Woodward Academy - Phoenix Yearbook (College Park, GA)

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Mathematics Mrs. Mary Walker is the curriculum coor- diantor for the Academy ' s math depart- ment. The primary goal of the mathematics faculty is to prepare students to such a high degree that they will be successful in college level math courses. Other areas of emphasis include maximizing each student ' s potential, and keeping the curriculum updated by con- sistently reviewing new texts and college course offerings. In teaching math, the facul- ty feels it essential to relate the subject mat- ter to the world around the student. In this basic context, the student can better appre- ciate the significance of mathematics in his life. On the Lower School level, students in grades one through three are evaluated on achievement of specific basic skills such as counting, knowledge of number systems, and the four basic principles of arithmatic. In the fourth through sixth grades, addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication skills are refined and students begin to work with word problems. In the Middle School, math students are encouraged the develop analyt- ic skills and to think through problems in logical sequence. The Middle School curricu- lum and teaching methods significantly in- creases the students performance in later courses. Upper School classes continue to develop the pupils mathematic ability with classes such as pre-algebra. Algebra I and 11 and geometry. For individuals who vv.n. ' Ji fur- ther study. Advanced Placement and Calcu- lus are options made available to the rr.oro skilled math students. CURRICULUM, 41

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40 CURRlCULUM

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The Science Department at Woodward Academy is headed by Mr. Gus Dearolph. Like others in the department, Mr. Dearolph feels that scientific study enables a student to better understand the world around him, encourages development of investigative skills, and promotes rational thought. Un- doubtedly, any student who applies himself in scientific study at the Academy will find himself better able to deal with the chal- lenges and demand 3 of life. Students at the Academy begin the study of science in kindergarten and, up through ninth grade, are taught basic scientific con- cepts. The Lower School program involves investigation of phenomena that can be seen, smelled, touched, tasted, or heard. In the seventh and eighth grades, students are exposed to more abstract ideas such as the concepts of energy and atomic structure through actual experiments in the laborato- ry. While in the Upper School, all ninth grade students are required to take biology. Additionally, all students enrolled at Wood- ward Academy must take at least one more year of science after completion of biology. The department prides itself on the wide variety of offerings available to students. Some options include: chemistry, physics, astronomy, anatomy, and environmental sci- ence, which are available as one and two quarter electives, or as full year courses. 42 CURRICULUM