Tamworth Learning Circles offers a wide variety of courses that offer students many opportunities to explore their own imagination at a comfortable pace in an intellectually challenging and caring envornment. We invite you to look over the wide range of courses we offer, and contact us with any questions you may have concerning any of our classes.

NOTE: Each academic year, a plan of the year’s curriculum is published. The year of classes is divided into six periods, for each of which a more detailed plan is published. The following is an outline of the credited subjects at TLC. For Period Seven, there may be other individually planned subjects.

MATH (9 credits)

TLC predominantly uses the Saxon series of textbooks. At High School level, the books used are Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Advanced Math, which includes Pre-Calculus. A feature of this series is that it follows the European practice of combining Algebra and Geometry, so that there is not a separate year of Geometry. Trigonometry is also included. On average, each book in the Saxon series attracts one credit - the Algebra 2 book is worth 1 1/2 credits. Students who are not able to tackle this course are given a course in basic and business/consumer math, and are able to earn credits up to a “C” grade.

SCIENCE (16 credits)

Science course offerings have been divided into the three major disciplines: Earth Science (ES), Biology (LS) and Physical Science (PS). Nearly all the science courses at TLC contain a laboratory and/or field study component. Students are required to complete the minimum requirements of the lab/field study components of each course. Students learn the scientifc method; they use laboratory and field research equipment and learn the intricacies of taking measurements and collecting data.

THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES. The two major branches of the physical sciences are chemistry and physics. The science of Chemistry explores the composition, structure, properties and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. Physics involves the science of matter and energy and the interaction between the two.

These two branches are offered in two different semesters. Students are required to complete two semesters of chemistry and two semesters of physics to graduate from TLC. Older students may complete these requirements while in the School to College program. Please note that neither course is a prerequisite of the other, as they both include review of basic concepts in atomic structure and chemistry nomenclature.

Chemistry Courses.

1. The Structure, Properties and Reactions of Matter

This laboratory course covers major topics of basic chemistry, including pure substances and mixtures; physical and chemical properties and reactions; atomic theory and structure and present ideas about the atom, molecules and isotopes; endothermic and exothermic reactions; valence electrons and chemical reactions; an introduction to the periodic table; electron configuration and core notation and writing and balancing chemical equations. A minimum of 12 laboratory assignments must be completed.

2. The States of Matter and the Energy of the Nucleus

This laboratory course continues our exploration of chemistry. Topics covered include chemical composition; predicting chemical reactions; chromotography and spectroscopy; acids and bases; chemical quantities; the nature of energy; the states of matter, including gas laws and the intermoleculart forces of liquids and solids; solutions; oxidation-reduction reactions; radioactivity and nuclear energy. A minimum of 12 laboratory assignments must be completed.

Physics Courses.

1. The Physics of Motion

This laboratory course includes an in-depth study of motion, including Newton’s laws of motion (inertia, force and acceleration, action and reaction); momentum; energy and circular motion. A minimum of 12 laboratory assignments must be completed.

2. The Physics of Energy

This laboratory course investigates Sound and Light with focus on vibrations and waves; sound; light; color; reflection and refraction; lenses; diffraction and interference. We then investigate Electricity and Magnetism with a focus on electrostatics; electric fields and potential; electric current; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction. A minimum of 12 laboratory assignments must be completed.

THE LIFE SCIENCES. By combining the biology courses of the core curriculum with the various studies in our “Naturalist in Training Program”, TLC is able to offer a wide range of experiences that reveal the wonders of the living world through laboratory and field studies.

Biology Courses.

1.The Nature of Life: Characteristics, Cells, Genetics and Evolution

This course introduces students to the charactistics of living things; the chemical basis of life; the structural units of life; the functions of the cell; the cell and its environment; cell growth and reproduction; principles and mechanisms of heredity; the diversity of life; the theory of evolution; mechanics of evolution; genetics and evolution and the classification of living things. This course will include laboratory experiments and field observation.

2.The Earth’s Catalogue of Living Things

This course serves as an introduction to the amazing array and diversity of living organisms on Earth and how Science has categorized them. We survey the realm of Microbiology and viruses, bacteria, infectious diseases, heterotrophic and autotrophic protists, and the fungi; the structure and function of multicellular plants; invertebrates and the world of vertebrates. We conclude with an examination of the patterns of behavior of living things. This course will include laboratory experiments and field observation.

THE EARTH SCIENCES

Geology: The Dynamic Earth

This survey course examines the physical and ever-changing aspects of our home planet, the forces that shape it and the consequences of those changes. We explore the inner structure of the Earth; plate tectonics; volcanoes and earthquakes; mountain building; deserts and wind action; glaciers and glaciation; mass wasting, weathering and erosion; weathering and soils; geologic structures; atoms, elements and minerals; sedimentary, metamorphic, igneous rocks and the rock cycle.

THE NATURALIST TRAINING PROGRAM. We believe it is vital for young people to develop an intimate knowledge and understanding of the natural world in order to be responsible citizens. Occasionally, we add to our science curriculum one of the following courses as a way of introducing students to the many fascinating aspects of the natural world. These topics can easily be offered as science courses through our School to College Program.

This program has two major objectives: to give students the opportunity to become involved in a more in-depth examination of the branches of the earth sciences and life sciences; and to have students become involved in the development of a science news letter to be distributed to local libraries and bookstores so that relevant topics in each subject can be presented to the community at large.

These courses emphasize the knowledge needed to understand and interpret the natural world that we encounter in our everyday lives. Course work is designed to integrate study, field work and experimental observations. Students will then research specific topics associated with the course topic that is relevant to our changing world. Each student will be involved in developing art work, photographs and essays that will be published in the Science Newsletter.

Students will be required to undertake class work, field study, and the development of a final project. Each of these course offerings also takes time to examine the impacts that human activities are having on the natural world. Pollution, use of natural resources, urban development, energy usage and waste production and management are all integral components of branches of the natural sciences. We examine their influence on the natural world, and explore the opportunities for proper human management and conservation practices.We then report our findings in the new newsletter.

Meteorology Course.

In this course students develop an understanding of the basics of weather, how to “read” the sky, and how to predict weather. Through study and observation we learn cloud types and their weather implications; understand barometric pressure, frontal systems, dew points and precipitation probability. We will track daily weather systems and predict future weather based on observations. Overall weather patterns and trends will be analyzed. We will learn to read radar, satellite and weather maps through the use of the National Weather Service and the NOAA websites. By setting up and monitoring a weather station at school, students will be able to track and record daily weather readings and interpret possible weather trends.

Soil Science.

Soil is the nurturing blanket that covers much of the surface of our planet amd sustains plant and animal life. “Dirt” is what is collected from the bag of a vacuum cleaner. This is not a light-hearted philosophical observation but a scientific perspective that emphasizes the importance of soils and the need for us to conserve them. We explore the development of soils, their composition, various physical and chemical properties and the implications for agriculture and urban and rural development. We concentrate on studying local soils through interpreting maps and analyzing soil samples, determine their properties and how these soils are suitable for various uses.

Oceans, Lakes and Streams.

In this course we use the water cycle as a “roadmap” to visit water in all of its forms and locations. We look at the chemical And physical properties of water; compare freshwater and salt water ecosystems, and take samples from each in order to compare and contrast their characteristics. This course includes a study of living systems and how they access nutrients from water; the vital needs of water in biological systems, including humans; and the impact of pollution on aquatic systems. Field study of local streams and lakes is included, and a field trip to the ocean is mandatory for this course.

Botany.

In this course we look at the amazing world of plants. Plants exist as unicellular organisms, complex specialist systems, and everything between. This is a survey class that gives a general overview of the different types of plants, how they are constructed, and how they function. We focus on local plants, including wild flowers, shrubs, trees and aquatic plants. We also explore the world of lichens, club mosses, true mosses, fungi and ferns. This is a course that emphasizes field observation and some collection.

Dendrology.

This course focuses on the identification of trees and shrubs. Field work and laboratory work are integrated to teach students the specific characteristics of plants and species recognition. By the end of this course, students will have a working knowledge of many of the different trees and shrubs that inhabit our region.

Zoology.

In this course we shall compare the differences in structure and function of different animals from the animal kingdoms. The main organ systems of animals are studied. We will also spend some time exploring the physiological and behavioral adaptations of animals. We will focus our attention on animals of our region, using them as representative species of each animal kingdom.

Ecology.

This course identifies the fundamentals of ecology, identifying interactions between living things and their environment; identifying the characteristics of the various biomes; exploring different aspects of ecosystems, including trophic levels, food webs and ecological pyramids; the structure of and patterns within biotic communities, succession and population dynamics.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE (8 credits)

High school language traditionally carries one credit for each year, I, II and III. TLC expects 2 credits to be earned each year. Spanish will be taught throughout the school, as befits the second language of the country. French and Latin will also be offered as extras - other languages will require individual projects. Traditionally, credits have been linked to satisfactory completion of textbooks, but we are planning to devise our own tests with elements of spoken and written content strongly aimed at cross-cultural understanding.

VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY SERVICE (4 credits)

Voluntary service is required of all TLC graduates. The school encourages the productive involvement of its students in their communities. While there will be some opportunity for service projects in the normal run of TLC activities, most students will fulfil their obligations with individual projects, especially Period Seven projects. Voluntary service can also be credited for service done by students in other settings, including places abroad.

We regard community service as an important component of the empowerment and socialization of young people. Individual and group projects should contain the all-important planning phase, where students can thrash out the moral and cultural issues that are often involved in the process of helping others: we shall be less interested in “of the shelf” activity, or work for an existing organization, unless the student has a real say in the whole process. The final report and reflection will be an essential step in securing credit.

HEALTH AND HEALTH SCIENCE (2 credits)

TLC organizes First Aid and CPR training and refresher courses for its students each year. There is also an abiding interest in diet and nutrition throughout the school, and a number of science classes and projects have been concerned with this subject. Guest speakers and medics have also given courses in sex education. These disparate elements will be integrated into a regular unit each year. (See also Physical Education below.)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (4 credits)

A minimum of four credits in sports and/or outdoors activities will be required for graduation from TLC, taken together with the Health credits, to develop the student’s understanding of personal health and fitness. While TLC does organize activities such as recreational soccer, hiking and cross-country skiing, students are encouraged to take advantage of the great range of local opportunities in outdoor activity and individual and team sports in local schools and clubs. Family activity is also valid, if it is properly recorded and verified. There is equally ample scope for students who are uninterested in organized sports, as well as for those who are passionately involved.

COMPUTER AND RESEARCH SKILLS (2 credits)

A high level of computer and keyboard skills is essential for our students: study skills also involve the ability to deal with a huge and bewildering volume of data and material. Each year, all students will be able to take a test to ascertain the degree of competency in the field. Failure to complete the test satisfactorily will necessitate the student taking a remedial class in this essential area of literacy.

UNITED STATES AND NEW ENGLAND HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY (4 credits)

Each year there will be a class on a chronological segment of US History, from the late colonial period to the present. There will also be a tested unit on the political and physical geography of the US. Other credits may be awarded for individual projects, which may include the fruits of travel within the country, and which may be directed at a historical or geographical topic, or a combination of the two.

The US history will also involve study of the Constitution, the political, administrative and judicial systems and processes of the both the US and the State of New Hampshire. New Hampshire and New England history will be addressed primarily in the context of the history of the whole country. Each student will also be required to write a paper on a New Hampshire person or subject, based on individual research of local sources.

Part of the US history credit will stem from the Current Events and Contemporary History work, and it will also feature in the World History of the last 200 years.

WORLD HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY (5 Credits)

The TLC study of World History is tied to a six-year cycle, with topics as follows:

1. Early people to 500 BCE

2. 500 BCE to 500 CE

3. 500 - 1500 CE

4. 1500- 1750 CE

5. 1750- 1914 CE

6. The Twentieth Century

In addition, each year there will be a particular study of one major country or area of the world - for example, India, China, the Islamic World.

World Geography connects with World History and Science. Earth Science and Cartography are integral to TLC courses in these subjects. Students should acquire a good working knowledge of maps and map-making. More advanced students may tackle the “Learning the World by Heart” curriculum, where they become able to draw parts or all of the world from memory. Concepts of economic geography also underpin much of the History and Current Events we study at local, national and international levels.

CURRENT EVENTS AND CURRENT WORLD KNOWLEDGE (8 credits)

Looking out at the wider world with an informed eye is a goal of TLC for all its students. Weekly Current Events circles have been a long-standing tradition, with a wide variety of follow-up work, often in groups. Understanding the world today is a key area of study for us; it will now be completely connected with student participation in the TLC website and related projects.

The TLC website will increasingly be run by the student body, with high-school age students taking on the major responsibilities for such components as the newspaper and commentary blog. There will also be opportunities for students in the fields such as art, design, music and creative writing and poetry. Older students will serve on editorial committees as well as taking on specific jobs within the organization.

DRAMA (6 credits)

Drama has long been a central activity at TLC, and is at least a full-credit subject each year. It may include music, the visual arts both two and three dimensional, graphic design, dance and many other potential media. Each student is encouraged to experiment and follow their own particular bent or passion: many of these activities will take place outside the physical environment and schedule of the school, but there will be opportunities and short courses arranged from time to time.

Within ordinary school time, TLC usually stages two productions each year, to which significant time is dedicated during two of the six periods of classes. There are also a number of school visits to live theatre and other performing arts each year, from which credited work is assigned.

“ENGLISH”, WITH SUBDIVISIONS:

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND WRITING SKILLS (4 credits)

CREATIVE WRITING (4 credits)

POETRY (4 credits)

APPRECIATION OF LITERARY WORKS (4 credits)

The subdivisions of the traditional subject “English” have existed at TLC for a long time - and one whole day a week has usually been devoted to Poetry, Literature and Creative Writing.

We shall continue with this balance of classes. The fundamentals of English and writing skills will be addressed via weekly essays, with individually-designed spelling and grammar courses and language exercises. The history of the English language will also be explored. The different kinds of formal and informal writing of fact and opinion will be practiced. Poetry involves selecting poems and reading aloud and reciting them in circle, and writing poetry to assigned subjects each week. In Creative Writing students are given writing exercises and also encouraged to write both short and long stories, and to respond to and learn some of the skills of editing.

Reading , discussing and analyzing fiction, especially novels, is a core activity at TLC. We aim to embrace classical and contemporary writers, to encourage reading for pleasure and profit, and to help our students realize the importance and potential of storytelling and the creations of the imagination.

OTHER EXPRESSIVE AND PRACTICAL ARTS (6 Credits)

There is much opportunity for creative art work in connection with other subjects and projects in the curriculum. Occasionally, extra classes in skills such as drawing or pottery are arranged for TLC groups. Many of the possibilities for expressive and practical arts will be developed for the individual. Projects undertaken outside school will be the norm rather than the exception. Similarly, there are many places for music in our work, but many students learn instruments and are members of ensembles outside TLC. All these avenues of expression are open and encouraged for our students.

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