The Ninth Grade Experience

This course aims to cultivate cross-cultural understanding through examination of and interaction with a variety of cultural groups. We discover the diverse cultures that make up our own community, branching out from there to studies in China, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Students learn about the complex cultural, political and geographical forces that have shaped each region, and follow the threads of continuity and change to examine these contemporary societies. 

The year begins with a study of the United Nations—including a trip to U.N. headquarters in New York — to give students a framework for thinking about international issues such as human rights and conflict resolution.

Throughout this project-based course, students use historical research, literature, films, nonfiction texts, publications, and museum exhibits to view issues from multiple perspectives. In addition, students practice taking notes, debating, writing critically and making oral presentations.

This high school-level course is composed of biochemistry and cell biology, classification/taxonomy, the kingdoms of life and the major animal body systems, molecular biology, genetics, and evolution. 

Using National Geographic’s textbook Biology as the foundation for the course, students engage in lab work, generate knowledge from direct observations of natural and experimental phenomena and learn to evaluate this knowledge for precision, accuracy and reliability. 

In the fall students begin with a study of ecology and the ecosystems that make up our planet. They learn how to detect the major molecules in food and gain competence using compound microscopes through our study of cell division and cell structure. 

In the winter, as part of our animal and plant systems unit, the anatomy of a flowering plant, an invertebrate (earthworm) and at least one vertebrate (frog and/or rat) are examined through dissections, and comparisons to human anatomy and physiology are also explored. 

The spring term allows for practice and mastery of genetics problems, pedigree analysis and research on genetic diseases. A thorough understanding of DNA, protein synthesis, mutation and variation connects to our study of evolution. While learning the development of the theory of natural selection students become familiar with the scientists and theorists who contributed to this important idea. 

Throughout the year students engage in projects, presentations, research papers and other group work to dive deep into special topics in biology.

The ninth grade writing and literature program continues to develop students' ability to analyze literature critically, both orally and in writing. The curriculum focuses on autobiography and fiction, both in complete books and excerpts. 

Students read and write poetry throughout the year, culminating in a "poetry cabaret" in the spring that is conceived and performed by the students. Multi-draft critical essays—as well as personal narrative essays, creative compositions and projects related to the reading—are assigned throughout the year. 

Students work on skills such as forming and supporting a thesis as they develop a strong personal voice. Mechanics and grammar are taught based on individual needs found in students' work. 

The month of May is devoted to discussing poems covered during the year and selecting and rehearsing material to be performed in the year-end cabaret. In recent years, texts for this course have included the memoir This Boy’s Life, and the novels Dear Edward, I Will Survive, and The Great Alone.

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The ninth-grade Computer Science class is based on the CodeHS platform. The CodeHS introduction to computer science curriculum teaches the foundations of computer science and basic programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

The course utilizes a blended classroom approach. The content is web-based, with students writing and running code in the browser. Lessons consist of video tutorials, short quizzes, example programs to explore, and written programming exercises, adding up to more than 100 hours of hands-on programming practice. 

Students begin their studies with the turtle graphics approach pioneered in the 1960s and advance all the way to cutting edge AI and machine learning topics.

For the culminating project, students collaborate to design, code, and test their own original program. 

Once students complete this introductory course, they will have learned material equivalent to a semester of college-level computer science and will be able to program in Python. Students who move quickly through the introductory curriculum will have the opportunity to study AI, including multiple approaches to creating AI players in games and training chatbots.

Reading fluency and advanced topics of grammar and syntax are the focus of 9th grade Latin. In addition to learning several verb tenses, the passive voice and the subjunctive, students regularly translate increasingly lengthy and complex stories. 

Students acquire knowledge of the political, cultural and literary history of the Romans and their contributions to Western civilization. The events and various regions of the Roman Empire are studied along with Roman social structure, childhood, funeral customs and government. Attention is also paid to recent discoveries and current perspectives and interpretations.

 Enrichment of the students' English vocabulary and methodical thinking are also stressed. Special projects may include Roman architecture, mosaics, poetry recitation, a Roman banquet, Latin novellas, heroes now and then, and a Roman artifact project based on an object in the Yale University Art Gallery’s collection.

Ninth graders explore the Chinese language and culture through a theme-based approach, covering topics such as maintaining a balanced schedule, participating in student activities and clubs, and making friends. Lessons on both traditional and modern Chinese culture complement each thematic unit, enriching students’ understanding. 

Students also take part in the CT COLT Poetry Recitation Contest, showcasing their language skills with confidence. 

Through Foote’s sister-school relationship with Yali School in Changsha, China, they have the unique opportunity to practice their newly acquired language skills with pride and enthusiasm. After traveling to China for two weeks, students reflect on their experiences by creating an eBook and producing a video about their journey.

Ninth graders research and present about an ancient Mayan or Aztec city and a famous Hispanic figure. Students create an illustrated children's book or short story and participate in the CT COLT poetry recitation contest. Students read and analyze various literary selections by authors from Spain and Latin America. Students also visit local museums to discuss art in a variety of ways. Ninth grade Spanish builds on students' established foundation, introducing more complex grammatical structures and expanding cultural themes. Ninth graders pull together all of the years of hard work and fun as they proudly share their language proficiency on campus and beyond.

In the ninth grade art course, students develop painting skills through a variety of engaging projects, drawing on their own identities and personal experiences while exploring different art movements and artists. 

The year begins with the study of cave painting, where students create their own interpretations on the outdoor foundation of the gymnasium, embracing one of the oldest forms of art. 

From there, students will explore contemporary art by collaborating on a mural for the school campus, incorporating imagery inspired by their backgrounds and interests. A fall trip to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) gives students the chance to connect with an impactful piece of art, using it as inspiration to paint their favorite place in watercolor or acrylic. Midyear, a guest teacher leads students through Josef Albers’ exercises on color relativity, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this element of art.To tie in with their upcoming China trip, students will create terracotta warriors from clay. 

The year culminates with an impressionist-style acrylic painting on stretched canvas, which is proudly displayed during their graduation ceremony. This course offers students a rich, hands-on experience that connects their personal stories to art history and creative expression.

Ninth graders play and study steel pans for the entire year, building on the skills they learned in eighth grade. They review and improve their ability to handle the instruments during set up and continue to develop their stick technique. Repertoire is chosen predominately by the students, and may include a soca or calypso song as well. Throughout the year, ninth graders study the history and culture of steel pans, including the evolution of the instruments in Trinidad and Tobago and their current place in music worldwide

Ninth grade is the culmination of the students’ theatrical studies at Foote. Students spend this year studying and preparing a play for production. Usually, the play involves historic and cultural themes, and some class time is devoted to research and literary analysis of the time period, linguistic style and important contextual elements. 

Throughout the year, ninth grade drama classes incorporate the cumulative and sequential skills that students have learned during the course of their entire drama experience at Foote School. In-class lessons involve integrating all components of the production: organizing scenery, props and costumes (physical layout and changes during the performance); learning stage manager skills and "calling" the show; technical aspects of lighting, set construction, sound selection and making the score; and publicity.

The ninth-grade PE curriculum emphasizes rigorous physical activity, skill development, and athletic growth through a variety of sports and exercises. Students participate in activities such as badminton, floor hockey, soccer, flag football, Frisbee, volleyball, basketball, and kickball, building both individual skills and teamwork. The curriculum encourages students to stay active, challenge themselves, and develop a lifelong appreciation for physical fitness and sportsmanship.