English 9 Honors

English 9 Honors provides an accelerated study of grammar, composition, reading, and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on reading and critical analysis of the various literary genres of fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry. An intensive writing program emphasizes the importance of organization, structure, and the revision process as vital components of effective writers. Composition instruction focuses on expository, narrative, descriptive, and analytical writing. A multi-media approach to learning is used throughout the year. Vocabulary development is implemented through the use of online programs and the study of vocabulary in the context of the literature. Basic research skills are introduced and culminate in a required documented research product. 

English 10 Honors: American Literature 

English 10 Honors is a survey of American literature from the pre-Colonial period to contemporary authors. The literature is presented within the context of the social and historical forces which shaped it. Through representative readings from various literary genres, students learn about their cultural heritage, develop strategies for reading critically, improve upon language skills necessary for clear and effective communication, and expand their vocabulary. The writing component builds on the previous year’s emphasis of essay construction, with continued emphasis on grammar, mechanics and revision as important parts of the writing process. Vocabulary development is implemented through the use of online programs, textbooks, and the study of vocabulary in the context of the literature. A multi-media approach to learning is used throughout the year. Research skills are reinforced with the completion of a required documented research paper.

World History Honors

World History Honors is a college-preparatory survey course designed to introduce students to a thematic approach to learning about human history. Attention will be given to preparing students to think and write analytically about world historical issues, trends, and events. Course work will include examination of primary and secondary sources and the development of historical research and writing skills. Special emphasis will be placed on learning the historian’s key skills of interpreting and analyzing evidence; determining cause and effect; assessing change and continuity over time; and comparative analysis, both across societies and across time periods.

U.S. History Honors 

U.S. History Honors is a year-long course which surveys the growth and development of the United States and its people from colonization to Reconstruction (semester 1) and from the post-Civil War economic developments to the present (semester 2). The events of our national history are viewed in terms of the impact they have had on the political, economic, social, and cultural character of American society. An extensive amount of reading, writing, and research will be required. This course fulfills the U.S. History requirement.

Latin I

Latin is the official language of the church.  It is a useful tool for building language proficiency, as Latin is the primary source for English and Spanish languages.  Latin I provides extensive and engaging reading material (e.g., stories and novellas) designed to enable students to develop their interpretive reading skills in the Latin language at the beginner (novice) level, focusing on core Latin vocabulary. The reading material also provides context for an introduction to Roman history, mythology, and culture, which has had a profound influence on our language and culture. Some attention is also given to the other three areas of proficiency: writing, listening, and speaking Latin, but reading comprehension is the main focus.

Latin II 

Latin II provides more difficult Latin novellas to read than Latin I, which expands the range of vocabulary and complexity of sentences and develops interpretive reading skills at the advanced beginner (novice-high) level. The course examines more themes of Roman culture, history, and mythology. Some attention is also given to the other three areas of proficiency: writing, listening, and speaking Latin, but reading comprehension is the main focus.  

Spanish I

This course offers the opportunity to get acquainted with the Spanish language. The students will practice pronunciation and will work to acquire mastery of the basic structure and syntax of the language. While studying basic grammar structures, the students will also learn about the culture for both Spain and Latin America. The course will start working on the beginner’s level of proficiency in the four areas of communication: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. 

Spanish II

A continuation of Spanish I, this course offers students the opportunity to achieve an advanced beginner’s level of proficiency in the basic skills of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. It also provides further glimpses into the culture of the Spanish-speaking world.

Math I Honors

Math I will deepen and extend the understanding of linear relationships, by contrasting them with exponential and quadratic phenomena, and in part by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Topics will include simplifying polynomial expressions, solving and graphing algebraic equations and inequalities, solving systems of linear equations, coordinate geometry, congruent figures, distance, area and volume formulas, and interpreting data. Students will cover methods of factoring quadratic expressions and will be introduced to quadratic functions. The Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout the course, and together with the Math I Content Standards, allow students to experience mathematics and apply it as they make sense of problem situations.

Math II Honors

Math II Honors is a more challenging approach to all of the geometry, algebra, and probability covered in Math II. Topics will be expanded and deepened, and the pace of the course will be faster than Math II. Content is explored at a rigorous level with an emphasis on application of each function. Students will be introduced to additional topics such as, function inverses, and geometric probability, as time permits. The Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout the course, and together with the Math II Content Standards, allow students to experience mathematics and apply it as they make sense of problem situations. 

*For rising 9th grade students, placement in this course requires successful completion of Math I and results of the  High School Mathematics Placement Test above the 75th percentile

Math III Honors

Math III Honors is a more challenging approach to all of the topics in Math III. Topics will be expanded and deepened, and the pace of the course will be faster than Math III, in preparation for Precalculus mathematics. Applications of all functions are included. Trigonometry is covered extensively, including trigonometric equations and Pythagorean identities. The Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout the course, and together with the Math III Content Standards, allow students to experience mathematics and apply it as they make sense of problem situations. A graphing calculator is required, and a TI-84 is recommended.

Biology Honors

Biology Honors is a comprehensive, fast-paced overview of general biology. Throughout the year, students will develop their understanding of how living things are organized - beginning with understanding the molecular components of life and culminating with ecological relationships across the entire biosphere. An emphasis is placed on inquiry to discover major concepts through collaborative lab investigations. Laboratory experience is extensive, and students will be required to complete numerous lab reports.

Earth and Environmental Science Honors

This is an in-depth laboratory course with concentrations in geology, meteorology, oceanography, climate, and astronomy. The course will allow students to evaluate data representations in the Earth Science Reference Guide. Students will compare values from two or more graphs, analyze data in a table or a graph, identify relationships from provided data representations, and use relationships to make a prediction. This accelerated course will include

topics in weather analysis, global climate patterns, erosion processes and controls, geological history, and current astrological discussions. The course will prepare students for Physical Science or Chemistry.

Chemistry Honors

This laboratory course will investigate the structure, properties, and composition of matter. Mathematical rigor will be emphasized, and students will need a strong foundation in math. This course will cover basic first year college concepts in chemistry such as atomic and molecular structure, the periodic table, chemical bonds and reactions, equilibrium, thermochemistry, kinetic theory, solutions, and acids and bases. Students should be prepared for a demanding course load and a relatively fast-paced presentation of material. Critical thinking, problem solving, scientific inquiry, and concept mastery are the cornerstones of this course. 

Art I

Art I provides a general introduction to the visual arts, its language, tools, media and processes. The student will be exposed to a variety of studio experiences as well as artists of past and present. The focus at the beginning of the year is on developing strong drawing skills. Other projects will include printmaking, painting, ceramics and mixed-media.

Our students learn to be good stewards of their bodies which are temples of the Holy Spirit. Health Education promotes the skills for living a healthy life. In health education, students gain the knowledge to make decisions to promote their health and skills to utilize health-enhancing behaviors. Content includes information regarding both mental and physical health, as well as the challenges that young adults may face regarding their own health and the health of others. Other areas of focus will include relationships, peer pressure, risky behaviors, disease prevention, and overall wellness. Basic First Aid and CPR will be covered.

The focus of Physical Education is on developing lifelong fitness activities, team sports, and personal health that allow students to make a lifetime of fitness choices which will lead to a healthier and happier life. The course supports learning about the physiological benefits an active lifestyle promotes. Its purpose is to develop the components of fitness in the areas of cardio, strength, human movement, resistance training, mobility and recovery. Students will learn the knowledge and skills to participate in various team and individual sports safely, competently, and with personal satisfaction.

Depending upon student interests, options could include visual art, drama/theatre, violin, chorus, instrumental band, robotics/coding, Advanced PE, world languages, financial literacy, religion, and—through dual enrollment in later grades—all real-world options available at nearby Cape Fear Community College via Community and Career Promise (Dual Enrollment). Further, a special track will be built to Wilmington’s vital film industry.

As a Catholic school community, we orient our students to living a life rooted in the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us that discipleship rests on serving others: “When you did this to the least of my brothers, you did it to me.” In support of this, and as disciples of Christ,  all FTPCHS students will be required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service each year in conjunction with their Theology course. Service opportunities will be influenced and monitored via a team approach.

In planning for the future,  as part of the Career & College Promise (CCP), North Carolina’s dual enrollment program for high school students, FTPCHS juniors and seniors can receive credits toward college through participation in dual enrollment programs offered at Cafe Fear Community College and UNC Wilmington.