USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1958 > Part 11
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functions and their co-operative results within the body. Along with this, is included material on community health and disease, first aid and safety. Once an understanding of human life is realized, the latter material becomes more meaningful.
Physics -
Offered to students in grade 12. The basic laws of mechanics, heat, sound, light, and electricity and radio are considered. The understanding of general principles and the ability to apply them in a quantitative fashion to practical problems are the principal goals of the course. Recent developments in atomics are considered for general implications. Seventh Grade Science -
Presented five times per week. The science course at this level is general in its overall scope. It is designed to present the scientific facts and principles which are common to the experience of all children and which each individual should know in order to give him a reasonable understanding of his environment. The course is divided into five main units, water, rocks and soil, air, fire, and the human body. Experiments are presented whenever they are pertinent and can add a clearer under- standing of the material being studied. Current topics in science are presented and discussed in class.
Eighth Grade Science -
This course is presented to the students so that the everyday prac- tical applications of science can be readily understood. Science education at this level is set up not to develop specialists in the field of science but rather to give the youngsters the knowledges, skills, and practical meth- ods of application which will enable each individual to understand and to adapt to an environment which is becoming increasingly complex and in which the role of science is playing a more important and vital role. The material covers a wide and varied range: weather, the universe, magnetism and electricity, farming and gardening, conservation, health.
ENGLISH
English 9, college -
This course is an introduction to the higher levels of performance expected of students in college English divisions in high school. By means of total class discussion and work, group assignments, and indi- vidual projects, the four areas of communication are emphasized : read- ing, writing, listening, and speaking.
English 9, general -
This course reviews basic grammar and composition rules with extensive practice being employed to set the understandings of the funda- mentals more firmly. Neatness, good handwriting, and spelling are em- phasized on all papers. Remedial reading methods are often advisable in this section and the SRA Remedial Reading Kit is generally used twice a week.
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English 10, college -
This course offers a careful review of the basic grammar and essen- tial of English mechanics taught in the lower grades. More complex aspects of English grammar are presented throughout the year. The anthology used in this course includes a variety of short stories, fiction as well as non-fiction, poems by Longfellow, Poe, Kipling, Sandburg, Burns and other noted authors. A thorough class study of selected classics such as "The Odyssey of Homer," "Silas Marner" by George Eliot, "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare and "Idylls of the King" by Tennyson are an important part of the course. Vocabulary drill is emphasized to create a sensitivity to words and an active desire to use them with fluency and precision in composition work.
English 10, general -
This course purports to promote thoughtful reading through vocab- ulary study and discussion of facts and ideas presented by the authors. Practice in written and oral communication involves the study of correct usage of words and the effective use of variety in sentence structure. Frequent book reports on outside reading, fairly divided between fiction and non-fiction, promote the habit of leisure time reading of a variety of good literature.
English 11, college -
This course is designed to allow the student to display communi- cative skills he has learned during his years in school. Emphasis is placed upon learning to work independently in the performance of regular assignments and special projects. This is accomplished through major term projects, group assignments and individual assignments. These are given early each quarter with due dates listed. The students must plan their work to meet the due dates. The teacher acts as an advisor, giving individual, group and/or total class assistance as needed. Class and group discussions allow for the sharing of new knowledge and comparison of methods and ideas.
English 11, general -
This course is designed to make practical use of the communication skills. It is for students who will not be continuing their formal educa- tion beyond high school. Emphasis is placed upon achievement in ex- pressing ideas clearly on paper and orally. Reading is done to gain new ideas and to evaluate ideas of other people. These skills are developed while performing various interesting projects.
English 12, college -
This course presents a brief review of the basic grammar and essen- tials of English mechanics. The pupils' vocabulary range is increased by the study of words in context in their natural settings. The reading of English literature includes works from the Anglo-Saxon Period (Bewule) ; the Medieval Period (Chaucer-Malory) ; the Elizabethan Age (Spenser-Shakespeare-Jonson-Bacon) ; the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century (Milton-Pepys-Pope-Johnson-Boswell) ; the Romantic Age
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(Wordsworth-Coleridge-Shelley-Keats) ; the Victorian Age (Carlyle- Browning-Dickens) ; and the Modern Age (Maugham-Besier-Churchill). An awareness of the author's purpose, philosophy and literary style is further developed by class studies of the following novels: "Ethan Frome" by Edith Wharton, "Return of the Native" by Thomas Hardy, and "The Mill on the Floss" by George Eliot. Self-expression, both oral and written, is encouraged throughout all phases of the course.
English 12, general -
This course is designed to develop the pupil's competence in the use of the essential fundamentals of English usage. Class exercises stress basic principles of good usage, style and the logical and effective presenta- tion of ideas in a sentence, a paragraph, short compositions and letters. Other areas of concentration include learning to read with complete understanding newspaper and magazine articles, plays and short stories. Special effort is made to adapt the literary material to the needs of the individual.
Seminar in Composition -
This course is limited to college preparatory seniors who have dem- onstrated good techniques and skill in writing. The course is intended to prepare the pupil for writing of college calibre. The class is conducted as a seminar ; papers are read and criticized informally by the teacher as well as by members of the class. Attention is given to word choice, sentence and paragraph structure, and organization. Pupils develop topic sentences by facts, examples, incidents or arguments. They practice writing paragraphs by arranging details according to the order of time, the order of importance, and the order required to bring out a com- parison or contrast. Training in expository writing is accompanied by analyzing articles in Harper's or Atlantic Monthly to introduce the pupils to intellectual issues and problems of contemporary society. Work in this area demonstrates the various ways of presenting and developing a subject. Other work within the course concerns assignments based on individual needs and interests of the pupils.
English Grade Eight -
This course covers the basic grammar of the complete sentence, simple and compound. The parts of speech and various uses of nouns, pronouns, verbs, and modifiers are presented in detail to provide a basic understanding of correct usage of case and agreements. Composition consists of practice in developing topic sentences into concise, logical paragraphs with the help of topical outlines. The study of literature gives opportunity for extensive vocabulary development as well as inspiration for compositions. Among the materials read is "The Yearling" by Marjorie Rawlings.
English Grade Seven -
This course considers basic functional grammar such as sentence structure, parts of speech, punctuation and kinds of sentences. Topic sentences, paragraph construction, composition and book reports are also
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taught as additional ways of developing good writing and speaking habits. Seventh grade reading attempts to develop the reading skills by teaching work skills, main and sub-topics, drawing conclusions, skimming and comprehension of all types of reading matter. The wide range of selections supports growth and literary appreciation. Differences in interest and ability are cared for by special reports and associated read- ing in each unit.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
In general the foreign language program at Hamilton High School attempts to encourage the use of a foreign language to understand better the culture of another nation ; to have a tool for work and/or enjoyment in the future; and to communicate ideas on varying levels determined by the length of foreign language study.
In French (and it is hoped in the future that other languages will be included ), in addition to the skills of reading and writing, the aim is to develop also the skills of speaking French and understanding it when it is spoken by someone else.
In Latin, the abilities to read and translate this language are the basic requirements.
French I -
The course content of French I includes the following pronunciation skills : alphabet, isolated sounds, linking, elision and intonation. The vocabulary is in general related to daily activities. The grammar leads to mastery of basic grammatical principles. Conversation is in general oral answers to questions in the text. Whenever it is possible the second half of French I will be conducted in French. For translation and com- position the course includes text material from French to English and from English to French as well as brief compositions. Each term French I students do research into various aspects of French life, history and culture.
French II -
In French II there is reading aloud of longer passages and more dictation. The scope of the vocabulary, including idioms, is greatly in- creased. In grammar, more specialized knowledge is acquired. Longer compositions are written. There is translation from one language to another. Whenever possible French II will be conducted in French be- ginning with the second quarter. French II students do a more detailed study of French history and geography with more stress on sociology and culture.
French III -
To the greatest extent possible this course is conducted entirely in French. The knowledge of grammar is extended in a much more detailed manner. There is greater stress on idioms, their recognition and use.
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Students are encouraged to ask questions in French and to reply to the teacher in French. An anthology of French literature is the reading text for the first half year, with compositions including analyses of these selections in French. The second half year includes a study of a French classical novel. For outside research, French III students do a study in depth of a contemporary French author the first half year, and of a classical supplement the teaching of pronunciation.
Latin -
The study of Latin has several values: increased understanding of English through derivatives, increased understanding of linguistics in general, greater knowledge of grammar, deepened understanding of our cultural heritage from Rome, including mythology and literature.
Latin I -
In Latin I a basic vocabulary of common words and words used in Caesar is developed as well as a basic understanding of Latin grammar. Students in Latin I develop the ability to read and understand easily connected Latin passages and to translate easy English sentences into Latin. The students do research into Roman history and reviews of books with Roman backgrounds.
Latin II -
This course reviews the fundamentals taught in Latin I and added to this basic grammar is a study of verbals, the subjunctive, and sequence of tenses. The reading includes stories in Latin and selections from Books I-VI of Caesar. There are short exercises from English into Latin. Student's research includes such areas as pre-Roman Etruscan history, the influence of Roman civilization on the Western World, etc. N.B. If students so wish and programming will allow, there will be offered in 1959-60, courses in French IV and Latin III.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Civics -
A course in community living first offered in grade nine. The com- munity is considered to extend from the local areas to the entire world. Besides studying our own democratic governments, attention is given to the non-democratic governments, and a comparison of living in the various types of communities throughout the world. Special attention is given to state and local governments of Massachusetts.
Ancient History -
First offered in grade nine. This course starts with man before civilization and traces his progress up to the fall of the Roman empire. It deals with the major civilizations of ancient times; Egyptian, Baby- lonian, Assyrian, Cretan, Hebrew, Greek, and Roman. The principle
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purpose of the course is to correlate these ancient cultures with the cultures of today.
World History -
First offered in grade ten. World history begins with our scant knowledge of prehistoric man and traces his slow, plodding progress, his achievements and setbacks, up to the present time. It deals principally with periods of development such as: the earliest civilizations, the Greek civilizations, the Roman civilization, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, etc., up to the present time.
United States History -
The purpose of this course is for the student to gain a better under- standing of the major developments and events in the history of his country, beginning with the European background and continuing up to the present time. It deals particularly with the period of exploration, the period of colonization, the constitution, changes in American life, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the problems facing modern America as she emerged as a world power.
Problems of Democracy -
A senior offering. This course is held as a "seminar-type" discussion class. It is designed to make practical applications of all social studies concepts learned during eleven years of school. A comprehensive defini- tion of "democracy" is established. Problems are defined which are inherent in this defined democracy. By means of class discussion, group work and individual projects, practicable solutions are sought for the problems.
Social Studies in Grade Eight -
In this course we are dealing mainly with the history and geography of the United States. Also included is some study of our neighbors - Canada, Mexico, central and south America and the relationship of these countries to us and us to them.
Social Studies in Grade Seven -
In this course a study is made of history, civics, and the simpler aspects of economics as they are related to the countries of the Eastern Hemisphere. It provides the child with a familiar and friendly knowl- edge of the world at a time when that need is more deeply felt than ever before.
BUSINESS EDUCATION
General Business -
First offered in grade ten. General Business presents the common- place functions of business that everyone will experience in his own personal life, regardless of occupation, and contributes to a better under- standing of American business and its place in our social and economic
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environment. Specifically, money and banking, function of credit, mak- ing useful savings, budgeting, insurance, travel, communication services, transportation services and planning for future employment are studied.
Typewriting I -
First offered in grade ten. Thorough training in basie typing skill is given, stressing the mastery of the keyboard and skillful manipulation of non-keyboard mechanisms. Instruction is given in horizontal and vertical placement, simple tabulation, letter arrangement, rough drafts, simple manuscripts, addressing envelopes, carbon copies, special tech- niques for error correction, and care of the typewriter. Accuracy and speed tests are given frequently to evaluate the students' progress.
Personal Typewriting -
This is first offered in grade ten. This is a subject particularly valuable to pupils who plan to attend college where they will find that ability to type their own papers will be very necessary. Thorough training in the basic skill of typing is given, stressing the mastery of the keyboard and skillful manipulation of non-keyboard mechanisms. In- struction is given in horizontal and vertical placement, simple tabulation, letter arrangement, rough drafts, simple manuscripts, addressing en- velopes, carbon copies, special techniques for error correction, and care of the typewriter. Extra practice in typing manuscripts is given in this course. Tests are given frequently to evaluate the students' progress.
Typewriting II -
First offered in grade eleven. Typewriting II begins by reviewing the basic skills acquired in the first year of typing. Then a carefully planned Program is followed which gives the student greater typing power in personal typing power in personal typing problems, manu- script typing, tabulation, business letters, speed tests, office forms, legal documents, military correspondence and civil service requirements. Great effort is made to assess the individual's progress so that the necessary standards are maintained and definite goals achieved. These related knowledges will enable the student to do superior typing whether they work in an office or use typing for their personal papers.
Shorthand I -
First offered in grade eleven. In this course the pupil is trained to write Gregg Shorthand accurately and to transcribe his notes in accept- able business form. The dictation of connected matter is introduced early in the course, and much emphasis is placed on high standards of accuracy necessary for a mailable transcript. Attention is given to correct busi- ness habits and attitudes. The minimum rate of dictation is eighty words a minute on practical material upon completion of this course.
Shorthand II -
First offered in grade twelve. Shorthand II continues to develop the speed and accuracy in shorthand habits and skills learned in Shorthand I.
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Concentrated emphasis is placed upon the student's ability to take short- hand at greater speeds and transcribes it into business letter form with ease and facility. The high standards of accuracy expected in the busi- ness office is required of the individual student. Vocabulary building and understanding of office practice and procedures is also an essential part of the course.
Consumer Economics -
First offered in grade eleven for one-half year. Consumer economic education is that phase of education which enables the individual to understand the minimum economic principles and the common business practices that are essential for the wise management of one's personal business affairs and that are generally helpful in the pursuit of one's occupation or profession. Such consumer areas as principles of buying, problems of buying, banking and credit services, personal finances, in- surance protection, obtaining a home and economic problems of the consumer are investigated in this course.
Psychology -
First offered in grade eleven. This course intends to impart to the student an understanding of the purpose of growing up through self- appraisal, intergration and motivation. Emphasis is focused on the im- portant personal-social problems of youth. From a careful study of these problems they will come to understand themselves, and others, better than ever before. Some of the particular areas of study are personal inventory, heredity, physical health and fitness, mental and emotional health and fitness, personal appearance, relations with others, interests and activities and preparation for vocational choice.
Bookkeeping -
First offered in grade twelve. Basic accounting theory is explored exhaustively and extensive drill in the application of theory to practice prepares the student for beginning accounting positions or provides them with a basis for continuation in advanced accounting. After an initial study of the double-entry bookkeeping equation, the student is taken through the complete bookkeeping cycle, as follows: journalizing and the books of original entry ; special journals; posting and the books of secondary entry; the general ledger; subsidiary ledgers and controlling accounts ; the trial balance; the work sheet and adjusting entries; prep- aration of the balance sheet and the profit and loss statement; closing entries. The student works a complete set of books for a wholesale grocer.
Business Practice -
First offered in grade twelve. This course aims to develop habits and skills which are necessary in office routine. Practice is given in typewriting specialized business forms, taking civil service exams, type- writing for the armed forces, and payroll work. Practical training is given in such office machines as transcribing, duplicating, adding-listing, and calculating machines. Instruction includes a knowledge of the
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operation of the machine and correct operating techniques for develop- ing a reasonable amount of skill in manipulating each type of machine. The student is also given actual experience in the use of filing materials under the alphabetic, numeric, subject, and geographic methods.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Girls
Physical Education is a necessary part of any student's school program. It is through a varied program that individuals involved will benefit in some way. Both team sports and individual sports offer physi- cal and mental challenges which result in a more mature and well- rounded person. Sportsmanship and team-work are among the most important goals which we hope will be carried over from the class to later life.
Field hockey and basketball provide extensive exercise, develop skills and techniques, provide opportunities for leadership and team- work. Individual exercises help improve coordination, while strength- ening and developing the body. Other areas of value include soccer, volleyball, stunts and tumbling, and track and field. Sports such as ten- nis, archery and golf would be of great value in future life as they do not require a team for participation.
Boys
The boys' physical education program for grades 7-12 in the Ham- ilton Public School system is divided into three seasons: the Fall Pro- gram, Winter Program and the Spring Program.
The Fall Program is held outdoors and consists of mass calisthenics, soccer touch football, relays and sprints.
The Winter Program is held indoors and consists of basketball, vol- leyball, rope climbing, stunts and tumbling, marching, calisthenics, relays and horizontal bar work.
The Spring Program held outdoors consists of softball, field and track events, relays and calisthenics.
All boys are required to be properly dressed for gym classes and to take showers at the end of each class.
Due to the limited number of gym classes, shower facilities, locker room space, gymnastic equipment, to mention a few, the Physical Edu- cation Program cannot fully meet its aim and objectives.
MUSIC
There are two choral groups open to interested singers from grades nine to twelve : the Girls' Glee Club and the Men's Singing Club. They meet during activity periods and after school.
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In the seventh and eighth grades at least one music period a week is scheduled for each division. All groups have opportunities to per- form at Christmas and at special assemblies.
HOME ECONOMICS
Home Economics - Grade Seven
In this course, the student is taught the basic principles of sewing - kinds of stitches and their application by actual practice and the types of seams and their proper uses are learned. The running and care of the sewing machine - electrically and manually operated - are taught, with each girl being given the opportunity to use it.
Home Economics - Grade Eight
Both sewing and cooking are a part of the eighth grade Home Eco- nomics program. In sewing, methods of construction - the application of various types of collars, the setting in of sleeves, the use of darts for proper fit, and the putting in of a hemline are learned. Learning to fol- low the printed instruction sheet accompanying each pattern as well as those of the instructor is an important phase.
The principles of the need of good nutrition in our daily diet and the fundamentals for the preparation of food are the basis of the cook- ing classes, with the planning and preparation of a meal in progression.
Homemaking Courses, I, II and III -
Each high school girl is given the opportunity of furthering her study in human relations in relationship to her own personality and the family and community - how one's environment affects one through- out one's life.
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