AP Capstone

Research, Academic Rigor, Distinction

Bishop Kenny High School is pleased to introduce the AP Capstone program. AP Capstone is a diploma program based on two AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Within these two courses, students will practice core academic skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. The ability to think independently, write effectively, research, collaborate, and learn across disciplines in essential for success in college, career, and beyond. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing receive the AP Capstone Diploma™. This signifies their outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research but not on four additional AP Exams receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.

AP SEMINAR

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PREREQUISITES: Sophomores with English 1 Honors, 3.5 GPA, and application; Juniors with 3.5 GPA and application AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations where they can explore the complexities of academic and realworld topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. They synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision so they can craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. During the course, students will complete a team project and an individual paper and presentation, as well as complete the end-of-course AP seminar exam. These components contribute to the overall AP Seminar score.

AP RESEARCH

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PREREQUISITE: AP Seminar and consent of instructor AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Students further develop the skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning 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. Students will submit an academic paper, as well as present and defend research findings. These components contribute to the overall AP Research score. There is no end-of-course AP exam.