Archbishop Riordan High School

Watch our STEAM Video

The question on the minds of all educators: What skills do students need to learn now for success in the future?

It is the mission of Archbishop Riordan High School, an all-boys high school in San Francisco, to prepare students to solve the problems of our world—be they physical or social. According to The Center for Education Policy Analysis, in addition to knowledge of the STEAM fields, the ways in which problems are approached and solved in these subjects are increasingly necessary for workers across many disciplines, thus what students learn today will prepare them for a multitude of opportunities in the future.

In the 2016-17 School Year, Riordan will launch an enhanced STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) program building on Riordan’s existing strong math and science curriculum, and build a Makerspace on campus. This exciting new and forward-thinking program will teach our students new skills and raise the profile and value of a Riordan education. We will also be one of the few schools in the Bay Area to have a Makerspace on campus, which will attract new students to our school.

 

Funds raised through SVGives will support the following areas:

-A state-of-the art Makerspace and innovation lab on campus where students will have “hands on experiences” to create new products, test out ideas and learn how to use such tools as a 3D printer, laser cutter, and other computer-controlled cutting devices. Students will not only be challenged to create innovative products, but develop relevant problem solving skills.  The tangible benefits of a multidisciplinary collaboration through a true hands-on experience will pave a new road to the 21st century and replace what we once knew to be “shop class.” 

-New Classes such as Intro to Robotics, Maker Workshop with 3D Design, and Intro to App Development

-Curriculum Development and Training for Teachers so that all students can visit the Makerspace on a project basis. For example, a history course studying early civilizations could come in and build models of prehistoric tools using the laser cutter.

-Expanded STEAM-related clubs and extracurricular offerings such as a Maker Club focusing on hands-on projects in woodworking and metalworking; Robotics Club allowing more students to participate and compete at a variety of robotics competitions; Coding Club focusing on various levels of coding

 

Diversity in Tech

The diversity of the student body at Riordan mirrors the city of San Francisco and is a source of pride for our school. There are increasing efforts worldwide to bring more diversity to technology and engineering workforces, and a program of this type at Riordan will help make this a reality.

Our Vision for the Future

By building a Makerspace and continuing to expand the STEAM program, Riordan plans to be able to introduce an Engineering Major into the school’s curriculum which will provide the young men of Archbishop Riordan High School the necessary skills to enter into the workforce after high school to begin a successful career in the highly competitive engineering field.