They Are Transformed
T Bob Bowman, Ph.D. Head of The Upper School he Upper School 11 The Upper School curriculum is dynamic and focused on preparing students for success in college. Some highlights include: + Tailoring to each student’s strengths and interests through 100 courses, 18 AP classes, a rigorous Capstone program, and a wide range of electives. Students in The Upper School are adventurous. They continually challenge themselves with guidance and encouragement from teachers, coaches, advisors, and mentors who know them individually and care about them deeply. From Ninth Grade to Twelfth Grade, students pursue an arc of intellectual and social growth that prepares them to be pioneering thinkers. They build a strong foundation of skills in the disciplines of history, English, mathematics, science, and world languages. In small classroom settings, teachers challenge students to develop sophisticated thinking and communication skills, to ask probing questions, to examine evidence and create thoughtful syntheses, to propose insightful solutions to problems, and to wrestle with difficult dilemmas. 12 Students choose their own path in other ways, too, with the opportunity to take leadership roles in athletics, the arts, service learning, clubs, publications, student government, or areas of their own invention. One of the culminating events in a student’s tenure at W+H is his or her Senior Speech. Each senior presents a talk to the entire community of The Upper School, sharing inspiration and wisdom they have acquired in their time here. These are passionate reflections, delivered with poise and confidence. Laughter, and sometimes tears, abound throughout the audience. More than just prepared for the world, students graduate from The Upper School prepared to transform it. In ways small and large but always for the better, they are Pioneering Thinkers. We are quite proud of them and grateful for the privilege of having shared in their lives. + Emphasizing project-based learning with extended investigations of authentic, complex problems that require students to seek out new understanding and apply previously acquired knowledge. + Facilitating opportunities for hands-on creativity, whether it’s our Broadcast Engineering course in our television studio; the Independent School Film Festival; an outstanding visual arts program; and courses in Design Thinking, Coding, and Engineering. + Providing a unique Global Scholars Program for students interested in developing their understanding of diverse cultures, international affairs, and global stewardship.
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