Social Studies

In “The American Experience” (“TAM”) eighth grade history students can expect to study American history through the following thematic units: Perspectives on Democracy - including an in-depth analysis of the Bill of Rights and Civil Liberties; Race, Civil Rights, and Social Justice in America; War, Trauma, and the Veterans Experience; and Industry, Innovation & Entrepreneurship - an empathy and innovation-driven unit.
Each of these thematic units pushes students to build [historical] connections to the present day through active self-inquiry and critical analysis of all issues.

Throughout the year, eighth grade TAM history students can expect to be continuously challenged in their development of critical thinking and analytic skills through daily exposure to various primary and secondary sources, while placing a strong emphasis on formal writing - including a thesis-based research paper - public speaking, and collaboration. With this in mind, Project Based Learning (PBL) is a pivotal component to the eighth grade history experience, where students become the true catalysts for their learning. By learning about America’s history using a thematic framework and PBL approach, students will be better able to interpret how past historical events connect to more contemporary current day issues, which brings about more relevance to their own lives - all of which empowers them to be the active problem solvers who contribute to their society in a positive way.
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Berwick Academy

Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 550 students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Post-Graduates. Berwick students are from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and several countries. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves.