Senior High Electives

Art (9th-12th Grades)

Students will have an opportunity to explore their God-given talents and creative abilities through hands on production of works. An emphasis will be placed on discovering what it means to be a Christian in the visual arts. Students will begin personal exploration of individual style and ability based on the seven elements of design: line, value, texture, shape, form, space, and color and the eight art principles: emphasis, pattern, rhyme, balance, proportion, movement, variety and unity. Various techniques and media will be incorporated in the production of both two and three-dimensional work as it relates to the elements and principles being discussed. Art history and art criticism will be implemented throughout the course.

Art - Drawing & Design*

This course will emphasize two dimensional work. Sketching, pastel, painting and technical design will be encouraged and assigned in various projects. The basic structural elements of a work will be learned and implemented: Subject, Composition and Content. The main goals of this course will be to perfect the students' use and understanding of color and creating the illusion of depth in a two dimensional space. This course is primarily project based. (1 Credit)

Art - Form & Structure*

This course will emphasize three dimensional work. Clay, found objects and various other materials will be used to produce work that is assembled or sculpted. Students will explore work in the round and relief, using both additive and subtractive processes. The main goals of this course will be to perfect the students' use and understanding of structural integrity needed for compositing work, and better understand special concerns for applied art. This course is primarily project based. (1 Credit)

* Opportunities for competition are made available and students will be encouraged to enter.

Band (9th-12th Grades)

The Mustang Band provides opportunities for students to develop their talents as instrumentalists. Curriculum includes exposure to a broad variety of musical styles and performance opportunities. Students gain instruction in technical facility and development of individual style as well as group dynamics. The Mustang band participates in TAPPS, TPSMEA, Sandy Lake, and other competitive venues. Opportunities for performance also exist through our winter and spring concerts. (1 Credit)

Choir (9th-12th Grades)

High School choir at McKinney Christian Academy provides an opportunity for students to develop and express their vocal abilities. Designed to expose each student to a variety of musical styles and music theory, the choral opportunities include solo, small ensemble and large ensemble opportunities. McKinney Christian Academy participates in TAPPS, TPSMEA, and ACSI competitions providing our students with the opportunity to experience diverse judging and competition. The MCA choir also gives several concerts each year including fall, winter, and spring. (1 Credit)

Communications Applications / Speech (9th-12th Grades)

Speech is designed to develop general oratory skills in students. These skills include the proper reference of sources, inflection, organization of thought and language, listening skills, impromptu assessment and speaking, and appreciation of various oral traditions. Excellence in speaking, formally or informally, is a fundamental tool to an effective Christian witness and a productive life. (½ Credit)

Business Computer Information Systems I (9th-12th Grades)

This class will give provide students with a broad spectrum of concepts and hands-on experience. During the first semester, students will be taught the Christian worldview of computers and technology and the ethics of their use in the business place. They will also obtain the skills and techniques necessary to use Microsoft Office 2007 effectively so that they will be ready to enter the workplace. By the end of the first semester, students will not only be able to type a normal document, but also be able to do so quickly and efficiently using MS Word. They will also be able demonstrate their skills of producing spreadsheets and slide show presentations, and indicate for what purposes these would be used. The second half of the year, students will learn a variety of things including computer components and hardware, databases, alternative operating systems, and the history of the computer. (1 Credit, prerequisite for Tech Intern)

Drama (9th-12th Grades)

This course is designed to develop creativity in directing and producing plays for the public and affords the student an opportunity to display his individual talent for many careers in the theatre field, such as directing, producing, acting, technical directing, etc. All students MUST work on productions to satisfy course requirements. The second semester offers concentrated work in scene design and its history, development and styles; stage terminology, procedures in set design and its history, development, and styles; procedures in set design construction and erection; lighting, costuming and makeup. Career opportunities in the expanding entertainment media will be explored.

Elementary School Internship (10th-12th Grades)

This internship is geared towards high school students who interested in pursuing a career in elementary education. A classroom is assigned to the student for the school year and the student will work closely with the teacher. Activities include grading papers, giving spelling tests, preparing handouts/projects for class, photocopying, running errands, individual work with students, reading with students, centers. This is a pass/fail course-no grade points are earned. (1 Elective Credit)

Health (9th-12th Grades)

This course teaches students about total health: physical, mental, social and spiritual wellness. Students will be introduced to the human body as the intricate and beautiful creation of God, they will learn about the specialized interaction of the many systems of the body and they will be given tips about nutrition, exercise and disease that will assist them in living healthy, productive lives. In addition, students will be encouraged to maintain good mental health by learning how to deal with stress, peer pressure and the difficulties of life, all within the context of dependence on God. They will be taught the importance of the choices they make and will learn how to develop healthy relationships with others. They will be encouraged to see spiritual health as a top priority and will be challenged to strive to reach their fullest potential by living their life for Jesus Christ. (½ Credit)

Journalism
Newspaper (9th-12th Grades)

In Newspaper, students will be learning current, marketable skills of news writing, editing, basic photography, electronic layout and design, advertising, financial responsibility, and desktop publishing (using Adobe In-Design, Photoshop, and Yearbook Avenue). These skills will be applied to the production of McKinney Christian Academy's publication of the school newspaper. (1 Elective Credit, or 1 Technology Credit for 2 years)

Yearbook (11th and 12th Grades)

In Yearbook, students will have the unique opportunity to gain “real-life” skills in these productions and will learn and apply marketable skills in news and copy writing, editing, layout, graphic design, advertising, photography and computer technology using Microsoft Word, Photoshop, Adobe-In Design 2, Yearbook Avenue, and digital cameras. Students will work under a budget and will gain experience selling advertisements to the community at large to supplement the cost of the yearbook Skills that every employer is looking for are taught and practiced in yearbook and newspaper production classrooms. Students must use human relation skills and teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines. Students must also be responsible journalists operating under the same guidelines used for professional journalists but also applying a higher standard to the copy and photography they print as they also represent the schools’ commitment to a Christian world-view. (1 Elective Credit, or 1 Technology Credit for 2 years)

Technology Internship (10th-12th Grades)

The technology internship program is an excellent hands-on approach to learning about the most modern, and "ancient", technology.  Students who participate in this program will never be bored, as there is always something different to do.  Such tasks range from advanced problem-solving techniques, end-user support, computer & network maintenance, research & planning for projects, website maintenance, and much more.  A student interested in this program must first show that they've taken a basic computing course, be willing to follow directions and solve problems on their own. (1 credit, max. 3 students per year

Teacher Assistant (9th-12th Grades)

Students will assist teachers with tasks such as photocopying, errands, organization, etc.