4 minute read
The Wildcat Design Process
WCDS prepares students to approach complex challenges
Westchester Country Day School prepares its graduates to thrive in the real world, where they will undoubtedly encounter projects and tasks that don’t even exist yet. To be successful, they will need a whole host of problem-solving and critical thinking skills. WCDS is committed to providing every graduate with these tools.
The faculty are integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) across the curriculum to ensure every student, teacher, and classroom benefits from this interdisciplinary approach. The school established this initiative as one of its SAIS Accreditation 2023 goals, explaining its importance to student learning as follows:
“We believe that STEAM integration is vital to our curriculum because it allows our students to go beyond learning individual subjects and empowers them to dive into problems where all of these subjects collide in a natural and logical manner.”
Rooted in the School's Philosophy
At Westchester, learning has always been about more than memorizing facts or amassing knowledge. It’s about building the skills needed to develop independent critical thought, to research, ask questions, create, express ideas and continuously improve. With essential skills such as the 7Cs—Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Cultural Awareness, Cross-Curricular Connections, and Character Development—already embedded in the curriculum, WCDS is taking it to the next level by elevating STEAM as a fundamental part of the classroom culture.
The STEAM Team, a group of faculty members representing different disciplines and divisions, is leading the way. Part of this work is providing professional development to the faculty on how to bring STEAM concepts into any subject area. By doing so, students are no longer learning subjects in isolation but getting the benefit of exploring the intersection of multiple disciplines. They learn to connect ideas, become comfort- able with unknowns, and develop confidence in solving real problems. Whether organizing a presentation, creating a 3-D printed model, or combining art and engineering, Westchester students do work together that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.
Design Thinking In Action
At the heart of the STEAM initiative is the Wildcat Design Process. This schoolwide approach to design thinking invites students to identify challenges, brainstorm solutions, try out and test ideas, and improve their work. The design process is visible in every classroom, where teachers have it posted on their walls and help students go through the steps for a variety of projects across all grade levels and subjects.
Engaging The School Community
While the STEAM initiative is intended to impact student learning, it also has the power to inspire beyond daily classroom instruction. The STEAM Team trained all faculty and staff on using the Wildcat Design Process in a workshop during the 2023-2024 school year. The group will be bringing a STEAM Night to families in February 2025.
Each year, extracurricular activities ensure students continue to explore their STEAM interests and develop skills in creative and collaborative ways. VEX Robotics teams, the Odyssey of the Mind program, and STEAM summer camps complement classroom learning while reinforcing the design thinking principles of the Wildcat Design Process.
The Wildcat Design Process
Ask — Identify the problem or goal
Explore — Research and brainstorm Plan — Outline, sketch, and design
Create — Write, build, or execute the plan
Test — Try it out, evaluate, and collect feedback
Improve — Reflect and modify the plan based on results and feedback
