AROUND CAMPUS
Joyful Balance at Year-End
Two culminating projects at the end of this school year - in the third and eighth grades - exemplified not only our “ joyful balance ” yearlong theme , but also how boys learn best : through active experiences that engage their attention , sustain their concentration , and result in superior performance .
On Nerdy Derby Race Day , as the mini race cars flew down the 50-foot track ( generously designed and constructed by a parent of one of the boys ), there wasn ’ t an inexpressive face in the crowd . Our third graders , wide-eyed , excited , breath-held , wondered if the cars they designed , built , tested , and revised after several runs through the engineering cycle , had what it takes to be crowned the Fastest , Slowest , or King of the Hill .
On another day , our eighth grade boys confidently answered questions posed by a panel of judges composed of external teachers and art professionals about the boys ’ original artwork : its inspiration , meaning , significance , any obstacles they may have encountered during execution . The boys were challenged to create an original piece of art in the spirit of a famous artist , paying homage to the artist while generating their own unique creation and artistic interpretation . Their presentations were self-assured and scholarly , their artwork impressive , as were the growth and maturity they demonstrated .
These projects , like so many at Saint David ’ s , employ researchbacked elements such as teamwork , competition , creating products and motor activity , which stimulate and hold student interest , leading to deeper learning that lasts . They also provide boys with the opportunity to experience a true joy of learning , particularly when born from overcoming a challenge or tough spot - whether that be a tricky design for a race car or an ambitious mixed media artwork .
54 • Saint David ’ s Magazine