West High School - Cat Log Yearbook (Bremerton, WA)

Page 15 text:

. , CHEM LAB The introduction of the new Chem Study Course this year brought a revolution in the teaching of chemistry at West. Students no longer just memorize facts from a book, but make their own discoveries through lab work and experimentation. The emphasis is on learn- ing through supervised experience. Though the new course has proven harder for students than the old, it teaches students to think for them- selves and is a must for anyone planning a sci- ence major in college. SOCIAL STUDIES The Social Studies Department made changes in its curriculum this year and students at the freshman level took world history as a required course. Sophomores, as well as upperclassmen, had a choice oftaking a course in world cultures. Juniors and seniors found themselves in a two- year integrated course with United States his- tory as the foundation, but interwoven with sociology, economics, government, Washingttmii State history and government, and contemporary problems.

Page 14 text:

OFFICE PRACTICE The latest in teaching methods and equipment has been put into use and has proven its worth in Westls new two-hour secretarial and clerical vocational office practice course which was initiated this year. The school district spent over 322,000 for the most modern office equip- ment available today-chairs, desks, type- writers, and a variety of office machines. The course is actually owned and directed by the Vocational Department of Olympic College. DEBATE A new debate class greeted the 1965 school year. Debate has been offered only as an extra- curricular club in the years past, and as a result, the debating was full of sound and furyn and little else. West's win-loss record weighed heavi- ly on the wrong side. The class provides an opportunity to learn de- bating techniques, logical reasoning, and case research and organization. Its small size per- mits individual attention and less formal atmo- sphere.

Page 16 text:

AFS AND INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING 4. 4 Namastay,' Greetings from India! This was my first introduction to the country that became my home for .fthe summer of 1965. As a repre- sentative of West, I was granted this opportunity by joining the large family of American Field Service as an American abroad. Our family of 700 students from all parts of the United States sailed on the '4Seven Seas from New York to Rotterdam, Holland, and then traveled to our various destinations. I flew to Bombay, India. I lived with a Hindu family in Poona, about 100 miles from Bombay, and soon became an integral part of their family life. I was happy that I was chosen to go to India for I was faced with the challenge of adjusting to a culture very different from what I was accustomed. Living in such close contact with a family is a difiicult yet rewarding experience for in no other way could one get such a good insight into the heart of a country and its people. MELE HOWLAND 0 First of all I want to give my sincere thanks to the people of Bremerton and the ,students of West High for the friendliness and helpfulness I have been met with by everyone throughout the year. This is the reason why I will go home with nothing but good memories of the United States that I admire so much. I am beyond doubt that the AFS program of exchanging students is the best way to promote international understanding and peace, because the impressions you get when you are young are something you carry with you forever. Because of all the things that threaten mankind with destruction today, we must all strive for world peace. To be able to do this you must believe in mankind, and to believe in this you have to have experienced the good sides of people which I have to a large extent during the year. Last I want to express my hope of seeing some of you in Norway sometime, and that you then will understand what it has meant for me to be able to live with you here for a wonderful year. ATLE SOLHEIM