Project Week epitomizes the Putney ideal: students working for the love of learning.
During the end of each academic semester, students have the opportunity to complete two projects that employ skills they have acquired in their academic and non-academic program during the semester. They are encouraged to engage in an independent process of inquiry and exploration.
Students have the opportunity to develop a project that allows them to pursue their passions and to investigate topics inspired by their recent study, one of which must be academic in nature. The application of skills and recently acquired knowledge relates directly to the intensive rehearsal time that is set aside for major performances of drama and musical groups.
Projects represent a significant culmination of a semester’s work since the time devoted (9 to 10 days at the end of each semester—a total of 20 days) is the equivalent of an academic month. The Educational Program Committee approves each project.
Here’s a sampling of student projects conducted during 2017 Project Weeks:
- Young Writers Conference and a Poetry Portfolio
- Building a Telescope
- Bringing Yogurt to the Greater Putney Community
- Designing Wheelchair Ramps on Campus
- Building a Community Space through Gardening and Woodworking
- Dance Intensive: Ballet Technique and Choreography
- Oboe Sonata and Art Portfolio
- An Analysis of the History, Mythology, and Meanings of Astrology