The Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi

• Reading and English ability must be up to grade level
• Previous grades in Reading/English must be at least a "C"

Initial instruction in English will focus on gaining fluency and precision in the use of the language. Emphasis will be placed on grammar, learning the structure of the language and practicing sentence variation. Work on vocabulary is designed to enhance the range of both student comprehension and expression. Daily reading assignments include essays, poems, short stories, novels, and plays. Stress will be placed on composition, learning the proper form of expository essays and keeping journals. Oral presentations will explore the use of classical rhetoric in argumentation and debate.

Mathematics - 4 years

Although, instruction will cover the traditional topics in mathematics - algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus - it will differ substantially in approach. Sometimes called “teaching to the problem,” this approach stresses the process rather than the product of mathematical thinking. It invites students to ask their own questions and to formulate their own solutions. It encourages them to work in groups, solving problems together. The creative use of technology will be an important ingredient in negotiating this process, employing computers, calculators, and the Internet. At the same time, students will be exposed to the ancient and medieval roots of mathematics. And they will delve into the mysteries of probability by learning the wages of chance. The senior course in mathematics will focus on SAT I and II prep for the first term and will cover advanced topics during the second term.

History – 3 years

The study of history will cover major issues in the History of the World and of Georgia. Focus will be on understanding key events, key ideas, and key values through the history of mankind. The subject of history also considers raising awareness of current events and trends in the world. Historical study will involve readings, discussions writing assignments, presentations and preparation of at least one major project both on the individual and the class level. Assignments will be issued daily and the use of computer technologies with related skills constantly encouraged.

Science - 3 years

The program in science will include the major branches of scientific inquiry: biology, chemistry, and physics. Students will learn to think scientifically, to know how experimentation contributes to the formation and documentation of scientific theories, how hypotheses are either confirmed or repudiated through application of the scientific method. A significant portion of class time will be devoted to performing actual experiments in well-equipped laboratories.

Georgian - 4 years

Students will spend the full four years of their secondary education studying their native language and literature. They will be drilled in use of correct grammar. They will expand their vocabularies and learn the conventions of proper Georgian usage, distinguishing between formal and informal speech. They will practice writing grammatical and stylistically correct formal essays, drawing upon typological comparison with the English language. They will engage in oral presentations and compete among themselves in special debates. Study of Georgian will encompass a thorough knowledge of the classic literature, both ancient and modern. The curriculum of Georgian literature is directly related with the masterpieces of world literature and cultural studies. This study will be integrated with the curriculum in history and will include consideration of all genres - poetry, essay, fiction, biography, drama, and film. Preparation for the national exam in Georgian will be included in the curriculum of the 11th and 12th grades.

Russian - 3 years

Students will study Russian as their third language for gaining fluency in both reading and speech. They will read Russian classical and modern literature in originals. Classes will be given four times a week. Besides some of the classics of Russian literature, students will read current journals and newspapers, and will watch films in order to master their colloquial speech.

Religion – 1 term

Seniors will study the major religions of the world - Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Paganism - as well as instances of primitive religions. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge of the history and the theology of each religion. Ethical implications of the various systems of beliefs will be explored. Students will consider selected moral dilemmas over which judgments might appropriately be rendered according to certain religions in question.

Art – 1 term

Seniors will study the major works of art and architecture down through the centuries, enabling them to identify these works by period and creator. They will learn the fundamentals of composition in painting, the use of shadowing and perspective in drawing, the design and landscaping of great buildings. Students should emerge with the capacity to comment on the history, style, and composition of various works of art.

Music – 1 term

Seniors will study the history, structure, and style of great works and be able to identify these pieces by name and composer. They will study all types of music as well - classical, folk, jazz, modern, and opera. They will consider the mechanics of harmony, tonality, and discord. Students will learn to identify all instruments in a symphony orchestra.

Physical Education – 3 years

Students participate in physical education twice each week throughout the year. Using local facilities to which they are bussed, they receive instruction in swimming, tennis, football, basketball, rock climbing, aerobic exercise, and dance. The program also includes seasonal activities. As both staff and student enrolment increases with each successive year, alternatives will expand to include competitive sports.

Great Ideas – 1 year

Great Ideas is a team taught interdisciplinary course on the ideas that have exerted a major impact on the culture and thought of western civilization; e.g., Christianity, Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci, Newton, Darwin, Marx, Freud, Einstein, and Semiotics. Sections meet three times a week during the same period and attend one double period lecture at the end of the week. With deliberate overlap with ongoing term courses in art, music, and religion, units of instruction are designed by individual teachers and usually involve reading from original sources plus related literature; e.g., for Galileo, his “Starry Messenger” plus Brecht’s play, “Galileo;” for Darwin, Origin of Species.

College Preparation and Placement – ½ year

This is a multifaceted endeavour designed to prepare students for applying to universities and for taking the SAT I and SAT II tests scheduled during the first half of the year. Students research the colleges and universities they wish to attend, fill out application forms, obtain teacher recommendations, write college essays, apply for financial aid, register to take both SAT tests, and attend review sessions in the subject matter on which they have chosen to be tested. Review sessions, taught by faculty, occur during regularly scheduled periods as well as on weekends.

Senior Project – ½ year

Senior Independent Project: In the second half of the year, seniors will need to choose a project they wish to pursue during the course of the spring. Projects must entail research and begin with a project proposal approved by the Senior Project Committee. They must select an advisor to whom they report at scheduled deadlines on their progress to date. Project approval involves a research paper as well as a presentation before the Senior Project Board. Seniors must successfully complete their projects in order to graduate.