The Upper Level Program at Co-op
Grades 7-12
After children spend time in the Grammar Stage absorbing memorized information, they naturally progress to the Logic Stage (Grades 7-8). During this time, a logic-age child begins to question and grapple with concepts they wish to delve deeper into. They learn about what is truly good and cling to it. After learning the true and debating the good, the Rhetoric Stage (Grades 9-12) is focused on the third piece of the Trivium, beauty. Rhetoric students learn to present eloquently in both spoken and written word.
Our Co-op uses the Traditio Nostra self-paced courses in three cycles. Students will work with material in an online suite and hard copy books or print-outs, as well as having access to video lessons and available audiobooks (all included with the co-op's subscription), and then students will attend Co-op to participate in Socratic discussion, art projects, science instruction and labs.
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For Upper Level, your Science book (plus solutions manual for rhetoric), your IEW or LTW book, your art (Beginning Drawing Atelier) book, and any +PLUS course books will be purchased by the parent. You are free to shop around for the best deal for your family, borrow from a friend, or buy new—whatever works best. The Great Books course books are mostly included virtually either by e-book or audio version on the Traditio Nostra online suite.
Subjects
WRITING
60 minutes
Logic-age (Grade 7-8) students will be instructed in writing mechanics and grammar basics utilizing the Institute for Excellence in Writing curriculum. Rhetoric (Grade 9-12) students will be instructed in formulating their thoughts and writing eloquently using Lost Tools of Writing curriculum.
SCIENCE
60 minutes
Upper Level students will study the sciences corresponding to the 3 cycles. During Cycle 3, Logic-age students will study Life Science using Life Science Quest while Rhetoric 1 & 2 students will study Novare Introductory Physics. Students will meet in Co-op for instruction and labs; then at home, they will complete coursework and will have access to lesson plans, online lectures, and quizzes from Traditio Nostra self-paced courses.
GREAT BOOKS
45 minutes
Great Books refers to the best of what has been written or thought. Students will read excerpts from the Great Books of Western Civilization, take notes at home, and then come to Co-op bringing these grand ideas to Socratic discussion with their peers. These courses combine philosophy, literature, and theology—all with an emphasis and focus on history. The courses will be split according to grade levels as follows:
Logic level (Grades 7-8): Great Books 1
Rhetoric 1 (Grades 9-10): Great Books 2
Rhetoric 2 (Grades 11-12): Great Books 4
ART​ //
SPEECH & DEBATE
45 minutes
On alternating weeks, students will have an art class or a speech & debate class. One week they will receive instruction and have the opportunity to complete art projects (Studio Art 2 from Traditio Nostra); the next, they will present speeches and debate topics.
The courses will be split according to grade levels as follows:
Logic level (Grades 7-8): Traditio Nostra's Logic 1 (includes speech)
Rhetoric 1 & 2: Traditio Nostra's Advanced Logic & Rhetoric
OPTIONAL
+PLUS COURSES
after lunch and recess
For Upper Level classes, the +PLUS courses will alternate from week to week.
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The first class (+PLUS Literature) will be a restful book club-like discussion that students are invited to join after they have prepared by reading the materials. Tea time snacks will be served. For this course, students will receive handouts of the appropriate Book of Goodness from Luminous Homeschooling at no charge. The books assigned are beautiful classics and other worthy books that all children should read before graduating.
Please view the Cycle 3 Book Lists here.
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The second class will vary based on grade level.
Logic level (Grades 7-8): Traditio Nostra's Study Skills course
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Rhetoric 1 & 2: In-class Jacob's Geometry (a Euclidean philosophy and logic of math course with no assigned homework or reading).
Students MAY optionally purchase the textbook and complete the course at home
if their parents wish for them to earn credit.