What Happens During “Co-Curricular” Time?

With the introduction of a new Upper School schedule, there’s a new kind of session for 10th12th-grade students in the NCS day, called “co-curriculars,” usually held every two weeks from 2:15 to 3:00 pm.

What’s learned during co-curricular sessions will vary from grade to grade, and over the course of a year. Classes meet as a whole and use these times as opportunities to know themselves better and understand the world in which they live. Sessions will be devoted to leadership, learning, diversity and social justice, library skills, health and wellness, and college guidance. Some grade-specific activities:

• Sophomores will be asked to think about leadership “outside the box,” and to identify ways in which the students are already acting as leaders in their communities. The intent is to encourage everyone to be an “everyday leader.” The 10th grade meets in the Middle School Assembly Room.

• Juniors will practice group work by creating a project, with the goal of better understanding issues of character. The 11th grade meets in Procter Gym.

• Seniors will use their part of their co-curricular time to improve their presentation and interviewing skills. The 12th grade meets in Hearst Auditorium.

The leadership training that takes place during co-curricular time is part of the mission of NCS’s Center for Ethical Leadership and Service. Dedicated training and mentorship for leadership allows students to better understand their strengths and the power they have to change the world.

“The new schedule makes it possible for us to have a dedicated time period for these subjects, all of which complement the core curriculum,” said Dean of Student Life Jessica Clark. “This is an amazing opportunity for our community to share experiences, engage in conversations, and practice skills that will help them contribute to a better world.”

In addition, 9th and 10th grade students have special seminar classes, which are distinct from co-curriculars:

9th-Grade Seminar: All 9th graders meet in small groups once per cycle in a seminar class. The first semester is devoted to the transition of all students to the NCS Upper School. Students are introduced to adults in the community such as the senior chaplain, diversity educator, and dean of student life. Faculty and students engage in conversations about the school’s expectations, students’ identities and goals for their education, and how to use the resources at NCS to be successful. During the second semester, 9th graders continue with a Health and Wellness curriculum. Students will begin to address the importance of acquiring information and forming attitudes about their beliefs and values related to topics such as identity, relationships, and intimacy. The second semester offers students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of health and sexuality, clarify their values, and develop key communication and decision-making skills.

10th-Grade Seminar: All 10th graders meet in small groups once per cycle in a seminar class. This year’s 10th-grade seminar class will be taught the 10th-grade Health and Human Sexuality class that was offered to 10th-grade students in the past. The class is a year-long course that addresses the same topics and skills offered to the 9th graders in more depth and is taught by Upper School Counselor Ivette Bohlen and Diversity Director and Counselor Wendy-Nia Griffin. The current Class of 2018 (this year’s 9th graders), during their 10th-grade year, will have a semester of health and wellness and a semester of leadership and service.