HISTORY “History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.” Robert Penn Warren (1905-1989) American writer and teacher As Professor Warren notes, history helps to tie us to our collective humanity, and during this very important chapter in our history, can there be a more important connection? Our students learn to appreciate as well as to critique historical events. To read mindfully, to write effectively, to think objectively, to research accurately, and to speak authoritatively: these are the goals we have for our students as they come to understand the past on their way to a bright future.
>>MIDDLE SCHOOL Upper Prep: Geography and Culture In this course, students become familiar with the questions and tools of the geographer. Their study of the world helps them to better understand the relationship between people and the earth. The course looks at how the physical environment has influenced people and how people have changed the earth. Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals, students also explore what it means to be a global citizen in the twenty-first century. Students study relationships between countries, develop greater cultural understanding and look at how international politics play a part in addressing world issues. Writing assignments vary from creative pieces to analytical essays. Readings include textbook selections, literature, and current articles. Students express their learning through writing, maps, graphs, and oral presentations. The year concludes with students researching a country of their choice and looking at the geography and history of the country as well as current events and representing that country during a UN activity.
Form 1 Expedition of English, History, and Science Course: What is the Power of Water? This expedition-based interdisciplinary course will be team-taught by science, history and English teachers. This course will occur during the fall semester of 2020. Overview In this expedition course, students in Form 1 will explore the Connecticut River watershed as we pursue the question, “What is the Power of Water?” From the icy mountain tributaries in the Berkshires to the saltwater estuaries near the Long Island Sound, students will conduct hands-on experiments along the riverbanks and interview various stakeholders who live and work next to rivers like the Farmington and Connecticut. As an interdisciplinary course and through the lenses of science, history and literature, students will examine and explore both the literal and figurative power of water. Kingswood Oxford’s Course of Study 2021-2022 Page 30 of 73
