Grade-Level Seminars, Peer Leadership, and Public Speaking

Ninth-Grade Seminar
Grade 9
.5 credit
This course will be team-taught by members of the Computer Science and Health Departments. The computer science component of the seminar will introduce students to leading edges in the world of digital technology, such as AI, cybersecurity, app-making, and digital citizenship, as well as practical topics such as making effective use of spreadsheets. The health component of the seminar will address the physical, mental, social, and emotional challenges of high school and adolescence.
*Required course for Grade 9.

Sophomore Seminar*
Grade 10
.5 credit
This seminar, offered by the Computer Science and Health Departments, introduces students to current technologies shaping our world. This engaging course equips students with critical skills to navigate the complexities of modern media and emerging technologies. Through an exploration of media literacy, students analyze the impact of media on perception, policy, and culture, with topics such as confirmation bias, online advertising, and propaganda. They also delve into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence, learning how AI is trained, its potential biases, and the ethical implications of its use in tools like chatbots, algorithms, and generative AI. Hands-on projects, such as analyzing AI chatbots, creating propaganda campaigns, and producing AI-generated media, encourage creativity and critical thinking. Students actively discuss and reflect on the influence of technology and media in their daily lives, culminating in collaborative presentations and real-world applications. This seminar prepares students to think critically, act ethically, and engage responsibly in our increasingly digital world. The health component of this seminar builds on the components presented in Ninth-Grade Seminar, addressing the physical, mental, social, and emotional challenges of high school and adolescence. Students strengthen their abilities to recognize, analyze, and react to unhealthy situations and develop the practices and attitudes necessary to lead a productive and balanced life. Classes are conducted as a forum for students to discuss their views in an atmosphere of trust and acceptance. Health classes are built to be age-appropriate, and topics may include external factors that influence health and wellness, life skills, good decision-making, social media, healthy relationships, sexual health and reproduction, drugs and alcohol, and mental illness.
*Required course for sophomores
Offered fall and spring semesters

Peer Leadership Program
Grade 12
1 credit
Peer Leadership has been a part of The Pennington School for over twenty-five years. Based on programming developed at The Princeton Center for Leadership Training, a select group of seniors is chosen each year to be trained as student leaders. Peer Leaders are enrolled in a daily class where they plan and practice for their weekly meetings with freshmen. Each Peer Leader works with a partner and leads a small group of freshmen on a weekly basis, supporting the freshmen in their new environment. Seniors learn to lead a discussion, facilitate an activity, plan an event, coordinate service projects, and develop programming, all while displaying sensitivity and caring for the freshmen. Reflection and self-assessment are a constant in the program as seniors build confidence, study group dynamics, and develop their leadership skills. Freshmen develop new friendships and a support system of caring upperclassmen. Seniors apply to be Peer Leaders and complete an application, interview, and faculty review prior to being selected. Training for seniors includes a retreat prior to the start of School, as well as the aforementioned daily class.

Peer Leadership for Ninth-Grade Students
Grade 9
Ninth-graders meet every Friday at 8:00 a.m. in small groups with their Peer Leaders. Senior Peer Leaders help the ninth-graders experience a smooth transition into Upper School through introductory activities. Peer Leadership also includes seniors leading discussions with their younger peers about social and academic pressures; relationships with peers, parents, and faculty; issues involving internet use, drugs, sex, and alcohol; and, most importantly, an understanding of the decision-making process. Ninth-graders participate in the Peer Leadership program on a weekly basis as a mandatory part of the curriculum. Peer Leaders also lead Grade 9 Fun Nights, after-school game nights, and a Parents Night, when ninth-graders and their parents come together to learn more about the program and participate in activities around a particular topic.

Introduction to Psychology
Grade 12
.25 credit
This quarter course for seniors is designed to introduce students to the field of psychology and investigate why people think, feel, and act the way they do. Psychology has both an applied side and a basic research/science side. Most people are more interested in psychology’s applications in discovering what causes psychological disturbances, depression, schizophrenia, or bullying. The science/research side of psychology, however, sustains the applied side and allows one to answer some of these questions with sound scientific research. This course covers some of the fundamental tenets of psychology, examining learning theories, personality theories, abnormal behavior, psychological assessment, social psychology, research techniques, and more.

Graduation Requirement: .25 credit

Public Speaking
Grades 10–12
.25 credit
A required quarter course, usually taken in the tenth-grade year, Upper School Public Speaking gives students basic instruction on researching, developing, and delivering oral presentations. Four types of presentations are covered: demonstrative, autobiographical, informative, and persuasive. Students participate fully in all aspects of the class and deliver four major presentations, demonstrating proficiency in oral communication as measured on a rubric based on the Competent Speaker Speech Performance Evaluation.