Diploma Program Focuses on College-Level Research, Collaboration and Presentation Skills Crucial for College and Career Success
BOURNE ― Bourne High School is one of approximately 2,000 schools worldwide to implement the AP Capstone Diploma program ― an innovative program that encourages students to develop skills for college and career success, including critical thinking, research, collaboration and communication.
The program consists of two yearlong courses taken in sequence: AP Seminar and AP Research.
Through the AP Capstone Diploma Program students who score a 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing earn the AP Capstone Diploma. This signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Students who score a 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research (and not on 4 additional AP Exams) earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
Bourne High School will start offering AP Seminar in the fall of 2022.
“Bourne High School has a longstanding tradition of offering an extensive selection of Advanced Placement courses and our students have always embraced the rigorous and intensive coursework that goes along with these courses,” Bourne High School Principal Amy Cetner said. “The AP Capstone program will prepare our diverse student population to become skilled collaborators, critical thinkers, and consumers of information. The Capstone courses will give students flexibility to explore the complex topics affecting their lives, and we are excited to see their research.”
In addition to the AP Seminar and AP Research courses, the following AP courses are offered at Bourne High School: Calculus, Statistics, Physics 1, Physics C, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, English Language and Composition, Literature and Composition, U.S. History, Psychology, European History, Spanish, 2-D Art, 3-D Art and Design.
In addition, the following Pre-AP courses are offered to BHS freshmen: English 1, English 2, World History and Geography, Algebra 1, Biology, Music.
In AP Seminar, typically taken in 10th or 11th grade, students choose real-world topics and evaluate them from multiple perspectives. Students identify credibility and bias in sources and develop arguments in support of a recommendation.
In the subsequent AP Research course, students design and execute a college-level research project on a topic of personal interest. Students receive firsthand experience in writing a research question, executing an appropriate method, analyzing data, presenting their results, and defending their findings.
“The Bourne Public Schools has multiple Strategic Objectives that help guide our curriculum and the opportunities we provide our students, and one of those is striving for excellence. Through this goal we seek to provide learning experiences that increase student ownership through relevant, engaging instruction and high expectations,” said Grade 6-12 Curriculum Director Kelly Cook. “The type of instruction that is offered through the AP capstone courses is perfectly aligned with this goal, and we look forward to expanding the opportunities we offer our students to help them grow and succeed here at BHS and beyond.”
Both AP Capstone courses are project based, and students are required to deliver written arguments, collaborate in teams, and deliver professional multimedia presentations as part of their AP Exams.
“The AP Capstone courses enable students to explore real-world issues in great depth through research and collaboration,” said Rushi Sheth, executive director of the AP Capstone Diploma program. “This provides terrific opportunities for students to write and present their work effectively, both individually and in teams — the very skills professors and employers are demanding.”
In partnership with the higher education community, College Board developed AP Capstone so students can practice and master skills that serve them well in college and career.
About College Board
College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT, the Advanced Placement Program, and BigFuture. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools. For further information, visit collegeboard.org.
AP Equity and Access Policy
College Board strongly encourages educators to make equitable access a guiding principle for their AP programs by giving all willing and academically prepared students the opportunity to participate in AP. We encourage the elimination of barriers that restrict access to AP for students from ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented. Schools should make every effort to ensure their AP classes reflect the diversity of their student population. College Board also believes that all students should have access to academically challenging coursework before they enroll in AP classes, which can prepare them for AP success. It is only through a commitment to equitable preparation and access that true equity and excellence can be achieved.
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