Application Based Course Information
The following BHS courses require an application. Students do not sign up for these courses. Please read the requirements for applications carefully and note the deadlines.
Racial Awareness Seminar: 10th grade, social studies elective or BHS elective credit
This is a yearlong, co-taught Social Studies elective course that explores the complexities of race within our national, local and high school communities. Students will meet in a seminar-style class designed to foster students’ capacity to reflect on and speak effectively about their own identities and to listen carefully and thoughtfully as others reflect on and speak about theirs. The class, therefore, will require students to articulate their own experiences, to learn from their classmates' experiences, and to develop a greater understanding across racial identification lines. Students will engage in experiential learning activities and group discussions and will read and view materials provided by the teachers. Each quarter, students will attend two school or community events that will enhance their racial understanding. They will also be challenged to think of ways to share their new understandings with the greater. For more information, contact Ms. Wells. Download a HARD COPY OF THE APPLICATION here or find one on outside the door of room 303 at OLS. DUE: Wednesday, February 26.
Global Leadership: 10th-12th grade, social studies elective credit
The Global Leadership course aims to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century, and to lead for a more prosperous and peaceful world. It is an unleveled, BHS Social Studies elective, open to 10th-12th grade students. This is a project-based class that emphasizes small group collaboration to design solutions to complex problems in public health, democracy promotion and humanitarian intervention. Students hear from speakers around the world (in person or by video chat). Students are strongly encouraged to participate in large and small group discussion, ask questions, share ideas, and challenge fellow students. There is little homework and no tests. Students will gain new insights into important real-world problems and learn skills to address them. Strong applicants demonstrate passion and interest to learn and participate. For more information, contact Mr. Grande. APPLY HERE. DUE: Wednesday, February 26, 4 pm.
Social Justice Leadership: 11th-12th grade, social studies elective credit
The Social Justice Program allows students to explore critical issues facing the U.S. and to learn how to be change-makers both at BHS and beyond. Inside the classroom, students study complex issues including immigration, incarceration, abortion, sexual violence, food insecurity and housing eviction. Outside the classroom, students hold an internship at a Boston-area non-profit for 1/3 of the year. The class is open to juniors and seniors and meets 2x a week. It is discussion-based and has no tests or quizzes. For more information, contact Kate Leslie. APPLY HERE. DUE: Wednesday, February 26, 4 pm.
Cypress (Journalism I): 10th-12th grade, Career and Tech Ed credit
In this full-year interdisciplinary elective, students in grades 10 through 12 learn the essential skills of print journalism and the steps involved in creating a newspaper. Students receive instruction in reporting, interviewing, writing, editing, and layout, as well as in the history and ethics of journalism. Students enrolled in this course plan, write, and produce the school newspaper, The Sagamore. The course seeks a range of students to contribute to the newspaper in a variety of areas: reporting and writing, editing, graphic design, photography, and business. The course is taught by an English teacher. Grade: 10-12. APPLY HERE
Climate Science and Social Change: 12th grade Science or Social Studies elective
This course will cover the science of climate change, the ongoing and expected future impacts of climate change on ecosystems and human societies, and strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change. This course will interweave science, environmental policy and activism, and environmental justice. Throughout the year students will work both independently and collaboratively to conduct and present research, design and execute peer-education projects, and learn about community and political activism. Assessments may include but are not limited to presentations, posters or similar displays, reflective essays, and quizzes. The overarching goals of this course are to cultivate science and information literacy, to develop a sustainability mindset, and to develop skills for public advocacy and activism. For more information, contact Mr. Grande or contact Dr. Brown (briana_brown@psbma.org). APPLY HERE. DUE: Wednesday, February 26, 4 pm.