A Model for Student Success
True to the Rocky Hill
School mission,
the goal of our academic program is to fully engage our students
in their own learning so that each matures into a positive, active,
and responsible citizen. We've created a model approach that has
teachers and students energized and engaged as never before. Tested
over time, our model is a unique synergy of people, principles and
practices that delivers results. Here's how it works.
The Rocky Hill School Model is an approach to teaching and
learning that promotes our mission, particularly in the Upper School.
Teachers guide their students during this process and evaluate their
progress as each individual student moves toward a mature independence
where learning is rigorous, satisfying, and an enduring part of
their life.
Our approach centers on meaningful interaction between students
and faculty, a core characteristic of our curriculum at every level.
The new Upper School academic center provides both a setting and
an identity for the model as it continues to evolve. A Harkness
Table (an oval table with seating for 10-12 students and a faculty
member) serves as the focus and anchor of each class and laboratory,
keeping students engaged and accountable. To take advantage of the
"anytime, anywhere" learning opportunities presented by technology,
we require each Upper School student to possess a laptop computer
for use in our wireless environment.
The Rocky Hill School Model produces an outcome that is potent
and palpable. Students actively participate in the construction
of their own understanding, and teachers are energized in new and
exciting ways as they guide their students to new heights of learning.
Unlike many pedagogical models found in American high schools, The
Rocky Hill School Model requires everyone in the classroom—teacher
and student alike—to assume responsibility for learning. As
a result, no one is allowed to fade or retreat. Instead, The
Rocky Hill School Model expects all students to articulate and
champion their ideas while also listening and responding respectfully
to their peers.
The integrated use of technology enhances and encourages communication,
investigation, and sharing of ideas in this model. Throughout the
day and across the campus (indeed, across the world), our students
access information and communicate instantly. In this way, students
participate in a sophisticated dialogue with their peers and their
teachers in a way that avoids predetermined results and promotes
a deeper, richer understanding of the subject matter and the individual's
own experience.
As is the case with the animals inhabiting the abundant ecosystem
of our waterfront campus, the ultimate test for learning's effectiveness
is the individual's ability to adapt successfully to changes in
his or her environment. A critical element of The Rocky Hill
School Model involves learning by doing. Authentic understanding
is only accomplished through experience and experience is only meaningful
when the student has been provided frequent and diverse opportunity
to practice skills, to test ideas and to apply the knowledge one
has accrued in new and dynamic ways. Such a direct, hands-on approach
leads to deeper levels of understanding.
All Middle School and Upper School students begin and end each year
with a significant encounter with nature, and themselves. The EnviroWeek
Program integrates rigorous physical challenges and team building
exercises with environmental studies. At the end of each year, students
also have the opportunity to master a special area of interest.
The Middle School Exposition requires students to conduct in-depth,
hands on research into a topic of significant personal interest.
Similarly, Upper School students complete Senior Internships. These
are extended, actual working experiences in a field or discipline
of their choosing.
The core of The Rocky Hill School Model is nothing new. Much,
if not most, teaching at Rocky Hill already embraces this approach,
both in and out of the classroom. So, what is different? The laptop
becomes a much more potent version of the notebook with information
organized and available at any time, and anywhere. Wireless technology
allows our students and teachers to communicate this information
and their ideas in ways never before possible. Suddenly, distance
learning becomes not only a reality, but a daily occurrence. The
Harkness table provides a distinguishing platform and level playing
field for debate, discussion, listening and collaboration far better
than chairs arranged in a circle ever could. Our campus environment
becomes an even better laboratory for exploration and learning.
Rocky Hill School takes seriously the wisdom of the title of John
Merrow's book, Choosing Excellence: "Good Enough" Schools Are
Not Good Enough. As good as we are, we are not good enough.
However, The Rocky Hill School Model, fully integrated in the design
for our new Upper School, will help us to achieve our goal of being
the best teaching and learning environment. It gives an identity
to our program that will help to attract and retain the very best
students and faculty as we move forward to become the finest country
day school in our area.
Collegiate
Series Articles
The
Grass Was Not Greener: One Student's Journey to Boarding School
and Back
Why
Your Child Will Benefit From a Small School Community
Senior
Projects: Is Your High School Student Ready?
The
Value of an Independent School Education
How
to Choose the Right School for Your Child
A Model for Student Success
Strategies
for the Year-end and Summer Months
Visit Our Exemplary
New Academic Center
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