Elective Overview

Cecilia Bulzomi and Amanda Sutts
March 12, 2010
Filed under Classes & Clubs

Reporters Amanda Sutts and Cecilia Bulzomi compiled a list of electives offered at Spotsylvania High School to help you decide what classes to take next year.

• Veterinary Science-  In Vet Science you are taught all about the anatomy of animals. You are taught basic signs of illnesses and how to treat them. You are also shown how to convert dosages from human doses to animal doses. One great part about the class is that you get to dissect things. After each unit you explore that part of the animal. If you are squeamish this may not be the class for you, but if you are interested in animal medicine you will fit in just right.
• Nutrition and Wellness-  In Nutrition and Wellness you learn about what you should and shouldn’t eat. You learn how different types of foods give you the essentials to keep you healthy. The best part of this class is that you get to cook… a lot. For each unit in the book you and your group get to choose a recipe that will fit in that category. This class is great if you like to cook, even if you don’t it give you a chance to at least learn the basic cooking skills you will need in your future.
• Equine Management- In Equine Management you study horses and cattle. You learn the history of where they came from and how they have evolved, and you see how they are still used today. The history of horses is very interesting; they are a huge part of the history of man. Horses made so much possible for us and knowing about their history shines a new light on ours.
• Small Animal Care- In Small Animal Care you learn about basic household pets; like rodents, lizards, birds, cats, and dogs. One of the best parts of this class is the small animals that are in the class. You get to take care of them and you are able to care for them over break if you like. This is a great class for anyone, no matter what you will enjoy it.
• Band- Band is a great class to take. If you are musically inclined you should show off and join the school band. Even if you don’t enjoy the typical band music you can join jazz band, they give a more contemporary spin on the class.
• Individual Development- In Individual Development you learn skills that are needed for your life after high school. You learn how to sew, basic cooking skills, and a small look into parenting. This is a great class, especially for people who plan on leaving home soon to start a life of their own.
• Technical Drawing- In this class you will get a peek into what it would be like to make blue prints. In this class right from the beginning you are drawing and learning. This is a great class; even if you aren’t an artist you can draw house plans. You will be amazed at what you will learn in even one class period in this class.
• Criminal Justice- In this class you get to learn all about the criminal justice field. You will learn about things from serial killers to president assassinations.  If you have any interest at all in police work or criminal work for that matter this class would be great.
• Chorus- Chorus is a great way to showcase yourself. You have so many opportunities to perform in front of people and in front of the public. This class really helps you grow as a singer and also makes it so you can perform in a group or alone.

• Psychology: Psychology is the scientific study of human brain/mental functions. In other words it is studying what makes people make certain decisions and how people can make other or better decisions. It is mainly about why people do things and what makes people do what they do.
• Photojournalism: Photojournalism is for students who want to learn photography and layout. These students learn basic handling of a camera. As well as shooting photos correctly. Learning the difference between different types of cameras is important in this class. Students also learn how to use their surroundings to get the best photo possible.
• Art: In this class emphasis is placed on learning to draw, understanding art as a visual language, and on recognizing the relationship between art and to other fields. Students usually provide some of their own supplies.
• Accounting: Accounting is all about money. This class is similar to finance, but these two classes have their differences. In accounting students learn the basic principles, concepts, and practices of the accounting cycle. They will also learn fundamental accounting procedures using a manual and an automated system.
• Information Technology Fundamentals: In this class students will learn basic computer topics. Including how to use Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, and Microsoft Publisher. Students also learn about computer networking, maintenance, and troubleshooting issues. Web design is also an important part of this class as well.
• Debate: Debate involves researching, preparing presentations, and learning new vocabulary. Students debate the pros and cons of a subject. Debates take place in class as well as with other county schools.
• Finance: Finance is all about money, just like accounting. But these two classes have their differences. Students learn how to make informed decisions related to career exploration, budgeting, banking, credit, insurance, spending, taxes, saving, investing, buying/leasing a vehicle, living independently, and inheritance.
• Marketing & Fashion Marketing: Marketing help students develop skills in selling, communications, product development, promotion, interviewing, and human relations. Fashion marketing provides students with a basic knowledge of the apparel and accessories industry and the skills necessary for successful entry-level employment in fashion marketing careers.
• Journalism: In Journalism students study newspapers and other forms of writing and media. Students learn more about the news and different forms of writing. Deadlines are one of the most important things that students will learn in this class.
• Languages: There are four different world languages that are offered at Spotsylvania High School. These languages are: French, German, Latin, and Spanish. All of these languages involve learning the most basic of that language. Learning a new language is never easy, so make sure you can handle it before you sign up.
• Theatre Arts: In this class students learn how to appreciate dramatic literature and participate in the creative processes of performance and production. The course emphasizes skill development and provides theatrical opportunities that enable students to determine personal areas of interest.