Fundamentals of Art provides the student with an intensive introduction to the forms of visual art, drama and music. Centered on hands-creations, the theory and history of those forms are also addressed. Printmaking, sculpture, and painting are among the different mediums taught in visual art. Projects include color theory, perspective drawing and lettering. In drama, acting techniques are explored through improvisation and culminated in a final production. In music, the science and history of music is combined with learning different musical instruments.

Drama 2 (10th grade UC requirement elective)

Drama 2 provides students with a complete and meaningful theater experience. From the theory behind dramatic performances to the hands on experience of creating a production, students master important conceptual and practical theater skills. Each quarter the students progressively immerse themselves in four essential theater arenas: writing, directing, designing, and acting. Additionally, they reflect on the larger context of their relationships to each other, the art of theater, and the larger cultural impact that drama can have on society. The course culminates with a series of performances to demonstrate the student's mastery of both the content and learning process.

Visual Arts 2 (10th grade UC requirement elective)

This course provides students with experiences in different media and modes of figuration. It builds upon the skills taught in the Foundations of the Arts, expands the students' aesthetic experiences and facilitates their mastery of different forms. Projects include, but are not limited to, composite portraits, comic book illustrations, papier maché, clay, installation art, and conceptual art. Prerequisite: Foundations of the Arts.

Visual Arts 3

Visual Arts III is for students who have a serious interest in art. Students continue to develop their technical skills while enhancing their critical and aesthetic criteria. In addition to class projects, long-term individual projects are required as well as participation in group critiques. Class projects include wood sculpture, conceptual art, and work from a model. Prerequisite: successful completion of Visual Arts II.

Advanced Placement Studio Art

The AP course is for serious art students. Following set guidelines, students will develop a portfolio for evaluation by the College Board in May. The focus of the portfolio can be on drawing, painting or three-dimensional work. Creative as well as conceptual elements of art making are stressed. Enrollment in this course requires approval by teacher.

Video 1 (semester course)

In Video 1 students will study alternative forms of personal expression within the video medium. Theories of artistic expression and interpretation will be addressed by considering video as both a window and a mirror of life. Working collaboratively and independently, students will gain a hands-on knowledge of the basic technologies and equipment needed to produce a short video, their vehicle for personal expression.

Video 2 (semester course)

Video 2 builds off the knowledge base students acquire in Video 1, both conceptually and in terms of skill development. The class focuses in greater depth on the artistic theory behind film making while continuing to utilize video as the medium for expression. Students develop a greater understanding of their world by critically analyzing moving images throughout society, whether through TV, film, or contemporary art. They also develop a greater range of artistic ability through a more sophisticated use of cameras, editing tools, sound, and light. Video 2 emphasizes independent inquiry. The class also requires students to identify the complexities of their ideas and grapple with multiple interpretations through video.

Humanities

9th Grade Humanities: World Cultures I

In this one-year interdisciplinary course, Gateway freshmen study the social sciences, literature, writing, and the arts through the exploration of common themes and these central questions: Does the past matter? How do we view the world around us? What is power? Who gets it and why? Why do people rebel? In the social sciences, students grapple with these questions by studying major patterns in world history, including indigenous cultures, colonialism, independence movements, and revolution. Particular emphasis is placed on Africa and Latin America. In literature, students read texts addressing these questions, including Edwidge Danticat's Krik? Krak!, Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, Fugard's Master Harold and the Boys, Esquivel's Like Water for Chocolate and a variety of short stories. Writing is emphasized across the Humanities curriculum, both in daily assignments and in lengthier, more formal writing pieces.

10th Grade Humanities: World Cultures II

In the 10th Grade Humanities course, students study world history, world literature, and the arts, with particular emphasis on Western Europe, Asia and comparative religions. Each unit focuses on a central question, using history, literature, and other aspects of culture as lenses through which to consider concepts such as leadership, progress, happiness and conflict. Students learn about and compare the Western Experience from the Middle Ages to the Industrial Revolution to traditional and communist China. Additionally, they study religions from around the world, focusing on Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Readings include Shakespeare's Macbeth, Golding's Lord of the Flies, Red Scarf Girl by Jiang, Akhenaten, Dweller in Truth by Mahfouz, and Antigone by Sophocles.

11th Grade Humanities: A Study of America

The 11th Grade Humanities program takes a thematic, integrated approach to studying the history and literature of the United States. Beginning in the fall with a unit on "American Identities," students progress through units on "Conflict," "Justice," and "Change." In addition to covering major historical themes since the Civil War, students read literature classics including Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and a variety of short stories by Native American and other authors.

Advanced Placement US History (11th Grade)

Advanced Placement US History is an 11th grade history elective class designed to provide students with the opportunity to succeed on the Advanced Placement US History examination in May of the year they are enrolled. Consistent with the national curriculum of the AP US History program and with the format and make-up of the AP test, the course is a chronological survey of the political, social, and economic developments which have defined the US experience and the American people. Using an outstanding text along with a series of primary source readings and historiographical essays, the course prepares the students to function as social scientists: they learn historical causation, thesis development and support through extensive expository writing, historical and social science research techniques, interdisciplinary connections, and multicultural understanding. Special emphasis is placed on the period from 1789-1975 the focus of the AP exam; furthermore, increased emphasis on social developments reflects the realignment of the AP curriculum in recent years.

English 11 Honors (co-requisite of AP US History)

English 11 Honors is the study of major movements in American literature. Beginning with Native American short stories, students progress through major themes and movements in modern American literature. Since this is an Honors level course, students are expected to read and analyze literature at an accelerated pace. In addition, students are expected to write more essays with more sophisticated structure and deeper exploration of themes. Students are also expected to integrate themes from A.P. U.S. History into their work in this course. Novels include Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. Other reading by Sherman Alexie, Leslie Silko, Leonard Peltier, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Mumia Abu-Jamal, Ralph Ellison, Maxine Hong Kingston and E.B. White will also be included, as well as various poems by a variety of authors.

English 12 (12th grade requirement)

British and European Literature is a yearlong, less intensive version of the Advanced Placement English course at Gateway High School. As in the Advanced Placement course, students examine novels, essays, poetry, plays, and short stories organized in thematic units. Also, like the Advanced Placement course, the class is run as a seminar; students are expected to read works that are demanding intellectually, write essays, and engage in thoughtful in-class discussions. However, students read fewer works, write fewer papers, and redraft as often as necessary until they are satisfied with their papers. At the heart of all of their work is the continuing practice of anchoring their oral and written arguments in textual and evidentiary support. As students learn to recognize how an author's artistic choices inform his purpose, so too are students expected to hone their own writing, as they become increasingly purposeful writers. There is a comprehensive final at the end of the first semester and a portfolio is due in place of the final exam.

AP English (12th grade option)

This course focuses on the particular knowledge and skills useful in taking the Advanced Placement Examination in English, such as close readings of prose and poetry and writing analyses and expository essays about literature. Students review the major works and forms, terms and concepts of the Gateway Humanities program. Class discussions are an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 11th Grade Humanities/English 11H with a C or better and recommendation from the teacher.

Senior Civics Seminar (12th Grade Requirement)

All Gateway 12th graders must take the Senior Civics Seminar. The goal of the class is to instill students with a thorough understanding and deep appreciation for the role that choices and consequences play in their lives. Through an interdisciplinary study of American government, economics, and science, as well as an emphasis on metacognition, students will broaden and challenge their understanding of American society. Additionally, they will have opportunities to engage in the broader community during their third quarter group social justice project and the year-end independent project. Students will also spend considerable time assessing their own learning styles and developing strategies to be effective collaborators and productive independent workers.

The Twentieth Century (available to 10th-12th graders)

This class will explore the key figures, developments and ideas of the 20th Century. Focusing on biographies of world leaders and thinkers and the development of the media as a major art form and source of information, this class will help students understand developments in the last 100 years and the world around them.

Integrated Services

Psychology I: The Neurodevelopmental Constructs and the Learning Process

In this semester course, all freshmen will explore the physical structure of the brain and what the brain does, called the Mind. Students will learn about their own learning by studying such topics as: Adolescent brain development, the Attention Controls, the Organizational Controls, Memory, Language, Neuromotor Functions, Social Cognition, Higher Order Thinking, and Learning Styles. By the end of the year each student will have produced and presented a Self-Analysis of Learning and Personal Plan of Progress. In addition, students will learn a variety of skills to enhance these areas in order to assist them to improve their academic success.

Psychology II - Human Development

In this semester course that continues the work begun in Psychology I, all freshmen explore those areas of the adolescent mind and body development that affect the acquisition of the skills necessary to be both academically and personally successful. Topics include: Substance and Alcohol Education, First Aid and Safety, Human Sexual Development, Stress Management, Developing Healthy Relationships, Conflict Resolution, Social-Emotional Development, and Effective Communication. Problem-solving and goal-setting skills are emphasized throughout the curriculum.

College Counseling: On the Way to My Future

Required of all 2nd semester 11th graders and 1st semester 12th graders. The purpose of this course is to explore the different aspects of the college application process, beginning with SAT/ACT preparation and including the college search, essay writing, interviewing skills, self-presentation, as well as the scholarship search and the financial aid process. This course includes a focus on college options that emphasize support services and programs for students with learning differences.

Mathematics

Algebra

This course covers all of the topics of first year algebra. The course begins with the introduction of using the mathematical properties to solve for an unknown variable. Algebra I also includes the study of operations with polynomials and radicals. In addition, there is significant time dedicated to work with algebraic functions, linear equations, inequalities, the quadratic function, and graphing. The course is tied together by exposing students to the three representations of a function: the graph, the equation, and the table. The students are encouraged to apply their newly acquired algebraic skills to a wide assortment of problems. Successful completion of Algebra I will fully prepare the student for Geometry.

Geometry

The course covers traditional Euclidian topics of plane and solid geometry. Units include lines and angles, triangles, polygons, congruence, similarity, construction, circles, Pythagoras, area, and volume. Students quickly learn how to define new terms and also to think inductively. Unlike many ÒtraditionalÓ courses, they are asked to examine geometric situations and make their own conjectures. Later in the course, students are exposed to the ideas and logic behind deductive proof. They then practice turning their conjectures into theorems. Mixed into the curriculum are algebra review, coordinate geometry, right triangle trigonometry, and some transformational geometry.

Algebra 2

Algebra II begins with a systematic review of basic algebra topics and skills. Algebra II is a course that studies a number of the major families of mathematical functions including linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, absolute value and variation. Throughout the study of each function family, students work with tables, graphs and equations. An important goal is for students to be able to model real world phenomena. Students also solve in-depth problems requiring them to connect different ideas.

Algebra 2 Honors

The honors course covers the same topics as Algebra II in more depth and at a faster pace. Students are asked to do a fair amount of independent learning and are expected to have a desire to put in extra time as well as possess superior skills of symbolic manipulation. Additionally, topics such as conic sections, rational functions, radical functions, and trigonometric functions are studied in Honors Algebra II.

Pre-Calculus

This course is a unified overview of all the major function families, including a rigorous treatment of the circular functions and their inverses. Emphasis is placed on function transformations and the interplay between algebraic and graphic solutions of problems. Conic sections are also studied. Applications of each type of function are included, as well as a month long introduction of Calculus. The graphing calculator is used heavily throughout the course. Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Algebra II with a C or better and recommendation from the teacher.

Pre-Calculus Honors

The honors section of this course covers the same content of Pre-calculus, but at an in-depth and accelerated pace. Additional topics related to the Pre-calculus curriculum may also be studied, in particular limits and derivatives. Pre-calculus Honors is designed to thoroughly prepare students for AP Calculus. Pre-requisite: Completion of Algebra II with a B or better and recommendation from the teacher.

Advanced Placement Calculus (AP)

AP Calculus is a college math course taught in high school. Students should be prepared for a fast pace and significant work outside of class. Major topics include analysis of graphs, limits of functions, asymptotic and unbounded behavior of graphs, continuity as a property of functions, derivatives, second derivatives, application of derivatives, integrals and applications of integrals. The goal of this course is to learn these topics and pass the AP Calculus A/B national exam. Students who wish to take the AP Calculus B/C exam may do so but must study additional topics on their own. Pre-requisites: Completion of Pre-Calculus with a second semester grade of B- or better and the recommendation of the teacher.

Science

Introduction to Physical and Earth Sciences

The foundational laboratory course explores central topics, skills, and attitudes necessary for success in science. Energy is used as a unifying theme to study motion, electricity, matter, and stellar and earthly processes.

Chemistry (10th Grade)

Through laboratories and computational problems, students study relationships between atomic and molecular structure and physical and chemical properties of substances. The course includes a full laboratory component.

Chemistry Honors (10th Grade)

The Honors course covers more topics than the Chemistry course described above, requires more independent work and gives students the opportunity to earn the "Honors" designation on the transcript. This course is designed to prepare students for the SAT II in Chemistry. Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Physical Science and recommendation from the teacher.

Biology (11th Grade)

Students explore the world of living things from molecular, cellular and organismic perspectives. Topics to be included are bioenergetics, molecular genetics, cell reproduction, population genetics, morphological and reproductive development in autotropic organisms, and a systems-level analysis of heterotrophic organisms. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

Biology Honors (11th Grade)

In the Honors section students are challenged to extend their understanding of biological theory and processes beyond that of the core curriculum. This necessitates expanding the integration of analytical themes with the increasing amounts of factual data in the biological sciences. Students are expected to work at an accelerated pace. Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Chemistry with a grade of B or better and recommendation by the teacher.

Advanced Placement Biology (12th Grade)

The curriculum of this course is established by the College Board. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Laboratory work is an integral part of the curriculum. Students who do well on the AP national exam could receive college credit for this course. Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Biology with a grade of B or better and recommendation by the teacher.

Physics (11th and 12th Grade)

We will study the nature of matter and energy and how they are related. Concepts covered will be motion and forces, conservation of energy and momentum, waves, and electric and magnetic phenomena. This course will emphasize conceptual understanding. Students will apply their knowledge by performing qualitative and quantitative hands-on experiments. You must have taken or will be taking Algebra II. Note: Physics is an elective course for 11th or 12th graders.

Honors Physics (11th and 12th Grade)

We will study the nature of matter and energy and how they are related. Concepts covered will be motion and forces, conservation of energy and momentum, waves, electric and magnetic phenomena, nuclear and atomic physics, and time permitting, relativity. This course will emphasize conceptual understanding through problem solving. Students will apply their knowledge by performing qualitative and quantitative hands-on experiments. Students must have taken or will be taking Pre-Calculus.

Environmental Science (10th, 11th, and 12th graders)

What is happening to the Environment? In the constant pursuit of "progress," what lessons can humanity learn from the way nature has thrived for billions of years? We will examine these big questions as we learn how ecosystems function. We will explore many issues including water use; population growth; pollution control; energy production from renewable resources, fossil fuels, and nuclear power; agriculture practices, including genetic modification, use of pesticides, and the move to organic farming; and more. Course participation includes field trips, labs, and independent research projects. Concurrent or previous enrollment in Biology and Chemistry is required.

Biotechnology (11th and 12th graders)

The Biotechnology class teaches the fundamental skills required to work in a molecular biology lab. Much of our time is spent doing "hands on" experiments. We also spend a good deal of time studying Genetics and Molecular Biology. Ethical issues such as human cloning, stem cell research, and the human genome project are also discussed and debated. Another focus of this course is to expose students to the great number of opportunities biotechnology offers here in the Bay Area. The culminating event of the course is a day-long trip to a working biotechnology company in Foster City.

Spanish

Spanish 1

Spanish I serves as an introduction to the grammatical basics of the Spanish language. Among other skills, students learn how to describe people, tell time, count, conjugate regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, utilizing the present progressive tense. Students are expected to speak and write in Spanish. By the completion of Spanish I, students are able to write descriptive paragraphs. The course emphasizes the four main skill areas in language: reading, writing, speaking and listening. In addition, students begin to learn about the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries through the study of geography and history. The target language is used as much as possible during instruction.

Spanish 2

Spanish II is a progression from Spanish I. This course emphasizes the development of grammatical structures, written and oral expression and reading comprehension. Students strengthen their oral, listening and writing skills through the study of short stories, articles and poetry from Spain and Latin America. Class is taught in the target language most of the time. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I with a C or better, or equivalent as determined by placement examination and interview.

Spanish 3

In this course the study of basic grammatical structures is completed and consolidated. Students read short stories, articles, essays and poetry within the cultural context of Spain and Latin America. Spanish is used as the primary language of instruction in class with an emphasis on class participation. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish II. This course will fulfill the three-year requirement for graduation and for colleges.

Spanish 3 Honors

The principal difference between Spanish III and Spanish III Honors is that in this course the student will work at a faster pace and have a workload of higher intensity. The student is expected to be proficient in all basic Spanish grammar, to speak with ease on most general topics, and to write 2 to 3 paragraph essays. Students read short stories, newspaper articles and poetry from Spain and Latin American authors. Class is primarily conducted in Spanish. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish II with a grade of C or better, or equivalent as determined by placement examination or interview and approval of instructor.

Spanish for Heritage Speakers 1

This course serves as an introduction to the formal study of Spanish for those students who have had extensive exposure to the language in non-academic settings. The course is taught in the target language and it is expected that all students participate in Spanish. The course focuses on the improvement in reading and writing with an emphasis in orthographic and grammatical rules. Students also study cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world by looking at different countries. Pre-requisites: Placement or teacher recommendation

Spanish for Heritage Speakers 2

This course serves as a continuation of the formal study of the Spanish language for those students who have successfully completed Spanish for Heritage Speakers 1. The students in the course have had extensive exposure to the language in a non-academic setting and have previously acquired those skills to understand and speak colloquial or standard Spanish. The course is taught in the target language and it is expected that the student also participate in the target language. The course emphasizes reading and analyzing short stories, drama, poetry and novels from different regions of the Spanish speaking world (outlined by the College Board) in order to better prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Spanish Literature course. The course also focuses on the progression of the student's reading and writing skills. Prerequisites: The completion of Spanish for Heritage Speaker 1 with a "C" or better.

Advanced Placement Spanish Language

This class prepares the advanced student of Spanish for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examination. This course refines conversational skills through discussions on current events and the use of the target language at all times. It provides a comprehensive grammar review. The student will read and analyze selected works in Spanish and Latin American literature in all genres. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish III Honors or Spanish IV with a grade of B- or better AND approval of instructor.

Advanced Placement Spanish Literature

This class prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Spanish Literature Examination prepared by the College Board. The student will study in depth 57 pieces of literature from all different genres of the Spanish- speaking world. The student is expected to read all pieces of literature and to be able to write coherent analyzed essays at a college level. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Native Speaker Spanish 1 and 2 with a grade of B or better, the successful passing of the Advanced Placement Spanish Language exam with a 4 or better AND the approval of the instructor.

Others

Yearbook (10th - 12th graders)

The yearbook class is a comprehensive course in student journalism. Students learn all aspects of the publication process, including photography, advertising, interviewing, caption and copy writing, and desktop publishing, as they simultaneously prepare the school's yearbook, The Golden Gator.

GOLS (Gateway Outdoor Leadership and Science) (10th - 12th graders)

The GOLS program seeks to expand the personalized approach of Gateway beyond the classroom, and into the California wilderness and San Francisco community at large. It aims to increase student learning and efficacy by actively involving them in environments where their true talents can be discovered and their true potential unlocked. Learning objectives will encompass 3 main areas of study: 1) the natural science of the ecosystems they will visit (coastal, mountains, and desert), 2) the technical skills of camping, navigating, gardening, and rock-climbing, and 3) the human qualities of compassion and communication that are so vital for creating and leading an inclusive community. The focus of the program will be to acquire skills and knowledge through action, learn and practice leadership skills through peer teaching, and to ultimately give back to the their communities through direct leadership and positive role modeling.

Physical Education

Physical education courses seek to instill in students an enduring appreciation for physical activity. Class time focuses on three different goals: learning the skills and rules of common team sports; exposure to various non-competitive physical activities; and basic physical fitness through specific exercises.

TechCenter Assistants

Tech Center Assistants will work with the Directory of Technology to maintain and operate the School's technology program. TCA's must be independent workers who have good communication skills and are willing to learn. Primary duties include maintenance of student laptops, software updates, first-response for faculty support requests, development of student intranet, and other technological support issues around campus. TCA's will also have to attend three after-school sessions for additional training.

Teacher's Aide

Students will work with teacher's to assist them in their daily operations of the classroom. Tasks required could range from helping prepare for a particular class, to teaching a certain lesson. Students interested in learning more about a particular discipline or exploring teaching as a profession are encouraged to enroll.

Office Aide

Students will work with the administrative staff to greet visitors, answer phones, and help with other office-related tasks. Responsible and personable students are encouraged to apply for this opportunity