Curriculum Overview

The information presented here is an overview of the curriculum for students in Ninth through Twelth Grades. Brief descriptions of curricular areas are provided at each grade level. For more information, download our Upper School Curriculum Guide here.

Overview

Gill St. Bernard’s School is committed to developing intelligent, capable young people who are prepared for success in higher education and who can think critically and analytically, act with integrity and compassion, and become responsible citizens of the world.

GSB realizes that learning extends beyond textbooks. Students, therefore, participate in activities and projects outside the classroom. Opportunities such as an annual writers and artists-in-residence program and work with a U. S. archivist at the National Archives, allow students to work side-by-side with professionals. Taking part in community service teaches students about the larger world and fosters character development. The Unit, unique to GSB, is an intensive course of study at the end of the school year.

School Year Schedule

Gill St. Bernard’s school year is organized on a semester system. Students take traditional courses from September through late-May, with report cards issued at the end of each semester. An intensive two week course of study, the Unit, completes the school year.

ENGLISH

The curriculum of the Upper School English department builds on the foundations of the Middle School language arts program. The Upper School program is based on the belief that all aspects of the English curriculum are interdependent and they all contribute to reinforcing student progress in the mastery of English. The curriculum seeks to foster an appreciation of literature as well as the skills associated with close reading, modes of writing, word usage, vocabulary development, listening, speaking and analysis. The immediate aim is to prepare students for academic success in college. The ultimate aim is to provide students with the ability and the desire to be lifelong learners in the language arts.

English department objectives:

  • Appreciation of literature
  • Willingness to accept a variety of perspectives
  • Ability to examine a work of literature in its historical, cultural, and biographical context
  • Reading for comprehension and literary merit
  • Ability to recognize and appreciate figurative language and literary devices
  • Ability to successfully analyze literary criticism
  • Ability to speak before a class, either in a seminar or during a presentation
  • Ability to research and write a comprehensive research paper
  • Ability to prepare organized, well-developed written responses to literature

MATHEMATICS

 Mathematics is more than an academic discipline. It is also a language and a way of thinking. Mathematics education seeks to not only develop a comprehensive knowledge of concepts and skills, but also to help students reason logically and sequentially.

A traditional course sequence ensures that students continually build upon their math knowledge. The course sequence is Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Precalculus and Calculus. While academically able students advance to AP Calculus, all students are expected to challenge themselves to study math at the highest level possible.

The major objectives of the math program are:

  • To broaden students’ mathematical vocabulary by an ongoing integration of new math concepts and skills into the curriculum
  • To utilize technological tools in the curriculum to promote more sophisticated learning. Graphing calculators and computers are used extensively throughout math course work.
  • To promote logical and sequential thinking by insisting on process as well as result in all instruction.

SCIENCE

As our society becomes increasingly technological, a sound understanding of science is critical. This understanding requires a strong knowledge of life and physical sciences, as well as knowledge of the methods of scientific inquiry. A great many issues that confront our future have a basis in science. Successful citizenship in future years will depend on scientific literacy.

The core of the Upper School science curriculum begins with freshman physics. Challenging chemistry and biology courses follow. When core requirements have been met, students can select from physics I, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, as well as other electives. Electives include courses in forensic science, oceanography and astronomy. Advanced Placement courses broaden and deepen students’ understanding of specific scientific areas and prepare students for competitive college options.

Department Objectives

  • to apply the scientific method to real world problems
  • to use and apply mathematics as a tool to solve scientific problem
  • to analyze problems and propose hypotheses
  • to understand the interdisciplinary nature of scientific endeavors
  • to understand the natural world so that informed decision making can take place

HISTORY

Gill St. Bernard’s believes in the importance of helping students understand the world in which we live. History shares the broader goal of all the humanities: to shed light on the human condition. History at GSB is a matter of appreciation and interpretation. Thus, an important goal in each course is to challenge stereotypic and ethnocentric thinking to foster an independent, historically-conscious view of the world through the study of history and the social sciences. To this end, the history curriculum is integrated to provide students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to function as resourceful members of an increasingly interdependent world. Specific skills such as primary source analysis, graph, chart and map interpretation, and research and writing are all emphasized. Experiential learning is incorporated through group activities, projects, guest speakers and field trips.

The objectives of the History Department include:

  • To help students to develop, refine, and master observation skills and hypotheses formulation
  • To enable students to critically evaluate evidence in contradictory arguments
  • To develop historical writing skills and the fine points of thesis formulation both orally and in writing
  • To cooperate in problem-solving as it pertains to the study of history
  • To promote geographical awareness and the understanding of the relationship of geography to history
  • To enable students to understand and appreciate the individual’s role as citizens in a global society

WORLD LANGUAGES

French and Spanish levels I-V are offered in a proficiency-based program with a focus on the development of oral, aural, writing and reading skills. All classes are conducted in the target language; the use of multi-media and cultural realia support learning at all levels. Language study is further reinforced through research, field study, and international travel.

The objectives of the French and Spanish programs include:

  • Developing proficiency in the target language through an integrated exposure to listening, speaking, reading and writing
  • Enhancing conversational skills through the use of cooperative learning techniques and learner-centered instruction
  • Stimulating critical thinking and enabling students to better understand and appreciate other cultures

Latin levels I-V are offered in a reading based program with a focus on the development of reading and writing skills.  The courses also focus on the history of Roman civilization and its impact on contemporary society.

The objectives of the Latin program include:

  •  Developing reading proficiency through an integrated exposure to reading and writing
  •  Stimulating critical thinking skills and enabling students to better understand and appreciate Roman culture

COMPUTER

The Computer Science department offers elective courses that help students understand and utilize computer-based technology, software and hardware. The curriculum is designed for all students: those who may wish to pursue a technological career, those who want to apply their artistic, creative skills and talents in digital media, and those who simply recognize that computer literacy is essential in today’s world Courses are offered in two major areas: computer programming and computer design.

The objectives of the department are to prepare students to:

  • Design and implement computer-based solutions to problems in a variety of application areas
  • Use and implement well-known algorithms and data structures
  • Develop and select appropriate computer strategies to solve problems
  • Code fluently in various computer languages
  • Be able to read and understand a large program consisting of interacting objects
  • Identify the major hardware and software components of a computer system, their relationship to one another, and the roles of these components within the system
  • Recognize the ethical and social implications of computer use

HEALTH

Because Gill St. Bernard’s School believes that it is important for Upper School students to develop responsible behavior patterns, health education is integrated into the school program in a variety of meaningful ways. Each year, through assembly presentations, speakers, advisory group conversations and other activities, students broaden their understanding of personal and societal health issues.

The program stresses building self-esteem and provides knowledge so that students can develop responsible value systems. Topical conversations often help to clarify values. Frequently discussed topics are growth and development, human relations, responsible behavior and family life. Other issues considered include human sexuality, alcohol, drug awareness and AIDS. The emphasis is on making informed and responsible decisions.