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Curriculum

Curriculum

A student is cutting a piece of paper with scissors.

BG designed the curriculum for grades to provide a holistic education. Students learn to think critically and communicate well. Faculty develop complex thinkers by teaching problem-solving processes and critical thinking scenarios. Instructional strategies target analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating concepts in all academic domains.

While our school’s curriculum meets and exceeds the Pennsylvania Department of Education state standards, our students and teachers are not restricted by the state’s standardized testing. Instead, education at BG is designed by experienced educators using proven methods that develop learners who are prepared academically and personally for higher education; and ultimately for successful careers. BG offers a method of education that is not driven by seat time in a classroom or lecture. Instead, instruction is delivered beyond the classroom structure, not limited by the school bell and four walls.

The school’s methodology is based on research and experience that shows successful learning comes from engaging students to become active learners. Our teachers design lessons that encourage critical thinking, curiosity, and depth of learning. Our students connect deeper to content by applying it themselves (not just memorizing answers).

BG’s learning management system, Canvas, allows a blended hybrid (in-person/online) model of instruction and 24/7 access to content, assignments, and more. It serves as a pathway to post-secondary college and career-driven plans for success. In addition, our learning platform provides a tool to enable teachers’ flexibility to individualize students’ needs and achievements.

To download the full program of study, click here

HIGHLIGHTS OF BG CURRICULUM

INTERNSHIPS AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCES

At BG, students exceed state standards for graduation which enables Seniors to design elective experiences that help them explore careers, accelerate their careers, and distinguish themself on college applications.  Not only can they take college courses while at BG, but they can go beyond the walls of the school.  During the school day, students have interned with engineering firms, conducted research, worked with professionals in career areas of interest, and taken unique courses of interest.  

A group of students are working on a science experiment in a classroom.

A young woman is smiling.

FLEXIBILITY

Students do not need to be locked into a rigorous bell schedule if they have taken responsibility for their own learning, like almost all BG students do.  When they are looking ahead and want to get ahead, students can get permission to miss classes or even design a schedule where they go to class part time as long as they keep up via the online learning management system, Canvas.  When students are empowered to take control, they perform at a very high level.

 

 

ONE-TO-ONE TECHNOLOGY

At Bishop Guilfoyle, technology empowers learning. They are vital for students’ futures. The one-to-one technology device transforms the classroom into a learning environment that gives teachers and students unlimited access to worldwide educational resources. In addition, it is also a tool that assists teachers with students’ different styles of learning. Now that online access is always-on and ubiquitous, BG focus is on responsible use and prioritizing time so the student is in control of the technology, not the other way around.  

A student is using a tablet in class.

A student is reading an article on a tablet.

VIRTUAL EDUCATION DAYS

Virtual education days are scheduled throughout the school year and when school is canceled due to inclement weather. These days help students learn independently and take responsibility for their learning. Rather than assuming that learning only takes place while in school, these days instill the idea that they can learn from anywhere, anytime.  The platform BG uses is likely the same learning management system they will see in college, making them comfortable when they reach that next level.