Department & Course of Study

Visual Arts
Business/Careers/Technology
English
Health and Physical Education
Mathematics
Performing and Musical Arts
Theology
Science
Social Studies
World Languages

Art

The Art Department offers a comprehensive program in art. Beginning classes introduce design elements and principles through various fundamental exercises. Advanced classes investigate and specialize in several areas, concentrating where interests lay. A wide variety of techniques are used - clay, watercolor, charcoal, acrylics, plaster, pastels and copper enameling. Portfolio classes are available to advanced students.

Department Chair: Chris Rigling-Simon

Business/Careers/Technology

Business education provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the business community and to acquire skills basic to business activities. Courses available to upper-class students are General Business and Accounting I.

Technology is an essential part of the person’s education for the 21st century. Students must be prepared to use computers in their work for various classes and also in their occupations and post-high school education. Freshmen take Mobile Computing. After completion of Mobile Computing, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are encouraged to consider additional course offerings.

Career education includes courses in Education, Engineering, and Information Technology, with the possibility of college credit in each area.

Department Chair: Cheryl Brandenburg

English

The English curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of basic skills in composition, grammatical proficiency, critical appreciation of literary genres, and exposure to the significant authors of the United States, Britain, and the world. In all courses, attention is given to fundamental principles of written expression.

Department Chair: Celena Williams

Health and Physical Education

The primary objective in health education is to develop a solid foundation for understanding the human body through a deeper and more detailed program of health instruction. Emphasis is placed on developing good health habits, practicing safety, achieving good mental health, and studying the major health problems in our community. The major objectives of the Physical Education Department are the development and maintenance of physical fitness and motor skills, recreational and intellectual competency, and social efficiency. These objectives are achieved through the study and practice of good health habits, individual and team sports, dance, gymnastics and body conditioning.

Department Chair: Pat Kreke

Mathematics

Mathematics is a tool for problem solving and applications, a language for expressing and understanding ideas, and a medium for learning to think, discover, and question. Bishop Fenwick students are exposed to all these aspects of mathematics in addition to learning specific skills. Technology is used by our math teachers to facilitate the presentation and recording of math concepts and to enhance math learning. Students at Bishop Fenwick are encouraged to pursue mathematics to the full extent of their talents and ambitions.

Department Chair: Dave Marek

Performing and Musical Arts

The study of music contributes in significant ways to the quality of life for every student who elects to participate in organized music making in school. Every musical work is a product of its time and place, although some transcend their original settings and continue to appeal to mankind through their timeless and universal appeal. Music has been and always will be a significant factor in the pursuit of knowledge. It is our primary concern to expose the students in band and chorus at Bishop Fenwick High School to a wide variety of musical styles and composers by offering performance in a variety of musical ensembles. Through these experiences, we shall enrich and expand the student's aesthetic awareness of all musical experiences. Bishop Fenwick offers opportunities in instrumental and vocal music classes during the school day. Students develop both technical skills on their instruments and appreciation and awareness of various styles and periods in music history through rehearsal and performance of wind literature from all musical periods, with particular emphasis on contemporary wind and percussion works. Chorus members develop individual and group vocal skills as they rehearse and perform vocal works from the Renaissance through modern and popular styles. Chorus presents two concerts each year; the first in December and a spring concert in May. The Band presents two concerts each year, in December and May, along with a solo/ensemble recital in March. The band and chorus classes also perform as part of the annual graduation ceremonies. The Marching Band is a co-curricular organization directly connected to the band class. This competitive group rehearses during the summer and outside the regular school day The band performs at all varsity football games, as well as competing at the local and national levels. The band also makes appearances at local community events and parades. In addition to the marching band and band class, members of the band program are eligible to participate in the Falcon Force “Side Forces” including pep band, jazz ensemble, winter guard and winter percussion.

Department Chair: Larry Mulligan

Theology

Catholic schools exist to present Christian values and customs. The formal courses offered by the theology department focus sharply on this commitment. Important elements of our Catholic heritage are presented in a coherent and comprehensive manner. The theology department seeks to educate all our students in a way that is in agreement with the Catholic Church and also provides practical help in living a Christian life in contemporary society. Solid theological content and reflection upon life experiences are stressed so that students may live a Christian life.

Department Chair: Rob Goodale

Science

Since Catholic education has for its purpose the education of the whole person, it is necessary that he or she be adequately prepared to meet the challenge of our scientific and technological age of today. Courses in biology, chemistry, and physics are designed to meet this challenge. These meet all state requirements, and by incorporating ethical principles, help the student to know the Creator of all science. The Bishop Fenwick science program includes numerous opportunities for hands-on learning and experimentation throughout our science curriculum. Design projects and competitions are among the students' favorite activities.

Department Chair: Jay Kirchner

Social Studies

Required courses for Social Studies are Geography, World History, United States History, Government, and Financial Literacy/Economics.  Electives include US History on Film, World History on Film, Contemporary American Issues, Psychology I and II, and Archaeology.  Advanced Placement courses are offered in World History, US History, Government, and Psychology.  College Credit Plus course offered in Applied Cultural Anthropology.  The department's goal is to develop good citizenship and awareness by the student of the world in which he or she lives.  Students actively learn in social studies classes, from conducting mock trials on free speech and cruel and unusual punishment to participating in stock market games.  History is brought to life through active discussions on current events and historical simulations. 

Department Chair: Joe Wagner

World Languages

Foreign language education emphasizes the need for the development of an individual's ability to communicate effectively with people of other cultural backgrounds in an effort to better understand, appreciate, and respect the world community. To this end, a four-year program is offered in French, Latin and Spanish. The study of the language deals primarily with the development of conversation (with the exception of Latin) concerning family life and everyday situations. As the student progresses, communication skills are practiced through reading and writing. A study of the history, geography, literature, and creative arts of the culture completes the program.

Department Chair: Susan Bischoff

Additional Offerings

Project Lead The Way

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the leading provider of rigorous and innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) education curricular programs used in high schools across the United States. As such, students taking PLTW courses will be able to graduate from high school well on their way to a college degree. Students will take Introduction to Engineering Design in the first year and Principles of Engineering the second year. Other PLTW courses available are Digital Electronics, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and Engineering Design and Development.  

Other College Credit Opportunities