Related Arts classes run on a trimester basis. This means that each scholar will experience one trimester of Adventure, one trimester of Design/T4L2, and one trimester of Wellness per academic year.
In Adventure, scholars work in small groups to complete activities that have elements of real or perceived risk. Educational activities and experiences usually involve close interaction with the natural environment or the use of low and high challenge course elements in the school’s Adventure Center. Through various initiatives, scholars are challenged to problem solve collaboratively, develop effective methods of communication, and apply critical thinking to unique situations.
Design curriculum challenges scholars to apply skills such as problem solving, planning, drafting, and revising, as well as giving and receiving feedback. Scholars become pop artists, architects, greeting card designers, interior designers, and sculptors as they design products for a specific audience. McAuliffe’s Design teacher collaborates with teachers in all content areas to design and support high quality projects and displays that are part of the cross-curricular learning expeditions. Scholars take Design and T4L2 in the same trimester.
The T4L2 curriculum focuses on both technology skills and attitudes, so that scholars develop a healthy relationship with technology. Scholars utilize Google Apps for Education to maximize learning and gain experience using tools to create professional materials and presentations. In T4L2 we want scholars to answer the question, “How can technology help me to be a better and more productive person?” All scholars – no matter how technologically savvy they are – learn important life skills in T4L2. Scholars take Design and T4L2 in the same trimester.
Wellness guides scholars to learn healthy behaviors by engaging in health education and physical fitness activities. Health curriculum is aligned with Massachusetts Health Standards. Scholars investigate health topics including nutrition, physical activity, relationships, puberty, sexuality, stress, hygiene, drugs, body image, and peer pressure. In the school’s fitness center, scholars set and track progress toward fitness goals. Scholars are exposed to cardiovascular activities such as stationary biking, elliptical machines, jump roping, and running. Strength building activities include weight lifting, medicine ball exercises, lower body workouts, and core exercises.