J. W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School - Curriculum

Curriculum

The curriculum aims to prepare students to meet all future challenges.

Business Department The business and technology department offers several electives to the young ladies at Hallahan. This courses include: Technology Communication I&II, Personal Finance, Orientation to Healthcare, Accounting, Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship, Advanced Computer Explorations and Web Design and Publisher. The business courses are often supplemented with guest speaks from the business community as well as field trips.

English Department Hallahan’s English department currently provides students with 4 years of curriculum in 3 different course levels including, college predatory, honors and A.P. (advanced placement). College Preparatory offerings include: English Language Arts I- reading, writing and speaking through Genre Studies, English Language Arts II – Critical Reading, Writing and speaking through World and British Studies, English Language Arts III - Critical Reading, Writing and speaking through American Studies, English Language Arts IV - Critical Reading, Writing and speaking through Contemporary American Studies. Honors offerings include: a more vigorous and demanding offering of English Arts I and II. A.P. (Advanced Placement) offerings include: AP English Language and AP English Literature

Fine Arts Department

Art - Jim Stella is the art teacher here at Hallahan. Hallahan’s Fine Arts department includes both music and art. Currently Hallahan offers Art I, Art II & Art III in addition to an Art Portfolio Class and Introduction to Computer Graphics Class which uses the Macintosh Computer lab. Our Art program is further enhanced with opportunities outside the class room to further develop their artistic talent. These opportunities include a High School Cooperative Studio Program and the Moore College of Art Youth Artists Workshops. Additionally Hallahan is located near several places to view art including the Philadelphia Art Museum, and Rodin Museum, both within walking distance of the school.

Music- Hallahan currently offers 4 levels of music instruction. Music I, Music II, Music II, Music IV. No previous instrumental experience is necessary to participate in the music program at Hallahan. We are now offering a String Instrument program for those interested a string instrument such as the Viola, Violin, Cello, and Bass. Additionally Hallahan offers lessons in Woodwinds, and Percussions.

Math Department The Hallahan math department provides 3 different levels of coursework. This includes College Prep., Honors and A.P. The Course Offerings are as follows: College Prep: Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II, students who opt to take math in their Senior year will have the option of Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry or Algebra III/ Trigonometry Honors: Honors Algebra I, Honors Geometry, Honors Alegbra II, students who opt to take math in their senior year will have the option of Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry or Algebra III/ Trigonometry Advanced Placement: A.P. Calculus, in order to be registered for this course you must have successfully passed the Pre-Calc course and have your Math teachers recommendation.

Science Department Hallahan has earned a lot of credit for its well developed Science program. The Science program offers 3 levels of coursework including College Prep, Honors and Advanced Placement. The Science program is very hands on experience which helps students better grasp the learning concepts. The science classes often have opportunities to explore exhibits at the Franklin Institute, which is right around the coroner. College Prep offerings include: Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Forensic Science, Environmental Science Honors Offerings include: Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, and Honors Physics A.P. (Advanced Placement) offerings: A.P. Chemistry, A.P. Biology

Social Studies Hallahan requires three years of Social Studies where students cover World History. World History I covers the pre-human story from pre-history to the 16th century, and World History II tackles the 17th Century through to the 20th Century. Starting in grade 11 students can continue on with Social Studies by take Modern American History and Culture, Psychology or Government/Economics.

Theology Theology is a required course all 4 years at Hallahan. In 9th grade students explore “The revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture” and “Who is Jesus Christ?” In 10th grade they move on to “Jesus Christ The Paschal Mystery” and “Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues”. In 11th grade they explore Catholic Morality, and in 12th grade they discuss the Church and Vocation. All students participate in Mass. Some liturgies are held in school in the Gym, but often time the students are taken over the Cathedral for mass. In the junior year the Ring Mass is held there, and for Seniors mass for Graduation is held there.

World Languages At this time Hallahan offers four levels of Spanish to the students. Additionally freshmen honors students are given one year of Honors Latin and students of any year are offered Chinese.