With the course request deadline right around the corner, you might be finalizing your decision on what classes you want to take next year. If none of the current classes have caught your eye, you’re in luck! Bishop’s is adding five brand-new courses for the 2026-2027 school year. And if you don’t want to read through the 100 page curriculum guide to find out what’s new, here’s a quick look at each of them.
Cosmetic Science — Open to 11th and 12th Grade
Prerequisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry
Offered: Spring Semester
The new Cosmetic Science elective, which has been designed and will be taught by Chemistry and Environmental Science teacher Ms. Kaitlin Ritsema, will explore the chemistry behind skincare, hair care, makeup, and modern technological innovations like AI in the industry. On top of these topics, the course will examine medical conditions, interventions, and treatments. For example, skin cancer detection and “treating skin cancer with Mohs surgery.”
Additionally, Ms. Ritsema explained, “[Cosmetic Science] will be very lab-based, but it’s also really exciting because the labs are very student-driven. For example, if we’re testing waterproof products, I’m going to have students co-design that lab.” Although students will conduct many labs, Cosmetic Science (like all science electives) doesn’t have a lab block.
Ms. Ritsema concluded by referencing the culture of the cosmetics industry, which the course will discuss. “The industry can become really toxic and negative. There’s a lot of pressure on young people to fit certain stereotypes, so I want to make sure that I don’t propagate overspending and overconsumption. There’s a fine line between enjoying something related to your appearance and it becoming a negative burden.”
History and Hollywood — Open to 11th and 12th Grade
Prerequisite: United States History or Honors United States History
Offered: Spring Semester
History and Hollywood will explore a variety of films whilst simultaneously examining historical accuracy versus producers’ artistic license. History and Social Sciences Teacher and course designer Dr. Jeffrey Geoghegan explained, “Through readings, screenings, discussions ,and analytical assignments, students learn to evaluate films as both artistic works and historical arguments.”
Dr. Geoghegan noted that the films covered by the class will vary each year, but they are always chosen because they “[spark] rich discussion about accuracy, representation, and the power of storytelling.” Such films might include Lincoln, Selma, Glory, Hidden Figures, Apollo 13, The Post, All the President’s Men, The Imitation Game and Argo.
The course will also help students to “gain a deeper understanding of how narratives are constructed and how bias, perspective and context shape both history and film,” through various units paired with specific historical topics and related movies.
Dr. Geoghegan described the phenomenon of people being introduced to historical narratives through film instead of textbooks. He mentioned that History and Hollywood will “[offer] a way to examine that phenomenon critically,” while “also [providing] an opportunity to blend historical inquiry, media analysis, and critical thinking in a fresh and engaging way.”
Christian Scriptures in the 21st Century — Open to 10th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: Biblical Literature
Offered: Fall and Spring Semesters (One Semester Course)
The newest addition to the Religion and Ethics department, Christian Scriptures in the 21st Century will replace the popular Feminism: A Biblical Perspective course that Bishop’s currently offers.
Department Chair Dr. Regina Ballard, who will teach most sections of the course, explained, “I have been thinking carefully about long-term continuity for the program… A course like Christian Scriptures is one that more educators are prepared to teach, which makes it easier to maintain consistency and quality instruction.”
In terms of course material, Dr. Ballard said, “The course will focus on how biblical texts are interpreted and understood in contemporary contexts… The goal is to help students think critically about how ancient texts continue to shape — and be shaped by — modern perspectives.”
Although Christian Scriptures will be an entirely new class, Dr. Ballard did note that themes explored in the feminism class will be part of it, namely, “questions of interpretation, power, gender, and theology.”
Ultimately, students will learn to engage with different perspectives on scripture meanings through thoughtful discourse.
Honors Jazz Band — Open to 10th-12th Grade
Prerequisite: Audition
Yearlong Course
Honors Jazz Band will build on levels of Jazz (I-IV) that Bishop’s already offers. Director of Instrumental Music Mr. Robert Anderson noted that he will teach the course, but it will also feature guest artists and clinicians to work with students. This elective invites students already experienced in jazz to move to the next level. Mr. Anderson addressed prospective students: “You will be challenged, supported, and surrounded by other motivated musicians, with opportunities to grow as a performer, improviser, and leader.”
Mr. Anderson explained how students will develop a mastery over their instruments, as well as in their musical ear to understand jazz as a language. He added, “Transcription is also a key component, so students learn by studying and performing solos from great jazz artists.”
Consistent with prior levels of Jazz Band, the ensemble will meet regularly for rehearsals and to polish pieces. But the Honors level will hold an expectation for students to lead and take ownership of the ensemble.
Mr. Anderson concluded, “The ultimate goal is for each student to develop their own musical voice and a high level of independence as a musician.”
Advanced Honors Spanish: 20th Century Short Fiction
Prerequisite: Departmental Placement and Spanish IV Honors
Yearlong Course
Advanced Honors Spanish: 20th Century Short Fiction focuses on building students’ Spanish mastery through contemporary Spanish literature including short stories, plays, and poetry. According to the World Languages Department Chair Dr. Leo Landrey, students will explore different themes in Spanish literature around the world. Dr. Landrey said, “There’s going to be a look at how different authors and their different voices interact with each other over time and over place… how they present a diverse picture of attitudes towards [topics] like women in the spanish-speaking world.”
The course will include six different units of Spanish literature written in different regions — three per semester. These six countries, in order, are the United States, Mexico, Colombia, the Caribbean (particularly Cuba), the Southern Cone (Chile and Argentina), and Spain. Additionally, Spanish Teacher Señor Moises Gomez Pastor will be teaching the class next year, using his past experience teaching a similar class at Francis Parker.
Dr. Landrey also noted, “It’s going to be like having an English class in Spanish.” Students will be reading assigned texts at home, then going to class and discussing it in Spanish — similar to Harkness style class discussions.
Advanced Honors Spanish: Contemporary Film
Prerequisite: Departmental Placement and Spanish IV Honors
Yearlong Course
As a final note, this class might seem new, but it isn’t. It’s the same course Spanish Teacher Doctora Rose teaches this year — Advanced Honors Spanish: Film and Literature — just renamed. Dr. Landrey explained: “We retitled it to emphasize that the course deals primarily with Spanish language films.”
So if you’re interested in hands-on science, film analysis, contemporary interpretations of biblical texts, or continuing to improve your jazz or Spanish skills, these new courses are perfect for you.
