Curriculum

Believing that literature is one of the most profound expressions of the human experience, Pacifica’s English Department introduces students to literature from a variety of historical and artistic traditions. This approach gives students a sense of the diversity of the human experience and of their own place in the world. Students learn of the impact upon culture made by people of faith throughout history. This close work with literature can give students special insight into the shared resource that is our language and can make them more confident about their ability to express themselves and to evaluate the written expression of others. Moreover, this close work gives students the practice in critical reading and writing that prepares them for college and beyond.

We believe students must develop strong reading and writing skills. Pacifica reinforces these skills by introducing students to increasingly sophisticated forms of writing in the works they read and by requiring progressively more advanced writing in the students’ own works. This flows from our conviction that expression through language is fundamental to young adults’ development. Our curriculum, therefore, first introduces students to the joys of reading and writing. Then it invites them to both develop their own voices and to better appreciate other’s voices, by refining their reading and writing skills.

The Pacifica History department maintains a commitment to the enduring universal principles that have provided the foundation for Western culture. This approach is based on the belief that students must develop a solid grasp of the historical, spiritual, and philosophical underpinnings of our society as they seek to become responsible, literate, and fair-minded citizens within it. Having a solid foundation in the best aspects of our common heritage allows students both to preserve and critique our culture and prepares them to interact well with the unique qualities of other world cultures.

We believe that history not only enlightens students but is a useful tool in the development of written and oral expression, analytical thought, character, and leadership skills. Students will be given the tools necessary to become independent learners of history in the years to come. They will also become familiar with primary sources, historiography, and research.

We believe in order for students to think and live well they need to know history. With that in mind, classroom instruction is tied to assigned readings and real-world application. Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate in discussion, interpretation, analysis, and debate surrounding the events, personalities, ideas, and themes of history. Pacifica teachers engage students through lecture, the Socratic Method, and group projects.

The Pacifica history curriculum is closely aligned and integrated with the English and Theology curricula. All courses are taught sequentially (Ancient 9th, Medieval 10th, Modern 11th, Contemporary 12th). It is the sequential integration of these subjects that gives literature and theology a contextual backdrop and history additional sources for understanding various expressions of the human spirit throughout time.

Mathematics is a creative, dynamic system that we use to model and understand our environment. Pacifica teaches its math students to appreciate the aesthetics and beauty of mathematics and gives them a deep understanding of how it enriches their lives. We challenge them to gain not only a conceptual understanding of mathematical skills and principles, but also knowledge of, and experience with, pure reasoning. This logical reasoning will prepare the students for a broad range of situations in which answers to real life problems can be found with accuracy. The students will see the interdependence of mathematics to music, art, architecture, science, and philosophy and are encouraged to be lifelong students of mathematics regardless of the career they pursue.

A science education must not merely focus on the development of future scientists. It must be equally concerned with the development of citizens who are scientifically literate and who understand science in multidimensional and multidisciplinary ways. By doing so, students will be able to participate intelligently in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision making about how we should use science and technology for future growth and development of society.

Thus, the Pacifica Science Department endeavors to provide students with opportunities to develop an inquiring mind and a systematic approach to problem-solving. To this end, the department seeks to provide students with a solid scientific foundation. It does so by guiding students to master scientific concepts, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. We believe that developing this foundation will inspire them to continue their study of science beyond high school. The department further endeavors to enable students to become informed citizens in matters concerning science and society.

STEAM at Pacifica

The visual and performing arts are a vital part of Pacifica. We center our arts curriculum on our belief that students need a basic understanding of the arts through classroom instruction and the ability to express their knowledge and creativity through production work. This two-fold approach provides a balanced arts education.

The course of study at Pacifica includes a minimum of two semesters of UC approved Visual and Performing arts classes. We require students to complete two sequential semesters in one discipline.

Language students at Pacifica may study either Spanish or Latin. Through language study, students not only acquire linguistic fluency, but also encounter the language within the context of its respective culture. For example, students of Latin learn to hear, speak, read, and write Latin and also to understand, enjoy, and evaluate contributions to civilization made by Latin-using cultures and institutions. Thus the program creates opportunities for students to experience and acknowledge a variety of patterns of thought and value systems. Through the department’s interdisciplinary approach, students better understand their own languages and cultures, while developing a sense of responsibility and commitment as world citizens.