Advanced Placement Research Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Seminar and concurrent enrollment in Capstone. Students wishing to pursue the second half of the College Board’s AP Capstone™ diploma may designate their Capstone as AP Research: Capstone Thesis. Students electing to pursue AP Research will meet the same requirements as our Capstone Thesis scholars and will adapt their final paper and oral presentation slightly to meet the requirements of the College Board. AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000 – 5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. See the Capstone Thesis Manual for more information. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A2Q50Im3oVASwRhfb_lZ9yabKq8RVRddGwjYQ16p2kA/edit?tab=t.0
College Counseling
The College Counseling Office supports and encourages students as they navigate a process that asks them to confront essential but tough questions as they explore and form their future versions of themselves. The college process is not simply about completing the necessary steps to apply to and get into college. It is a journey of self-discovery and assessment, of understanding why you want to go to college, and what drives you. Rather than cede control over the process to the adults in their lives, college counselors will ask students to take charge of tasks, be introspective, learn to manage their time, and figure out who they are and what is important to them. Along each step of the journey, counselors will work with students to find colleges that match their interests, skills, and goals. Course selection and cumulative grades will be a major component of the college admissions process. Therefore, it is important for students to do their best academic work. Colleges pay special attention to the breadth and depth of a school’s curriculum. Within the St. Anne’s-Belfield context, colleges expect students to appropriately challenge themselves and
perform well in their chosen curriculum. Students should invest in each course and work with their counselor, advisor, and teachers to ensure they are meeting their full potential. The counseling team views the college process as an exciting and important developmental milestone along the path to adulthood. Students are assigned a college counselor in the spring of the Grade 10 year and begin working oneon-one with a counselor to map out course enrollment, set goals, explore interests, and seek opportunities to gain new skills. The counseling team also delivers in-class lessons and workshops to students in Grade 9 through Grade 12 that focus on helping students develop good habits, seek purpose in their extracurricular involvement, and engage in reflective writing practices. Students are encouraged to maintain a mindful approach to their high school experience and consider how their academic pursuits may impact their future educational journey. College counselors work in partnership with students and parents/guardians to ensure each student is equipped with the tools, resources, and skills necessary to navigate the college admissions process.
College Counseling for Juniors The junior college counseling curriculum is centered around self discovery and the college search process. During one module students participate in sessions that cover the nuts and bolts of preparing for standardized tests, identifying and researching colleges of interest, participating in selfreflection activities, and in reflective writing in advance of the college essay workshop. Students and family members also attend a session that covers important topics related to college admissions led by representatives from college admissions offices.
College Counseling for Seniors The goal of the senior college counseling curriculum is to prepare students to submit high quality application materials to colleges. During one module, students participate in a workshop led by members of the college counseling team. From completing the Common Application, refining the common application essay and supplements to meeting oneon-one or in large groups with college admissions officers, students take charge of all aspects of their application.
Course Offerings in this Guide
All courses which St. Anne’s-Belfield anticipates offering for the 2024-25 academic year are included in this guide. However, courses that do not have sufficient enrollment will not be offered. Enrollment in elective courses is not guaranteed. Upper School Curriculum Guide
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