Menu

Summer Electives and Enrichment (Grades 9-12)

Robotics ClassHargrave offers interesting and fun elective “enrichment” courses every summer. These offerings include new courses and topics as well a mix of favorites from past summers. These high school credit courses do not have formal course prerequisites, but are expected to challenge most students.

Students must schedule two (2) academic blocks (they may be from different subject areas) and one (1) camp/sport activity for each day during summer school.

Summer Elective Course Offerings

American Civil War in Virginia: A Study in Leadership and Character
(New; 1 Credit; 2 academic blocks; Additional Fee for travel expenses)

2012 Summer Enrichment SeriesThe goal of this elective course is to provide a rigorous experiential learning opportunity for upper school students who desire pursuit of an in-depth study of the Civil War. The course emphasizes character traits exemplified by well-known military and civilian leaders, and culminates in a multi-day camping trip to various Civil War sites throughout Virginia.

Art
(New; 1/2 Credit; 1 academic block; $75 Additional Fee for artist materials)

2012 Summer Enrichment SeriesBasic drawing, painting, and design skills are learned. Art History is integrated into the class through the study of selected art styles or time periods. Emphasis is placed on teaching the student to “see” and to analyze art work.

Each assignment begins with a teacher explanation of the project. This is followed by a brief art history overview relevant to the assignment and a demonstration of the art materials to be used. The student then practices skill building exercises that will aid understanding and build confidence. When the student completes his final project it is critiqued with the teacher noting both its strengths and weaknesses. All work (successful or not) is displayed in the classroom. This gives the student the opportunity to learn from his peers, to become comfortable discussing his work, and to accept constructive criticism.

The College Enrichment Experience
(New; 1/2 Credit; 1 academic block; Additional Fee for travel expenses)

2012 Summer Enrichment SeriesThe College Enrichment Experience Course can be characterized as an information workshop that will include counselor and teacher responsibilities, student responsibilities and parent involvement geared toward college placement. This course will begin the development of the student’s sense of awareness and self-worth, begin honing decision-making skills and begin to focus on their individual goal-setting skills as it relates to college.

The workshop will also touch on the value of good research, problem-solving skills, critical-thinking and how evaluation tools are applied to the college admission process. Another aspect of the workshop will teach students how to help themselves through organizational skills, study skills and some test-taking strategies. The workshop will canvas the difference between high school graduation requirements and college entrance requirements. The course will review the value of taking Honors courses. It explains the purpose of strong grade point averages, SAT/ACT scores, personal statements/essays, teacher recommendations and extracurricular activities to include jobs, community and volunteer services. The goal is to arm the student with as much current information as possible to make the best college decision possible concerning his future.

Leadership and Ethics
(New; 1/2 Credit; 1 academic block)

2012 Summer Enrichment SeriesHargrave’s summer Leadership and Ethics course provides students with a basic understanding of the foundations of character and leadership. The course will focus on the 10 Pillars of Character, to include (but not limited to): Respect, Trust, Responsibility, Courage, Fairness and Integrity; the Fourteen Leadership Traits; Eleven Leadership Principles; effective problem solving; and the definitions of leadership and character. The course is taught through a variety of methods to include class discussions, lecture, expository writing assignments and the practical application of lessons learned in the classroom through team building exercises outside of the classroom.

Modern Standard Arabic
(New; 1/2 Credit; 1 academic block)

2012 Summer Enrichment SeriesThis course introduces students to both written and spoken Modern Standard Arabic. Emphasis will be on learning the Letters of the Arabic alphabet, and on how to utilize them in both reading and writing the language. Students will learn basic conversational skills including introducing and speaking about oneself and should be able to carry on a brief conversation by the course's conclusion. This course will also include an introduction to the culture, history, geography and  current state of affairs in the Middle East.

Robotics
(New; 1/2 Credit; 1 academic block)

2012 Summer Enichment SeriesThe curriculum for Robotics is designed to engage students to solve a series of problems by using a systematic process to come up with a workable solution. Students will develop and use skills in computer programming, logic, mechanical skills, time management, and teamwork to design and build simple robots to complete assigned tasks. Additionally, the history, current uses, and potential use of robots will be covered.

SAT/ACT Prep
(1/2 Credit; 1 academic block)

2012 Summer Enrichment SeriesLearning strategies on how to successfully complete the national SAT and ACT exams provides each student the opportunty to excel. Hargrave's SAT/ACT Prep course provides the background needed for success. This is a tried and true program for many Post-Graduate, senior and junior Cadets during the main academic year, and certainly a winning course for those interested in getting a jump on college placement in the summer.