Dear Parents:
On Monday, our faculty met to discuss Experiential Education at NYA and to reflect on how this program has taken shape in the first half of the year as well as to determine its goals in the spring and in future years. The conversation focused on generating a working definition for Experiential Education for our school and describing in greater detail the natural intersections between these opportunities and current practices. As teachers, we are all very interested in forming tangible connections between our core curriculum and the Experiential Education program, thus expanding the traditional notion of a classroom and engaging a broader range of learners. Before I discuss these initiatives more concretely, I want to share some specific experiences that bring to light both what Experiential Education is and what it can be.
As one of our teachers wrote, “On Cow Island, the 10th graders faced both rain and cold. The crew offered the kids the option of going with the initial team challenge that would mean being out in the elements or changing the plan to do something where they would be under cover, dry, and warm. There was little hesitation among the sophomores, and they opted for the former, which ended up being an initiative that involved raft building and racing, with small groups of students collaborating to design, build, and then race their own small rafts in the chilly waters of Casco Bay. Their willingness — even eagerness to take the more difficult path was of the typical spirit of those couple days. If there were individuals who were hesitant, it was not apparent, as they all collaborated with humor, and patience, and good-fellowship. This was just one moment from two days of experiences that imbued them with a wonderful sense of shared accomplishment that was palpable in the classroom and around school. I saw it in each of my classes and was approached by other teachers who were struck by the same thing. Interestingly, I asked a class of sophomores today what they thought was the best moment from the trip, and most pointed to that afternoon as being the most fun and memorable. They each had countless specific recollections from those couple of hours, but nobody mentioned being cold and wet.”
Another teacher described a moment on Cow Island between two students climbing a rock wall. One student was having trouble coming down the wall, so another went to that person’s aid. As this teacher noted, “They were two kids who have not spent time together and likely did not know much about each other, but in that moment exhibited a tangible reliance on each other that created a bond. The few days on Cow Island were filled with experiences like these, challenges that brought together unlikely alliances, pushed students to take supported physical or emotional risks, and forged connections within the group that have demonstrated to be long lasting.”
Cooperation – Risk Taking – Ability to maintain hopefulness despite difficult circumstances – Enjoying the company of others outside the classroom – A chance to connect with teachers in a fresh environment. One 9th grader said of the trip that started that class’s school year, “I had an amazing time. Climbing a mountain was the perfect way to begin 9th grade, and our high school journey as a class. It was definitely one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I’M SO glad I went.” Another wrote, “I really enjoyed the hiking part of the trip, mostly because it was a lovely hike up and the top of the mountain was BEAUTIFUL. I also enjoyed it because it gave me a good opportunity to talk with people I hadn’t yet.”
Other students have also reaped the benefits of these programs. The 6th graders spent a night camping at Myers farm where they engaged in team-building activities. The 7th and 8th graders spent time at the Leadership School at Kieve where they went sea kayaking and climbed high ropes courses. Later this spring, the 5th grade is planning an expedition on a schooner, and the juniors will spend time in Boston. There will be a senior class trip to Cow Island that will culminate both to the Experiential Education curriculum as well as their experience at NYA as a whole.
We are thrilled to have had a terrific start to these programs this year. We are working hard to make these moments in our students’ lives even more powerful and useful. Some of the goals we want to achieve through these special activities include: enhancing an ability to problem solve; fostering a respect for the natural environment; nurturing strong relationships within and across NYA classes; and building self confidence and reliance when lessons do not go precisely as planned. Like the students, we are learning as a faculty and finding ways that Experiential Education will not simply be a series of activities or challenges in a less familiar environment, but also opportunities to be fully connected to our mission through fostering integrity, character, and intellect.
While the curriculum for our Experiential Education program is a work in progress, we are making great strides in planning these excursions and lessons with the help of many in the community. As these programs become more established, I welcome your feedback and thoughts for improving this important facet of our school’s commitment to learning.
Yours truly,
Brad Choyt
Head of School
