Scope and Sequence

The Business & Finance Pathway at Bourne High School offers students a comprehensive, real-world introduction to business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Through a carefully sequenced progression of courses, paired with our School-to-Career programming, students build the academic, technical, and professional skills needed for success beyond high school.

Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences, project-based coursework, and opportunities to explore business careers directly connected to the local community. Participation in DECA allows members to gain experience in competitive events, leadership roles, networking, and real-world application of business concepts. These experiences help students develop confidence, professionalism, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for internships, college programs, and future careers.

Through innovation pathway coursework, DECA involvement, and the senior internship program, the Business & Finance Pathway empowers students to graduate with practical skills, leadership experience, and a clear sense of direction for their postsecondary goals.

The Life & Environmental Science Pathway at Bourne High School provides students with a rich, hands-on foundation in biology, sustainability, and environmental research. Through specialized coursework and real-world learning experiences, students develop a deep understanding of the natural world and the scientific skills needed to address today’s environmental challenges.

Students benefit from authentic fieldwork and research-based opportunities through collaborations with leading local institutions such as the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, and the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. These partnerships give students access to professional scientists, lab experiences, ecosystem studies, and coastal field research, experiences rarely available at the high school level.

Participation in the Environmental Club further enhances the pathway. Students engage in conservation projects, community initiatives, environmental advocacy, and hands-on stewardship opportunities that build leadership skills and deepen scientific curiosity.

Together, pathway coursework, Environmental Club involvement, and community-based research experiences prepare students for a wide range of postsecondary options, including environmental science, biology, sustainability, marine science, and related STEM fields. Students graduate with practical skills, research experience, and a strong foundation for both college and environmentally focused careers.

The Health Science Pathway at Bourne High School prepares students for careers in healthcare, mental health, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine. Students explore biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, psychology, and patient- and client-centered care while building essential skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

All Grade 11 students earn First Aid and CPR certification, and some students pursue a Veterinary Assistant certification or CNA/HHA, gaining hands-on experience with animal care. Through partnerships with Cape Cod Healthcare and Physical Therapy Unlimited (PTU), students connect classroom learning to authentic environments with work-based experiences within the healthcare industry.

Graduates leave the pathway ready for a variety of postsecondary opportunities, including nursing, allied health, emergency medicine, psychology, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, and healthcare administration, equipped with practical skills, professional insight, and valuable industry experience.

The Computer Science Pathway at Bourne High School prepares students for careers in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and other technology-driven fields through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on projects, and authentic industry exposure. Students build strong foundations in programming, computational thinking, data processing, cybersecurity, and algorithmic problem-solving, while developing collaboration, communication, and project management skills essential in technology professions. 

Students gain proficiency in problem-solving and logical reasoning, design and implement algorithms, work with data structures and databases, and create applications and simulations to solve real-world problems. They also develop coding expertise in multiple programming languages, learn to automate tasks, visualize and analyze data, and understand the ethical and social implications of computing. Through team projects, collaborative coding assignments, and engagement with industry partners, students apply their skills in authentic, real-world contexts.

Graduates leave the pathway prepared for postsecondary study or careers in computer science, software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, and other emerging technology fields, equipped with practical skills, professional insight, and hands-on experience.

The Engineering Pathway prepares students for careers in mechanical, civil, environmental, and robotics engineering. Students explore design, prototyping, robotics, CAD modeling, and sustainable solutions, while building teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Hands-on projects, lab experiments, and partnerships with local engineering and environmental organizations give students real-world experience, helping them apply classroom learning to authentic challenges. Graduates leave ready for postsecondary study or careers in engineering, robotics, sustainable design, and advanced manufacturing, equipped with practical skills and professional insight.