• VPA Course Offerings
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Our department of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) fulfills a long-standing tradition of arts in Jesuit education. Probably more than any other form of expression, the arts are cross-cultural and transcend all social and economic barriers. We believe that education in the arts is an invaluable tool in building multicultural understanding and self-esteem. By nurturing creativity in young people, the Visual and Performing Arts Department is helping them develop skills and learn methods and techniques they can use throughout their lives.

Students will have the opportunity to explore art through exhibits, performance, workshops, guest lectures, community events, and classes. Active participation in the arts allows each student to develop a unique perspective and experience of the human condition. The department emphasizes personal growth while encouraging students to work both creatively and analytically. Students will be challenged creatively by abstract problem-solving tasks and will acquire and develop various skills and techniques in the process.

Students are required to complete three semesters of VPA coursework, including two semesters of the same discipline of art.

Requirement

Students must complete a level 1 and level 2 course in the same discipline before moving on to a level 3 course in the same discipline or a level 1 course in a new discipline.

Courses

Our Social Science Department educates in the belief that the study of this diverse discipline is an integral part of becoming a “man for and with others.” The exploration of history, geography, politics, economics, culture, and human thought creates an appreciation of our world and a sensitivity to its many peoples. The department feels that the study of the Social Sciences helps each student to better understand the Jesuit mission of the promotion of faith that does justice by focusing on issues of social justice throughout history.

The progression of courses in the Social Science department seeks to develop the fundamental social studies skills of critical reading, writing, and thinking. In lower division courses, study skills such as efficient note taking, close reading, and proper study strategies are also reinforced. Upper division courses stress research, composition, and oral presentation skills.

Criteria for Honors & Advanced Placement (AP)

We offer 7 rigorous honors and AP courses in the Social Sciences to challenge students in several fields. AP course offerings are available sophomore, junior, and senior year. Classes are intended for students interested in pursuing studies in these particular fields in greater depth.

Requirements

• 1 Semester Freshman year (Ethnic Studies)
• 2 Semesters Sophomore year (World History or AP World History)
• 2 Semesters Junior year (U.S. History or AP U.S. History)
• 2 semesters Senior year (two one-semester long electives or one two-semester AP elective)

The Bellarmine Science Department offers a full range of courses with the belief that a substantial experience in natural science is needed by every college-bound student. These courses are grounded in the Jesuit tradition of the promotion of justice and service to others.

A balanced core of three years (six semesters) of lab science is required of all students.

During the Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior years all students will complete courses in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Freshmen begin with Physics, and then Sophomores and Juniors take Chemistry and Biology.

After the requirements have been met, as Seniors, students may choose from an extensive and varied list of science electives. All courses provide students with opportunities to develop skills in forming hypotheses, interpreting data, and drawing conclusions. In each course, science as a process is the unifying theme.

Criteria for Honors & Advanced Placement (AP)

The Science Department offers honors and AP classes in a variety of disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Students wishing to enroll in an honors or AP science course must follow the Informed Enrollment process. interested students must first solicit feedback from their current teacher, parents, and counselor—and secure counselor approval—prior to enrollment.

Requirements

• 2 Semesters Freshman year (Physics)
• 2 Semesters Sophomore year (Chemistry or Chemistry Honors)
• 2 Semesters Junior year (Biology or Biology Honors)

Bellarmine offers a course of study in five foreign languages: American Sign Language, French, Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish. We hope to convey, through exposure to other languages and cultures, the beauty of diversity, the creativity of humanity, and the joy of expanded cultural awareness.

With the understanding that language is the essential tool of communication, the focus of our program is on the mastery of communication skills. For French, Mandarin, and Spanish, the focus is on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For American Sign Language, students develop their productive and receptive communications skills. Latin students focus on their ability to read and understand the language of the Ancient Romans.

In American Sign Language, French, Spanish, and Mandarin, classes are conducted almost entirely in the target language, starting as early as possible. It is our goal to ensure that after completion of the second year of study, students are able to communicate in the second language at a basic level and have an understanding of the countries and/or cultures where the language is used.

Students are required to study two years of the same foreign language in order to fulfill graduation requirements.

HONORS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PROGRAM

Bellarmine offers honors and/or AP level classes in French, Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish. Students driven to challenge themselves in their language classes will find our Honors and AP Program a valuable learning experience. Our honors courses offer a rigorous and challenging curriculum, and our AP courses are specifically designed to prepare students to succeed on the College Board Advanced Placement exams.

In the spring of each academic year, students in language class levels 2 and 3 will receive specific feedback from their current teachers regarding individual readiness for an honors or AP course. After receiving this feedback, students are free to decide whether or not to enroll in the honors/AP course.  If they do wish to pursue that option, they must follow the Informed Enrollment process of soliciting feedback from their parents and counselor, and secure counselor approval, prior to enrollment.

Courses

Mathematics as a subject provides a system for creating abstract models of reality. Systematic examination of the structure of these models helps in beginning to understand the relationships present in our world. The design of Bellarmine’s math core curriculum focuses on algebra and geometry, as these are fundamental prerequisites for advanced high school mathematics. They are also essential preparation for a wide variety of college majors, and they form the basis for an analytical skill set which is important for all citizens. To this end, the faculty of the math department strives to assist every student to:

• become fluent in the language of algebra and geometry
• develop competence and confidence in the areas of analytical reasoning and problem solving
• build a lasting affinity for math through a positive learning experience.

For students wishing to further their study of math beyond the core, the department offers elective courses that include study in the areas of calculus, probability, statistics, number theory and graph theory.

The Math Curriculum Course Map (below) illustrates the sequencing of course offerings. The math core consists of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. Completion of the core, or its equivalent, is required before a student is allowed to enroll in advanced electives. There are regular and honors/AP sections of almost every course.

Three full years of math are required for graduation, but four is highly recommended.

Program Offerings

HONORS & ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PROGRAM

The purpose of offering Accelerated, Honors, and Advanced Placement courses is to provide students who possess both the academic talent and interest in mathematics an opportunity to be challenged in a way that a regular course would not offer. This challenge stems from teachers stretching the student’s mathematical knowledge by examining topics in greater depth/detail and moving at a faster pace. Expectations of students enrolled in these courses include exemplary comprehension of the prerequisite mathematics, a commitment to active class participation, a passion for learning, and a dedication to the responsibilities that accompany the rigorous academic study.

In recent years, the mathematics department has changed its policy of advancing students based on accelerated summer work. Click HERE for complete details.

Courses