Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is a key component of Sacred Heart education, extending well beyond the traditional classroom setting to promote self-discovery and hands-on skill building. These exploratory experiences provide opportunities for risk-taking, leadership, moral development and personal achievement.
Experiential learning begins in the Early Childhood Program, where our youngest students explore interests and develop understanding as they are guided and nurtured by caring adults. Even at this stage of their growth, children will begin learning about independence and wise choices.
As students progress through the Primary and Lower Schools, experiential learning expands within and beyond the classroom. Primary School students publish and distribute the weekly "Primary Press," create their own books, explore social studies topics via interactive field trips, practice basic cooking skills, and perform short plays. By Lower School, students look forward to an annual Science Night, Invention Convention, sports fairs, and the fourth grade class trip to Chicago, among many other hands-on learning opportunities.
Experiential learning is a cornerstone of middle school philosophy. In the Middle School for Girls, this takes the form of the iExplore program. In Kensington Hall, time is set aside each week for specific experiential modules. Also at the middle school level, students are offered their first exchange opportunities through the Network of Sacred Heart Schools.
In many ways, the Upper School's Project Term program represents the culmination of experiential learning. A signature program of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Project Term finds students and faculty planning programs together, offering hands-on learning in a variety of fields while gaining exposure and awareness of communities and cultures around the world.