Course Guide

Mentorship provides a job shadowing experience where the student gains from the experience and knowledge of an expert in the field they have chosen to explore. This program offers highly motivated students unique opportunities to do concentrated research or project development outside of the traditional classroom. Under the leadership of a trained mentor, students can gain practical experiences and test their interest in a career field. Mentorships are available in a variety of fields including business, journalism, agriculture, electronics, education, and health care. Mentorship typically takes up 2 blocks during your school day either in the morning of afternoon. Students are expected to create a presentation at the completion of the mentorship on their experiences of the job shadowing that they performed. For more information, please contact your school counselor or Lisa Shifflett at Augusta County Schools (540) 245-5100.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

These courses focus on developing and utilizing compensatory strategies and skills for use in the regular classroom and other learning activities. Each student's IEP serves as the basis for strategy and skill development and can include additional classes focusing on English skills and/or functional math skills.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program through the College Board is a highly recognized and respected program among colleges and universities for students to experience college-level work and possibly earn college credit while still in high school. Based on the number of students who register, Buffalo Gap High School currently offers the following AP courses: United States (American) History, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, United States Government & Politics, and Calculus AB.

Criteria for students planning to enroll in an AP course are based on grades in previous course work, teacher recommendations, motivation, and test scores. All students interested in AP courses should take the PSAT or SAT prior to enrolling in an AP course. AP students will take the AP exam for their course in May. Colleges award credit based on their own criteria for AP exam scores. Students receiving a score of 3 or better on an AP exam are typically awarded college credit (depending upon college). Students are responsible for the AP course and exam fee which is approximately $100. Students demonstrating financial need may qualify for financial assistance for the AP exam and should see their counselor for more information.

Students should consult with colleges of interest about the potential transferability of credits when choosing AP and dual enrollment courses. While earning college credits during high school can have many benefits, credits are not automatically and universally transferable to all colleges, especially those out of state. Some college majors, both in and out of state, may have very specific course requirements and may not accept certain transfer credits.

DUAL ENROLLMENT (DE)

Dual enrollment is a program that provides high school students (usually juniors and seniors) the opportunity to take college courses. Dual Enrollment courses enable students to earn high school credit and college credit at the same time. All dual enrollment grades are weighted. Availability of any DE course depends on student requests, staffing needs, and policy guidelines. BGHS offers DE Computer Information Systems, DE Forestry, DE Technical Drawing/Design, DE Engineering Drawing/Design, and DE Architectural Drawing as dual enrollment courses.

Dual enrollment courses at BGHS are offered through Blue Ridge Community College or Dabney Lancaster Community College. Students enrolled in the Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School may take certain courses as dual enrollment through James Madison University, University of Virginia, and BRCC. Students accepted to the BRCC Career Pathways Academy take selected courses as dual enrollment. Some classes at VCTC offer a dual enrollment option through BRCC or DSLCC. The community colleges usually discount the tuition fees for dual enrollment courses.

It is important that students taking DE courses be familiar with deadlines and policies from the college in which they are enrolled. Grades from DE courses will appear on both high school and college transcripts. This will be the beginning of the student’s college GPA. In most cases a student must earn at least a “C” in a college course in order for the credit to be transferrable to other colleges.

Students should consult with colleges of interest about the potential transferability of credits when choosing AP and dual enrollment courses. While earning college credits during high school can have many benefits, credits are not automatically and universally transferable to all colleges, especially those out of state. Some college majors, both in and out of state, may have very specific course requirements and may not accept certain transfer credits.

BENEFITS OF AP & DE COURSEWORK

You'll study a subject in greater depth . . .

If you are interested in a particular subject and want to learn more about it with classmates who are just as enthusiastic, your best bet is to take an AP or DE course.

You'll find out what you can really do . . .

If you don't challenge yourself, you'll never know what you're capable of achieving. If you take an AP or DE course and work hard, your AP exam score or College Transcript completes the picture. You can prove to yourself that you have mastered college-level material, and discover the satisfaction of reaching your goal.

You’ll prepare for college . . .

AP and DE courses represent the beginning of the journey through college-level academic challenges. Once you're used to being challenged you're more likely to continue with advanced studies. These courses motivate you to work hard, and you can improve the quality of all your courses based on the skills you gain in one AP or DE course. The work you do in an AP or DE course will help you develop skills and study habits that will be vital in college. For example, you will learn how to analyze problems effectively, improve your writing skills, and prepare for exams. These are tools that will serve you well throughout your college career.

You may improve your chances of getting into a competitive college . . .

Students who take AP and DE courses and exams are more knowledgeable about the demands of college work. Colleges and universities recognize that applicants with experience are much better prepared for the demands of college courses. Admissions officers are well aware of the difficulty of AP and DE courses, and sending them your AP Exam grades and college transcript can only be a positive step toward potential admission into competitive colleges.

You'll be making a good investment . . .

College is expensive, and it is important to think ahead. By taking a college level course, you are investing in your future.

You'll improve your self-esteem . . .

By succeeding in a college level course, you will know in advance that you have the ability to succeed in college. Students who have this confidence are less likely to go for the easy options at college. They are also more likely to take a greater course load and complete a greater number of higher-level courses. Students who succeed academically are likely to achieve other significant accomplishments in college and throughout their lives.

You'll broaden your horizons . . .

Working with a dedicated AP or DE teacher can be a great influence on you both personally and in your scholastic development. Also, working with other students who are "going for it" can be extremely stimulating.

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