Classes & Curriculum [WIP]

Posting this here so I can work on it, and you guys can review it~

Here at Otherworld Academy, while we do have the standard classes such as Math and Science, the curriculum here is much broader given the school's supernatural inhabitants. Many courses are offered in multiple languages, though some of the more particular ones are held in English to prevent strain on the teachers. While schedules are not as concrete, and students are free to take on extra classes so long as they prove capable of handling it, a schedule for students between 14-21 is required to have a minimum of seven classes. Students from ages 11-13 are only required to take five classes, though the classes are longer and more closely linked. Also, students under 11 are usually put into a single classroom, similar to an elementary environment, however a parental guardian (if available) may request that the student not start classes until 11. Several policies are in place as well to encourage student interaction, one of them being that all standard (11-21) students must participate in at least 3 multi-species classrooms, something that isn't hard to do, but has been an issue in the past.

Standard Schedule

As mentioned above, schedules vary depending not only by age but by choice. Students are given more free reign in organizing their schedules, so long as they are able to keep up with them. Students 11 or older reserve the right to apply for additional classes, though they may only apply for up to three more classes. In addition, scheduling conflicts could prevent certain classes from being taken. Unless students choose an alternate education, (those under 18 with parents/guardians must have permission) they will have to go to class during the standard class hours. All students following the standard Academy education system will begin classes at the same time, though classes end at different times. The cafeteria opens to serve breakfast at 6:30 A.M. and classes begin at precisely 7 A.M. every weekday. Exceptions of course given to holidays and breaks. 10> students have a varying schedule due to the work at your own pace nature of the classroom, though their class hours typically end at 2 P.M. As for 11-13 year old students, while they only have five classes, each class is at least an hour long. Generally speaking, 11-13 year old students (provided they haven't taken up extra classes) will end their day at around 1:45 P.M. making their day the shortest out of all the schedules, though many participate in hour-long after class activities.

10> Classrooms + Curriculum

Given the relatively few amount of students of this age in the school, they typically are all kept in the same classroom, similar to an elementary school environment. In most cases, a single teacher fluent in multiple languages will lead the class, though an aide is typically there to assist. Classroom curriculum is rather standard, the class usually is around five to six hours of instruction, with one hour of recess and a thirty minute organized lunch in-classroom. For lunch, students are typically brought their meals, and are encouraged to eat and socialize during lunch. Generally speaking, only hybrids and some recently turned individuals who've shown violent tendencies will be schooled in solitary, though good behavior or adjustment can result in them returning to the standard classroom.

The standard subjects are covered in the classroom, such as English, Math, Science, Reading, and History. Individuals with a second language or a non-English mothertongue will also have individual focus for them to practice and master their own language, either with assistance from the teacher, aide, or in rare cases, an older student whom is also proficient in the language. These students will also have an ESL class in their schedule until they are deemed proficient. Additional subjects covered will vary according to the demographic of the classroom, though a subject denoted entirely to Hybrids, as well as SS (Species Studies) are almost always present. Here is a brief explanation of the most common additional subjects.

Hybrids - a subject remarking on the differences, similarities, and biological design of hybrids, as well as a historical view looking at famous hybrids of the past. The subject is geared towards preventing discrimination against hybrids by attempting to make them more understood, and looking towards more positive and famous figures of the hybrid species, such as Beethoven, Edgar Allen Poe, Kurt Cobain, and Robin Williams.

Species Studies - though most supernatural are already aware of the various other species, this subject is almost always taught in order to dispel myths and untruths that may have developed during the child's upbringing. The subject loosely covers the standard natures of each species, biological differences, as well as species-specific needs, such as were-shifting and vampire feeding.

ESL - this subject is often taught separate of the main classroom so that the students may get more one on one time mastering English. Students who are not fluent in English will take this class until they are deemed reasonably proficient, typically via an oral exam. The class is often co-taught depending on the languages of the students learning English.

Otherworld History - a subject entirely denoted to the histories of Otherworld Academy, students will learn of prestigious members, founders, as well as the trials of the school. Students also learn of true value the school offers. This subject is rarely taught given the majority of students lack of interest.

Foreign Language - unlike ESL, this subject focuses on allowing students the opportunity to learn proficiency in a non-English language. To allow for manageability, students typically must choose between 3 to 4 languages that the school offers to teach them in-classroom. Students are taught the foreign alphabet (if there is one) as well as grammatical rules, sentence structure, and vocabulary. The course has proven successful in producing students fluent in multiple foreign languages, depending on their own dedication to their work typically influencing their rate of success. This subject is becoming increasingly popular as a result of globalization.

10> students typically do not leave the classroom during class hours, as the class is accommodated with all necessary facilities, the classroom is also large enough that the majority of recesses will be held in the room, with outdoor or courtyard recesses being viewed as a reward for good behavior. However, every week the students will go to another extracurricular area of the school as part of their instruction, such as the sports level, library, or rec room.