Featured Programs: Mini-Term

Mini-term is a program unique to Bement and a point of pride for our school. Inspired by the faculty’s recognition that students are often distracted by the excitement of holidays which fall between Thanksgiving and winter break, Mini-term invites the entire school to participate in the study of the same topic chosen each year. The daily schedule is often reinvented to make room for speakers, performances, workshops, films, and field trips which bring the topic to life. Students enjoy many hands-on activities and are often able to choose electives not available at other times of the year. Mini-term culminates in a final showcase of projects which demonstrate new knowledge acquired from the three weeks. Often the topic is transformative for the school, reshaping our practices and broadening our awareness for the remainder of the school year and beyond.

Recent topics have included South America, drumming, environmental awareness, Japan, and the sea. In 2008-2009, our topic is diversity, with a focus on how to make Bement the most welcoming, inclusive school we can be.

Upper School electives for 2008 include: Quilting, Knitting, Games Around The World, Sock Puppet Potpourri, Movies, Dance, World Music, World Anthems, Gender and Family, Cooking Around the World, Chinese Art/Culture, Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating, Self-story Scrapbooks, and a Play Performance.