South Carolina requires the completion of four math units for graduation. Ninth grade students usually take algebra 1 or mathematics for the technologies I. Both math courses focus on areas such as algebraic expressions and operations; equations and inequalities; and linear functions and data representations. All students must have a graphing calculator to successfully complete either course. Students who took algebra 1 in the seventh or eighth grade can enroll in geometry 1 or algebra 2.
English 1 covers reading, communication, writing and research. Students read and analyze texts to determine tone, irony and figurative language in assigned literature. The instructor may require speeches or written papers to demonstrate the student's ability to communicate in oral and written form. Written assignments also assess the student's ability to organize a set of thoughts and present them in a reasonable and logical manner. Students must complete four units of English to graduate.
Ninth grade students must take a physical science course. The course provides basic instruction on forming hypothesis, scientific investigation along with organizing and communicating the information gathered in the process. Students will complete chemistry units that focus on the history of atomic models, theory and structure. The chemistry portion of the science curriculum also focuses on the chemical bonds and reactions, acids and bases and basic nuclear chemistry. Physical science curriculum includes the fundamentals of forces and motion, conservation of matter and wave phenomena. High school students must complete three units of science to graduate.
The approved social studies curriculum addresses the impact of past events on current events. Students will study the impact of World War I and the lasting effects of World War II. Ninth grade students also study the influence of the Cold War and the effect various civilizations had on those around them. Parents can prepare their child by watching the nightly news and having discussions on the potential effects certain occurrences have on other regions. South Carolina requires three social science courses for graduation.
All high school students must complete one unit of physical education or Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Students can take the physical education class in the ninth grade or any otehr time before graduation. Graduation requirements also include one foreign language unit and seven elective units. Student may also begin taking these units in the ninth grade and continue until completion. The student must also complete one unit of computer science for graduation.