Courses The Arts Business Driver Education English Mathematics Languages Other than English Physical Education Religious Education Social Studies Science Advanced Placement is Earning Power

The Arts The Arts Department's goals are aligned with the New York State Learning Standards to challenge students to work at their highest potential. These standards state that: Students will create, perform and participate in the Arts; Students will learn to use materials, techniques and resources related to the Arts; Students will respond and analyze works of art and music; Students will understand the contributions of the Arts to the world. Visual Arts Studio in Art Studio in Computer Art Studio in Advertising Design/Fashion Design and Illustration Independent Study Independent Study: Portfolio Development Music Music in Our Lives Instrumental Music 1, 2, 3, 4 Back to Top   Business Business education offers courses and activities designed to prepare all students to succeed in a computerized economic society and to provide specialized training for those students who plan to seek employment in business.  Students are assisted in selecting an educational program essential for entrance and success in the business world.   Business Computer Applications Electronic Information Processing Accounting 1 Business Law   Back to Top

English The English Language Arts program is designed in accord with New York State Standards to develop the students' skills in the receptive processes of listening and reading and the expressive process of speaking and writing, and to foster students' understanding and enjoyment of literature. The program provides a sequential development which starts in the ninth year and continuously expands students' skills, understandings, and appreciations through the four years of high school. The process for creating a written report/research paper is taught at each level to develop information-gathering skills and the ability to evaluate sources critically. The sequential plan is outlined in detail in the Student Agenda book.

Ninth Year: English 9 HR/R Tenth Year: English 10 HR/R Elements of Writing Elements of Communication Eleventh Year: English 11 HR/R Twelfth Year: Pre-College Reading and Writing Advanced Placement English B Literature and Composition The Evolution of Drama (Elective)   Back to Top

 

Mathematics
The Mathematics Department has developed many courses of study based on the varied abilities and interests of students. Students in Mathematics courses use the T183 Plus calculators in class.  T189 calculators are used by Calculus students.

Algebra HR/R
Geometry HR/R
Math III (B2, B3) HR/R
Mathematics 12
Pre-Calculus H or Pre-Calculus
Calculus H or Calculus

Advanced Placement Calculus AB
 

Back to Top

 

Modern Foreign Language
The languages taught in the Modern Language Program are offered for their educational value and potential vocational use.  Through a working knowledge of these languages, the students are able to contribute to society, and gain insights into various cultures.  The  study of a foreign language is a progressive experience and implies a progressive acquisition  of linguistic, communicative, reading and writing skills.

French I, II, III R
Spanish I, II, III R
Spanish (native speakers)

Spanish I, II, III R
Spanish IV (native and non-native)
Spanish Conversation and Hispanic Culture
Advanced Placement Spanish Language
Advanced Placement Spanish Literature

Back to Top

 

Physical Education
All students take Physical Education for four years. In accordance with Aquinas' philosophy of educating the "whole person," the goal of the Physical Education Department is to make students aware that health and physical fitness are important aspects of life. As well, students build character and develop social skills by participating in sports.

Students who demonstrate a high level of physical fitness and stamina can earn a certificate from the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Students in the Swimming Club can qualify for a lifeguard and lifesaving certificate through Bronx House, a community center on Pelham Parkway.

Activities offered in Physical Education:

Aerobics/Step	Floor Hockey
Badminton	Folk Dance
Basketball	Miniature Golf
Fitness Center	Social Dance
Flagg Football	Volleyball

Back to Top

 

Religious Education
The study of the Catholic faith tradition will hopefully lead to a deepening of all students' relationship with God and with each other.  It is expected that the course content will encourage a clear and understandable witness to the reality of faith in the patterns of school life as well as personal and social relationships.

Ninth Year:	Faith and Identity Old Testament
Tenth Year:	New Testament/Christology World Religions
Eleventh Year:	The Human Vocation/A Call to Serve Christian Morality
Twelfth Year:	Church History The Church and the Social Gospel
School Wide	Campus Ministry Program Christian Witness: 40 hours of voluntary service Sacredness of Sexuality Prayerways

Back to Top

Social Studies
In social studies, students focus on the impact of geography on history and the relevance of the past to the present.  The social studies classroom provides an environment for inquiry, analysis and critical thinking.  The major goal is to guide students to develop a moral concern for the future and to understand the nature of our interdependent world.

Ninth Year:	Global History I HR/R
Tenth Year:	Global History II R Advanced Placement World History
Eleventh Year:	United States History and Government R Advanced Placement United States History
Twelfth Year:	Economics, The Enterprise System and Finance Participation in Government Decision-Making Sociology/Psychology Advanced Placement European History

Back to Top

 

Science
The science curriculum consists of those courses and activities designed to meet the individual student's educational needs related to science. Emphasis is placed on the process of scientific inquiry by students so that they can discover and interpret scientific knowledge, develop desirable attitudes, interests, and appreciation related to science and scientists, and recognize that these behaviors can be applied to the solution of current and future problems in a scientific age.

Biology HR/R
Chemistry HR/R
Chemistry
Earth Science R
Astronomy
Physics HR/R
Advanced Placement Biology
Advanced Placement Physics
Health

Back to Top

 

Advanced Placement Courses

Biology
Calculus AB
English B Literature and Composition

European History

Physics
Spanish Language *
Spanish Literature

United States History

World History

 

Aquinas High School is one of 31 New York City High Schools which participates in the Rewarding Achievement (REACH) program for Advanced Placement students.  Reach will pay $500 - $1,000 for each AP exam a student passes.  * (excluding foreign language exams)

 

To learn more, visit www.reachnyc.org.

Back to Top