Curriculum
Special Education Curriculum
Throughout our courses, to the extent appropriate, NJ Student Learning Standards are addressed in addition to the students' Individual Education Plans. Our population requires much flexibility in terms of content and pace, and our special education curriculum is designed to serve as a general guideline. Our courses closely follow the structure of the courses developed and offered in NJ public schools. Our teachers will make curricular adaptations in instruction, materials, course content, and assessment practices based on the student’s IEP according to 6A:14-3.7 as we instruct students in the NJ Student Learning Standards through a general education curriculum.
Please click on the tabs below to explore our curriculum and course descriptions.
Animation
Students express their visual creativity through drawing, storytelling, and other visual mediums. Throughout the course students will explore the history and evolution of animation. Students will demonstrate creative self-expression as they learn basic drawing skills, techniques for original character design, the natural flow and movement of objects, and background development which includes an in depth study of perspective drawing and layout. Instruction will be given in the following areas: Elements of art and principles of design; perspective drawing and layout, historical and cultural development of animation, and computer art basics and applications.
Digital Photography
The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language. Digital Photography offers an introduction to the methods and uses of digital as well as traditional photo techniques. Units of study include pinhole camera construction, dark room developing, manual camera function, computer editing, high speed photography, and stop motion. Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history. Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of art materials.
Drama
This course is designed to instruct students in their study and application of musical theatre. Students will analyze play scripts, short plays and scenes from a variety of different influences to increase awareness of acting techniques. Towards this end students will perform both alone and with others in collaborative productions for the Collier community. Theatre students will also learn their curriculum while making vital connections with the NJCCCS for the Performing Arts.
Drawing & Painting
Students will utilize the Principles of Design and Elements of Art to resolve design challenges and explore varied techniques and media; complete with critique and continuous revision in the area of Draw/Paint/Design. The students explore the realm of two-dimensional design with the same fundamental concepts, beginning with black and white and concluding with color. Projects are tailored to encourage creative growth and development, through the active role of the student as artist. As students advance in level, they are able to approach those projects with more complexity, intricacy, and are held to a higher standard in overall assessment. As they progress through the program, they are encouraged to develop and promote their individualized style in reference to subject matter and technique.
Instrumental Music
Instrumental Music is an elective class which is primarily designed to teach students how to play various musical instruments. Towards this end, students will learn numerous musical elements such as notation, intervals, chords, melody/harmony, and fingering. At the same time, students will also explore the history of musical instruments, while also examining 21st Century technology and it’s impact on music. Throughout the year, Instrumental Music students will be required to perform simple and complex compositions and compose and perform original compositions in connection with the NJCCCS for the Performing Arts.
Music Theory
This course acquaints the young performer with all aspects of music; including composers and compositions. The building blocks of music, how it is created and performed, great performers and conductors. This course focuses on developing well educated musicians and discriminating listeners. The major focus of this course is on notation and the building blocks that make up music.
Sculpture
The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language. Sculpture offers an introduction to the methods and uses of materials and three dimensional building techniques in art. Units of study include mold making, casting, carving,CAD, and CNC control, using materials such as aluminum, latex, wood, clay, and found objects. Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history. Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of art materials. This course will earn (5) five visual & performing arts credits.
Studio Art I-IV
The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language. Studio Art I offers an introduction to the methods and uses of materials in art. Units of study include drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, fiber and metal. Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history. Artistic experiences are provided to develop the creative potential in each child and to allow or maximum individual differences in expression and growth. Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of art materials.
Studio Art II, III & IV
Students will build upon the foundation of Studio Art I with increasingly complex projects. Students continue to receive individual instruction as they develop personal imagery.
Theatre Tech
This is a collaborative, project-based class, which will create an opportunity for students to learn and develop those skills needed to produce a theatrical production. The students will assist in the many aspects of theater production including: set design and construction; scene decoration; stage property building; costume construction; lighting and sound, equipment use and maintenance; principles and application of sound, lighting, and computer technology; the use of special effects; costume and makeup considerations and selection; publicity and business management; theatre safety; and the function of technical stage personnel in production work. In addition, the students will learn the responsibilities of the set builder, stage manager, properties manager and make-up artist. Through direct involvement in actual theater productions, students will learn creative problem solving, leadership, responsibility, communication skills, and how to collaborate successfully with individuals and groups. Careers in theater production will also be explored.
Video Workshop
The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language. Video workshop offers an introduction to the methods and uses of digital video design, production, and editing. Units of study include storyboarding, lighting, sound, camera control, non-linear editing, stop motion, special effects, and live production. Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history. Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of video equipment.
Vocal Music (Choir)
Vocal music is designed to guide the Collier student towards personal improvement in the art of singing through study in several musical areas. Students will learn to perform both alone and with others while studying a variety of musical genres and languages. Vocal music students will also be required to learn and apply proper vocal techniques through warm-ups and our applied musical literature/repertoire. Vocal Music students will learn to interpret, analyze, and assess vocal, choral, and acapella musical selections and performances in connection with the NJCCCS for the Performing Arts.