We can do everything that your students can do ...

... but we can do it in two languages.” Recently, an independent school colleague of mine was visiting a school in Lima, Peru. During an interview at the school, one of the students commented: We can do everything that your students can do; but we can do it in two languages. As our boys enter the world of work in 2020-2030, this will be their reality. They will be competing for jobs, not only with friends and neighbors as our grandparents did, or with people from nearby towns and cities as our parents did, or even with a national pool as many of us did; they will be competing with people from all over the world; and many of them will have proficiency in more than one language.

As we truly begin to think about and come to terms with the impact of a new century, a new reality, on our existing institutional infastructures and practices, our culture and society, we will be challenged. One of Saint David's most important and ongoing strategic initiativies has been our curriculum inititative--a critical examination of the what, when, why and how we are teaching, now in its fifth phase. One new commitment that has emerged from this work is to develop a practical fluency and proficiency in a second language. The pilot "Second Language Program" introduced to all kindergarten boys this year has been incredibly successful. Plans are afoot to continue the program and move it through the school, thoughtfully. More to come ...

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NE Patriot Tom Brady at Saint David’s

Last night, Saint David’s was honored to have one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, four time Superbowl champion and three-time MVP winner Tom Brady, as the guest speaker for our Alumni Parents Council Lecture Series. Tom, who is the father of one of our Saint David's boys, addressed a standing-room-only audience in Hyman Hall comprised of our eighth graders, alumni, alumni parents and faculty. Friendly, introspective, witty, and wise, he directed his talk to the delighted eighth graders in the front of the room, and focused on the topic of leadership. “You are the young men and leaders of Saint David’s,” he noted. Tom debunked the perception that leaders are born not made, and credited his leadership abilities to “standing up to and facing fears” and to “cultivating a mental strength,” which he cited as “more important than being physically strong.” He also stressed the importance of working hard, honoring teamwork, believing in oneself and being a good lis

Digital Universe Unit With AMNH-Hayden Planetarium Kicks Off

The second year of our unique partnership with the American Museum of Natural History-Hayden Planetarium kicked off on Friday when the sixth grade had their first session of the Digital Universe unit. The session included a private viewing at the planetarium in which boys were able to explore the entire universe. They and their teachers were invited to view the show from the vantage point of the floor in the center of the round theater, staring up into the apex of the dome. What an amazing perspective! Museum educator and astro-visualization expert Nathan Belomy took the boys on a tour of the observable universe, allowing them to get a feel for the scale of distance and size in the universe. In a fun activity related to scale, the boys set down a volleyball (representing the sun) at 79th Street, and walked for blocks down Columbus avenue with the planets in our solar system represented by a variety of smaller objects – a cupcake sprinkle, a marble – predicting and then measu

"Lord of the Flies" Survival Game

Seventh graders are immersed in an "island survival" adventure related to their study of William Golding's 1954 classic Lord of the Flies . The novel tells the story of a group of school-age boys marooned on an uninhabited island, where they struggle to survive without a government or rules. In this creative, unique activity that spans 10 class sessions, our boys are assigned to belong to one of two "tribes." Using knowledge gained from history classes in the fall, they first determine what type of government system to adopt. During the simulations, they strategize methods to overcome obstacles and acquire resources such as wood, food, shelter, and water. The simulation requires the boys to negotiate, debate, and reflect critically on their decisions as they face challenges to their survival. In journals, they regularly write about their thinking, their decisions and consequences. Writing skills are further developed and honed. In addition to analy

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