Academy Curriculum
Although the focus of the SCHS Automotive Technology Partnership Academy (ATPA) is automotives, the program is actually designed to prepare the student for a wide variety of options following graduation from high school. The education and skills developed in the academy can prepare the student for career opportunities in many fields. Students are encouraged to select one or more of the following post-secondary school options as their high school goal.
- Entry level position as a technician
- Post-secondary general/technical education at Saddleback Community College
- Post-secondary technical education at an accredited technical college
- Post-secondary education at a four year university
- Entry into military service
Watch the Video below to learn more about our hands on projects for 2020/2021 School year
The ATPA technical curriculum is a three-year, sequential program.
- Grade 10, Consumer Automotives/Automotives Mechanics. The first year consists of learning the fundamentals. Topics include shop safety and shop practices, hand tool instructions, equipment operating instructions, hazardous wastes handling and disposal, career awareness, consumer awareness, and the operating principles of all major components of the automobile including the engine, transmission, drive lines, differentials, steering, brakes, suspensions, etc.
- Grade 11, Automotive Technology. The second year is our systems class. Topics include shop safety, specialized tool instructions, career awareness, and instruction in the components and the operating parameters of all major systems. These systems include the air conditioning (A/C) system, charging system, fuel system, ignition system, mechanical system (engine and trans rebuilding), steering system, suspension system, and the electrical, lighting and auxiliary systems.
- Grade 12, Advanced Diagnostics and Troubleshooting. The third year course is designed to provide the student with entry-level skills in diagnosing, locating, and repairing systems and components. Topics include shop safety, career preparation, computers, sensors, actuators, schematic diagrams, troubleshooting procedures, advanced diagnostic equipment instruction and alternative fuels. Also, during this senior-year class, all students in this course will have an opportunity to try-out for a position on the prestigious San Clemente High School Automotive Troubleshooting Contest Team.
In all automotive classes, students are instructed in and continually practice the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) competencies. The sophomore class is delivered with approximately 60% classroom instruction and 40% lab activity, junior class is delivered with approximately 50% classroom instruction and 50% lab activity, and senior class is delivered with 20% classroom instruction and 80% lab activity. All written examinations and quizzes are presented with the same content and format as used in ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification testing. In 2015 on-line textbooks, tests, and quizzes, were implemented which mirrors industry and college standards.
The integrated curricula for all academy classes are listed below:
Sophomores: English, World History, Science, Consumer Automotives/Auto Mechanics
Juniors: English, U.S. History, Science, Auto Technology
Seniors: Expository Reading and Writing, Advanced Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
