Current Electives Spring 2012
Monday / Wednesday Afternoon Classe
Basketball: Come and have fun with Coach Gates at the Carrillo Street Gym while learning the basic fundamentals of basketball and playing games like ‘knock-out’ and ‘horse.’ This elective class is open to all students—boys and girls, grades 7-12. In addition to this Monday/Wednesday class, there will be an optional session after school on Tuesdays to focus on conditioning and more advanced training to develop one’s personal skill level.
Digital Voyage: Media Studio: (UPPER School class –Lower School WITH TEACHER’S APPROVAL) Students will explore the changing world of new media. Students will use their skills to evaluate online information sources, learn fundamental communication techniques, and study the art of digital storytelling using the latest Mac editing software in Anacapa’s newly upgraded Computer Room. Second semester projects include: TV commercial production, music video creation, and short film scripting.
Figure Drawing: Students in this class will learn to draw the human form, the most rendered subject in art all over the world. Assignments will build skills to see and reproduce proportions, with the goal of realistic representation. As confidence is acquired, assignments will advance from depending on photo source materials to using each other as models; media will be almost exclusively black and white. The work of some important and pertinent artists will also be studied to encourage students to explore more interpretive representations. No art experience is necessary for the class, just the willingness to try!
Law & Society: This is not a class just for future lawyers (though they are welcome). Taught by local attorney Ben Bycel, this is a class for anyone who wants to understand why so many things we do or don’t do in our daily lives are ruled by laws—e.g., mandatory education, health laws, marriage and family laws, noise and health laws, traffic laws, tobacco, alcohol and drugs laws, employment laws, and so many more. Are the laws fair? How can you change a law? What does the “rule of law” mean? Who are the people who make, administer, and enforce the laws? Is the process of law making and administering working or is it failing? Are television and film dramas about the law true to life? How do the media cover the law?
Softball: Open to all levels, this class will teach you the basic skills of catching, hitting, fielding, and base running, and you’ll learn the rules of the game for both softball and baseball. We’ll also be doing some conditioning, so be ready to run and do strengthening exercises, too. Students will be transported in school vans to Elings Park for the class. Students will need to bring their own glove. Come have some Anacapa fun!
Surfing: This is NOT a “learn how to surf” class. It is a class for moderately or very experienced surfers who want to engage in surfing as a physical activity. The class surfs at different beaches where there are no lifeguards and where conditions can be crowded, dangerous, and very competitive. Equipment—including a properly sized full winter wetsuit in very good condition—and a signed parent permission slip are required. The class leaves school after lunch—at approximately 1:10 p.m. The ending time of this class is variable (occasionally as late as 5 p.m.).
Yearbook: Students will participate in all phases of the work necessary to produce Anacapa’s 2011-2012 yearbook. This includes choosing and taking photos, creating page layouts, writing descriptions of activities, and designing the cover. This busy, hands-on, working class will incorporate digital photography, Adobe Photoshop, and InDesign to produce our computer-based yearbook.
Tuesday / Thursday Afternoon Classes
Ceramics: Come learn the techniques of hand building, pinch pots, and sculpture along with the history of pottery. You will also learn to decorate and glaze your pieces. More advanced students have an opportunity to continue their knowledge of ceramics with more self-directed projects, as well as experiment with “throwing” pots on the wheel. If you like to work with your hands and want to explore your creative side, this may be the class for you! All levels of experience are welcome.
Engineering: Each year our engineering class builds an item to auction off at our annual school event in March. We have hand-made tables and barbeques in the past and take requests, as well. This will be a team project that will enhance students’ problem-solving abilities and actually create a product that we can physically interact with. Logic, team building, and safety will take precedence. Another project will be decided on by the students and may include making personal items like motorized bicycles, remote control cars, medieval body armor, or some other engineering feat they envision. Overall, we have a great time pulling our thoughts and ideas together and building the necessary pieces for this additional project every year. Anacapa dad Seth Hatfield has been an awesome connection for tools, equipment, the use of his shop at Mastercraft Motors, and a wealth of mechanical knowledge. This class is so successful because of his willingness to help and share his knowledge with us. Thank you, Seth!
Ensemble Music: In this class, students will be playing songs in a combo performance group. This will include music and instruments from Latin America, as well as other styles. If you play any musical instrument, this is an opportunity to show your talent and expand your musical horizons.
Kickboxing: What’s the best way to combine self-defense and a great workout? Kickboxing, of course! This class, run by Martial Arts Family Fitness, will provide Anacapa students with professional instruction in this specialized workout. Students should be prepared with appropriate athletic shoes and clothing, as well as a willingness to work hard! The cost of this class is $350, with payment due before the first class.
Performing Arts: Calling all circus performers! Here is your chance to sing, dance, juggle, be a lion tamer, a puppeteer, a stilt walker, a snake charmer or perform any other circus talents you might have. We will be performing “CARNIVAL,” a modern production of a Tony award-winning 1960’s play about a dying circus that is trying to relive its glorious days as the fabulous “Cirque du Paris”! In addition to performers for this production, we need set designers and a construction crew!
Study Hall: In addition to individual study time, some academic assistance will also be available during this class. Students will receive a grade but no academic credit.