IT’S TIME TO THINK OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM 2024 INTERIM STUDIES VIEWBOOK
IT’S TIME TO THINK OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM INTERIM STUDIES OVERVIEW W HAT I S I N T E RIM ST UDIE S? Interim Studies is a weeklong period when students engage in experiential learning opportunities that spark their creativity; allow them to discover and deepen passions; and help them grow toward the skills, knowledge, and dispositions they will need to thrive in the world they will inherit. It’s hands-on learning at its best—learning by authentically doing and reflecting.
by December 1. Submitting choices after this window means a student risks losing placement in the experience they prefer. We hope to offer every student one of their top choices. Experiences with limited space will be filled by class seniority first and then a random lottery if needed.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? At Brewster, we know that learning through experience allows students to develop real-world competencies, complementing work done in the traditional classroom. In Brewster’s Interim Studies period, there is an intentional balance of joy and growth to help create independent problem solvers. We’re excited to offer a slate of options for 2024 that are varied and relevant. There’s something for everyone!
IS THERE TRAVEL INVOLVED? Some experiences involve overnight travel; others are mostly on campus with possible day trips.
WHAT IS NEW THIS YEAR? This year, for the first time, Interim Studies has been formalized as an annual academic requirement for graduation. Students will follow guidelines for a pass/fail grade, and prepare a reflective piece to express how their chosen experience enhanced their understanding. WHEN IS IT? February 26-March 1, 2024 (Note: the deadline to submit your top three selections is December 1, 2023) HOW DOES SIGN UP WORK? First, parents and students should take a look at the lineup of experiences here in the 2024 Interim Studies Viewbook—then discuss the opportunities together and decide which options are best. Parents will be asked to indicate their student’s top three choices via the Parent Portal
CURRICULAR THEMES This year, the Interim Studies choices are tied to curricular themes of Global and Intercultural Issues, Sustainable Futures, Explore New England, and Alongside Communities.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Brewster works to keep experiential costs as low as possible to maximize equity of opportunity and access. As always, some Interim Studies experiences are free, and most are under $500. But there are a few off-campus travel options that have a cost for materials, lodging, meals, etc. (This year, the highest-cost experience is $3,400.) Financial aid will be made available for students who complete the application process and meet the criteria for need. HEALTH AND SAFETY All experiences will follow the same health guidelines that we are following on campus and elsewhere in the community. Our priority is to keep our students and employees safe. As such, all experiences are subject to change and/or cancellation at any time if we feel that we will not be able to safely run the experience as the launch day gets closer. Any changes will be communicated as quickly as possible. QUESTIONS? Email Interim Studies Coordinator Steven Davis at sdavis@brewsteracademy.org. WHAT IS THE DEADLINE? Submit your top three choices via the Parent Portal by December 1. (Reminder: Submitting choices after this window means a student risks not being placed in one of their top choices.)
G LOBA L A ND INTER C U LT U RA L IS SU ES
Transformative learning opportunities that allow students to examine global, local, and intercultural issues; appreciate the interconnectedness of all humanity; and advance ethical citizenship in all aspects of their lives.
GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL ISSUES
THE BEAUTY OF MAHJONG THE E XP ERIENCE This interim study experience combines the captivating worlds of Mahjong and Mandarin language learning, providing students with a truly transformative educational experience. Throughout this experience, participants will not only master essential Mahjong terminology in Mandarin, thus enhancing their language skills, but they will also embark on an exploration of the game’s deep cultural significance. The intricate strategies inherent to Mahjong will actively stimulate students’ critical thinking, foster better decision-making, sharpen their problem-solving, and facilitate intellectual growth. Beyond the general stakes of gameplay, however, this immersion also opens a gateway to global awareness and interconnectedness. In foregrounding the rich global history and ubiquitous cultural and social significance of Mahjong through day trips to both Concord and Boston, the experience will allow students to begin to view the game as an avenue towards greater insights into the values and traditions of diverse linguistic and cultural communities in our broader region as well. What’s more, as students play Mahjong and communicate
in Mandarin, they’ll engage in cross-cultural interactions, an essential aspect of global citizenship. T YPE O F E XPE RIE NC E: Mostly on campus—potentially a few day trips but always back for afternoon commitments. S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Students will acquire fundamental Mahjong terminology in Mandarin, enhancing both language and gaming skills. • Students will delve into the intricate strategies that underlie Mahjong’s gameplay, learn the art of critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, and the analysis of Mahjong tiles. • Students will develop a deep appreciation for the cultural nuances associated with Mahjong, understanding its significance in family gatherings and its impact on social dynamics.
GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL ISSUES
BREWSTER GOES TO BIRMINGHAM THE E XP ER IENCE Students participating in Brewster Goes to Birmingham will engage in a six-day, five-night interactive exploration of the Modern Civil Rights Movement. Students will learn the pivotal role that Alabama played in making the promises of the U.S. Constitution a greater reality for more Americans. Birmingham will serve as the first stop, followed by visits to Selma and Montgomery, critical sites of human and civil rights struggles. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy stated, “But for Birmingham, we would not be here today,” emphasizing the significance of Birmingham’s critical role in the Civil Rights Movement. Participants will examine events that began on a bus in Montgomery, erupted in churches and streets of Birmingham and a bridge in Selma, and set a course for freedom, equality, and opportunity for all. TYP E O F EX PER IENCE: Domestic Travel (off campus for most of the Interim Studies period) S KILLS YOU WILL G A IN • Historical Awareness: Students will gain a deeper understanding of the Civil Rights movement, its historical context, and the significant events and individuals involved. • Critical Thinking: Students will engage in critical analysis of primary and secondary sources related to the Civil Rights movement. They will evaluate different perspectives, identify biases, and draw evidence-based conclusions about the historical events and their implications. • Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Through visiting historical sites and hearing personal stories, students will develop empathy and the ability to understand and appreciate the experiences and perspectives of individuals who fought for civil rights. This can foster a greater sense of social justice and empathy toward others.
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Cultural Competence: Students will have the opportunity to interact with diverse communities and learn about different cultures and backgrounds. They will develop an appreciation for diversity, respect for others, and an understanding of the importance of inclusivity and equality. Communication and Collaboration: During the trip, students will engage in discussions, group activities, and possibly interviews with individuals connected to the Civil Rights movement. They will practice effective communication skills, active listening, and collaboration with their peers and community members. Civic Engagement: The Civil Rights Trail trip can inspire students to become active and engaged citizens. They may develop a sense of responsibility to advocate for social justice, equality, and human rights in their own communities.
The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama is one of the important sites students will visit during this experience.
GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL ISSUES
THE RED BANDANNA: INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AND A STORY OF HEROISM ON 9/11 THE E XP ER IENCE Students will explore investigative journalism techniques while also studying the history and considering the impact of the losses suffered during the destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. When the Twin Towers fell on September 11, many people were lost, including one young man, Welles Crowther. Before that terrible moment, however, he spent his last hours shepherding survivors to safety, saving many lives. In 2016, journalist Tom Rinaldi wrote a book about Welles and his heroism, entitled The Red Bandanna. This book and its message bolsters Brewster’s mission to “prepare diverse thinkers for lives of purpose” and reinforces Brewster’s core values of respect, responsibility, independence and interdependence, as witnessed through the lens of Welles Crowther’s life. Students who join this experience will travel to New York City, taking in all of what our nation’s largest metropolis has to offer. In addition to visiting and touring the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, students will also explore the journalistic landscape of New York City and take trips to the headquarters of a number of print and newspaper publications in the city, including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. After four days, the group will return to Wolfeboro, and author Tom Rinaldi will join us for a learning session. Students will read excerpts from Rinaldi’s book and view documentaries about the Twin Towers and September 11. The group will examine the techniques of researching, investigative journalism, and interviewing, and will also explore book publishing and documentary
filmmaking. Students will contribute to the legacy that Welles Crowther has left behind by learning about the charitable foundation that benefits young people, founded by his parents. Finally, using what they have learned, students will also help to plan and present at an All School assembly commemorating September 11th, for the following fall of 2024. T YPE O F E XPE RIE NC E: Domestic Travel (off campus for most of the Interim Studies period) S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Students will read, view, and listen deeply for understanding. They will consider a variety of sources of information, and will practice inquiry to consider the material critically and creatively. • Students will engage in the research process, considering and practicing the techniques of investigative journalism. • Students will write and communicate clearly and with grace, especially difficult considering the sensitive subject material. • Students will create, synthesize, and evaluate ideas in order to develop a presentation for assembly, with the audience made up of their fellow students. • Students will explore questions on the nature of our existence and on our place in the world. They will consider America’s role in the global community.
GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL ISSUES
BAKING SPACES: BAKING PLACES THE E XP ER IENCE This year’s “Brewster Bake Off” crew will embark on an ambitious investigation into the art, science, and history of baking. We will explore—by hand and by book—the handful of ingredients that define the world of baking, testing their interactions with one another and the people who consume them. During the class day, students will be challenged to create international bakes from across the world. The artifacts of learning will themselves be consumed after judgment by a rotation of guest tasters (including local experts), who, armed with rubrics for taste, presentation, and authenticity, will decide that day’s Star Baker. In addition, certain lessons—like making openflame, cast iron sweet rolls—will acquaint students with outdoor skills and premodern baking techniques. Each bake serves to illustrate a specific chemical process, each of which will be discussed and studied through the use of simple kitchen experiments. At the close of the course, bakers will concoct their own bakes to demonstrate their skill, ingenuity, and independence. Between classes students will tackle food history, by looking
at a world shaped by sugar in anthropologist Sidney Mintz’s Sweetness and Power. They will explore the complex histories of the seemingly simple ingredients they work with, from the discovery of yeast by ancient Egyptians to the transformation of colonial and industrial landscapes by sugar. Ultimately, the class seeks to draw connections with identity and culture by giving students a sense of where our food comes from and how it sustains us. T YPE O F E XPE RIE NC E: On Campus (Rarely leaving campus. Potentially a few day trips but always back for afternoon commitments) S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Contextualizing food in global history • Understanding food culture • Tracing the industrialization of diet in American culture • Making one’s own food from scratch
GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL ISSUES
‘THERE IS NO PLANET B’: CLIMATE JUSTICE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION IN WASHINGTON, D.C. THE E XP ERIENCE What are the political, economic, and cultural stakes of citizenship and how do they play out locally, nationally, and internationally? How do we bridge the local and the global and co-construct a more ethical, ecologically conscious world that sustains and shares its resources? Designed with Brewster’s Global Scholars in mind and leveraging the rich geography of Washington D.C. as a springboard and exemplum, students will cultivate a deeper appreciation of the role various local, national, and international organizations play in promoting sustainable development as they explore topical issues and engage in open interactions around how we can improve our communities at scale. From visiting the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Congress, international organizations, museums, and think tanks to exploring the ways in which Washingtonians are taking action toward a more sustainable urban future, students will navigate the epicenter of American political life and, in so doing, will discover and walk alongside the many histories and futures it has to share. At its core, this session invites students to view Washington D.C. as a complex microcosm
from simultaneous and graduated vantage points, considering at once the role it plays in shaping the international political, economic, and cultural landscape as well as, for example, how a city-wide commitment to sustainable development and environmental action are brought to bear on these broader discourses and policy goals. Our nation’s capital awaits us— so let’s dig in. T YPE O F E XPE RIE NC E: Domestic Travel (off-campus during the majority of our Interim Studies period) S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Examining local, global and intercultural issues • Understanding and appreciating the perspectives and world views of others • Engaging in open and effective interactions across cultures • Taking action for collective well-being and sustainable development
EX PLORE NEW ENGL A ND
Opportunities for students to appreciate and explore the identities, histories, perspectives, traditions, and resources that define our local communities and/or the broader region.
EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND
LIVE, LAUGH, LAKE: A HANDSON EXPLORATION OF LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE’S BOATING HISTORY THE E XP E RIENCE On August 3, 1852, the bow of Harvard University’s rowing shell, Oneida, lined up alongside the Shawmut from Yale University for a 2-mile race. This race was America’s first intercollegiate sporting event, with Harvard taking the first intercollegiate victory over Yale. Since that day, interscholastic rowing has become a diverse and widespread community, and similarly, Lake Winnipesaukee has continued to be a haven for both man and motor-powered boaters. In this Interim Studies course, students will explore the rich history of Lake Winnipesaukee and the boating culture that it has allowed to flourish. Students will get hands-on experience in boat maintenance, developing competency using marine-grade tools and materials to refurbish a full-sized, 62-foot-long, 8-person rowing shell. We will work with the local community, including the New Hampshire Boat Museum and Goodhue Boat Company, to provide even more experiential learning. Students will leave this course having nurtured their appreciation of
Brewster Academy’s incredible location on Lake Winnipesaukee, and gained the ability to fix and maintain composite hulls and small motors. T YPE O F E XPE RIE NC E: On Campus (potentially a few day trips but always back for afternoon commitments) S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Understanding how boats are built, maintained, and used here on Lake Winnipesaukee. • Feeling confident working with your hands to solve complicated problems. • Appreciating the rich history of the area and how the lake has affected the greater community, including the local community, the boating community, and the rowing community.
EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND
WILD WINTER WATERSCAPES (W3) THE E XP ERIENCE Experience thrilling winter adventure sports while studying the behavior of frozen water in the mountains, and witness first-hand the influences of climate change on winter recreation in New Hampshire. Students will be introduced to ice climbing, backcountry skiing/ boarding, mountaineering, and winter camping in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Learn about how water freezes into vertical ice first-hand, while climbing frozen waterfalls and columns under the direction of professional guides. Explore the Northeast’s highest mountains while learning how mountaineering and backcountry skiing relies upon weather, snow science, maps, and human physiology. The experience includes an introduction to belaying, two days of ice climbing, an overnight ascent of Mt. Washington or a similar peak, an orientation to snow science, and a day of backcountry skiing/riding.
T YPE O F E XPE RIE NC E: Modified Travel (mostly on campus with a possible short overnight) S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Self-confidence • Self-reliance • Group interdependence • Risk management • Environmental history and awareness • Technical skills: Using ice tools and crampons, ice climbing movement, belaying, mountaineering, terrain awareness, snow science, backcountry skiing/boarding, winter camping.
EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND
THE SOUL OF SKIING: EXPLORING INDEPENDENT AND LOCALLY OWNED SKI MOUNTAINS OF NEW ENGLAND THE E XP ER IENCE In an era where large ski companies are buying up ski areas, students will visit numerous independent, locally owned ski mountains across New England to experience first-hand where skiing got its soul: the local ski hill. From larger independently owned mountains like Saddleback (Rangeley, Maine), Magic Mountain (Londonderry, Vermont), and Cannon Mountain (Franconia, N.H.) to smaller local mountains like Whaleback (Enfield, N.H.) and Black Mountain (Jackson, N.H.); even down to the town-owned mountains like Abenaki right here in Wolfeboro, students will gain first-hand knowledge on the impact that these independently owned mountains have on the local community. This will be accomplished not only by skiing these mountains, but through meeting those who make these places run on a daily basis, exploring topics like the impact climate change will have on these mountains’ future, and speaking to those that call these mountains their local hill. By the end of the experience, students will have a newfound appreciation for the independently owned ski mountain, no matter what the size, and find where skiing got its soul. TYP E O F EX PER IENCE: Domestic Travel (off-campus during the majority of our Interim Studies period) S KILLS YOU WILL G A IN • Environmental Awareness and Stewardship: Developing an understanding of the environmental challenges faced by ski resorts in the context of climate change • Learning to appreciate the importance of sustainable practices in preserving natural
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resources, reducing carbon footprints, and protecting ecosystems. Economic and Social Responsibility: Understanding the economic and social impacts of independently owned ski resorts on local communities. Exploring how sustainable practices can contribute to long-term economic viability and foster positive relationships with local residents and businesses. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: Gaining knowledge about the effects of climate change on ski resort operations, such as fluctuating snowfall patterns and weather conditions. Learning how independently owned resorts adapt and build resilience through measures like snowmaking, energy-efficient infrastructure, and sustainable resource management.
EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND
WICKED WOMEN OF MASSACHUSETTS THE E XP ER IENCE Since the founding of Massachusetts, women have been at the forefront of social and political life. The incalculable impact that women have had on culture and society will serve as the backdrop for this Interim Studies experience; it will enable a deep exploration of the evolution of the female gender in Massachusetts’ history. As the Mass Bay Colony grew in size, some, like the 14 girls and women executed for witchcraft during the mass hysteria of 1692, were victims of religious and political instability, family feuds, and tensions. Notably, 78 percent of people accused and convicted of witchcraft were female, illustrating the gross inequity in accusation. Others, like the Mill Girls of Lowell, were simultaneously demonized and glamorized by their contemporaries for challenging the traditional role of women; they appeared as a threat to the American way of life while also creating the first union of working women. Other women were at the forefront of cultural and social activism, including writers Louisa May
Students will learn about the groundbreaking “Lowell Mill Girls.”
Alcott, Ann Bradstreet, and Sophia Peabody; abolitionists Charlotte Forten Grimké and Sarah Parker Remond; and educator Elizabeth Peabody. Students will explore the lives of regional luminaries and ordinary girls whose experiences both mirror and contrast those of the modern American women. T YPE O F E XPE RIE NC E: Modified Travel (mostly on campus with a possible short overnight) S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Examine local, historic, intercultural and gender issues • Compare and contrast historic lived experiences of women and girls (historic New England) • Analyze art as the expression of culture, community and gender.
EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND
EXPLORING NEW ENGLAND POTTERY THE E XP ERIENCE Come learn the incredible skill and art of pottery! From beginner to advanced, this course will allow you to grow your knowledge of this beautiful art form. The experience is led by a master potter and supports each individual’s growth and success. You will learn about the important history of pottery and understand how it has developed over time. Through your own hands-on work and visiting local galleries, you will grow your understanding and appreciation for this art form that has been shown to improve mental and physical health. TYP E O F EX PERIENCE: Local (leaving campus most days but returning to campus for afternoon commitments)
S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Students will partake in opportunities to explore the history and traditions of making pottery. • Students will engage in open and effective interactions with local potters, demonstrating curiosity for their craft and appreciation for their talents. • Students will understand and appreciate the perspectives and world views of various potters. • Students will analyze what is seen and felt in an artistic piece to develop criteria for their own creation.
EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND
EXPLORING THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN NEW ENGLAND: UNLEASHING CREATIVITY WITH DSLR CAMERAS T HE E XP ERIENCE In today’s digital age, photography has become an essential medium for self-expression, storytelling, and communication. With the availability of DSLR cameras, understanding their features and capabilities can open up endless possibilities for creating stunning images. In this project, we will explore the art of photography in the context of New England, allowing students to appreciate and explore the identities, histories, perspectives, traditions, and resources that define our local communities and the broader region. We will tap into our creativity to capture moments that evoke emotions, convey messages, and highlight the beauty and diversity of New England. As part of the experience, students will dive deep into the world of photography and New England, asking questions such as: - What are the key features and functions of a DSLR camera, and how can we use them to capture the unique aspects of New England? - How can composition, perspective, exposure, and light affect the impact of a photograph, particularly when capturing the essence of New England? - What are the different genres and styles of photography, and how can we use them to convey the unique characteristics of New England? - How can post-processing techniques enhance the visual appeal of our photographs while staying true to the authentic representation of New England? - What ethical considerations should we keep in mind while capturing and sharing photographs, especially when representing the identities, histories, perspectives, traditions, and resources of New England?
T YPE O F E XPE RIE NC E: Modified Travel (mostly on campus with a possible short overnight) S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles of design as they apply to photography. • Students will use digital tools and resources to enhance and manipulate their photographs. • Students will effectively communicate their ideas, emotions, and messages through their photographs. • Students will analyze and evaluate the aesthetic and conceptual qualities of their photographs, as well as the photographs of others. • Students will demonstrate ethical and responsible behavior when capturing, editing, and sharing photographs.
SU STA I NA BL E FU TU R E S
Creating opportunities for students to build environmental awareness and develop the propensity to act and live in ways that create a more sustainable future for all.
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES
ZERO TO 90: DRONE SKILLS, DESIGN, AND RACING THE E XP ERIENCE Drone flight skills and design knowledge are rapidly becoming sought after in the wider market. Whether for photography, inspection, or just recreation, drones are appearing in more contexts every day. Students who develop skills and knowledge now may find a career awaiting them in the near future. To learn and test our skills, kit building and racing are a great way to accelerate one’s abilities. In this experience, students will learn about the design, limitations, and practical applications of this unique field. As part of the experience, students will learn about flight regulations and, of course, the flight skills to work safely and adeptly with this new technology. TYP E O F EX PERIENCE: On Campus (rarely leaving campus. Potentially a few day trips but always back for afternoon commitments) S KILLS YOU WILL G A IN • Students will discover and explore the various uses of drone technology, including monitoring lake quality; wildlife preservation;
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forest fire detection; plant cultivation and land reclamation; beach safety; building inspections; and surveillance by police departments. Students will gain an understanding of the wide range of applications of drones by local and state governments to foster and promote environmental protection and sustainability. Students will explore the physics of flight, weather, and wind. Students will cultivate an appreciation for the limitations of drone technology (radio systems, battery capacities, video streams, etc.). Students will cultivate an appreciation of how math and science are applied in real-world applications.
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES
SAILING THE FLORIDA KEYS THE E XP ERIENCE Home to numerous birds and abundant marine life, the Florida Keys owes its productivity to the confluence of water flowing out of the Everglades into inner Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Students will grow to understand the complex challenges this unique environment faces as climate change and a growing population places demand upon its resources. It is a goal for all participants to engage in a community service activity that connects them to the Keys. The backcountry of Florida Bay offers challenging shoal draft navigation and the opportunity to explore mangrove keys, tidal flats, and coral patch reefs. These warm, shallow waters provide an exciting cruising area for Outward Bound’s sailing boats and some of the best training grounds for developing advanced sailing skills. The Atlantic side offers excellent open-water sailing and snorkeling at the outer reefs. The course area extends to the Everglades, with beautiful sand beaches and a maze of rivers and bays to explore. This experience will foster skills of independence and interdependence as participants each work as a crucial member of a team navigating daily challenges.
T YPE O F E XPE RIE NC E: Domestic Travel (off-campus during the majority of our Interim Studies period) S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Learn the science of sailing and the art of forming a finely-tuned crew • Experience leadership and teamwork through a rotation of responsibilities and roles • Contribute to team goals, collaboratively • Develop trust, respect, positive regard and other essential attributes of effective, cohesive crews • Find restoration and discovery in quiet and solitude • Cultivate an appreciation for the unique biodiversity of the region as well as the challenges faced by local communities due to climate change.
SUSTAINABLE FUTURES
HYDROPONICS: SLOW FOOD AND SUSTAINABLE GROWING THE E XP ERIENCE This experience will invite students to pursue an exploration of food, where it comes from and how it gets to our table. We will be visiting local farms nd talking with local chefs and Brewster’s Director of Dining Services Dan Corey to get a better grasp of what it takes to eat. We will be looking at food, its impact, and how we might begin to envision a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it, and good for the planet. We will be building a hydroponic system in tandem with Chef Corey to grow food for the dining hall. TYP E O F EX PERIENCE: On Campus (rarely leaving campus. Potentially a few day trips but always back for afternoon commitments) S KILLS YOU WILL G A IN • Students will be examining how food has an impact on a local scale, and what that means for a broader system of transport, growing, gathering. • Students will engage in dialog with local farmers and chefs to gain perspective of what seasonal cooking means as well as what are good growing practices. • Students create a sustainable and independent system that can grow food.
A LONG S IDE COMMU NIT IE S
Opportunities for students to engage in social entrepreneurship and service alongside our local communities in ways that create lasting social, economic, political, and/or cultural value and affect positive change.
ALONGSIDE COMMUNITIES
BREWSTER SERVES THE E XP ERIENCE Designed to give students an introduction to social entrepreneurship and empower them to create innovative solutions for their local and global communities, participants in this experience will engage in a variety of service activities and initiatives alongside community partners during the week as they explore avenues to create lasting social, economic, political, and/or cultural value and affect positive change. Some of these will include an off-campus visit to a resource center called “Friends of the Forgotten Children;” a visit to Maker’s Mill, a local makerspace and vocational hub in Wolfeboro; working with children at the Wolfeboro Children’s Center; raising money with “Dorm Dash” to donate to a worthy cause; and possibly working in a local food pantry. We will also learn from some experts in our own Advancement Office about how people in the business raise money. There is no shortage of opportunities to get involved with the greater community and world beyond ourselves.
T YPE O F E XPE RIE NC E: On Campus (rarely leaving campus. Potentially a few day trips but always back for afternoon commitments) S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Planning • Problem-solving • Communication • Empathy • Self-confidence • Exposure to new people, practices, and perspectives • Ethical citizenship • Creativity and innovation • Resilience in the face of adversities, obstacles, challenges, and failures
ALONGSIDE COMMUNITIES
BREWSTER PODCASTING THE E XP ERIENCE Building upon the podcast skills and experience of the Jet Blue Park Red Sox-Podcast Interim Studies trip in 2020, this experience will dig more deeply into the technical and production skills necessary to produce professional-sounding podcast episodes centered on the stories of the unique, thoughtful individuals who make up our vibrant school community. Students will form groups according to their interests, head out into the field to conduct interviews, and collect ambient sound. Then they bring it all back to the production lab where they edit their materials into compelling audio narratives. In addition to learning how to tell stories, students will walk away with a practical set of tools to produce their own audio projects in the future. TYP E O F EX PERIENCE: On Campus (Rarely leaving campus. Potentially a few day trips but always back for afternoon commitments)
S KIL L S YO U W IL L GA IN • Includes an authentic learning experience that includes access to experts, a tangible product (the podcast itself), a real-world audience (the BA website audience), and real world application (continued production of podcasts after Interim Studies has ended). • Develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions to produce a quality, professional-sounding podcast • Gain experience in producing an authentic podcast for public consumption on the BA website
SPECIAL OPTION
INTERNSHIP THE E XP E RIENCE An Interim Studies Internship is an opportunity to learn by observing and engaging in authentic work that is related to the student’s field of study or career interests. To have an internship experience approved a student must submit a detailed proposal, secure the supervision of an adult who is not a family member, keep daily documentation of the experience, and join the Demonstration of Learning at the conclusion of the experience to share one’s growth and reflect on the impact of the internship.
Students interested in this option should reach out to Mr. Steven Davis at sdavis@ brewsteracademy.org to learn more about the required proposal process.