructor also presents material regarding the development of self-esteem.

HEALTH and SOCIAL ISSUES II Grade 10

The 10th Grade class continues the work began in Grade 9. These classes take place in small groups where the students are allowed to discuss their concerns and ask questions regarding their development on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual level. Presently we are using the book, Changing Bodies Changing Selves (Teenage Edition of Our Bodies, Our Selves) by Ruth Bell as our primary text.

HIV/AIDS education, eating disorders, depression and suicide are among some of the topics covered in the health class. There is also an emphasis on developing a strong sense of self-esteem, moral integrity and emotional intelligence. Students are guided to make healthy choices that unfold their innate and full potential. Students learn to speak openly and listen to each other with compassion.

FIRST AID CERTIFICATION Grade 10
American Red Cross

American Red Cross instructors come to the high school and train the 10th Graders in First Aid techniques and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. These two-day, 6-hour courses provide our students with an understanding of health issues and skills in first aid that will serve them throughout their lives.

HEALTH and SOCIAL ISSUES III Grade 11

In Grade 11, Health and Social Issues meets on an as needed basis with the 11th Grade regarding topics that are pertinent to the group’s needs.

SENIOR SEMINAR: LIFE SKILLS Grade 12

The Senior Seminar is a class taught by the Student Mentor and selected faculty. This class acts as a spring board for launching the students into the world in a practical and spiritual way. This is done by speaking about child development through the seven year cycles, introducing the ideas of the moon nodes and having the students reflect back on their own development since they have been in high school. The students bring to class a baby picture of themselves so they can see their development. The reflection of their 12-year schooling culminates in a visit to the lower school, either to the kindergarten or one of the lower classes. Last year, we visited each class in turn, and the students were flooded with bittersweet memories. There is a lot of opportunity for questions and discussion and sometimes visitors such as teen mothers are brought in to speak about their experiences. The Senior Seminar is an opportunity for the students to explore the transition they are preparing to make at their graduation.

Health and Social Issues Faculty