The Saint Patrick High School English curriculum is designed to prepare students for future academic work in high school and college and for success in their chosen careers. Most importantly, English classes will help students experience, understand, and appreciate the role played by language, literature, and research in all aspects of life.

In striving to realize these goals, the English Department offers an integrated and comprehensive program. During the freshman year, students are trained in computer word processing and research skills that they will often be required to use throughout their high school years in nearly every subject. Literature, writing skills, grammar usage, and vocabulary development receive emphasis at every level throughout the required four-year English program.

Today’s world is dependent upon the rapid, visual transmitting of ideas. The study of visual/oral communications teaches the student how he can use the tools and skills of the artist/designer to express himself in a clear and intelligent way. During the process of learning, an appreciation of the arts is developed.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Freshmen who are new to the Fine and Performing Arts should choose between Beginning Band, Principles of Visual Design, or any Theater Class. Students with experience in one of the Fine and Performing Arts should contact the Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning to discuss placement.

The primary objective of the Language and Culture Department is to provide an opportunity for students to become proficient in communicating in the target language. Students will be exposed to and learn about the traditions and customs of the various cultures represented by our student population and will raise awareness of multiculturalism throughout the school. The Language and Culture Department currently offers a traditional four-year sequence in Spanish. As part of the curriculum, the department also offers two years of Spanish for Heritage Speakers. Both pathways offer opportunities for higher level elective studies including Advanced Placement courses. Incoming Freshmen are placed in Spanish I, unless their prior experience with Spanish merits evaluation for Heritage Spanish or a higher level of traditional Spanish. Native speakers and students with previous coursework will be evaluated at the Math/Spanish Placement Exam in the spring before starting their Freshman year.

All students are required to successfully complete two years of coursework in the same language. This requirement will allow them the time and opportunity to become proficient in communicating in the target language. Students are encouraged to enroll in all four years of language study for advanced proficiency, especially if they plan to attend a 4-year college or university.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students are required to take two years of the same world language.

The general aim of the mathematics curriculum is to provide each student with the opportunity to acquire and develop mathematical skills commensurate with his ability. These include basic areas necessary for everyday life in our modern society and topics which are fundamental for studies in a wide variety of disciplines at the college level and in other technical areas. The courses cover the traditional areas of high school Algebra and Geometry as well as advanced topics from a modern viewpoint. Both traditional and modern teaching techniques are employed. In an effort to keep abreast of modern technologies, the use of calculators is required and the study of computer science is encouraged.

Physical Education is more than a body-building program of activities for the purpose of healthful living or for the development and maintenance of physical fitness. It is also more than just the teaching of physical skills or playing games for recreation purposes. Physical Education is a method of education; it is a way of teaching students through experiences gained by participation in motor activities.

In order to contribute its part to scientific education, the Saint Patrick High School Science Department offers its students a varied program of studies. Science courses not only prepare the student for college studies in science but also build skills for non-scientific areas such as pre-law and business. Besides teaching the subject matter of a science, science courses present challenging learning experiences which are designed to improve reading, writing, communication, and analytical thinking skills. Skills learned in science courses increase a student’s chances of success in all areas of college study.

The Social Studies Department objectives are:

• To convey to the student an understanding of man’s role in society in its cultural, historical, political, psychological, geographical, sociological and economical dimensions;
• To stimulate (by teaching and example) an adherence to Christian values which convey to the student the balance and judgment necessary for human interaction;
• To foster the development of clear writing, critical thinking and analytical reading skills in students, in order that they might discover causative relationships;
• To promote in the student a sense of social justice and to develop in him a sense of his responsibilities as a citizen of a democratic society.

The Theology Department challenges the student to acquire an intellectual understanding of Catholic teachings and of his Lasallian heritage and to put this understanding into practice. The student is urged to embrace his faith in a living and loving relationship with God and neighbor. Catholic and non-Catholic students are required to complete the Theology curriculum.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS