One of the aspects of academic programming that sets Ramsey apart is our graduation requirement for all seniors to present a Defense of Learning as a culminating and reflective exercise for their high school careers.
What's happening: Seniors enrolled in a Profile course for the first two marking periods presented their defenses to panels of staff members on Friday and Monday afternoon.
Students created and completed a Profile Project based on an area of interest, a passion, or a way they could contribute to their local or global community.
For example, Faith Malki created the Mental Health and Inspo podcast where she discusses issues of wellness with RHS students and staff. Check it out on Spotify.
Why it matters: This culminating experience is an authentic application of all levels of our Profile, and it shows that we structure what we value and are making the Profile come to life.
A Ramsey Graduate: Ramsey graduates have to defend their learning process to show they can apply and transfer our Profile competencies as a result of their projects and their tenure at RHS.
A key difference between our defenses and other culminating projects is that we assess students’ use of their project to grow and develop.
Panelists use resources like this one to assess students’ defenses:
What they’re saying: The Defense of Learning is an important moment for our students. It concludes their journey in the profile program and each is put on the big stage. Most experience a range of emotions as the defense unfolds. For some students, the DOL is truly a culminating celebration. For others, it may be more of a challenging learning experience. In either case, I hope that this moment provides us all with a chance to celebrate what's right as we continue along the Profile Project journey as a learning community. - Mrs. Holly Falcone, Supervisor of K-12 Science and Profile Projects.
