Interdisciplinary

Travel Programs and Mission Trips (S1) (S2

Benilde-St. Margaret’s School encourages and supports student travel programs as an extension of the curriculum and  opportunity for personal, spiritual, and academic development. The scope and variety of trips offered does change from year to year. Guatemalan mission trips, language and culture trips, service-learning trips, along with ACS, debate and speech competition trips, comprise some of the opportunities that may be offered. Information for upcoming programs and trips is made available during the school year. Policy and guidelines are available on this website.

One half-credit, open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Freshmen may be admitted based on the program and availability of space.

Acting (S1)

This course is designed to explore all aspects of dramatic performance. Students will study a variety of monologues, scenes, and short plays while working on skills of movement, breathing, articulation, and interpretation. There will be opportunities for students to create their own pieces, and to participate in a final project which will be presented on stage. Students who enroll in this class should primarily be interested in performing; all levels of interest and ability in the acting process will be encouraged and developed.

One semester, one credit, open to all grade levels.  

Stage Technology & Stagecraft (S2)

This course is designed to teach students some of the basic skills and aspects of technical theater. Design will be taught through actual hands-on experience. Students will be required to learn basic carpentry skills and learn basic design concepts and responsibilities. In addition, they will be introduced to the technology of theater via architectural CAD drawings along with computer programming for lighting and sound. Since stage technology and stagecraft are practical skills, students will be required to work 10 hours outside of class time on technical and design issues related to BSM productions.

One semester, one credit, open to all grade levels

Yearbook I-Sangraal (YR)

This course will allow students to learn about journalism, photography, principles of design, the use of Adobe InDesign, YearTech and Adobe Photoshop through a hands-on manner while producing the senior high yearbook. Staff members will be actively engaged in the production process throughout the school year. Staff responsibilities will range from conducting interviews, taking photographs, writing copy and designing page layouts.

Prerequisite: Students must submit an application form. Admission will be based on the application, and availability of staff positions.

Two semesters, two credits, open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Yearbook II-Sangraal (YR)

Yearbook II is open to students who have been assigned editorial positions on the upcoming Sangraal staff. The production process will be further explored through performing editorial duties, such as supervising staff members, editing proofs, and communicating with the production plant.

Prerequisite: Yearbook I and instructor approval.

Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.

Yearbook III-Sangraal (YR)

Prerequisite: Yearbook II and instructor approval.

Two semesters, two credits, open to seniors.

Back to Top

Junior High Curriculum

American Experience

The American Experience, an 8th grade class, is a uniquely formatted interdisciplinary class facilitated by two teachers over an eighty minute block. In the American Experience, students are presented with and consider multiple perspectives of American history while reading, interpreting, and evaluating interrelated literature to enhance their understanding and comprehension of key terms, concepts, and themes. In addition, the class offers learning opportunities beyond the classroom during which students connect their experiences to their studies.

Year-long course for selected 8th graders.