Departments

Five elective course offerings are available for the developing musician. These include; Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band and Chorus. To be eligible to take an instrumental class a prerequisite of successfully completing 8th grade band must be met. The prerequisite for Chorus is a desire to learn music.

Participants enjoy showcasing their talent in local concerts, and regional music festivals, as well as in 3 concerts during the school year. Students may have additional opportunities to travel for enrichment and/or competitive activities.

The business environment is affected by the rapid changes in technology, communication methods, and the type of information available. Students graduating with highly developed business and information technology competencies can expect a wide variety of employment opportunities as well as a solid foundation for technical and professional (postsecondary) education.

All business and information technology courses are competency based. The following business and  information technology courses are currently offered at RCHS:

• Accounting

• Computer Information Systems (Dual Enrollment Offered)

• Cybersecurity (Dual Enrollment Offered)

• Design, Multimedia & Web Technologies

• Economics and Personal Finance (Dual Enrollment Offered)

• Marketing

• Teachers for Tomorrow

• The Electronics & Robotics Technology programs prepare students for entry into a broad range of electrical engineering and robotics engineering careers. Also, students will be well prepared for continued education at universities, community colleges, and technical schools. During the Electronics & Robotics Technology courses, students will build and understand many exciting systems such as audio amplifiers, autonomous vehicles and robotic controls. Students will also be introduced to several computer programming languages. All of the electronics and robotics classes emphasize analytical problem- solving, hands-on experimentation, projects, teamwork, creative thinking, data collection/recording and oral and written communication skills.

  Electronics & Robotics Technology I

  The first year of Electronics & Robotics Technology provides students with an understanding of electronic components, schematic symbols, circuit building, soldering, direct current (DC) circuits, alternating current (AC) circuits, semiconductors and motor control circuits for robotics. Students are introduced to electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, relays, diodes, transistors, integrated circuits (IC) and DC motors. Students conduct electronic experiments combining theory with practical applications. During laboratory exercises students construct electronic circuits such as power supplies, audio amplifiers, and DC motor control circuits.

  Electronics & Robotics Technology II

  This course provides an in-depth study of digital electronics and robotic motor control circuits. Advanced topics include digital logic circuits, programmable ICs, microcontroller programming, and the completion of the OSHA-10 safety course. Students must successfully complete the OSHA-10 certification component of this course to continue on in the Electronics and Robotics courses. Students will also learn how to program and interface a microcontroller to control motors for Robotics applications.

  Electronics & Robotics Technology III

  This course provides a focus and emphasis on Electronics Technology. This course is recommended for students pursuing Electrical Engineering in college. During this course, students will study advanced semiconductor circuits, optical semiconductors, wireless communication & radio theory, electronics CAD (Computer Aided Design), printed circuit board design, circuit board etching and audio amplifiers. During the second semester, students will study audio amplifiers and finish the year constructing an audio power amplifier. The Electronics Technology III course also prepares the students to take a portion of the industry recognized Certified Electronics Technician (CET) exam.

  Robotics Technology III

  This course provides a focus and emphasis on Robotics Technology. Students will complete an in depth study of DC motor control circuits, computer programming languages for robotics control, microcontroller programming, advanced electronic circuits, remote control circuits, Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machines, 3-D printers and Autonomous Drones. The course also introduces students to basic metal fabrication techniques, mechanical design concepts and 3-D printing to construct a functioning robot platform. The course requires students to work independently or on a team to design and build an autonomous or remote controlled robotic vehicle.

The Engineering and Architecture program provides students with the technical skills and knowledge for a wide variety of engineering and architecture careers. Students utilize and apply their core education skills in math and science to problem solve, design, and create models and prototypes using CAD (computer aided drawing), shop tools, and a 3D printer. Students who complete the Engineering and Architecture I course then take either Engineering II or Architecture II will receive a Career and Technical Education program completer certificate and have the opportunity to take the NOCTI Technical Drafting or Architectural Drafting Assessment.

Engineering and Architecture I

In this foundation course, students learn the basic language of technical design, while they design, sketch, and make technical drawings illustrations, models, and prototypes of real design problems using industry-standard CAD (computer aided drawing) software’s. Experiences include creating engineering and architectural working drawings, inventing, 3-D computer modeling, and career planning. Students also use modeling tools such as a 3D printer to develop prototypes and models from drawings for presentation, testing, and competition.

Architecture II

Students learn the principles of architecture and increase their understanding of working drawings and construction techniques learned in the prerequisite course. Experiences include residential building designs, renderings, model making, structural details, building codes, and community planning. Students use CAD (computer aided drawing) software’s and established standards and codes to prepare models for presentation and maintain a portfolio starting with their Engineering and Architecture I portfolio. The course provides information helpful for the homeowner and is especially beneficial to the future architect, interior designer, or home builder.

Engineering II

Students learn the principles of design and engineering and increase their understanding of the design process as it relates to production and engineering fields. Students will be required to use problem solving skills with a focus on individual initiative and team problem solving. Students develop a fully dimensioned production set of drawings using CAD (computer aided drawing), materials cost estimates, and purchase orders. Students will learn material types and characteristics as well as manufacturing process to better understand what is needed to produce a prototype. Students will continue to develop their Engineering and Architecture I design portfolio.

Engineering and Architecture III

Students use a graphic language for product design and technical illustration, increase their understanding of drawing techniques learned in the prerequisite courses, research design-related fields, and identify the role of advanced drawing and design in manufacturing and construction industry processes. Students apply the design process, analyze design solutions, reverse engineer products, create 3-D solid models using CAD, construct physical models, and create multimedia presentations of finished designs. In this capstone course, students will complete a thesis project working with mentor in chosen real-world job.

Aerospace Technology I

This course offers an introduction to the aerospace industry through a hands-on approach and exploration of topics such as flight, space, and supporting technologies. Students explore the aviation and space industries by examining the history of aviation, aerodynamics and aircraft components, flight conditions, airport and flight operations, space systems, rocketry, and living and working in space. This course will also develop skills for students to prepare for careers in flying, troubleshooting, designing, building and repairing drones, model airplanes and rockets. Students will be working individually and on teams to safely and effectively operate, race and repair drones, shoot/edit video and explore and experience related careers.

The Rockbridge County High School English curriculum contains six main strands of instruction which continue through all four years of high school and increase progressively in complexity. These strands are oral communication, the writing process, levels of grammar, usage and mechanics, vocabulary, critical reading, and the research process.

The RCHS Art Department allows students to pursue many different styles of art, including ceramics, painting, drawing, and printmaking. In each of the four levels of Art students gain skills in a variety of areas, and also learn Art History. Aside from Art classes, RCHS also has an Art Club that participates in a variety of activities for both enjoyment and community enhancement.

The Health and Physical Education department at Rockbridge County High School coordinates a wide variety of classes tailored to the needs of the student body. Classes are conducted in the RCHS gym, weight room, and departmental classrooms.

The Independent Study Program is available to students who are recommended by their Guidance Counselor.

 The independent study topic must be one that the student is "passionately interested in" and approved by coordinator.  Students can earn 1/2 credit each semester (the study topic can be year long course if desired). Students must invest a minimum of 90 hours each semester to earn 1/2 credit.

 Students are paired with a mentor from the RCHS, VMI, SVU, or W &L faculty or from the community by the program coordinator (mentor can not be a family member). Together the mentor and students set goals for the study on which the evaluation for credit will be based. The mentor decides how often to meet with students.

Students enrolled in Independent Study will meet with the coordinator during a free period or before or after school.

At the end of each semester students must present evidence of their learning (talk-demonstration, paper, test, or in any form the mentor suggests will show learning).

Independent Study Information Packet

Library Media Assistantship

Prerequisites: Application required

Grade Level: 10-12

Credits: 1 credit will be awarded on a pass/fail basis

Library media assistants assist students and faculty in the circulation of library materials, use of the library catalog, and use of online resources. They perform a variety of clerical and computer-related tasks; prepare the circulation desk for services; shelve, straighten, and shelf read the library's collection; pull library materials which need to be mended, discarded, and/or replaced; sort returned materials by call numbers; answer borrower's questions concerning the library's circulation rules; maintain professional behavior in a manner appropriate to a public setting; maintain good attendance, punctuality, flexibility, and time managements; develop work related goals and objectives, develop job-related abilities, skills, and knowledge; and perform other duties as assigned by the librarian.

We live in a mathematical world. Whenever we decide on a purchase, choose an insurance or health plan, or use a spreadsheet, we rely on mathematical understanding. The World Wide Web, CD-ROMs, and other media disseminate vast quantities of quantitative information. The level of mathematical thinking and problem solving needed in the workplace has increased dramatically.

Rockbridge County High School Mathematics curriculum helps prepare students for the mathematical world. Courses are developed around the Virginia Standards of Learning and include Algebra I, Geometry, Functions and Data Analysis, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Introduction to Calculus, Statistics, and Calculus. Many courses are available at the regular, college prep, and honors levels, and Statistics and Calculus are offered for Advanced Placement. The level of mathematics offered at RCHS will help any student in their post high school career path.

The special education department offers a variety of services to students found eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The following services are available to students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP):  

Consulting Services- Consulting services are provided to students who are in regular education courses but require accommodations or modifications in order to be successful.  The special education case manager consults with the student, teachers, parent, and guidance counselors to ensure the student’s IEP is being implemented and followed appropriately.  

Academic Support- Academic support is available to students in regular education courses, as a pull-out option, and/or as a separate class period for all academic courses as deemed appropriate by the IEP Team.  

Resource Classes- Resource classes are available to students who need additional support outside of the regular education class in the areas of reading and math.   

Functional/Occupational Program- This course of study should be determined by an IEP team and only after the team determines that the grade level Virginia Standards of Learning is not appropriate for the student even with the use of modifications, adaptations, supplemental aides and services.  These courses will provide students real world application of skills in the areas of mathematics, reading, science, social studies, vocational education, and daily living skills. 

To receive an Advanced Studies Diploma, students are required to earn three credits in one world language or two credits in each of two languages. Not all four-year colleges require a world language for admission, but many require a minimum of two years of a world language.

Three languages are currently offered in courses at RCHS:  French, Latin and Spanish.