Academics
Departments & Curriculum
Course Description Guide 2025-26

Technology, Research & Innovation (2025-26)

Our purpose is to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to leveraging technology, fostering innovation and conducting cutting-edge research to create an adaptive, forward-thinking core curriculum. Technology, Research & Innovation curricula are integrated into all subjects, across all grade levels to best prepare our students with future-ready skills needed to be successful at Trinity and beyond.
Through the integration of technology, we aim to equip our learners with the digital literacy and fluency required to navigate an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven global landscape. By embracing innovation, we foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, enabling our students to become active contributors to an ever-changing world. 
Research serves as the cornerstone of our educational approach, ensuring that our curriculum remains responsive to emerging trends, challenges and opportunities. Through research, we develop evidence-based strategies that continuously enhance our teaching methodologies and content. This commitment to research also instills a culture of curiosity, intellectual rigor and passion for lifelong learning within our students. 
By focusing on the harmonious integration of technology, research and innovation, we provide our learners with a solid foundation for personal and professional growth. Our goal is to produce innovative thinkers who possess not only the knowledge and technical skills to excel in their chosen fields but also the adaptability, resilience and leadership qualities required to flourish in an uncertain future.

Technology - Semester Courses

List of 6 items.

  • Design Thinking & Innovation - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 credit

    Have you ever encountered an item, a process, or a space that just seemed to work like magic and was utterly delightful? That is usually not a coincidence and behind the magic, there is a Design-Thinker using the human-centered approach to problem-solving. Students will be introduced to the Design-Thinking steps of empathy, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing, and developing a toolkit to use when developing their own business to interact with users. The goal is for students to always keep the needs of their end-users at the forefront when developing their personal brand. Design-Thinking truly is a blend of art, engineering, and psychology, and students interested in learning more about entrepreneurship, business, marketing, graphic design, and innovation will LOVE this class. Front and center of this course are critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. 

    Units of Study
    Introduction to Design Thinking
    Adobe Illustrator
    The Design Toolkit
    Entrepreneurship & Business
    Practice Developing Your Brand
    Design-Thinking In Practice

  • Exploring Engineering - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 credit

    Exploring Engineering is an introduction to the diverse field of engineering. Students will be guided through the complexities of engineering systems and how engineers work to solve problems and enhance our communities. In-class learning discussions will focus on introducing or building on engineering vocabulary and reinforcing problem-solving techniques. Troubleshooting skills are enhanced through hands-on projects and exposure to technology tools in a supportive learning environment. Students will be asked to work in teams to design, ideate, prototype, test and communicate solutions. This course is ideal for the student interested in STEAM studies, or anyone with a passion for understanding how things work and why it's important for our community.


    Units of Study
    Engineering Design with CAD
    Manufacturing & Materials Science
    Computer Engineering: Hardware & Software
    Electrical Engineering: Circuits & Microcontrollers
    Civil Engineering: Buildings & Structures
    Mechanical: Principles & Properties of Movement
    Aeronautics: Forces of Flight
    Ethics & Technology Considerations


  • Programming Through Game Development - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit

    This course is designed as an introductory course to both programming and game development. Students will be taught elements of successful game development through coding, modeling, game design, and digital citizenship. This is a project-based course and successful students will benefit from active engagement and participation.

    Units of Study
    Block-based Programming
    Coding
    Game Design
    Game Mechanics
    Programming Languages
    Robotics
    Drones
    Circuitry
    3D Modeling
    Unity

  • Robotics - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 credit

    This course uses a hands-on approach to introduce students to the basic concept of robotics through the foundational understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, and programming languages. Students will be exposed to the Engineering Design Process and how Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) is used to support and enhance robotics systems. The development of physical robotic components will support project challenges. They will also explore the broad scope of robotics applications in fields such as manufacturing, security, transportation, automation, food preparation, entertainment, customer service, biomedical engineering, healthcare, agriculture, military science, space and underwater exploration, and more. Students interested in STEAM concepts will enjoy this class or students interested in participating in the competitive FIRST Robotics Team.

    This course may be repeated for credit with the permission of the teacher.

    Units of Study
    Basics of Robotics
    CAD and Design
    Electrical
    Mechanical
    Programming
    Bringing it All Together

  • Digital Videography 1 - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit

    Digital Videography counts toward the Fine Arts graduation requirement.

    Digital Videography 1 introduces students to cinematography and video production through a theory-based, hands-on approach. Students will learn the history of media and media production and will be able to demonstrate competency in pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will apply problem-solving skills in planning, editing, and evaluating quality video productions. Topics include the fundamental technical aspects of the digital video camera, camera shots, angles, composition, media literacy, aesthetic elements and techniques, sound and lighting, scriptwriting, directing, and editing.

    Units of Study
    Directors
    Camera Shots and Angles
    Compositional Elements
    Camera Movements
    Editing Techniques
    Storyboarding
    Scriptwriting
    Sound Design
    Lighting
    Interviewing
    Directing
    Green Screen

  • Digital Videography 2 - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit
    Prerequisite:  Digital Videography 1 or teacher permission

    Digital Videography 2 counts toward the Fine Arts graduation requirement.

    Digital Videography 2 expands on what students have learned about cinematography and video production in Digital Videography 1 through a theory-based, hands-on approach. Students will learn about the history of media and media production and will be able to demonstrate competency in pre-production, production, and post production to plan, create, and evaluate quality video productions and short films. Students will explore more of the technical aspects of the digital video camera, camera shots, angles, movements, and composition, media literacy, aesthetic elements and techniques, sound and lighting, scriptwriting, directing, and editing.

    Units of Study
    Film Roles
    Camera Shots and Angles
    Compositional Elements
    Camera Movements
    Advanced Editing Techniques
    Storyboarding
    Scriptwriting
    Character Development
    Advanced Sound Design
    Advanced Lighting
    Directing
    Special Effects


Technology - Yearlong Courses

List of 1 items.

  • AP Computer Science A

    Grades 11-12

    As an upper-level course in Computer Science, this course seeks to provide students with the opportunity to use critical thinking in developing solutions to problems through the use of Java language.  Students learn coding strategies, consider how to process data, and develop an awareness of the social and ethical aspects of computing. This course is analogous to a first-semester university course in Computer Science and can help prepare students for study in technical, engineering, and science fields.  Success in this course requires students to be very self-motivated, persevere through challenges, and be self-directed as the course may be offered through a virtual platform.

    There are special circumstances associated with this course, so students wishing to take it must talk with the Head of Student Support and Academic Program. 

Research - Semester Courses

List of 2 items.

  • IB Extended Essay 1 - Grade 11

    Grade 11
    0.5 credit

    To retain the credit for IB Extended Essay 1, students are required to complete IB Extended Essay 2. If both years are not completed, the 0.5 credit from EE 1 will also be removed. 

    Prerequisite: Recommendation from the IB Coordinator

    Additional Fee: IB fees will be incurred in IB Extended Essay 2.

    The Extended Essay presents students with an opportunity to explore a topic of special interest. Students engage in an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. Through this experience, students develop the self-regulated research and writing skills that they need to be successful in college. This year, students will select the subject in which they will write their essay, draft a research question, and write an outline of their essay.

    This year's course is for juniors in the IB Diploma Programme or juniors who wish to be an IB Extended Essay candidate. Year 1 includes the formation of a research question, creation of a research strategy, building a supporting bibliography, refining a thesis, and developing an outline. Significant summer work is common for preparation for IB Extended Essay 2.

    Units of Study
    Introduction to the Extended Essay
    Research Cycle
    Research and Writing


  • IB Extended Essay 2 - Grade 12

    Grade 12
    0.5 credit

    Completion of IB Extended Essay 2 is required for a student to be recognized as an IB Extended Essay candidate. If both years are not completed, the 0.5 credit from EE 1 will also be removed. 

    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB Extended Essay 1.

    Additional Fee: This course has an IB examination component. A fee applies to all students in the course.

    The Extended Essay presents students with an opportunity to explore a topic of special interest. Students engage in an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. Through this experience, students develop the self-regulated research and writing skills that they need to be successful in college. This year, students will select the subject in which they will write their essay, draft a research question, and write an outline of their essay.

    This year's course is for seniors in the IB Diploma Programme or seniors completing their IB Extended Essay candidacy. Year 2 includes creating, editing, evaluating and revising the research paper and a final interview on the process with the faculty supervisor. The final draft of the Extended Essay will be awarded a grade by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

    Units of Study
    Introduction to the Extended Essay
    Research Cycle
    Research and Writing




Innovation - Semester Courses

List of 2 items.

  • Design Thinking & Innovation - Grades 10-12

    Grades 10-12; Grade 9 with teacher permission
    0.5 credit

    Required tool(s): Engineering notebook

    Have you ever encountered an item, a process, or a space that just seemed to work like magic and was utterly delightful? That is usually not a coincidence and behind the magi,c there is a Design-Thinker using the human-centered approach to problem-solving. Students will be introduced to the Design-Thinking steps of empathy, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing, and developing a toolkit to use when developing their own business to interact with users. The goal is for students to always keep the needs of their end-user at the forefront when developing their personal brand. Design-Thinking truly is a blend of art, engineering, and psychology, and students interested in learning more about entrepreneurship, business, marketing, graphic design, and innovation will LOVE this class. Central to this course is critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.

    This course is best suited for older students ready for a cross-curricular approach to technology and innovation.

    Units of Study
    Introduction to Design Thinking
    Adobe Illustrator
    The Design Toolkit
    Entrepreneurship & Business Practice
    Developing Your Brand
    Design-Thinking In Practice

  • Exploring Engineering - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 credit

    Exploring Engineering is an introduction to the diverse field of engineering. Students will be guided through the complexities of engineering systems and how engineers work to solve problems and enhance our communities. In-class learning discussions will focus on introducing or building on engineering vocabulary and reinforcing problem-solving techniques. Troubleshooting skills are enhanced through hands-on projects and exposure to technology tools in a supportive learning environment. Students will be asked to work in teams to design, ideate, prototype, test and communicate solutions. This course is ideal for the student interested in STEAM studies, or anyone with a passion for understanding how things work and why it's important for our community.


    Units of Study
    Engineering Design with CAD
    Manufacturing & Materials Science
    Computer Engineering: Hardware & Software
    Electrical Engineering: Circuits & Microcontrollers
    Civil Engineering: Buildings & Structures
    Mechanical: Principles & Properties of Movement
    Aeronautics: Forces of Flight
    Ethics & Technology Considerations


Course Sequence

Technology
Level 1
Level 2
Exploring Engineering
Programming through Game Development
Robotics
Digital Video 1
Digital Video 2

Research
11th Grade (Semester 2)
12th Grade (Semester 1)
IB Extended Essay 1
IB Extended Essay 2

Innovation
Level 1
Exploring Engineering 
Design Thinking & Innovation

Trinity Episcopal School

3850 PITTAWAY DR | RICHMOND VA 23235-1099 | Phone: 804.272.5864 | Fax: 804.272.5865 Email: mail@trinityes.org