As you have thought about your courses next year, you have probably seen the new program of studies (if not, you can find it here). Maybe you have noticed the changes too. There are five new elective options coming next year plus a few smaller adjustments. Here is a quick breakdown of the electives with all information being sourced from either the program of studies or teacher interviews.
Select Choir H:
This class is a more select choral opportunity than Meistersingers, though students must also be in Meisters. Furthermore, it is audition-based with possible extra performances beyond the Radnor spring and fall concerts. The repertoire is diverse and difficult, as students will delve into technique, sight reading, and other elements of music in a small ensemble environment. Mrs. Spindel, Radnor’s choral teacher, seeks for RHS singers to “strengthen their individual musicianship and expand their choral experience.” This “high-level vocal ensemble” is a step up from Meisters for more experienced singers.
Practical Music Theory for the Modern Musician H:
This is an intro music theory class for those who may find AP Music Theory too difficult or time-consuming. The class includes reading sheet music, jazz basics, musical analysis, and composition. Though it’s not an AP course, it is weighted and is full of musical learning. Music teachers Mr. Drew and Mrs. Spindel aim to provide a more accessible music theory environment for students. Radnor’s music ensembles are not able to focus on theory, so this class provides another amazing opportunity for the music lover.
Belonging Through Food H:
This new cooking class requires a teacher recommendation and a prerequisite of Essentials of Cooking. It includes more challenging recipes and cooking experiences, including international food, baking, and healthy cooking. Even for experienced cooks, those topics can be a bit intimidating. The new curriculum can make intimidating topics more approachable (and edible) for interested Radnor students. “The rigor is on a higher level,” Ms. Periera, Radnor’s cooking teacher, explains. The course combines “individual and group projects” and has an exciting new “international aspect,” which can provide “exposure to different cultures and different foods that students might not have been previously exposed to.”
Digital Frontiers H:
This class is an intro course for students with an interest in computer science. It discusses AI, cyber security, robotics, and game development. RHS tech teacher Mr. Delaney emphasizes that the “purpose of the course is to introduce students into the world of computer science and no experience is necessary.” The topics of the class are not only interesting but relevant, and many ideas are explored.
Musical Theatre Performance H:
This course builds on the half-year Musical Theatre Performance class. Like the original class, the first half of the year consists of singing and a cabaret performance at the end of the semester. New next year, students will write, produce, and perform a one-act musical that includes the script, music, choreography, blocking, and technical aspects. The class also aims to help students planning to go into theatre in the future.
New flex-mod (FM) and flex-cyber (FC) courses are also available for next year. Flex-mod refers to flexible classes that are designed to be part in the classroom and part out of the classroom. Pacing is the biggest change— because of the flexibility, it depends on the topic, teacher, and specific work. There are flex-mod options for APES, Spanish II A, Public Speaking, Brit Lit A, American Lit A and H, World Lit A, and College and Career transition. Flex-cyber classes are designed for those who might need to miss eighth period for any reason. The majority of the class work is online, though there will be some in person classes when needed. Principles of Biomedical Science and Psych A are being offered in a flex-cyber format for next year.
Other minor course changes include new academic class leveling, Meistersingers being available to freshmen, and Guitar II honors. Sophomores will also now get a CPR certification in health, and the Battle of the Books class will now go by Young Adult Literature. Although not a change from last year’s program of studies, Radnor’s integrated courses are also an option for next year after not running this year!
When you’re making your choices for next year, listen to what you want. Course requests are due March 22, so be sure to talk to your counselor with any questions and consider these compelling classes!
