Bishop Brady Curriculum

Humanities, STEM, Arts and Culture


As one of the area's premiere high schools for a solid values-based education, Bishop Brady offers exceptional opportunities for our students to develop intellectually, personally, spiritually and ethically.



Humanities

Overview

The English Department of Bishop Brady High School fosters an environment for discovery. Teachers and students explore the spirit, culture, and history of both the individual and the human family through reading, research, discussion, and writing. We recognize that the ability to communicate well and effectively requires skills in thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  We provide a four-year course of study designed to address the needs and potential of our students and to encourage them to grow as scholars and independent thinkers.  


Outcomes


By the end of four years of study in the BBHS English department, students will be able to:


  • use relevant literary terms and devices in discussing and evaluating works of literature
  • develop an understanding and use of vocabulary appropriate to his or her situation and purpose
  • write effective narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive paragraphs and essays in timed and untimed situations, demonstrating an understanding and mastery of the rules of English grammar, usage, and mechanics
  • take notes, summarize, and paraphrase information from written, oral, and visual sources and use this material to write analytical essays and technical reports
  • create and deliver prepared and extemporaneous speeches and oral presentations using visuals and respond to questions and answers from an audience composed of peers and adults
  • author multiple sources, multiple page essays/papers, following the rules of MLA style and using a process that involves choosing a topic, selecting appropriate sources, researching, planning, writing, documenting, and editing the final product
  • read, understand, analyze, and synthesize information and material from a variety of American, British, and world literature genres which include short stories, poetry, drama, novels, speeches, essays, articles, and visual media
  • use literature and visual media to gain insight into themselves and their society as well as to learn about other people and other cultures

Overview

The Social Studies Department of Bishop Brady High School strives to engage its learners on a variety of levels, prepare them for further education in an intellectual environment, and encourage active participation in a globalized society. The Social Studies Department recognizes the importance of student-centered learning through inquiry and participation, but also the importance of historical and analytical writing. Students enrolled in various courses will be challenged to engage in historical discussions, interact with peers through cooperative learning and participate in a variety of educational opportunities from within the greater community.


Throughout their coursework, students will also encounter cross-curricular learning projects and other opportunities that encourage students to interact with people from within the global community. Ultimately, the goal of the Social Studies Department is to help students form the tools that will help them succeed, not only in the classroom, but as a citizen as well.


Outcomes


At the end of his or her course of study within the BBHS Social Studies Department, the student will be able to:


  • apply historic precedents to propose solutions to a present day problem
  • recognize and act on the responsibilities of global and American citizenship
  • respect the diversity of world religions and philosophies
  • comprehend the relative differences between past and present political systems and how they relate to the role of the individual
  • understand the changing social role of the individual according to historical and cultural context
  • relate the allocation and trade of resources to cultural diffusion and the disbursement of population over time
  • analyze primary and secondary sources and draw meaningful historical conclusions
  • explore the connection between contemporary events to conditions and patterns that reside in historical study

Overview

The Theology Department provides each student, regardless of religious background, with the opportunity to understand and appreciate the Catholic identity on which our school community has its foundation. Because we believe that it is fundamental that all students learn authentic Catholic doctrine, values and tradition, the department requires four credits of theology to graduate. The Theology Department offers challenging college-preparatory courses provided in a safe and disciplined environment which reflects Gospel values. It is our goal to inspire, encourage and nurture students in the living our Christian faith through personal commitment to both spiritual growth and social action. The Theology Department plays a vital role in challenging students to build up the school community through participation in prayer and sacramental celebrations, classroom discussions, community service and retreat experiences. The program also helps students to learn to think deeply and critically about contemporary issues of religious, moral and social importance.


Outcomes


Graduates of the BBHS Theology Department will:


  • know how to use the Catechism of the Catholic Church and be able to navigate through the Bible
  • express a knowledgeable understanding and spiritual appreciation for the history, scriptures, practices, and teachings of the Catholic Church
  • express an understanding of the Good news of Jesus as discovered in his words and actions
  • appreciate Jesus as a model of holiness and right living and that human maturity requires virtuous living
  • ask questions concerning faith and morals
  • establish good moral habits in order to enhance good decision making skills
  • work for the promotion of the social teachings of the Catholic Church

Courses


Freshman Theology – Foundations of Catholicism - full year


Sophomore Theology - Understanding the Scriptures - full year


Junior Theology – Church History – Semester 1

Social Teachings of the Church – Semester 2


Senior Theology – Moral Theology – full year

STEM

Overview

A major desire of our department is to give students a competitive advantage for their experiences during and beyond high school. We recognize that many fields of study and prominent employment opportunities require a solid foundation in mathematics. Whether students have an interest in computer technology, forecasting, environmental science, engineering, business management, public policy, pharmaceutics, or medical technology, each motivated and talented student is provided a rigorous background in the study of mathematics.


Bishop Brady students are challenged to develop a working knowledge of the mechanics and applications of mathematical-based systems involving various real world conditions. The curriculum is Algebra-based rooted in Cartesian principles and practice, with major emphasis on two-variable data analysis and modeling. Students will discover, define, and understand relationships among numbers and variables to demonstrate patterns, to write equations, and to evaluate functions. Students will explore the properties of functions and their applications beginning with first degree polynomials and then to rational functions, and through conic sections. We expect students to develop and expand their academic skills in critical thinking and problem analysis as part of the curriculum.


Outcomes


During the three years of study in the BBHS Math Department, students will be tasked to:

  • enhance quantitative literacy by examining math topics with verbal, numerical, graphical, and algebraic properties and tools
  • think and communicate mathematically and about mathematics utilizing descriptions, definitions, concepts, information, and material from a variety of sources relevant to the field of mathematics
  • study finite sets of data values representing functions, projects, activities, operations, and interactions of our society and the world around us to discover patterns, identify relationships, and make predictions
  • model situations or applications with variable expressions, diagrams, formulas, equations, and inequalities in order to make decisions and solve problems systematically
  • use appropriate technology, particularly programmable graphing calculators, to collect, organize, and analyze data; and, to calculate, confirm, or display results
  • simplify, evaluate, solve, and report mathematical problems involving both real and imaginary number systems, and applying the process of arranging or re-arranging, distributing or factoring, substituting or eliminating, and composing or de-composing

Overview

The Bishop Brady Science Department is committed to providing a comprehensive and engaging science education that empowers students to attain scientific literacy while fostering critical analysis skills. We challenge our students to become inquisitive thinkers, prompting them to inquire, question, hypothesize, and proficiently gather and interpret data to draw meaningful conclusions. Our curriculum places significant emphasis on laboratory investigations as vehicles for honing logical reasoning, nurturing creativity, and enhancing insight.


By equipping our students with these essential proficiencies, we empower them to make informed decisions, tackle complex issues, and actively contribute to our technologically advancing society. Our mission extends beyond the classroom, shaping future leaders and responsible citizens who are adept at addressing contemporary science-related social dilemmas. Furthermore, we provide valuable exposure to a broad spectrum of science and technology-related career opportunities. Through the systematic application of scientific principles and an extensive knowledge base, students develop into well-rounded individuals prepared for both academic and real-world challenges.


Outcomes


Graduates of the Bishop Brady Science Department will:


  • think in a manner that is logical, critical, creative, and independent
  • observe natural phenomena objectively and draw conclusions from these observations
  • develop scientific literacy skills to investigate, interpret, understand and synthesize scientific information
  • use the scientific method as a tool to help solve personal and societal problems
  • develop critical thinking skills that will enable them to write persuasively, solve problems and make decisions
  • understand and appreciate our limited natural environment
  • appreciate the beauty and grandeur inherent in the order of the universe
  • problem solve, analyze, discover and understand the fundamental principles of nature
  • form conclusions independently, adopt opinions and recognize multiple perspectives
  • be aware of the relationships that exist between science and other disciplines
  • be aware of the valuable role that science will play in their future lives

Overview

Technology tools should enhance students to be critical thinkers, effective communicators and good digital citizens. The Computer Science Department enhances the skills in the uses of computers and software applications. We believe that these tools give access to information via technology, permit communications and collaborations, and make students proficient in the basic and creative technological skills.


Outcomes


The student who completes BBHS computer science courses will:


  • be familiarized with computers, their operation, and their varied uses
  • be competent in an integrated office suite and related tools
  • have a capacity for creativity and will have developed organizational skills through integration of various computer applications

Arts & Culture

Overview

The Language Department offers courses in Spanish, French, and Latin. In order to satisfy the requirements for graduation, students must successfully complete three years of one language.


The goal of the Language Department is to develop proficiency in the four language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. At the same time, we seek to teach students to understand and respect the cultural and societal differences of the people of the languages being studied, whether modern or ancient. We promote student exchange programs, travel, field trips, and guest speakers to expose the students to the culture and people of the target language. This also allows the students to better understand and appreciate their own language and culture and enable them to develop a global perspective. Many students continue on to advanced levels where they can experience the intellectual pleasure of reading literary works from other cultures in their original languages. In Spanish and French, Advanced Placement students prepare for the challenging Advanced Placement Exam.


The Language Department is constantly seeking means of applying new and emerging technologies to make the students’ learning experience as real and meaningful as possible. The media center provides students with opportunities to practice and record their own communications, access an ever growing offering of media resources, and refine linguistic skills.


Outcomes


By the end of a student's course of study in the BBHS Language Department, he or she will:

  • be able to communicate in the four language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing
  • be exposed to the cultures and peoples of the target language through student exchange programs, travel, field trips, guest speakers, and new technologies
  • have come to an understanding and an appreciation of the cultures of the target language
  • have come to better understand their own culture by contrasting it with those of the target languages

Overview

The Fine and Performing Arts Department provides learning opportunities for students of all levels of ability in music, visual arts, and public performance. Our goal is to motivate and encourage our students to reach their creative potential, to appreciate the potential of others, and to share those gifts with the community through school-wide exhibits, performances, and participation in local, regional and national competitions.


Outcomes


Students will:

  • develop an awareness of the role that the arts play in our lives and in society
  • understand and appreciate various forms of creative expression
  • develop the confidence and skills to express themselves creatively, even if it may involve risk or failure
  • be creative, curious, and imaginative
  • communicate effectively through written, oral, technological, and collaborative means

Share by: