Your Guide to Grade 9
TQS Upper School Curriculum Overview
Welcome to Grade 9
Grade 9 is an important year for all adolescents,
yet it is especially foundational for young adults
with complex challenges. The first year in Upper
School brings with it expanding responsibility;
personal, social, and academic growth; and
preparation for the future.
Here at The Quaker School at Horsham, 9th
grade is about more than continuing your child’s
education -- it’s about building their confidence
as they transition into adulthood and begin
exploring opportunities in the workforce,
continued education, and independent living.
Our course curriculum is thoughtfully designed
to support student progress and address Grade 9 students
individual skill deficits. Our goal: to give every learn to:
9th-grade student the skills and support they Apply skills and strategies
need to shine bright in their future path. Creatively problem-solve
Achieve individual success
Embrace differences
Engage in trusting
relationships
Be compassionate
Have self-worth
Advocate for themselves
Feel secure in their future
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A Day in 9th Grade
Sample Schedule
3
Course Descriptions
LANGUAGE ARTS
English: Literature and the Mechanics of English
This course focuses on the core components of the English language: literature, writing,
speaking/listening, and presenting. It introduces students to literature through different genres,
including poetry, short stories, nonfiction, dramas, novels, and fairy tales. Students use a variety of
strategies to create written texts to inform, to persuade, to describe, and to entertain, as well as
practice grammar, mechanics and paragraphing. Throughout the course, students give informal
and formal presentations to the class, and even to the Head of School!
Research 101
Prerequisite: Literature and the Mechanics of English or teacher recommendation.
In this course, students take a different approach to the research writing process. They begin with
oral presentations to gain a better understanding of the difference between fact and opinion, good
research and bad, common knowledge and what needs citation. The course helps students
develop a deeper understanding of the subject and the hierarchical presentation of that
understanding. Students then move into writing, learning all aspects of the paper-writing process
from pre-writing to final draft. Genres of writing include expository, persuasive, and a final paper.
MATH
The Upper School math program is designed to meet the diverse needs of all students as they
prepare to enter a world where mathematical skills are of increasing importance, especially for
special needs students. TQS curriculum integrates new mathematics with the old to ensure that
students acquire the fundamentals while becoming familiar with the rapidly expanding frontiers in
this field, and within science and technology.
Since TQS is student-centered and differentiates to meet the needs of every individual, we offer
two math branches:
4
Course Descriptions
Branch 1 Branch 2
Math Intervention Pre-Algebra
Functional Math Algebra I
Financial Algebra Geometry
Business Math Algebra II/Trigonometry
Branch 1
Math Intervention
A remedial math course (K-8) taught through concrete, pictorial, and abstract concepts.
Functional Math
A course designed for students who have had difficulties in math, need to fill in the gaps in their
background, and refine skills they have learned but not mastered. The subject matter depends on
students’ needs and varies each year. Students use real-world applications to study skills and
concepts.
Financial Algebra
Students build on and connect their prior knowledge of math concepts from other courses and
apply them to real-life financial practices. Topics of study include investing, banking, credit,
income taxes, insurance, and household budgeting. Students review and strengthen algebra
mechanics and problem-solving skills, and better understand how algebra is used in daily life.
5
Course Descriptions
Business Math
Students master the skills necessary to solve business-related mathematics
problems, review basic mathematics concepts, become proficient in checking and
verifying data, and practice critical thinking and decision-making skills. Computerized
spreadsheet applications and simulations help students apply math skills to realistic
business situations that include accounting, budgets, insurance, investments,
marketing, payroll, production, purchasing, sales, taxes, and warehousing. Students
also learn to make graphs and tables using mathematical data.
Branch 2
Pre-Algebra
Students learn numeration, statistics, probability, computation, problem-solving and algebraic
concepts. Topics include: rational numbers (fractions, decimals, and percents), operations, solving
simple equations and inequalities, translating algebraic expressions, and manipulating
monomials.
Algebra I
Students explore numeration, algebraic functions, introduction to geometry concepts, and
problem-solving. Topics include: linear equations and inequalities, monomials and polynomials,
factoring algebraic expressions, two-dimensional graphing, systems of equations, radical
expressions, irrational numbers, and quadratic functions.
Geometry
Students learn geometric reasoning and proof, triangles and trigonometry, measurement, and
problem-solving. Topics include: mathematical logic, points, lines and planes, parallel lines and
planes, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, right angles, and circles.
6
Course Descriptions
Algebra II/Trigonometry
Algebra II is an advanced examination of number sense, graphing and equations, special functions,
data analysis, and probability. A large portion of this course also covers trigonometry, including
basic trig ratios, identities, trig equations, inverse trig functions, and the Laws of Sines/Cosines.
Calculator use is explained and expected.
HUMANITIES
Geography: The Study of the World’s Places, People & Politics
This course helps students become more geo-literate citizens, more engaged in contemporary
global issues, and more multicultural in their viewpoints. Students learn to read, use and analyze
maps; identify regions and how they relate to other countries; connect places to people;
understand the impacts of change on the environment and sciences. They discover how maps are
altered over time due to war, politics, revolutions, and natural phenomena; and they discuss the
struggles for political power and control. Finally, they identify climates and biomes and investigate
the impacts of technological innovation on transportation, communication, industrialization, and
other aspects of human life.
Political Science/Economics
In this course, students learn about the government of the United States and how they fit into that
system. They study each part of the government and how citizens are involved in the political
process. Next, they focus on economics, analyzing economic systems and principles to better
understand how the financial world works. Topics of study include supply and demand, personal
finance, and the role of consumers in an economy.
7
Course Descriptions
SCIENCE
Intro to Scientific Study
In this introductory course, students learn the process of scientific inquiry, such as hypothesizing,
graphing, interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and applying scientific concepts. Students study
the concepts of motion, force, optics, electricity, radioactivity, properties of matter, compounds
and mixtures, elements and bonding, chemical reactions, acid/base, and organics. They also learn
comprehension strategies that are specific to reading scientific texts.
BUSINESS LITERACY
One of the biggest factors in a student’s decision to drop out of high school stems from their
inability to see how their education impacts their daily and future lives -- which is why employment
literacy is a key component of our Upper School program. In 9th grade, students have direct
instruction in business literacy, as well as the chance to meet various professionals from their
community. This helps clarify the educational paths required for each profession, whether it be
through community colleges, four-year colleges, or vocational programs. Business literacy skills
learned include:
Goal Development: management skills, such as the ability to independently plan, organize,
create and execute; and how to set and recognize strategic goals to achieve success
Communication: how to communicate in the digital age with future employers and coworkers;
how to be a good listener; the impact of body language, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone
of voice on the message you are trying to convey; and the difference between personal and
professional voice
Executive Functioning: soft skills, such as time management, organization, eye contact, using a
firm handshake, listening, and using empathy to read people and situations, as well as how to
adapt accordingly, build trust, and connect more effectively with others
8
Course Descriptions
Technology: how to differentiate yourself as an employment candidate using technical skills,
such as technical writing (including word processing and emailing), spreadsheeting and data
analysis, web browsing, presentation skills, coding and programming and social media
savviness
Collaboration: how to assess and manage your own emotions, as well as build meaningful
professional relationships, influence and motivate others, and foster trust and collaboration in
the workplace
Grade 9 students shine at The Quaker School at Horsham.
Come see for yourself! Contact us for more information or to schedule your visit.
[email protected]
215.674.2875, ext. 14
