Experiential learning is a staple of a Germantown Academy education. From students in the Lower School learning African dances, to Upper Schoolers completing their senior projects in the community, students are gaining knowledge in and out of the classroom. For the 7^th Grade class and 8^th Grade volunteers, this experiential learning project involved taking a trip to Davenport Elementary School in Norristown.

Led by Middle School Science Teacher and Director of Student Life Kate Cassidy, the classes took three trips to Davenport in November, February, and April.

“As part of our conversations about community and leadership, the whole seventh grade participated in a buddy program with second-grade students at Davenport,” Cassidy said. “Each of our three visits this year consisted of an activity run by seventh graders with their buddies, followed by free time spent playing outside, drawing and/or reading books in the classroom.”

On a voluntary basis, 8th Grade students opted to run science lessons and activities with 1^st Grade students. Approximately 40 students signed up and spent time in advance planning and preparing to teach science and lead each science lab.  

While the two grades did different activities, the trips to Davenport provided important opportunities to experience different aspects of the community. It also provided students a space to demonstrate and practice leadership skills, find commonality and connection among people with different perspectives and backgrounds, and provide helpful service to a different school community. 

“The partnership that Kate established with Davenport Elementary School is an example of how we are working in the Middle School to begin to implement the recently adopted sixth strategic priority of GA’s Strategic Vision, Learning for Life,” Head of Middle School Jonas Jeswald said. “By connecting our students to our greater community through intentional and repeated visits to Davenport, Kate allowed students to take ownership of their own learning and connect beyond the walls of the formal classroom.”

While the trips to Davenport have wrapped for this year, we look forward to seeing how many members of the Class of 2029 will volunteer next year.