Sports Philosophy
The foundation of the after-school sports program is the belief that every student should have an opportunity to participate in organized team sports at BCD. Among the many things which can be learned from team sports are physical conditioning, sportsmanship, cooperation, social interaction, dependence on others, and the shared-experience factor. This last point is particularly important at a small school and is a major reason for having only one sport each season through the ninth grade. Perhaps the most compelling reason for having team sports is that the peak time for physical skill and coordination development in a person’s life is from ten to thirteen years old. Being on a team provides a means for this development through the skill and time requirements. It also provides a reason to want to excel so that the individual may be an asset to the team. Another reason to have team sports at the elementary/middle school level is that this may be the only opportunity for a student to be on a team due to the far more competitive demands of high school and college sports.
At BCD, after-school sports are required for all students in Grades 4 through 9 in the spring and fall. In the winter, there are numerous optional sports offerings for Grades 4-9 as well as the Friday Ski Program which is open to students from Pre-K to Grade 9. The occasional students may have particular interest beyond the scope of what BCD offers (such as tennis, riding, swimming, karate, etc.) may choose an alternate program in the fall and/or spring as long as it meets certain criteria, such as meeting three times per week, provides active as opposed to passive activity, and is supervised by a qualified instructor. The administration at BCD findsit particularly important for students in Grades 7 through 9 to be involved in after-school sports as no physical education classes are scheduled for these grades within the school day.
The most difficult problem with a required competitive sports program is striking a balance between participation and competition. Achieving a perfect blend of the two is virtually impossible even though this is what the program tries to accomplish. The reason is our belief that all children should have an opportunity to play team sports. While an intramural program would be sufficient for some, it does not provide the competitive edge or the format for teaching good sportsmanship for those who have the skills to play on a competitive team. So, BCD tries to create enough teams at varying levels in an effort to meet the needs of all of its students. The emphasis of the program for Grades 4 and 5 (the Farm Team) is on learning skills, and, consequently, there are no required interscholastic games at this level. In the Junior Varsity and Varsity programs, students participate on competitive teams that play teams from area schools. In both of these programs, the coaches try to balance participation and playing time. The question of balance between competition and participation is always a delicate one, but the fact is, everyone is on a team and everyone is involved.
Co-Curricular Theater Philosophy
The mission of BCD’s Theater and Film Department is to expose students to the ancient tradition of live theater, developing their appreciation for theatre as a viable and relevant art form as well as introduce them to the film medium. Engaging students early in their educations will create a lifelong interest. Also imperative in the experience of production is the ability of each child to learn the skill of ensemble and respectful community. They will emerge from the process with a stronger sense of self as well as the commitment of being part of the whole. Students will participate in all aspects of production under professional direction. Rehearsal and production work
is structured and mindful while encouraging creative growth and self-expression. Each student will bring his or her unique talent, viewpoint, and desire to the adventure. The hope is that students will proceed equipped with the skills they need to continue pursuing their own development in these disciplines and at the very least, a deeper understanding of the relevance of theater and film as means of communication in our contemporary world.
Middle School Theater
Students in Grade 4 will participate during the school day in a week-long intensive theater workshop during trips week in the spring.
Students in Grade 5 will participate in a two-week theater workshop, introducing them to ensemble building skills. This program will conclude with a demonstration in Furey Music Hall.
Students in Grade 6 may participate in a sixth grade production after the soccer season is completed. The material is scripted and chosen according to the specific number and abilities of the participants. The focus is on developing fundamental performance skills, working as an ensemble, and experiencing the thrill of performance.
After-School Programs
Upper School Theater & Film
Amy Brentano
Students in Grade 7 may opt to do three seasons of sports or two seasons of sports and one season of theater. The theater offering is a winter original production with 7th, 8th, and 9th grades, directed at the Winthrop Theater by Amy Brentano, or a scripted play for 7th grade only with Meg Agnew directing at the Winthrop Theater in the spring.
Students in Grade 8 may opt to do three seasons of sports or choose up to two seasons of theater/ film. The Theater offerings include a scripted fall production for 8th and 9th grades (limited to 12 students) directed by Amy Brentano at the Winthrop Theater, a winter original production with 7th, 8th, and 9th grades directed at the Winthrop Theater by Amy Brentano, and a film production in the spring. Students opting to take film production have the prerequisite of taking a film course offered in their spring Arts Block.
As a senior privilege, students in Grade 9 may choose any combination of co-curricular activities on campus. The theater offerings include a scripted fall production for 8th and 9th grades (limited to 12 students) directed by Amy Brentano at the Winthrop Theater, a winter original production with 7th, 8th, and 9th grades directed at the Winthrop Theater by Amy Brentano, and a film production in the spring. Students opting to take film production have theprerequisite of taking a film course offered in their spring Arts Block.
