SCHOOLING WITH PURPOSE
UPPER SCHOOL
Certificates of Distinction:
A Path to Deeper Learning
A
t King, each student possesses a unique set of interests and questions about the world. For Wafa Nomani ’21, it was a desire to understand the medications her grandparents were taking. Bryce Heaton ’23 sought to deconstruct the essence of leadership. Luisa Simon ’23 and Ava Gillespie ’23 were curious about the functionality of wind turbines, and Alexandra Oxenstierna ’23 wondered if art could serve as a tool to overcome obstacles. King’s Certificates of Distinction program empowers students to explore an array of intellectual topics, reflecting the diversity of their passions and curiosities. From medicine and wind energy to leadership and Surrealism, students take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to extensive independent research. The result is a wealth of knowledge, enhanced confidence, and refined skills, preparing students for the next stage of their academic journey and the broader world. Analogous to undergraduate study, King’s graduation requirements comprise a sort of “major” in the liberal arts and sciences. The requirements for each Certificate of Distinction include an additional, focused “minor,” providing a tailored academic experience. This elective program is designed for students who, by Grade 10, crave an in-depth study in a specialized area beyond the broader graduation prerequisites.
Religions or Topics in Global Studies—are open to all students as all our students benefit from the wonderful opportunities these types of courses offer.” In addition to the opportunity to present capstone projects or portfolios to the community, students who complete diploma distinctions are honored at Prize Day and are identifiable to everyone at commencement by the gold cords they wear over their gowns. In the following stories of distinction journeys, Nomani steps into a science lab, Heaton deconstructs leadership, Simon and Gillespie collaborate to explore wind energy globally, and Oxenstierna finds freedom in art. Their work embodies the spirit of curiosity and academic excellence that defines King School. Note: The Performing Arts Distinction is in its inaugural year. The distinction offers students a comprehensive exploration of performing arts, including instrumental and choral music, theater, theater direction, and production. For students interested in pursuing music or theater in college, the distinction includes guidance in navigating the application processes prevalent in those fields.
“The program follows directly from our belief that adolescents can best develop robust academic skills in the context of a rich curriculum that is flexible and allows for choice,” Head of Upper School Marnie Sadlowsky said. The Certificates of Distinction program offers six tracks: Global Studies, World Languages, Leadership, STEM, Performing Arts, and Art and Design. Each has its own requirements. Students seeking a path to distinction declare their interest during the academic course selection process, guided by their advisor, the academic dean, program directors, and teachers, who supervise these diploma distinctions. “It’s worth noting,” Sadlowsky said, “that some of our required courses for our distinctions—like Leadership Theory or World
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Class of 2023 valedictorian Ben Persily at Commencement wearing the gold cord signifying his Certificate of Distinction. Persily earned a STEM distinction for his research on gene editing at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Stem Cell Facility.
