LEARNING THROUGH EX
By Kate Muttick ’97 Director of Experiential Learning
One of the most appealing things about our Upper School is the way Morristown Beard centers student choice. From customizing the curriculum to introducing new clubs and activities, we encourage students to explore and refine their interests. With core values like intellectual risk-taking and critical thinking, students use the curriculum as a catalyst to discover more about themselves and the world around them. Morristown Beard has intentionally created the time and space for more students to realize their interests. In launching our newest signature program, the Interdisciplinary Concentrations, MBS is providing a pathway for students to pursue their passions. One of the program’s goals is to complement student experiences in the classroom by connecting activities, internships, community service work, guest speakers, field trips, and summer studies. Yet practicing a passion is also a learned responsibility, thus students must apply and acknowledge the program’s expectations before charting their course. This signature program is not compulsory, and the students who do best are those who are naturally curious and self-motivated. By working in community cohorts under the guidance of multiple faculty 30 Crimson Spring 2022
mentors, ICP participants grow in knowledge but also in self-confidence and understanding. There are four different cohorts around which everything is organized: Arts & Innovation, Ethics, Leadership and Justice, Global Citizenship, and Data Analysis and Research Methods. Each cohort has faculty mentors who oversee the program and work one-onone with students. These cohorts meet once a week to investigate a case study, participate in a workshop, or hear from a speaker.
Passions and Programs Evolve Much like student passions are refined as they experience learning, the ICP program evolves from year to year. While students may enter the program with specific interests and experiences, the goal for year one (as sophomores) is to create depth of knowledge and spark intellectual curiosity. Students are exposed to a broad variety of content and challenges throughout the year before deciding which cohort they will commit to for the duration of the program. As students spend one quarter in each cohort, they solve problems and partake in activities that help build connections and broaden their knowledge base.
