J-Term Provides Transformative Experiences for Upper School Students

We are thrilled to celebrate the successful completion of our inaugural J-Term, a transformative weeklong experiential learning program!

This innovative initiative provides our students with the opportunity to enjoy unique and engaging learning experiences that go beyond the scope of traditional classroom instruction. Coinciding with the school’s shift to semesters, J-Term is strategically placed between the fall and spring terms to provide a midyear respite from our challenging daily schedule. Tatnall drew inspiration for the framework of J-term from impressive programs being conducted at some of the most reputable secondary schools in the country.

Tatnall has always been well-known for its commitment to experiential learning across all grade levels - an approach that aligns with the recommendations of some of the most renowned educational scholars of the last century, such as John Dewey and Jean Piaget, for its profound impact on student engagement and development. Our ambition for J-Term was to provide our Upper School students and faculty with the space, time, and inspiration to lean into their innate curiosity and creativity. The result was the development of unique creative workshops and hands-on projects, where they discovered new skills, explored passions, and broadened their educational horizons.

In its inaugural year, J-Term featured an array of unique courses, each one strongly tied to one or more of our core values of curiosity, perseverance, and citizenship. Two of those courses offered overnight trips: the "Pura Vida" group embarked on a weeklong adventure to Costa Rica, exploring the country’s rich biodiversity and engaging in immersive cultural experiences; and "Winter Wonderland" headed to Camelback Resort for a two-night trip, where students developed their skills on the slopes while focusing on the social dynamics of a team. Several on-campus courses also incorporated day trips to enhance the learning experience: "Learning Culture through Cooking" visited a local kitchen collective founded by Tatnall alumna Lisa Bixby '81; "Galactic Frontiers" ventured to the Franklin Institute to explore space travel; and "Community-Based Service Learning" supported local organizations in their efforts to improve the Wilmington community.

Creativity and collaboration abounded in our on-campus offerings, as well. One group adapted the popular show, Taskmaster, where they designed and completed imaginative, out-of-the-box challenges. Another course, "Telling Stories Through Film", delved into the art and science of film production and marketing, culminating in the creation of their own movie trailer. Additionally, a writing course spent the week crafting one-act plays, demonstrating the power of storytelling and self-expression. These diverse opportunities allowed students to connect and collaborate with peers across multiple grade levels and work closely with teachers who share similar interests and hobbies.

What a remarkable week! We are proud to have benefitted from the creativity, enthusiasm, and collaboration that defined our first J-Term. As we look ahead to the future, we want to keep experiential learning at the forefront of our ambition. J-Term endeavors to be a signature learning opportunity for Tatnall students - a special time when they can explore subjects well beyond the realm of our excellent curriculum, and learn a little bit more about themselves as they better define their own interests, passions, and unique place in this world.

Ensign Simmons

Director of Innovation and Technology