The BSM theology department is in the process of change. The department is redesigning the curriculum in an effort to provide more opportunities for underclassmen and junior high students.

The department is specifically focusing on providing seminar-style classes to these younger students. Seminar classes are more discussion-based, encouraging students to be more active in their classes. “We want to make sure that students are able to connect with what’s being taught in class and have an opportunity to explore and grow in their faith,” Dr. Susan Skinner, the Principal of BSM, said.

Prior to the current changes that are being made, the department last reworked their curriculum over 10 years ago when the school switched over to the Bishop’s Curriculum Framework. This required electives to be reduced in a student’s senior year. “There was a desire by the Catholic Bishops to have a more uniformed scope and sequence across all Catholic high schools,” Department Chair Becca Meagher said.

All religions are seeing a decline in affiliation with churches and that is the reason the curriculum is changing. By adding this seminar-style class, the teachers want to be able to connect with students at all different parts of their faith journey. “The course is designed to meet the needs of students at varying points on their faith journey––those of deep faith, those seekers and students who are unsure of the role faith plays in their life but are open to exploring,” Skinner said.

These changes are being designed internally by the department. Schools are asking BSM to give their expertise on seminar-style classes and the department spoke at a national conference this fall to help spread the word of this new class style. “This is a new way of teaching that people are not used to; we are calling it engagement pedagogy, focusing on engaging students in the heart and the mind,” Meagher said. 

The team in charge of these changes consists of the whole religion department as well as Skinner, who also has a theology degree. “I can tell that they really care about the student experience, and they are working hard to ensure that every student is able to engage in class and explore and grow in their faith,” Skinner said.