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Academics
Judaic Studies
Ivrit
The study of Ivrit is an integral part of our Judaic Studies curriculum, and students are encouraged to gain fluency in the spoken language of the State of Israel. The study of Ivrit is divided into four interrelated components: Israel and Zionism, Conversation, Literature, and Israel Today. Most classes are Ivrit b’Ivrit and include oral, written and visual learning activities. Our advanced students consistently earn high scores on the Jerusalem Hebrew Language Examination, and may earn Advanced Placement credit in college.
Talmud
The RKYHS Talmud program strives to impart the centrality of Torah and the paramount value that it contributes to our lives. Thus, students engaged in the study of Talmud –the great manifestation of Torah study – seek to internalize these teachings into their lives by diligent and humble adherence to halacha. Classes emphasize the analysis of Talmudic texts and related commentaries while strengthening student reading and comprehension skills. Through discussions of oral law and written text, we expose students to ideas and values regarding a wide range of topics, such as prayer, ethical dilemmas and the study of mitzvot.
Tanach
The program not only provides students with the skills necessary to gain proficiency in the study and analysis of Tanach but also inspires them to recognize and understand the Divine nature of these sacred texts. Our students develop a love and appreciation for the special place Tanach has in Jewish tradition, and internalize the inspiration and guidance it offers to form their life-views of the world.
General Studies
Art
The ArtDepartment offers students a broad exposure to the “art of seeing.” All sophomores take Introduction to Art, a course that enables them to explore various techniques and media, while deepening their visual awareness. Our elective in Studio Art also exposes students to techniques such as basic line drawing, shading, and perspective drawing, and to media including pencils, pastels and paints. Our Advanced Studio Art elective builds upon the knowledge and skills students have previously acquired; projects include drawing, hard-edge painting and portraiture.
Computer Science
As technology is a major facet of daily life, this two-part course integrates computer science studies across the curriculum.
An Introduction to Desktop Publishing
Students explore the basic concepts of desktop publishing, mastering design and application skills in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Students create their own documents for publication, including fliers, handouts, brochures, newsletters, logos, business proposals and websites.
An Introduction to Web Design Using Microsoft FrontPage
After mastering the fundamentals of web design, students use their new skills and imagination to create their own functional Web sites.. In addition, they become experts at evaluating Web sites and offering constructive feedback to improve their own and those of others.
English
Language is the basis of all learning and is essential to the acquisition of knowledge in all content areas. Therefore, the aim of the English Department is to enable students to use language accurately – via reading, writing, listening, viewing and speaking – in an integrated way. Further, we strive to instill in our students a lifelong appreciation for and love of language.
The curriculum provides a language-rich environment that helps students develop as readers, writers, and effective communicators. The ninth grade program focuses on adolescent literature from multiple genres, including poetry, short stories, essays and novels. Instruction in writing in a variety of modes - narrative, persuasive, expository, cause and effect - continues throughout the four-year program. In Grade 10, we investigate British Literature; in Grade 11 American Literature, and in Grade 12, World Literature. Honors, college preparatory and academic tracks are offered at every grade level. In addition, RKYHS offers AP Language and Composition and AP Literature as well as electives in Creative Writing. Communication skills are also stressed through Debate and Mock Trial. In all classes, a variety of learning activities, such as peer editing, using rubrics, lecture, student presentations, group discussion, debates and film, are used to celebrate differences, and to foster creativity, sensitivity, and respect for others.
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum at RKYHS is designed to provide students with the fundamental concepts and skills needed to broaden their knowledge of algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus with trigonometry, and to prepare them for success in college. Encompassing a wide array of approaches to instruction, the curriculum enables students to develop and synthesize a wide array of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and to apply them to any field they choose to pursue. Calculation instruction is part of the curriculum in every subject area, in order to help students learn when and how to use these invaluable tools in school and in daily life. For students with a special interest in math, Advanced Placement courses in Calculus and Statistics are offered.
Physical Education
Physical Education is an active learning program that helps students develop lifelong tools and knowledge though activities that encourage recreation as well as physical fitness, personal health and wellness. Students gain cognitive and kinesthetic appreciation for body composition, cardio-respiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. In addition, through innovative fitness regimens and athletics, they gain balance, coordination, reaction time, speed, and power.
Life Skills
The RKYHS Health curriculum is designed to teach students about the components of a healthy lifestyle, with an emphasis on thoughtful decision-making. Classroom lessons are enhanced by workshops and other programs which focus on topics such as nutrition, substance abuse, body awareness, family dynamics, peer pressure, as well as other issues of special concern to adolescents. Students are empowered to think critically about how to meet the personal challenges they confront, and to seek support from appropriate resources, especially parents, as necessary. The importance of maintaining open, honest communication between students and parents is stressed.
One of the most exciting and times in a teens life is when they have the opportunity to begin the driving process. Driver education helps a student take a time out to look at the awesome responsibility that comes with this life changing event. Successful completion of the course will allow a student to receive their blue card and not need to take the knowledge test at DMV in most cases it will also allow parents a discount on their car insurance. For more information about teenage drivers go to the following parent and teenage web sites.
Science
Science literacy is critical to life in the 21st century. The mission of the science program is to provide every student with an understanding of the world of science as a citizen and possible future scientist. To that end, Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School offers courses in biology, chemistry, physics and anatomy and physiology designed to enable students not only to master these subject areas, but also to utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their daily lives. Further, all courses are tracked to allow students to fulfill their highest potential at their own pace. For students with a special interest in science, RKYHS offers Advanced Placement courses in biology, chemistry and physics that can lead to college credit and/or advanced standing in many colleges and universities.
Opportunities for hands-on science learning and skill-building processes are manifold. Our science laboratories are exceptionally well-appointed, inviting, and accessible, and under the direction of their instructors, all students regularly conduct experiments to enrich their classroom studies.
History
The RKYHS History curriculum is designed to enable students to understand the history of human interactions, and their effect on cultures as well as individuals. Students are encouraged to think critically about the political, economic, cultural and social bases for historical events, as well as the people who helped drive them. A course in World History, focusing on ancient societies as well as later developments in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, is offered in the freshman year; and a two-year course in American History is offered in the sophomore and junior years. Advanced Placement courses in subjects such as U.S Government are typically offered, as are electives such as Law, Economics and Politics. As part of the core curriculum, students will study Jewish History in Grade 12. Classroom discussions are complemented by independent readings as well as research papers and essays.
World Languages
The Spanish program is designed to enable students to develop communicative proficiency. Students learn to function independently in a Spanish-speaking culture; to use the language for a lifetime of personal enrichment and enjoyment; to appreciate the role of Spanish cultures in a global context; and to expand their communicative skills in preparation for further education or the workplace.
Teaching techniques are student-centered, with the instructor serving as facilitator. Faculty help students develop the communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through a variety of instructional techniques and materials, including textbooks, workbooks, computer technology, electronic media and classroom visits by native speakers.
The World Languages Department curriculum is designed to meet the standards of the National Foreign Councils and Association. A minimum of two years of World Language study is required; four years of Spanish are offered.
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