At Wellington, excellence is inherent to all that we do. It’s in the academic mastery that prepares students for college and beyond, and in the curiosity, collaboration, and creativity that carry them through life. It’s found in the earliest foundations for Little Jags to advanced seminars for seniors. At every step, Wellington students are encouraged to stretch their minds and discover what’s possible.
One demonstration of excellence is the 10th grade social history project:
For many, the study of history conjures lessons on governments, battles, and national leaders. While important, Victoria Lirio, upper school history, said there’s just as much to learn from the everyday experiences of ordinary people.
Through the Social History Project, Wellington sophomores are building a collection of social histories by researching a historical event—such as the Manhattan project or the experiences of Vietnam refugees—and producing their own 10- to 12-minute documentary.
Throughout the yearlong project, students develop their time management skills, learn video editing programs, and practice asking open-ended questions. They also conduct research with primary and secondary sources. The project also encourages them to be curious and look for stories in their own communities.
Each project is shown at an all-day film festival in May, with parents, community members and the ninth-grade class in attendance.
“The Social History Project is easily the most real-world assignment I give my students,” said Lirio. “They are provided structure and scaffolding, but at the end of the day they have to rely on themselves and be accountable.”