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On Thursday, Feb. 3 Norfolk Collegiate School students from the lower, middle and upper schools paused to celebrate a year-long academic and cultural study of China.
UNITY, which stands for understanding new ideas throughout the year, is a global learning initiative at Norfolk Collegiate School. During the school year, teachers transform their students from local to worldwide citizens by educating them about the school’s concept or country of choice. Faculty members from all divisions weave intricate lessons of history, culture and language into the curriculum.
“We’ve had so many engaging faculty-driven activities so far this year and there are more to come,” said Cleteus Smith, lower school dean, who takes a lead role in orchestrating UNITY events at the lower school and in collaboration with all divisions. “Our campus-wide celebration in the afternoon was a special time to enjoy the talented people who make up our community and deepen relationships among our student body.”
UNITY Day events engross students in Chinese culture. The morning of February 3 was structured to engage students of all ages with one another across campuses. After a special lunch, students, faculty and staff gathered to watch a student parade that includes three hand-made Chinese dragons and performances, including a song sung in Chinese.
“The NCS UNITY program fosters global citizenship within our future graduates,” said Headmaster Scott Kennedy. “Our students have extended exposure to a single culture allowing them to explore a breadth and depth of topics that can’t be found in a single classroom experience. The school-wide collaboration results in a better learning experience and one that all members of our community are excited about.” The learning experience isn’t limited to students. Faculty and parents have participated in activities including a book club and a multi-course Chinese cooking demonstration and dinner.
Although the name UNITY is new, the program roots run deep at Norfolk Collegiate School. Beginning as a school-wide “Conversation Series,” hosting authors and scholars from various areas of the curriculum, faculty built upon the excitement to further infuse global awareness into the K-12 curriculum and renamed program UNITY.
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