Public Performance Program
The Public Performance Program is a separate class, unique to Webb, that is designed to foster the emerging voice and academic passions of Webb students. These exhibitions are to be developed and completed under the mentorship of the student’s advisor and of other community members as appropriate. The student is given a pass or fail grade in seminar class upon completion of the program. Each student must perform a Public Performance each year: a declamation in the freshman year (recitation of a memorized text that complements one of the disciplines studied); an original oration in the sophomore year; a performance/creation in the junior year; and a formal presentation of the senior project in the final year. As students progress through the program, they learn to develop creative work of their own.
The following is the schedule for the Public Performance program:
Declamation
The Declamation is a 2.5-minute minimum recitation of a literature selection that complements one of the disciplines studied.
Oration
The oration is a 3-minute minimum recitation of a student’s original writing.
Junior Performance
In the Junior Performance, students will choose a performance subject based on their own interests and, along with a member of the Webb community, plan and execute a performance-based public presentation. Students will also write a personal reaction paper over the subject matter and the experience of planning and carrying out the performance.
Senior Research Project and Symposium
In the Senior Research Project and Symposium, students will choose a subject based on their own interests and then undertake independent research / experiential study under the tutelage of a Webb faculty member. The projects will culminate in the spring with a public exhibition, including written and performed components, of what the student learned. The public exhibition will include a defense of the students’ work.
Field Studies Program
Each year, Webb’s upper school dedicates several days to its field studies program. This program is designed to enhance the authenticity of the curriculum and to broaden the experiences of each student.
The field studies program includes an outdoor trip for the 9th grade, a service learning project for the 10th grade, college visits for the 11th grade, and job shadowing for the 12th grade.