Students Explore Interests and Passions in Middle School Electives

Electives play an essential role in developing middle school students by allowing them to explore their interests, develop new skills, and broaden their perspectives beyond the core academic curriculum.?

At Rectory School , we encourage our students to explore their interests and passions through our dynamic elective program. This program gives our students an exploratory experience in a variety of disciplines. Middle school students must take either an elective or a performing art each trimester.

"Adolescence is a time to learn more about yourself and be open to new ideas and experiences," said Director of Counseling Justin Bendall. "Rectory's electives program provides a chance for our students, in a safe environment, to branch out and find an interest that is potentially a lifelong pursuit, whether that be a hobby or a future career."

Electives allow students to explore subjects they might typically not be exposed to. These new areas of study can help them discover new interests and passions they can pursue in high school and beyond.

"Electives provide an opportunity for our students to get experiences and to learn about areas they may never have thought was an interest of theirs," said Director of Academics Lisa Hart. "Students who have never been exposed to model building or debate or have never worked together to create a yearbook or a sports media broadcast have opportunities to dive in for a term or multiple terms. It's exciting to see their energies and interests increase over the years and into secondary school."?

Electives often allow students to develop skills beyond what they find in core academic classes. For example, music, art, and drama classes can help students develop creativity, self-expression, and confidence, while technology classes can teach students valuable technical skills.?

Director of Technology Donna Dubinsky leads the Robotics elective. "Robotics is helping students to be patient and pay attention to detail. They are more successful when they slow down and take the time to investigate the build steps. Developing these skills will also help them when we reach the coding stage when they are building the instructions for the robot to follow."?

"Electives allow students to develop skills not taught in academic classes, but also provide interdisciplinary, real-life scenarios to apply and build upon skills that students are learning in the classroom," said Scott Gimber, learning specialist and leader of the Sports Media elective. "For example, during this spring's Sports Media elective, students hone their writing skills through the lens of script and article writing; hone their presentation and public speaking skills as they interview guests, report, and host the Wolf Den Sports Center; and build on technical skills as they edit videos and produce graphics."?

These courses also allow students to gain a different perspective of their teachers as they frequently bring previous life experiences or outside passions to the courses they offer. Mr. Gimber, who studied broadcast journalism at Penn State and worked in production roles at the MLB Network and ESPN, brings a wealth of knowledge he is eager to share with students.?

"In addition to sports media production fundamentals, students explore the wider field of sports media — why and when certain content is covered during live sports broadcasts, how production decisions impact an audience's experience, and how audiences consume sports media," Mr. Gimber explains. "Through the lens of media consumers, students are encouraged to explore the impact of certain trends, such as the move towards short-form clips and highlights, on their own media consumption.

This interdisciplinary approach to our elective helps students view their work and approach problems, more generally, from various perspectives — a skill that will serve them well here at Rectory, once they reach secondary school, and beyond."

Eighth grader Zoe O., who participated in the Sports Media elective for the fall and winter terms, agrees. "The electives program helps students get a moment outside of the classroom to do something different. Not a lot of schools are able to do stuff like this. I'm really grateful that Rectory has this opportunity for us. Going into Sports Media, I didn't know what I wanted to do. But my teachers helped spark that interest for me. They helped me see what I liked. Being an anchor was amazing."?

Electives allow students to control their learning experience by choosing courses that align with their interests and goals, increasing their engagement and motivation in school.

Head of School Fred Williams said, "One of my joys is that these self-selected electives are just as likely to be new experiences as much as current interests. So while some students will pursue a familiar undertaking, many will venture into new waters. They will engage in debate, produce a Wolfie sports segment, crochet a scarf, or help construct a submersible to explore the Rectory pond, all for the first time. These initial experiences then serve as gateways to ongoing areas of study in the chosen or associated fields."

Electives can prepare middle school students for high school by exposing them to a broader range of subjects and teaching them essential skills needed to succeed in high school and beyond.

"With the vast array of seminars, electives, and specialty programs available to our graduates at secondary schools, Rectory's Electives block aims to replicate that model on a junior boarding-sized scale," said Director of Secondary School Advising Max Richards. "The concept of individualized education through chosen coursework is seen throughout our industry. Whether our students are learning how to tune up mountain bikes for our trails, applying economic principles through a sports simulation, or centering themselves with mindfulness and yoga, there's a bit of everything on offer. Being able to 'unplug' from your core academics and shift to something totally new is a critical skill for all. This reset allows students to return refreshed and ready to reengage in their studies with an open mind and newfound energy."

Ninth grader and Student Council President Ashmah D. participated in the Yearbook elective in the fall and winter terms and is now enjoying the Yoga and Soul Relaxation elective. She said, "I think it's helpful to take a break during the day to reset from our stressful schedule and find new ways to have a better positive mindset. It also allows us to spark interest in different things."?

Overall, electives play a vital role in the development of middle school students by offering them a more personalized and well-rounded education. They allow students to explore new interests, develop new skills, and prepare for future academic and professional pursuits.

Following is a sampling of electives that were offered this year at Rectory.

AMC Prep

The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) Prep elective is for students in Algebra 1 and above. The focus is on preparing for AMC 8 test. The main topics include Algebra, Counting, Probability, Number Theory, and Geometry. Students in 9th grade are welcome to join and prepare for AMC 10.

Brain-Based Strategies

The Brain-Based Strategies Elective is centered around a brain-based approach to learning, including mindfulness and creativity. Students receive differentiated support grounded in executive functioning areas, such as planning, self-monitoring, and organization. A strategy-based approach encompasses note-taking, test-taking, and project planning, when appropriate.

Breaking Fake News

Engaging students in media literacy, including misinformation and disinformation, fake news, social media algorithms, and the information they're "fed," etc. The ultimate goal is to have students create messaging for their peers, which may or may not include PSA posters, infographics, and the like.

Diamond Painting

Diamond painting is a combination of cross-stitch and paint-by-numbers. With an applicator, students apply hundreds of sparkling resin rhinestones, one by one, on an adhesive color-coded canvas. In the end, students leave with a sparkly painting!

Ecobricks

Students learn about plastic pollution and make Ecobricks to donate. Ecobricks are plastic bottles full of non-recyclable plastic to replace cement and bricks when building. Students create presentations on plastic pollution to educate and bring awareness to our community.

History's Mysteries

For students who love legends and historical intrigues! Students explore conspiracy theories and participate in a riddle-filled treasure hunt. Students learn about different mysteries through time by watching documentaries and TV shows and researching the various questions left behind in "History's Mysteries."?

Maker Spaces

Students are introduced to 3D Printing, Glowforge design, and Cricut die cutting. They learn the basics of these three machines, the importance of planning, and the benefits of trial and error. Students work on individual and group projects that will enhance teamwork and problem-solving. The focus of the elective is an overview of the technology used by each machine and the creation of objects that will assist an everyday problem or help students explore their creativity.

Public Forum Debate

Students participate in public forum debates in groups of two to four. They debate about world issues and our values. The purpose is to allow students to see and understand and appreciate different perspectives, moreover enabling students to understand the in-depth structure of public forum debate.

Sports Media

Students join the cast and crew of Rectory's Wolf Den Sports Center. Students learn about filming, editing, writing scripts, being on camera, and developing new ways to present our sports teams to the outside world.?

STORIES (Students telling original, real-life, or imagined explorations of sources)

Students explore research-based storytelling using actual historical events, locations, and people. Author, storyteller, and historical investigator Robert Oakes will model his research and writing process as Jessica Astarita provides research and writing support (and possibly screenwriting guidance if there's student interest). The first half of the course involves modeling the process, including research, interviewing, and possible location visits. In the second half, students will develop their researched ideas into a finished piece of writing, whether non-fiction or fiction. This second half of the course will involve writing instruction, workshops, and revisions. Student work may be shared through the school website, a printed publication, or another format.

Undersea Adventures

Students will create underwater (submersible) remote-controlled vehicles in class and learn about what can be found at the bottom of the ocean, such as marine life and shipwrecks.

VEX Robotics

VEX Robotics is educational robotics for everyone. VEX solutions span all formal and informal education levels with accessible, scalable, and affordable solutions. Beyond science and engineering principles, VEX encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving among groups. In this introduction to VEX Robotics, students will learn how to do a "quick" build and a "base" build a robot. They will learn how to program the robots to do simple tasks such as directions, maneuver around objects, and lift objects.?

Yearbook

Students help create content, layout pages, and proof the Rectory School yearbook. Students learn basic principles of yearbook production and develop skills that include writing copy, digital photography, desktop publishing, and media production.

Yoga, Mindfulness, and Leadership

Students take time each week to stretch their bodies and also their minds. Through yoga, students find peace throughout the day, which will help them with their anxiety and muscle tension. Yoga will help them breathe and relax when their bodies tense up. After each session, students should feel relaxed and re-energized for their day. They will also explore what makes a good leader in society. Students will relate leadership skills to positions they might encounter at Rectory or through their various stages of life.