UPPER SCHOOL

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The Rocky Hill School Model

In the Upper School, The Rocky Hill School Model combines a vigorous approach to teaching and a state-of-the-art learning environment, integrated to create a unique synergy of people, principles, and practices. The Alan F. Flynn, Jr. Academic Center provides both a setting and an identity for the Model. The Harkness Table - an oval table with seating for 10-14 students plus a faculty member - serves as an anchor in our classrooms and laboratories, ensuring that students are focused, engaged, and accountable. Furthermore, the technology in our wireless environment provides myriad “anytime, anywhere” learning opportunities.

Our approach centers on the meaningful interaction of students and faculty - a core characteristic of our curriculum at every level. The Rocky Hill School Model requires everyone in the classroom - teacher and student alike - to assume responsibility for learning. Students actively participate in the construction of their own understanding. The Harkness Table provides an energizing platform and level playing field for debate, discussion, listening, and collaboration. Indeed, The Rocky Hill School Model encourages all students to articulate and champion their own ideas, as well as listen and respond respectfully to their peers. For their part, our teachers guide students, evaluating each individual's progress as he or she strives toward intellectual independence and a lifetime of learning.

Within The Rocky Hill School Model, the laptop/tablet becomes a far more potent version of the traditional notebook, with information organized and available at anytime, anywhere. The integrated use of technology enhances and encourages communication, investigation, and the sharing of ideas. Throughout the day and across the campus - indeed, across the world - our students access information and communicate instantly. In this way, Rocky Hill School students participate in a sophisticated dialogue with peers and teachers, promoting a deeper, richer understanding of the subject matter and of the individual's own experience. Wireless technology enables our students and teachers to communicate information and ideas in ways never before possible. Suddenly, distance learning becomes not only a reality, but a daily occurrence.

The ultimate test of a pedagogy's effectiveness is the ability of an individual within that system 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 students enjoy frequent and diverse opportunities to practice skills, test ideas, and apply knowledge. Our direct, hands-on approach to learning centers upon such experiences.

Additional Links about the Rocky Hill Upper School

Teaching and Learning at the Core—Our Pedagogical Model
James J. Young III '70, Headmaster

The Rocky Hill School Model
Martha Curit Hough, Director of Development

Student Laptop Initiative
Stephen Farley, Head of Upper School and Director of Studies

Photographs of the new academic center... being built

Alan F. Flynn, Jr. Academic Center Floor Plans