Course Offerings

Enrichment Course Offerings

Instructional Period 1

Algebra 1

This class presents basic algebra with emphasis placed on developing skills working with algebraic expressions. Properties of the real number system, linear equations and inequalities with one and two variables, factoring, graphing and an introduction to quadratics will be offered.  A graphing calculator is required.

ESL

Learn more about American culture - and help us learn more about yours - while improving your English. This ESL style class is designed for students wanting to spend their summer abroad in the U.S. You will not only learn about American life and culture, but also improve your English skills for speaking, reading and writing with special emphasis placed on conversational English both in a state of the art language lab but most importantly outside of class with the new friends you will meet and the experiences you will share. You will also practice reading numerous texts and learn the various components of the writing process while achieving control of standard written English. This class will take up both periods 1 and 2.

Essay Writing

Do you need to improve your writing and critical thinking skills? This class will teach you how to write essays and other forms of non-fiction from conception through final draft. Students will review grammar, syntax and punctuation. We recommend bringing a laptop computer with wireless capability for this class.

Pre-Algebra

Want to get a jump on that Algebra class you are going to be taking? Emphasis will be placed on developing skills for working with algebraic expressions. Properties of the real number system, exponents, linear equations and inequalities with one and two variables, factoring, graphing and an introduction to quadriatics will be previewed. Represent real-world situations using equations and linear inequalities. A graphing calculator is necessary for this course.

Speed Reading and Study Skills

This is a 2-part class that will provide you with effective techniques to improve your reading speed as well as your critical study skills to maximize your academic potential. Part 1 will focus on increasing your reading speed while improving your comprehension and retention. You will learn and practice proven reading techniques that are a must for high school and beyond. In Part 2 of this class you will learn about the importance of motivation, the power of listening, how to take effective notes and tips to improving your memory. You will develop time management strategies and stress reduction techniques to help you prepare for and take those crucial exams.

U.S. War History

This is an overview course of the significant military trends and developments in world history from WWI to now. We will study the fall of Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany and the rise of nuclear power, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm I and II, and Afghanistan. Study weapons and technology, strategy and tactics, decisive battles and significant leaders of each war. Other topics include the theoretical principles of warfare, the development of military ethics and their implications to the nation's economy.

Instructional Period 2

Business Entrepreneurship & Advertising

If creating and marketing your own business sounds exciting, this class is for you. In the first week, you will learn the secrets of successful entrepreneurs. You will then use these concepts to create your own unique business. You will make decisions as part of a team about the company name, how to finance it, what product or service to sell and what to do with the profits. Once a product or service has been created, it needs to be marketed. The second week of this class is devoted to learning the fundamentals of developing a marketing plan that includes both strategic and tactical planning. You will explore the various ways to advertise from print ads and TV commercials to YouTube, Twitter and other social media, ultimately creating a marketing plan for the product or service you created.

Creative Writing

Let your imagination flow.  Inspiring writing exercises will help cultivate creativity in your choice of poetry, fiction or drama.  We will focus on the fundamentals of developing character, plot, dialogue and detail in this small group workshop.  By class end you will have drafted a short story, novel chapter or collection of poems.  We recommend bringing your laptop with wireless capability to use in this class.

ESL

Continued from instructional period 1.

Geometry

This class will preview high school Honors Geometry. You will learn about basic polygram attributes, coordinate geometry, logic, writing proofs and inductive and deductive reasoning. You will apply geometric properties to solve real-life problems.

Law and the Justice System

You will learn about the fundamental concepts of the American legal system. Participation in a mock trial will introduce you to the roles of prosecutor, defense attorney, defendant, judge and juror.

Public Speaking and Debate

This is a 2-part class that will focus on your becoming both a more confident and persuasive public speaker. The emphasis of Part 1 will be on learning proven methods of overcoming your fears as well as fundamental techniques to improve your verbal and non-verbal communication, audience analysis and organizational strategies. Part 2 of this class will focus on providing you the tools necessary to "stand up" and effectively present your point of view. By learning to think critically and to consider issues from different perspectives, you will become more successful at presenting your ideas and understanding others'.

Afternoon Options

Afternoons at 4 Star are a time to relax, play, try new things and have fun.  Whether you are a varsity athlete, interested in a multitude of recreational activities or want to pursue an artistic path, each week you will find an exciting new focus in our fun-filled lineup of afternoon activities.

1.  ALL SPORTS PROGRAM: Choose from a great variety of fun activities all offered on a rotating basis.  A few are listed below:

• Recreational soccer
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Bowling
• Ultimate frisbee
• Swimming is offered each afternoon

2.  SPORTS INSTRUCTION: Develop your skills in a particular sport.

• TENNIS OR GOLF CAMP - spend afternoons enjoying and benefiting from the many instructional features of 4 Star's world renowned Tennis Camp or Golf Camp.  These programs are more intensive and require a supplemental fee of $150 per week.
• BASKETBALL CLINIC - directed by St. Anne-Belfield's basketball coach Mark Gearhart.  Specially designed by Coach Gearhart for 4 Star and offers a great combination of formal instruction, drills and actual game situations.  Please see our application for specific session dates.
• SOCCER CLINIC - a fun, carefully designed soccer clinic for players of all levels.  Each day you will first participate in drills to strengthen your fundamentals.  Then you have the opportunity to utilize these skills in game-like competition.  Improve your game while putting your abilities to the test against players from around the world.  Please see our application for specific session dates.

3.  PERSONAL FITNESS:  Our fitness program is built around such workouts as yoga, pilates, fitness walking, circuit training, and plyometrics to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and cardiovascular conditioning.  You will design a personalized fitness plan while at camp which could include workouts in the weight room as well as water aerobics, so be sure to bring your swimsuit. Whether you are already in a fitness program, playing a sport or just starting out,  this outstanding program is designed for you.

4.  FINE ARTS WORKSHOPS: Bring out and develop your creative side.

• FASHION DESIGN - explore your potential as a fashion designer or simply create your own personal style.  Learn the process from the drafting table to runway that designers follow to create and produce apparel.  Then apply these concepts of color, fabric and line to sketch your own design ideas so that by week's end, you will have the beginnings of a fashion portfolio.
• DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - have fun learning not only how to compose pictures and use light effectively, but also how to use the basic functions of the camera to process, store and retrieve your images.  You will need to bring your own digital camera and communication cables as well as a laptop computer with wireless capability to use in class.
• ACTING - open to both students with experience in acting and to those who just want to see what acting is about.  This class will explore basic acting skills through proven exercises and improvisations to help develop your own acting talents, all leading up to a final production at the end of the program.
• VIDEO PRODUCTION - ever want to make your own movie?  This class will introduce you to all aspects of video production from start to finish.  Learn camera operation, screenwriting, production, directing and editing.  Students will work in small groups using digital technology to create their own short film.
• GUITAR - have you ever wanted to learn to play the guitar?  Or maybe you already play and just want to learn more advanced techniques.  This class is designed for both beginning and more advanced guitar players.  Learn chords, strumming patterns, arpeggios and finger picking.  Put it all together as you learn to play some of your favorite songs.  Students must bring their own guitar.
• STUDIO ART - designed for students of any art background, this class will help you discover and develop your innate artistic talents.  Experiment in a variety of mediums from painting and drawing to sculpture and jewelry making.  Come and discover your inner artist.

Typical Day