3 Day Electives

Student Government Assembly (SGA)

The purpose of a school’s student government assembly is to serve its school while learning about leadership and organization. The SGA should serve to promote school improvement and school spirit. The SGA should represent all students and advocate for student and school success. XIS should be a better place to work and learn because of the work of its SGA members.

Yearbook

In Yearbook, students use their creativity to create an attractive, creative, and organized record of the school year. They work together to take pictures, construct pages, and plan surveys that will fill the yearbook. The advisor and his students also print and distribute the student and staff photos from Picture Day. On the last day of school, the class presents an entertaining video collage of photos that reminisces the memories of the past year.

Intro to Video Production

*Requirements: Every student taking this course must have their own camera and laptop/computer.

Students will learn how to use today’s technology to produce various kinds of videos – from narrative short films to a “youtube channel.” Step-by-step, students will learn to plan and write a script, to capture dynamic video and audio in the moment and to edit your work.

A few activities and topics covered will include:

  • simple scriptwriting
  • learning the parts of a professional video camera, and what they do
  • camera angles and movements
  • planning and shooting green screen
  • planning and shooting simple special effects
  • editing techniques

This elective is very dependent on student’s personal equipment, including devices to capture, store, and edit video. XIS can provide some of the necessary equipment and software for this class, but will be unable to provide all of the necessary hardware and software necessary to complete every assignment. Additional expenditures may be necessary.

Woodshop

Note: There is a 50RMB supplies cost for every woodshop class. 

XIS offers the woodshop program to help students apply the knowledge that they have learned in their other classes to build projects. In the process they will learn how to use tools safely, as well as how to conceptualize, design and complete projects.  

The knowledge and skills learned in this class are applicable to any field of work and will benefit you for the rest of your life. Learning how to use tools safely to design, draw and build quality, creative and practical pieces of art will open your horizons of possibility and potentially save you much money and headaches in the future. Working with wood is also therapeutic to your mind, builds confidence and is a lot of fun!! 

Students have built many different projects in woodshop class. From bookshelves to toys and small vanity cabinets, to roofs, cabinets, tables, bread boxes and many other useful projects.  

Units offered by XIS Woodshop Class 

  • Woodshop 100 – Basic woodworking with Hand tools  
  • Woodshop 200 – Intermediate Woodworking with Portable Power tools  
  • Woodshop 300 – Advanced Woodworking with Shop tools  

 

Woodshop B Track Classes  

 B track classes are classes that are stand-alone classes that may be taken with or without having taken the previous classes. 

  • Woodshop B150 – Basic 3d drawing and Design  
  • Woodshop B250 – Advanced design, CNC cutting and carving 

 

Some classes may not be available every semester. Class offerings are based off of the needs of the students who take the class.  

2 Day Electives

Chess

  • Improve your brain’s health, memory, and cognitive skills by playing chess. This 2-player strategy game includes multiple health benefits, as well as strengthens planning and organizational skills.

2-D Art

  • Introduction to 2D Art (M.S.) – An introductory course on 2-Dimentional art. This includes drawing, painting, and mixed media.
  • Intermediate 2D Art (M.S.) – This course is for those who have taken 2D Art once before. The projects will build on what was learned in Intro. to 2D Art/Track 1. This includes drawing, painting, and mixed media.
  • Advanced 2D Art (M.S.) – This course is for those who have taken 2D Art twice before. The projects will build on what was learned in Intro. to 2D Art/Track 2. This includes drawing, painting, and mixed media.
  • Independent 2D Art Study (M.S. and H.S.) – This course is for those who have completed all of the three previous 2D courses. An in-depth study in 2D art. The students will be expected to plan and submit an art project of their own, as well as assigned projects using a variety of 2D techniques. Techniques may include acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolours, papercutting, collage, printmaking, and other misc.

Warrior Buddies

This is a great opportunity to help our school in different ways including tutoring, library aide, buddy reading, and teacher’s aide. This elective is great practice for building communication and leadership skills along with organization and patience.

Warrior Pathfinders (Middle School)

Do you want to make an impact? Participation in this elective will influence the entire school as you learn about principles of leadership and character! The Middle School Warrior Pathfinders Elective is a project-based class that focuses on promotion of the Warrior Path (our XIS Honor Code).  Projects will vary per semester but will include the management of Smile Card Winner Boards, poster campaigns, creation of videos portraying Warrior Traits, and advertisements for the Smile Cards.

Culinary Arts

Become more comfortable in the kitchen! In Culinary Arts, students will learn the basics of cooking and baking, as well as how to make 30 minute recipes, meal prep, and try recipe alternatives. The goal is for students to enjoy cooking and show creativity with only a few basic ingredients. Yes, we will actually be cooking and baking, so bring your appetite!

3-D Art

  • Introduction to 3D Art (M.S. and H.S.) – An introductory course on sculpture and 3-Dimentional art. You will be working with materials such as cardboard, wire, tape, etc.
  • Intermediate 3D Art (M.S. and H.S.) – This course is for those who have taken 3D Art once before. The projects will build on what was learned in Intro. to 3D Art/Track 1. You will be working with materials such as cardboard, wire, tape, etc.
  • Advanced 3D Art (M.S. and H.S.) – This course is for those who have taken 3D Art twice before. The projects will build on what was learned in Intermediate 3D Art/Track 2. You will be working with materials such as cardboard, wire, tape, etc.
  • Independent 3D Art Study (M.S. and H.S.) – This course is for those who have completed all of the three previous 3D courses. An in-depth study in 3D art. The students will be expected to plan and submit an art project of their own, as well as assigned projects using a variety of art mediums. Mediums may include, plaster, clay, mixed-media, cardboard, and misc.

Warrior Work Study

This is a great opportunity to help our school in different ways including tutoring, library aide, buddy reading, and teacher’s aide. This elective is great practice for building communication and leadership skills along with organization and patience.

Toasties

Play fun games & activities that build confidence & help you think on the spot; experiment; use your creativity; learn skills to clearly communicate in front of an audience.
*Materials needed: your imagination, 1 folder, & 1 A4 notebook

Warrior News

Students in Warrior News get the opportunity to present school news to their fellow classmates, teachers, and parents. The topics range from birthdays to interesting facts on “This Day in History”. The broadcasts are either per-recorded or live streamed over the internet. Students learn how to set up a and produce a broadcast, direct a simple news program, write scripts for presenters, and more. In the future we are hoping to expand broadcasts to XIS sports events for parents who cannot make it to the game location.

Beginning Spanish

Are you interested in learning Spanish? It is currently the 4th most spoken language in the world. Enjoy your introduction to a few Spanish-speaking countries and different cultures as you explore this lyrical language.

Friday Electives

Advanced PE

Professional athletes often have extraordinary physical qualities and superb athletic skills. Athletes who exhibit this kind of athletic performance are not born with it. What makes them who they are?

You will certainly improve after finishing advanced PE. This course focuses on athletic performance ascension , including 6 different stages including strength training and specialized skill training.

Logic Puzzles

Join the Middle School Logic Puzzle Class , where we will play different puzzles. Playing puzzles will help you develop important skills such as a logical way of thinking, creative problem solving, and think critically. Most of all, we will have a lot of fun by playing games such as Sudoku, Jigsaw Puzzles, Brain Teasers, Lego, and more. Sign in for this class quickly! Spots are limited.

Armchair Travelers

End your academic week by traveling off-campus or even off-world! Explore new cultures or delve back into familiar ones as you open the cover of your book. Meet new characters and travel to new places all from the comfort of your chair.

* indicates electives not offered this semester