Classes
Summer Stretch was one of the most formative parts of my son’s secondary education, especially during the first year when it gave him more challenge and eventually more academic confidence than he had ever experienced.
He wrote very powerfully about his first year’s experience as one of his essays for his college application, and I’m sure that without his experience of Summer Stretch, he well might not be so successfully enjoying his college experience at Brown.
–Summer Stretch Parent
American Literature
This course is designed as a general survey of the themes of American Literature, as well as an introduction to academic approaches to argumentative writing and literary analysis. Texts will include important American novels, as well as a sampling of poetry, short stories, historical texts, critical essays and cultural artifacts.
Qualification: 50th percentile in Critical Reading/Reading.
Argument and Debate
This course explores the nature of arguments, the methods of debate, and the strategies of persuasion. In preparation for formal and casual debates, you will investigate controversial questions and sharpen your skills as a persuasive speaker. Bring a critical mind and a friendly attitude.
Qualification: 50th percentile in Critical Reading/Reading.
Chemistry
A reading-lecture-laboratory course covering the basic high school chemistry curriculum, providing an understanding of why materials in our world “would” behave as they do. A research paper may be required. Materials & Excursions fee
Qualification: 50th percentile in Critical Reading/Reading and 50th percentile in Math; 8th grade standing or higher; completion of first year Algebra or equivalent.
Essay Writing: Essentials
The essay is a form of writing that is incredibly adaptive, morphing into a variety of forms to suit the writer’s needs. It can be a creative forum, an opportunity to express an opinion, convince the reader, or explain a passion. Using sample essays from Joan Didion, George Orwell, and other illustrious essayists, as well as the study of grammatical conventions and usage, writing groups and independent writing exercises, we will explore a variety of rhetorical modes. The student will leave the class with a strong and varied portfolio of essays.
Qualification: 50th percentile in Critical Reading/Reading.
Fast-Paced Mathematics
There are four fast-paced mathematics classes:
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Precalculus
Classes offer one year of work in an appropriate course: Algebra 1 or 2, Geometry, or Precalculus. In order to best complete one academic year over the 4-week period, most of the fast-paced mathematics classes are structured differently from the primarily lecture-based system to which most students are accustomed. Instead, a large part of each day will be spent doing small group work, individual study and test taking. Self-motivation, strong independent learning and strong study habits are essential for success in this highly accelerated and individually paced program.
Qualification: 50th percentile in Math. Placement depends on a student’s math background and school district requirements. These classes are not recommended if your school cannot offer appropriate placement for Autumn 2012. A teacher recommendation form and review of math background are required.
Note: enrollment of 6th graders in Algebra 1 is at the Summer Programs Principal’s discretion. 6th grade students will only be allowed to take Algebra 1.
Physics: Rockets & Robotics
This introductory physics course offers several hands-on activities with robots and pneumatic rockets. Materials & Excursions fee
Qualification: 50th percentile in Math.
Reel Life in Focus: Documentary Filmmaking and Storytelling
This course will explore the creative and technical sides of documentary filmmaking. Students will be challenged to work on collaborative projects that will require them to take on multiple roles throughout the filmmaking process. Specifically, students will work as writers, cinematographers, directors, video editors, narrators, as well as event and interview coordinators, as they work to create fully produced documentary short films that will open for their world premiere at the end of the course.
This fast-paced course will be divided daily into three parts: (1) the concept stagewhere students will learn about the art and science of documentary storytelling and filmmaking; (2) the project stage where students will focus their attention on creating, planning and producing their own documentary short films; and (3) reel world stage where students will be tasked with creative and technical exercises to strengthen their skills outside of class time. Materials & Excursions fee
Qualification: 50th percentile in Critical Reading/Reading.
The Sequence Goes Marching “n”
Patterns have delighted and puzzled humans for a long time. Seeing, hearing and creating patterns all come naturally to us. In this course we will investigate how shapes fit together into designs and the mathematical concepts those designs can reveal. From these explorations we can branch off into diverse reaches of math: combinatorics, tilings, graph theory, geometry, algebra, calculus and topology. We can explore subjects that students usually don’t study until college or graduate school. And we may explore concepts that you’ve seen before, but look at them from a new angle. With curiosity, time and eagerness we will build upon each other’s understanding and learn a lot of new math that is just a taste of what’s to come in your further studies. The course will be rigorous but accessible to anyone with some exposure to algebra.
Qualification: 50th percentile in Math.
S. had a wonderful experience with the class and all the instructors. I did not hear one complaint from him throughout the course which is a huge compliment! He also enjoyed the other students.
Thank you so much for your positive influence.
– K.B., Summer Stretch Parent
Note: Students take ONE class for the entire four weeks. Classes run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (except July 6) from 9:00 am to 2:20 pm.