Grades Seven through Twelve The Jenkins Hall academic program is designed to prepare students in grades seven through twelve for their collegiate careers. In keeping with Ashley Hall's mission, students are guided toward increasingly independent study, a process that includes a Junior Year Internship and culminates with either a year-long Senior Project or a semester's dedication to a Senior Thesis in the academic discipline of their choice. Beginning in the ninth grade, students are introduced to Harkness Table discussions. The Harkness Table method originated at Philips Exeter Academy over seventy-five years ago and has subsequently been adopted by leading independent schools throughout the country. Harkness Table discussions, based on students' reading of primary sources, are lead by the students themselves, under the guidance, rather than the directed instruction, of the teacher. As in a college seminar, students must take responsibility for preparing the class discussion and all students must participate. Discussions are lively and engaging, challenging students to retain and synthesize information, think on their feet and become more confident and competent critical thinkers and classroom participants. At appropriate grade levels, Advanced Placement courses are offered in all academic disciplines and are available to any student willing to accept the additional work such courses entail. |
