Altavista High School - Nuntius Yearbook (Altavista, VA)

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LANGUAGE ARTS AND COMMUNICATIONS The study of language arts and communication, more commonly referred to as English, is a required offering in this school. The course attempts to instill in the various students the habit and knowledge of correct speaking and writing, and an active appreciation of the better offerings in literature. It encourages the student to ‘‘think things out’’ for himself,and to communicate his ideas, both oral and writ- ten, more clearly and concisely with his fellow students. It seeks to interest stu- dents. It seeks to interest students in advancing beyond a medium of self-content and smallambition,and to progress as far as their abilities and talents will permit. The study of English and other languages strives to prepare its students for a fuller and tieher liter. MATHEMATICS At present the Freshman mathematics course devotes the first semester to general mathematics with emphasis upon that phase which will aid those students who are planning to go directly from high school into business. The second half is devoted to beginning algebra with the hope that the individual student may develop sufficient knowledge to determine if he wishes to continue with his study of mathe- matics. The sophomore work is devoted to intermediate algebra in preparation of col- lege work or for others who especially enjoy the study of mathematics. Plane Geometry is offered in the Junior year followed by Solid Geometry and Trigonimetry in the Senior year, Emphasis during these years is upon principals which are fundamental for the study of higher mathematics,

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SCIENCE We teach the basic scientific principles and the scientific method which will better fit the students to live in and understand the modern scientific age. We also try to stimulate the natural interest of the children and to help them realize that there is aneed for science and the important part science has played in shaping and changing our civilization. We tryto build an understanding how science is integrated with all fields of liv- ing and to help them to see science in their environment, in small things as well as in the hydrogen bomb. SOCIAL STUDIES Every attempt is made to fit the student for the role which he is soon to play in our democracy. To this end there is much teacher-pupil planning in our classes, A premium is placed upon initiative and students are encouraged to engage in some purposeful activity of their own choosing. Later, these individuals or small group projects such as drawings, news reports, biographical sketches, etc, are presented before the entire class. Each member of the class becomes actively engaged in the learning process as a contributor and a sharer. All feel the warm glow of achievement. Drawing from the past to meet present needs the social science students of Altavista HighSchool develop the resourcefulness which will insure for themselves and their posterity a brighter tomorrow.