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Specials
Upper School Academics
Art
The art program at Powhatan builds progressively on skills from kindergarten through eighth grade. Classes work with a wide range of age-appropriate materials and techniques, such as sketching, painting, sculpture, print making, crafts, and collage. Students also participate in particular projects for class plays, costumes and props, event posters, and seasonal decorations. Through the introduction of art history, integrated with grade-level content, students learn to appreciate a wide range of art forms and styles.
The Upper School art program is designed to offer a variety of complex projects. The works are more involved, with a range of steps and different techniques, to yield a more sophisticated result. The course is divided into three trimesters, allowing each student two trimesters of art a year. The third trimester may be used to make props and/or sets for the drama production of each particular grade. Powhatan values the artistic endeavors of all students and encourages all students who demonstrate talent or interest.
Music
The Upper School music program focuses on learning to appreciate a variety of musical eras and genres, understanding how social and historical changes impact the arts, identifying differences in composers lives and styles, dissecting musical pieces, and expressing thoughts, feelings, and observations through written response. The course is divided into three trimesters, allowing each student two trimesters of music per year. The third trimester may be used to learn and rehearse music for a drama production of a particular grade. Students may elect to participate in the Upper School Chorus, which performs at Carol Sing and Graduation, or they may participate in an elective string ensemble for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Powhatan believes that every child is capable of appreciating, understanding, and creating music and provides students with a means of expression in a unique and personal way.
Library
The Lindsey Library’s extensive collection of books encourages lifelong learning and the love of reading for the students and staff of Powhatan School. The library supports the classroom curriculum from kindergarten through eighth grade with a diversity of materials. The selection of materials complements the varied learning styles, interests, and needs of our patrons. The library is the heart of Powhatan.
Upper School students visit the library on an as-needed basis. The students may visit individually, in small groups, or as a whole class for research project or pleasure reading materials.
Sports
Upper School students in sixth through eighth grades have a daily sports practice. Scheduled at the end of the academic day, the sports program allows for intramural play within Powhatan and intermural play within the Piedmont Athletic Association. A wide variety of gender-based sports are offered to students each trimester, including lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball, soccer, cross country track, basketball, dance, physical fitness, and track and field.
With an emphasis on demonstrating good sportsmanship, developing skills, providing team experiences, and building self-confidence, Powhatan’s sports program teaches students how to remain physically fit and active in a safe way.
Technology
Powhatan’s technology program is founded on the belief that technology is an essential tool in assisting students in learning beyond the classroom. To that end, all students have access to computers in their classrooms, Smart Boards at each grade level, and the computer lab. Students in sixth through eighth grade continue to build skills in keyboarding, word processing, and Internet research. They also learn how to create a Microsoft Power Point presentation and a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet as well as how to navigate a database. These skills enhance learning and provide interactive lessons in all content areas. Students also acquire an understanding of how to use specific hardware, software, and related technologies, allowing them to adapt to the complex technology environments that will emerge during their lifetimes.