English Skills I :

Freshman English Skills is designed to strengthen the students' abilities in all aspects of the English language. Emphasis is placed on writing, speaking, comprehension, listening skills, and vocabulary building, with grammar taught in relationship to these skills.

Literature I :

The student at Xavier High School is consistently challenged to examine ideas, explore values and communicate opinions. All of this must be done in a second language, English. This course introduces students to literature and compels them to assess the development, themes and literary tools employed by the author. Reading, writing and vocabulary enhance the students English language skills.

Algebra :

Algebra is an outgrowth of arithmetic providing systematic methods by which difficult, subtle problems can be solved. Algebra is a very useful tool for solving problems that require mathematic intervention. The students are encouraged to be rigorous in discipline of thinking and to be self-critical since mathematics requires that one must express him/herself precisely; and, one must prove all assertions.

General Science :

General Science is designed to strengthen the students ability in basic scientific skills, to increase the depth of their scientific inquiry and to give the students a scientific appreciation for the natural world. Emphasis is placed on the scientific method; questioning, observing, measuring, researching, formulating hypothesis, experimenting and interpreting basic data tables.

Social Studies I :

There are three primary goals of Social Studies I: 1.Students are introduced to basic map and globe skills, which are essential tools for gaining a full understanding of the field of social studies. These skills include using a key and symbols, understanding the concept of scale, and facility with the map grid system 2. Students develop strong skills in working with creating other types of graphics, including timeliness, charts, photographs, and numerous forms of graphs and 3. Students apply these skills as they study and explore the different places around the world. By examining and discussing the countries and cultures of people from all seven continents, students gain an awareness of the size and diversity of the world in which they live, but of which they see only a small fraction.

Religion I :

First year religion offers students the opportunities to gain a vocabulary for their development into adults from a Catholic and specifically, an Ignatian perspective. First year religion provides this initial contact with development issues related to adolescence. This includes physical, social, emotional, and, especially, spiritual development. With this acedemic vocabulary the course leads the individual to think critically and objectively about the inner life as well as its manifestations outward in community.

Chuukese Language :

The primary goal of this course is to introduce the students, especially the non-Chuukese to the Chuukese community and their culture. Another goal is to prepare the students for Community Service Projects(CSP) and Town Study Projects(TSP) because they will have to communicate with people who have limited knowledge of the English language. There is also hope that in learning the Chuukese language, the students (non-Chuukese) will be able to reflect on the importance of their own respective languages. The Chuukese students can also learn more about their own language and culture by tutoring their non-Chuukese classmates.

English Skills II :

Recognizing that a strong command of the English language is essential for a student's success at Xavier High School, the teacher of the Sophomore English Skills course should seek to build upon the basic understanding of grammar and composition as established in Freshman English Skills. The promotion of language proficiency at the sophomore level will emphasize refining usage abilities, developing well-organized multi-paragraph essays, improving vocabulary, and enhancing reading comprehension. These skills enable students to better communicate their ideas to others as they engage in lifelong learning and active involvement in the world around them.

Literature II :

Xavier strives to develop the whole person, and therefore, a comprehensive understanding of historical and literary issues is in order. Literature often explores subjects that relevant to the study of world history, and vice versa. This course is designed to parallel the themes and events discussed in Sophomore World History. Students gain a greater appreciation of human events when historical in conjunction with artistic characterization and storytelling.

Geometry :

Students take geometry because it is a course in Mathematics that helps them to develop both inductive and deductive reasoning in order to be able to substantiate their conclusions with factual or logical evidence. In other words the skills acquired in Geometry are necessary for critical judgement and problem solving in different fields of study such as economics, science, medicine and art. Most importantly, it is the hope of this school that, upon completion of this course, students will be able to recognize the many applications of geometric principles in their daily lives.

Biology :

To adequately respect their own bodies nd the other living things around them, students must have a basic understanding of the science involved in the creation and maintenance of life. The course in biology introduces students t the study of living things especially as they relate to life in Micornesia. Biology provides students with basic information, create questions and then search for the answers to those questions. If also serves to encourage the enthusiasm for science which began with the course in General Science. As a result, students should gain a new respect for their own bodies and the other living things around them with the ability to make educated choices for themselves and their community.

World History :

This course seeks, in its most basic form, to convey the major events in world history from pre-historical times to at least the end of the second world war. As history is the result of people's lives and work, the most significant historical figures are highlighted. In addition, two major goals are the focus of the course : 1) to identify and explain various historical trends, movements, revolutions, as they are determined both by the text and the teacher, and in fact to emphasize them over specific historical facts; the "big picture" is paramount; 2)to convey history through an ethical lens, seeking to identify examples and trends of justice/injustice in humanity, with a paricular focus on the class struggle which all of history is in its most basic form. Finally, where it is possible, especially during the presentation of the 20th century, World History seeks to include the historical Micronesia.

Religion II :

This very course helps students not only to get some basic information about "who Jesus (of history) was", rather, a self-awareness of "who Jesus Christ is for me as a Christian today". It means that collecting facts or data as information is not he main purpose of this course. All informative data about Jesus of History and Christ of Faith (in Thomas Zanzig's term) should help each student to find sure criteria of judgement among many values offered by their circumstance or society.

Word Processing:

The Typing Course aims to get an abiltiy to type without looking at the keys, and accuracy and rhythmic stroking. Students learn not only how to type, but also to write on the typewriter/computer. Students also establish primary keyboarding skills.

English Skills III :

The Junior English skills class builds on the skills acquired in English Skills I and II. Emphasis is placed on learning effective ways to organize and write multi-paragraphed essays and a research paper. Students also learn how to write effectively for speeches and oral presentations and learn how to conduct interviews. Students are introduced to logic, analogies, and college vocabulary in preparation for the S.A.T and T.O.E.F.L examinations given to the end of the Junior year.

Literature III :

Xavier students are consistently challenged to identify their beliefs and values, and put them into action. Literature offers abundant examples of adolescent characters who struggle under the same circustances. This course introduces students to these characters and compels them to reflect upon their own values. Broad issues such as freedom, honesty, power, salvation, love, courage, and discrimination are discussed by focussing on specific incidences recounted in the novels, poetry and films. Through introspection students become familiar with indepth literary analysis.

Social Studies III :

The general objective of this course is to help the student learn to accept a responsible place in this society. They must learn not only t live with unsetting change, but also to understand the process of these changes so that they can anticipate and learn to control them.
Specifically, this course is to help the students learn to analyze and comprehend some of the changes that are sweeping through Micronesia today and will continue to do so in the future. Secondly, this course is to assist the student in his search for cultural and national identity. The third goal is that the students must develop the skills that they need to deal with and solve the problems that will face them when they leave school.

Religion III :

This course for juniors aims at making them read extensive selections of the Old Testament itself, encouraging insights into the relationship between the Old Testaments and the new Testament as presented in the Roman Catholic liturgy, and the application of those insights to situations today. It also requires a mastery of the textbook.

Chemistry :

All people are scientists: inquisitive and curious. This course in Chemistry helps students gain confidence in their natural abilities as scientist. It also encourages the students to approach problems logically and creatively. Students will gain the necessary background to understand scientific literature in order to examine problems in our world and to pursue further studies in science. Moreover, this course shows how chemistry and its applications are an integral part of the world surrounding us, with an emphasis on Micronesia's surrounding environment, the ocean.

Trigonometry :

As logical thinking and problem solving skills are necessary in all fields of study, the course in trigonometry prepares students for many facets of life beyond Xavier High School. Students develop solid skills in advanced algebra and trignonometry as well as the ability to conduct creative problem solving in a logical and effective manner. They should become more comfortable with albebra and its required skills and learn the basics of trigonometry and have the confidence to apply their logical thinking skills to everyday situations.

Computer Studies:

A working knowledge of personal computers and application software, to prepare Xavierites for the modern world. Students are taught how to set-up computers and to maintain them. They learn how to utilize the Windows 98 operating system, Microsoft Word 97 word processor, and Microsoft Publisher 98 desktop publishing software. These software were chosen as being most useful in helping the students produce papers and assignments, and in preparing them for future work in college.

Electives--:

-- Art

The philosophy of Arts Class, as an elective subject in Xavier High School, is to develop in our students a visual literacy and an understanding of the human perceptual process. Secondly, is to develop the art sense in their life, or to make their "left and right side brain" balance.

-- Japanese

This course is designed to have interested students be able to hold simple conversations with Japanese speakers at the end of the school year. Its emphasis is on conversational Japanese and introduction to writing in Japanese. Students are expected to be able to write in hiragana and katakana at the end of the year.

Literature IV:

Xavier strives to prepare students to be effective and trusted community leaders. To meet this end the school presents thought provoking discussions of society and the role of each individual in promoting the good of society. Literature often reflects upon the ills and duties of society and the attempts of men and women to clarify which is which. This course uses literature to pose serious questions regarding social mores, individual rights, modernization, cultural preservation and the nature of truth. Students will analyze the scenarios presented in novels and films and thereby springboard into an in depth discussion of their own society.

Social Studies(Civics) :

This course is designed to sharpen students' social science skills already acquired by identifying the issues and themes that confront Micronesia today and being able to investigate, analyze, synthesize, and make projection for the future. It also encourages students to have more interest in the government and their rights and duties as responsible citizens.

Religion IV :

This course relies heavily on the maturation of the seniors' faith and reflective abilities. It takes personal opinions as a starting point for in-depth discussions, reflection papers on life matters, and individual and group debates on moral issues. Taking Christian morality as the foundation for making decisions, the course is framed in such as way as to incorporate a contemporary veiwpoint of the role of Jesus Christ, understanding the intricacies of values, choices, and morality, researching and debating the moral issues such as abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, etc., and in-depth discussions about the sensitive subject of sexuality, love, marriage, commitment.

Marine Science :

Together with the Maritime Seminar course, the Marine Science course forms the bulk of Senior Year studies, and is designed to give students an all-encompassing experience of the rich marine environment surrounding their islands. To that end, courses in marine biology, oceanography, marine-related flora and fauna, reef and water quality survey methods, conservation and environmental awareness are taught. The students are given the opportunity to engage in long-term reef and water quality studies, and in faunal surveys.

Electives-- :

-- Calculus

This course in calculus serves to shapren math skills already acquired and to introduce new skills that are necessary to areas of study such as science and economics. This course also encourages students to find insight into the language, the logic and the solutions of calculus.

-- Physics

This course in Physics gives students a means by which to learn about natural phenomena in their immediate environment and technology that has a profound effect on their lives through hands-on experience, hypothesizing and research.

-- English for College

The philosophy of the English for College course is that students who are able to look more critically at the barrage of opinions and beliefs in the world today will be better equipped to understand which arguments are sound, which are not, and how best to order their lives according to their discoveries.

Town Study Project & Community Service Project* :

*TSP & CSP are requirements for graduation.

Information for Prospective Students