Buford High school

Advanced Placement Sciences

AP Biology - This is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions.

AP Physics - This is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.

AP Environmental Science - This course focuses on scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

AP Chemistry - This course is an advanced, intensified course, designed to provide a solid, first-year college inorganic chemistry experience, both conceptually and in the laboratory. Students who enroll in AP Chemistry can expect to acquire a greater depth of understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts in addition to

strengthening their quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills.  The course involves complex mathematical computations so in addition to an interest in chemistry, students must also be proficient in math.

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Advanced Placement Language Arts

AP Language and Composition - This course engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes, in formats such as narrative, expository, analytical, and argumentative.  Students in this course get a rare look at American Literature throughout the nation’s history, and write in response to literature and about a wide variety of topics including public policy, popular culture, and personal experience.

AP Literature and Composition - This is a reading intensive course that analyzes great fiction works from the 16th century to more contemporary pieces. Active reading, deep thinking, and both informal and formal writing are the essential components to this course. Students will learn to analyze connections inherent

within timeless texts that we all have despite our different experiences.

AP Seminar - AP Seminar is the first part of the two-year AP Capstone Program and will count as the student’s 10th grade language arts credit. AP Seminar focuses on contemporary issues and reads material from a variety of genres and lenses such as literary, historical, medical, social, scientific, philosophical and psychological texts. The class focuses on the following: research, critical thinking, argument development and writing, problem solving, teamwork and presentation skills.

AP Research - AP Research is the 2nd part of the 2 year sequence following AP Seminar. Students will further the skills they developed in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question/project goal.

Advanced Placement math

AP Statistics - This course teaches reasoning based on probability. It deals with the design of how data is collection, the analysis of the data, and the drawing of conclusions from the data. Statistics has astonishing power to improve decision-making accuracy and test new ideas. AP Stat is very hands-on, as students participate in many fun and interesting labs.

AP Calculus - This is a rigorous course for those seniors who have successfully completed three years of mathematics and who are willing to give the time and effort necessary to study of calculus. The material covered in this course includes:  functions, limits, derivatives of algebraic and trigonometric functions, integration, applications of differentiation and integration, methods of integration, advanced topics in analytic geometry, and differential equations.

Advanced Placement Electives

AP African American Studies - This course is an exciting, interdisciplinary course that draws from a variety of fields—history, literature, the arts, geography, science, and law—to explore the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans. This course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and the African diaspora.

AP European History - This course studies the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped Europe from c. 1450 to the present. You’ll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.

AP Studio Art - This course is for the serious art student that is interested in pursuing art in college and as a career.  The art sector will be worth 6 trillion dollars in less than 15 years and is one of the fastest growing areas for careers, so this is definitely a field that you should consider.  AP Studio Art is different from the other AP classes in that a portfolio of 24 pieces will be submitted instead of taking a test. 

Georgia Virtual School - In addition to the courses offered in person at Buford High School, we also offer a variety of AP level courses through Georgia Virtual School. Through these online courses, students have a wider variety of classes available, and upon completion of these courses they take the same AP test that would be given in a face-to-face setting. For more information about the Advanced Placement program and about the courses available at BHS, please contact your counselor.

Sports & entertainment Marketing Pathway

These classes will help prepare you for any business related job, your economics class here at BHS, and it will also prepare you for college. You will do group projects where you learn to work in a team, you will develop presentation skills, and learn how to speak in front of an audience. Marketing students also have the opportunity to join DECA, and to work in our school store, The Wolves Den.

Marketing Principles - This course addresses all the ways in which marketing satisfies consumer and business needs and wants for products and services. Students develop a basic understanding of Employability, Foundational and Business Administration skills, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Financial Analysis, Human Resources Management, Information Management, Marketing, Operations, Professional Development, Strategic Management, and Global Marketing strategies.

Intro to Sports & Entertainment Marketing - This course introduces the student to the major segments of the Sports and Entertainment Industry and the social and economic impact the industry has on the local, state, national, and global economies.

Advanced Sports & Entertainment Marketing - This course provides students opportunities to develop managerial and analytical skills and deepen their knowledge in sports/entertainment marketing.

Audio Video technology & FIlm Pathway

Students in this pathway will learn about equipment and skills used in production and programming. They will learn about lighting, recording and editing, as well as elements of studio production. Advanced students will learn how to plan, write, facilitate and direct student-led film projects.

Audio Video Technology & Film One - Topics covered in this course may include: terminology, safety, basic equipment, script writing, production, and professional ethics.

Audio Video Technology & Film Two - Topics in the second-level course include planning, writing, directing and editing a production; field equipment functions; operational set-up and maintenance; advanced editing operations; studio productions; performance; audio/video control systems; production graphics; career opportunities; and professional ethics.

Audio Video Technology & Film Three - This course is designed to facilitate student-led projects under the guidance of the instructor. Students work cooperatively and independently in all phases of production. This class also produces our school new broadcast: Triple A Today.

Architecture & Construction Pathway

Industry Standards and Occupational Safety - This course is designed as the foundational course in the Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Masonry, Machining, Welding, Sheet Metal, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, and HVACR Electrical pathways to prepare students for pursuit of any career in construction. The course prepares the trainee for the basic knowledge to function safely on or around a construction site and in the industry in general and will provide the trainee with the option for an Industry Certification in the Construction Core.

Introduction to Construction - The goal of this course is to introduce students to the history and traditions of the carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and electrical craft trades. Students will apply knowledge of the care and safe use of hand and power tools as related to each trade, and learn how each trade has been influenced by history.

Carpentry One (Electrical & Masonry) - This course provides an overview of the building materials used in the carpentry craft, as well as teaching techniques for reading and using blueprints and specifications related to the carpentry craft. This course provides specific knowledge and skills in site layout and floor and wall framing systems, and includes basic industry terminology for a carpentry crafts person.

Teaching as a Profession Pathway

The goal of this pathway is to build and equip future teachers who will impact lives. Through these classes, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of today's educational systems, as well as an in-depth study of current educational issues. Students who participate in this pathway will also have the opportunity to build relationships with young readers through one-on-one tutoring.

Examining the Teaching Profession - This foundation course prepares students for future positions in the field of education. Studies include use of current technologies, effective teaching and learning strategies, considerations for diverse learners and students with special needs, and instructional planning.

Contemporary Issues in Education - This course engages the candidate in observations, interactions, and analyses of critical and contemporary educational issues. Students will study issues influencing the social and political contexts of educational settings. Students will discuss schooling in a diverse culture and moral and ethical responsibilities of teaching.

Teaching as a Profession Practicum - Students will work with a certified mentor teacher to observe in and assist in an elementary-level classroom. Students will teach lessons, meet the needs of students with special needs, maintain the safety of students, practice professionalism, and demonstrate ethical behavior.

Healthcare Science Pathway

Healthcare Science courses are designed to offer students the opportunity to become effective and efficient multi-skilled healthcare providers as they develop a working knowledge of each of the major departments of the average healthcare setting.

Introduction to Healthcare Science - Students will explore concepts of human growth and development, interaction with patients and family members, health, wellness, and preventative care are evaluated, as well as the legal, ethical responsibilities of today's healthcare provider.

Essentials of Healthcare - This is a medical-focused anatomy course addressing the physiology of each body system, along with the investigation of common diseases, disorders and emerging diseases. The prevention of disease and the diagnosis and treatment that might be utilized are also addressed.

Patient Care - This course includes basic cardiology, 12-lead EKG's, oxygen therapy, basic phlebotomy, and specimen collection and processing.

Sports Medicine - This course focuses on the musculoskeletal system, injury assessment, injury prevention, or rehabilitation including careers in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitative Services. Fundamental healthcare skills development is initiated, including medical terminology, kinesiology, patient assessment, record keeping, and basic life support.

Nutrition & Food Science Pathway

These classes will give students an in-depth understanding of nutritional needs and food choices for optimal health of individuals. Students will also develop a knowledge base and skill set necessary to select careers with an emphasis on nutrition and wellness.

Food, Nutrition, and Wellness - This is the foundational course in the nutrition and food science pathway. The focus of the course is centered on healthy food and lifestyle choices. Students will investigate the interrelationship of food, nutrition and wellness to promote good health.

Food for Life - An advanced course in food and nutrition that addresses the variation in nutritional needs at specific stages of the human life cycle: lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood including elderly. The most common nutritional concerns, their relationship to food choices and health status and strategies to enhance well-being at each stage of the life cycle at emphasized.

Food Science - Integrates many branches of science and relies on the application of the rapid advances in technology to expand and improve the food supply. Students will evaluate the effects of processing, preparation, and storage on the quality, safety, wholesomeness, and nutritive value of foods.

FINANCE Pathway - BUSINESS ACCOUNTING

This pathway prepares students for careers in financial and investment planning, banking, insurance and business financial management. Occupations in this pathway include loan officer, teller, compliance officer, credit analyst, mortgage underwriter, and commercial loan specialist.

Introduction to Business & Technology - This course provides an overview of business and technology skills required for today's business environment. Knowledge of business principles, the impact of financial decisions, and technology proficiencies demanded by business combine to establish the elements of this course.

Financial Literacy - This course helps students to understand the importance of the financial world, including planning and managing money wisely. Topics include income, budgeting, banking, consumer credit, credit laws and rights, personal bankruptcy, insurance, spending, taxes, investment strategies, savings accounts, mutual funds and the stock market, buying a vehicle, and living independently.

Principles of Accounting 1 - This is a skill-level course that is of value to all students pursuing a strong background in business, marketing, and management. Using financial information, students will learn how to make decisions about planning, organizing, and allocating resources using accounting procedures. Performing accounting activities for sole proprietorships and corporations following Generally-Accepted Accounting Procedures are included in the course.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE PATHWAY

Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections, & Security - This course provides students with career-focused educational opportunities in various LPSCS fields. It examines the basic concepts of law related to citizens’ rights and the responsibilities, and students will receive instruction in critical skill areas including: communicating with diverse groups, conflict resolution, ethics, CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Training, or similar program), basic firefighting, report writing, terrorism, civil and criminal law. Career planning and employability skills will be emphasized.

Criminal Justice Essentials - Criminal Justice Essentials provides an overview of the criminal justice system. Starting with historical perspectives of the origin of the system, the course reviews the overall structure. Students will become immersed in criminal and constitutional law and will review basic law enforcement skills. The course ends with a mock trial to provide participants with a first-hand experience of the criminal justice system. The course will also provide in-depth competencies and components for the co-curricular SkillsUSA student organization that should be incorporated throughout instructional strategies of the course. Participation in additional student organizations that align with Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security pathways (i.e. mock trial) is encouraged to enhance standards addressed in the curriculum. The prerequisite for this course is Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security.

Criminal Investigations - This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore the basic processes and principles of a criminal investigation. Students will learn the legal responsibilities and challenges of the patrol officer, investigator, and crime scene technician at a crime scene. Students will learn the importance of preserving and documenting the crime scene along with the identification, collection, and processing of evidence and the contribution to the criminal investigation. This course is one of two choices that may be selected for the law enforcement pathway. The prerequisites for this course are Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security, and Criminal Justice Essentials.

COMPUTER SCIENCE PATHWAY

Introduction to Software Technology - Introduction to Software Technology is the foundational course for several IT Pathways, including Game Design. This course is designed for high school students to understand, communicate, and adapt to a digital world as it impacts their personal life, society, and the business world. Exposure to foundational knowledge in programming languages, software development, app creation, and user interfacing applications are all taught in a computer lab with hands-on activities and project-focused tasks. Employability skills are integrated into activities, tasks, and projects throughout the course standards to demonstrate the skills required by business and industry.

AP Computer Science Principles - AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology impact the world. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, AP CSP prepares students for college and career. The AP CSP Curriculum is built around the fundamentals of computing, and students engage with the course content by developing computational artifacts and analyzing data, information, or knowledge represented for computational use.

Game Design: Simulation & Animation - Students completing this course will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles used at every stage of the game creation process. First, game genres and modes of play are explored in terms of the psychology of incentives, motivation to play, and social networking. Next, virtual characters and non-player characters are reviewed from concept drawing to 2D and 3D art, rigging, and animation. Finally, level design, storytelling, and animation are added to develop a virtual world around the characters. These same techniques are at work in training simulator systems, virtual shopping experiences, augmented reality, and many other important career options. Schools offering this program can provide a foundation of traditional drawing, illustration, and art courses to make way for the 2D and 3D animation, storytelling, character development, audio, and game technology. Various forms of technologies will be used to expose students to resources and application of computer science.

World language Pathway

In the Foreign Language Department, students can take Spanish 1, Spanish 2, or Honors Spanish 3. Students can take additional foreign language courses through the Georgia Virtual School Program, including Chinese, French, German, and Japanese.

Spanish 1 - Through realistic use of the language, the student will learn to communicate in oral and written form on a variety of everyday topics and will gain cultural knowledge of Spanish-speaking countries.

Spanish 2 - Building on the background of Spanish 1, students will learn to interact in more complex situations, read more complicated materials, and write more extended messages. Cultural understanding increases through reading and discussion of authentic documents.

Honors Spanish 3 - Building on the background of Spanish 2, students will learn to give detailed information, narrate events, read authentic texts, and handle more challenging situations in Spanish. In addition, students will continue to develop a deeper understanding of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

Spanish for Native Speakers 1 and 2 - These courses focus on the development of communicative competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening and viewing, as well as on understanding Hispanic cultures and issues of identity of heritage speakers of Spanish in the United States. Students will also develop an awareness and understanding of Hispanic cultures, including language variation, customs, geography, history, and current events.

Music EDucation

Music Education - Band & Orchestra - The class students participate in depends on which instrument they play and their past band experience. All four of these classes have concerts, and some have after school rehearsals. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the marching band. Marching band performs at all football games, exhibitions and competitions, parades and civic events. In addition, all students in our band program will have the chance to participate in band trips, and try out for honor ensembles. Six courses are offered: Band, Advanced Band, Mastery Band, Percussion, Advanced Percussion, and Orchestra.

Music Education - Chorus - Chorus provides excellent opportunities to advance performance skills and knowledge in mixed choral singing. Students will explore performance and production, site reading, historical and cultural elements of music, and music appreciation. Students are provided with many opportunities to showcase their talents in public performances such as chamber chorus, literary events, the spring variety show, all state chorus, choral festival, and numerous community performances.

Music Education - Music Technology - In this course, students will learn the history of music technology and the evolution of popular music and hip hop. Students will explore the genres and elements of music creation and how to layer these elements together to create their own compositions. Students will explore computer software and are introduced to basic MIDI sequencing software to create multi-track songs and original musical compositions. Each unit will consist of content presentation along with the opportunity to apply the knowledge into an individual project.

Dance & Theater EDucation

Dance Education - The Dance Department provides excellent instruction in technique, choreography, and dance performance skills. Students will explore all types of dance, such as jazz, ballet, step and hip-hop, and will learn an appreciation for dance as an art form. Dance students are provided with many opportunities to showcase their talents in community performance and at the annual dance concert. Intermediate Dance 1 and Intermediate Dance 2 are offered for 10th-12th grades by teacher recommendation. We also offer Advanced Dance for trained dancers.

Theatre Education - Dramatic Arts is comprised of Survey of Theatre Arts (Acting, Costuming & Tech Design), Intro to Musical Theatre, Advanced Musical Theatre, Intro to Acting, Advanced Drama, Technical Theatre Design, Lighting Design, and Costuming for Theatre. Students in performance classes will learn acting techniques, improv, basic design and production, as well as actually participating in shows. Students in technical theatre classes will design and build for the season's shows, as well as participate in at least two shows as technical support. Our theatre season has 7 shows and plenty of opportunities for students to shine both on and off the stage.

physical EDucation

The PE department offers a wide variety of classes for 10th through 12th grades, including Team Sports, Weight Lifting, and Aerobics. Students in these classes improve athletic skills, cardiovascular health, and physical strength. Students are required to take PE & Health in the 9th grade to fulfill the Georgia High School graduation requirements. If students need more room in their schedule for specific elective or athletic training programs, PE & Health can be taken in the summer before 9th grade to fulfill the requirement.

Visual Arts Education

The Visual Arts pathway begins with students learning the basics of drawing. This is a whole new skill for most students, and requires as much practice as anything you want to do well in life. After you have developed the drawing foundations, you'll investigate other elements that make up good art. Once students know the basics, they will then learn to stretch their creative and critical thinking skills.

Visual Arts 1

Drawing & Painting 1, 2 & 3

Ceramics 1, 2 & 3

Graphic Design

AP Studio Art - For those students who want to pursue a career in Art. AP Studio Art requires the completion of three prior art courses and a teacher recommendation.

additional electives

Additional electives are available that not a part of a pathway.

Work-Based Learning -  A program where students leave school early to go to work. Students in this program must be employed, and the school will stay in contact with each student's employer.

Yearbook - A class for students interested in photography and graphic design to explore and experience the process involved in the creation of large publication. This includes pre-planning, designing layouts, proofreading, photography, and the production and sale of the yearbook. There is an application process for the yearbook staff, and it does require after school hours during certain times of the year.

Office Aide - Students will assist the front office with deliveries, mail services, light clerical work, etc. This course is called Peer Facilitator and requires an application.

Georgia Virtual School - Several electives are available, including Computer Programming, which is interesting for students who are considering exploring technology as a career.