On January 23 and 24, Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart freshwomen and sophomores had the opportunity to SHAke Up their learning. SHAke (Sacred Heart Academy Kinetic Energy) Ups were two-day, interdisciplinary, immersive experiences that allowed students to delve deeply into subjects that spark their curiosity.
Student chose between 14 SHAke Up sessions, each carefully designed by Sacred Heart faculty members to lean into two or more academic disciplines, while promoting discovery and understanding of real-world topics. SHAke Ups are just one example of the innovative approach to teaching and learning that is core to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP), a program that will continue to benefit all freshwomen and sophomores at SHA.
Students developed critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills while exploring subjects as diverse as the role of women in revolutionizing the modern beauty industry, food and culture as key tools in connecting individuals globally and locally, and the way technological innovations such as podcasting have changed how we communicate.
Over two days, students baked bread, sampled international cuisine, designed and built stained glass windows, produced podcasts, created murals (large and small!), choreographed dances, formulated skin-care serums, interacted with marine life, and so much more. Students travelled throughout Western New York and subject matter experts came to SHA, giving each student access to resources otherwise unavailable.
SHAke Up experiences were universally enjoyed by freshwomen and sophomores, with many already enthusiastically looking forward to next year’s sessions. Similarly, faculty and staff left the experiences excited about this new, innovative way of working in collaboration with colleagues to provide students with relevant, hands-on learning opportunities.