Upper School students in grades 9 and 10 were seen spread out across St. Margaret’s during the school year’s first ExEd block on Wednesday. They were throwing frisbees, checking a car’s tire pressure, crocheting, learning about the stock market, making candles, cooking and more.  

 

It was learning outside of the traditional academic subjects, but that’s what the Upper School’s ExEd block is designed to be. The Upper School offers these courses in practical, relevant, real-world learning, designed to nurture life skills, personal growth and well-being, and allowing for learning outside of the regular class structure. The ExEd block is overseen by Dr. Ryan Carey, St. Margaret’s director of experiential learning and extension programs, and the courses are designed and taught by St. Margaret’s professional community. 

 

The grade 9 and 10 ExEd options this semester include baseball 101, goal setting, candle making, car maintenance, crocheting, cross stitch, flag football, hiking, holiday crafts and joy, Instapot, pickleball, pinatas, restaurant reviews, stock market fundamentals, ultimate frisbee and yoga. 

 

ExEd will take place throughout the year during the school day. This week, grade 9 and grade 10 students took part in ExEd while grade 11 and grade 12 students were taking part in service learning with their advisories. The next ExEd/service learning block in November will have grade 11 and 12 students doing ExEd and grades 9 and 10 doing service learning.