Hawken Upper School Implements New Schedule, Introduces 'Intensive' Classes

GATES MILLS, Ohio, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hawken Upper School has implemented a new schedule this year to better support 21st century programming, align with the school's mission, and facilitate effective community partnerships.  The changes support recent research on brain function and learning that challenge the "old school" model and underscore the need for educators to change their approach in order to maximize student learning, retention, and the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.  The new schedule supports Hawken's tradition of academic rigor while promoting greater depth of understanding, applied learning, and variety of experience.  It also challenges teachers to re-assess their teaching methodologies to enable more authentic student engagement and deeper understanding.

The new schedule will include variable length periods, longer classes, and two multi-week "intensive" blocks per school year – similar to J-terms and winter terms at many universities across the nation.  The first of the intensive periods began November 29 and will facilitate immersion experiences in the humanities, arts, and sciences. During this three-week intensive period, the Gries Center, Hawken's urban extension campus, will serve as a home base as students visit urban service agencies and cultural centers, or venture into nearby neighborhoods to conduct field study for classes such as "Designing Solutions: Food." The three-week-long classes will also allow for out-of-town trips. Associate Head of School Doug Smith will travel with his history students to Charleston, South Carolina.  Other classes being offered include:  Hawken Chamber Players, Welding and Soldering, Public Opinion taught by Head of School Scott Looney, Advanced Stagecraft, AP Physics, Homelessness, Economic Principles and Investing, and The Correspondent taught by guest teachers Dan Moulthrop, formerly of WCPN, and author Charles Michener.

Hawken School is an independent, nonsectarian, coed day school of approximately 960 students, grades pre-K through 12, located on two campuses in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland. Founded in 1915, Hawken is recognized as one of the premier college preparatory schools in the nation with a diverse student body participating in a challenging program of academics, arts, and athletics that prepares them to meet the challenges of tomorrow's world.

SOURCE Hawken School