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The Shanghai American School community values a high quality program that allows students to develop self-knowledge and opportunities for enrichment. Through these exploratory elective options, students will move closer to an understanding of the EAGLES. Exploratory classes are learning experiences that build upon the skills taught in core classes. This supports our belief that content should not be taught in isolation but applied in the context of real experiences. The program reaches out to students in this critical point in their development and encourages them to think beyond themselves and to effectively interact with others.

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Exploratory class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays 14.15-15.00. The year is divided into 4 separate quarters, each about 8-9 weeks long (see PXMS calendar). Students sign up for Quarters 1 and 2 in the Spring, and Quarters 3 and 4 in the Fall. 

 

 

 

 

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We encourage you to use this program to EXLORE, and therefore, recommend that you consider taking exploratory courses in different categories across the year to have balance. 

 

 

 

 

 

We at Shanghai American School believe that…

 

  • Students should be provided opportunities during the school day to make authentic personal choices from a broad spectrum of exploratory elective courses.

  • Students are empowered when they choose their exploratory elective courses with guidance from their advisor.

  • Students should have opportunities to reflect on their past and future exploratory elective choices.

  • Students can foster self-knowledge and discover their unique talents and abilities through hands-on experiences and interactions.

  • Students are provided opportunities to become global-minded citizens and to make contributions to society.

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HOW GREAT! We also allow students to plan and lead exploratory classes, either alone or as a small group. To do this, you need to:

1. Use the planning document (link to document, link to Schoology version is here) to think about what kinds of activities you would like to lead in that area. How would you structure 16-17 lessons on this topic. 

2. Think about which teacher advisor you would like to supervise your teaching. This teacher will not teach the class, but will help you structure your thinking and be there for safety reasons and some class management. It would help considerable if you could speak to this teacher as you think about creating your exploratory. 

3. Which kind of resources will you and the students who take this exploratory need? How will you organize these? Who will pay for them? How much will it cost? 

4. What kinds of safety considerations will you need to consider? 

5. Will you need to be in a special place in the school? The Vice-Principal will be able to tell you if it is available. 

6. Once you have completed the planning document and considered these questions, book an appointment to see the Vice Principal at the MS office. This will need to be before October 31 for Quarter 3 and 4 exploratories and before February 28 for Quarter 1 and 2 exploratories. 

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Choosing Your Courses

EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES

WHAT IF I HAVE A PASSION IN ANOTHER AREA? 

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