Upper School Update 2.21.24

This time of year in the Upper School seems especially busy. We are wrapping up the second trimester, getting ready for our expeditionary learning week, and beginning to plan all of our year end events. One thing I really love about the second trimester is that we do not give exams. This lends the second trimester to involve a good amount of project-based learning. The work of doing is powerful and research suggests this is one of the ways that retention of learning happens best.

For example, in the Entrepreneurial Leadership course that I co-facilitate with Trinity Parent, Mrs. Katie Boyd, our students have had a trimester-long project centered around creating a unique product and developing a business plan. This class has some direct instruction scattered throughout the class; lessons such as product development, target audience, competitive advantages, customer service and business ethics. They’ve designed company logos and made financial projections over several years of operations. We also regularly have guest speakers, community experts and entrepreneurs, who share their experiences and advice with our students. But perhaps the most impactful demonstration of learning for this course occurs when students present their business plans in front of their peers, their teachers, their parents, and guest judges. This is where our students get to practice public speaking, clearly articulate what they learned, show off their unique approach to solving a market need, and show off their passion for their product. The likelihood that these products go to market may be slim, but the learning that occurred during the development of these products through this project will last forever.

Next week, as we begin the third and final trimester of this school year,  I will share information about our upcoming expeditionary learning trips.

Kind regards,

Timothy A. Jones, M.Ed.

Head of Upper School