Academics :: Departments
English
The English Department's curriculum reflects two fundamental assumptions: each student must be able to express himself effectively in both speech and writing, and read
a wide range of literature to understand the world and himself, appreciate the subtleties and power of language, and understand the ways writers use language to
provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. In order to foster these objectives, English classes encourage each student to develop critical thinking,
reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through the study of works of literary merit from various writers, genres, cultures, and periods. Writing is an integral
component of our program, and it serves as an avenue for students to analyze and understand what they read.
As writers, students will work toward explaining literary works, making judgments about artistry and exploring the underlying social and cultural values through analysis,
interpretation, and argument. Students will write in a variety of modes, with an emphasis on developing stylistic maturity. Students will also be encouraged
to develop a personal writing process: brainstorming, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing. Finally, students will acquire and practice these skills with the
goal to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, readers, and writers.
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Mathematics
The Mathematics Department of Archbishop Riordan High School provides a curriculum in mathematics with a broad spectrum of courses designed to challenge each student and
to assure his success. Course sequences are designed for both the advanced student (culminating in the Advanced Placement Calculus and Statistics) and the average student
(culminating in Pre-Calculus or Statistics). Advanced students may also continue their studies in Calculus at S.F. City College whose campus is adjacent to our own.
Graphing calculators are required of all students and all classrooms are supported with this technology. Members of the Department are committed to the progress and the
success of each student and are available outside of class for individual assistance. The department also staffs the Math Resource Centers four afternoons each week.
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Physical Education/Athletics
The Purpose of the P.E. program is to develop the complete young Christian man following in the Marianist tradition. Our program accomplishes this goal through guidance
and teaching of responsibility and developing integrity in today's world. We help our students become better communicators of a healthy, fitness aware lifestyle.
The physical education courses primarily focus on: cardio training, strength training, nutrition, drug awareness, and a variety of academic skills.
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Theology
The Religion Department of Archbishop Riordan High School strives to share and live the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is done on three different fronts: Message,
Community, and Service.
We share the Message of Jesus through study of the bible scriptures,sacraments, Catholic/Christian traditions, Christian spirituality, morality, and teachings of the Church.
We study the roots of Christianity in Hebrew Scripture. We do this in the Marianist tradition, which springs from the charism of our founder, Father William Joseph Chaminade.
In our philosophy and pedagogy we aim to:
- educate for formation in faith
- provide an integral, quality education
- educate in family spirit
- educate for service, justice, and peace
- educate for adaptation and change
We seek to build Community through understanding the covenant relationship between Yahweh and the Children of Israel (which Jesus teaches is the relationship between the Creator
and all people). To this end, we explore our relationship to other world religions including: other Christian denominations, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, and
Taoism. We use the words of Jesus, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important
commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: love your neighbor as you love yourself," to look at conditions in our world that do not yet conform to this
teaching and discern how best to address the needs of our sisters and brothers.
We set examples and provide opportunities for Service in our local community as well as the broader society. The example of Christ to teach, heal, feed, forgive, and love all
our sisters and brothers serves as our inspiration. In this endeavor we are led by the Christian Community Service Director of ARHS. "Thus says the Lord God who created
you, 'I have called you by name, you are mine…See, upon the palm of my hand I have written your name, never to be erased, because you are precious in my eyes, and glorious,
and I love you."
- Isaiah 43
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Science
The Archbishop Riordan High School science department provides students with the critical thinking skills and the conceptual framework
necessary to be an active participant in
society. Graduates will recognize the importance of science in matters concerning their personal health, and their responsibility as participants in and members of a larger
global community.
In addition, the science department provides students with skills and knowledge necessary for matriculation into the postsecondary science classroom. With these objectives in
mind, Riordan students are exposed to a wide variety of hands-on laboratory experiments through which they develop skills in experimental design and critical data analysis.
Finally, the science department fosters a learning environment that reflects the increasing role of technology in science and our society. As a result of these objectives,
Riordan students develop a respect for the natural world to which they belong.
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Social Science
The Social Science Department of Archbishop Riordan High School aligns its curriculum with the goals of the National Council for the Social Studies. The department strives
to integrate the study of social sciences and humanities to develop the growth of young men in the Marianist tradition.
The goal of the department is to help young men develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic
society. Goal achievement is through application of a diverse curriculum comprising the studies of world history, economics, psychology, American History, and American Government.
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Modern Languages
Language acquisition theory at Archbishop Riordan High School is based on the belief that students learn best when they actively participate in lessons that are interesting and
meaningful to them. Teaching strategies such as Total Physical Response and the Natural Approach take into account the stages of language acquisition and therefore facilitate
student comprehension and success.
The Spanish Language Program encourages communication and cultural exploration for a broader global perspective; provides an effective classroom environment and necessary tools
to facilitate mastery of the target language; integrates history, literature, art, multimedia, and creative expression that will enhance learning and inspire all students.
The American Sign Language Program curriculum is an intensive program of study designed to assist students in acquiring competence in American Sign Language and to foster an
understanding of the American Deaf Community and its culture
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