Elective classes are an essential piece of a Speyer education, as it provides our Middle School students with an opportunity to drive their learning experience.
Elective classes, which meet two times in the six-day cycle, give students a say in their curriculum via their choice of an elective. Some electives are per semester, while others may be a year-long intensive option. Our Middle School elective offerings have included everything from computer programming explorations to social justice, video game-coding to racquet sports, women in history to rock band, genre film studies to weaving. A Speyer student might work on publishing a literary magazine one semester and learn the ancient game of Go in the next.
To give you a better understanding of our Elective Program, below you will find more detailed information on just a few of the electives we offered our students in prior years.
Many have heard of Drake, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and Jay Z, but Kool Herc and a group of early pioneers paved the way for these familiar Hip Hop artists. Students learn why 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY is an address that is synonymous with Hip Hop. Starting in the 1970s and touching on music of today, students explore the evolution of Hip Hop. Students dive into the early beginnings of New York City Hip Hop and learn about the influence it has had on language, politics, and culture. Through the course, they analyze some of the most impactful individuals and groups that have informed Hip Hop. At the end of the semester, students present on who they deem to be the most important Hip Hop artists based on their semester long exploration.
As a part of The Dragon’s Hoard, the Speyer Literary Magazine, the members write poems, short stories, create games/puzzles, and also create original works of art. They work with peers to revise and edit each other’s work, and at the end of the semester, they publish the magazine and each Middle School advisory will receive one for their classroom libraries.
Students flex their intellectual muscles by joining this elective and then participating in New York City History Day. They create a paper, exhibit board, performance, documentary, or website to display their research on their chosen topic. Students receive guidance from Speyer faculty members in gaining research skills that will help them prepare for this competition (and then these skills will continue to serve them well through high school, college, and beyond). On the first Sunday in March, students present their work to a panel of judges as they compete against students from across the city. This competition is a great day and if they win, they will move on to the state, then perhaps, national competition.
Students unlock creative potential and elevate artistic skills with this Advanced Art Elective. Tailored for passionate young artists, this elective offers a deep dive into the world of advanced drawing and painting techniques. They push their creative boundaries through challenging and inspiring projects and refine your mastery of form, composition, and color theory. This elective introduces them to innovative mediums and techniques designed to elevate their craft, all while drawing inspiration from the bustling urban jungle of New York City. They explore contemporary trends, draw inspiration from top galleries and museums, and connect with the pulse of the city’s artistic heartbeat. The elective not only enhances technical abilities but also helps students cultivate an unique artistic voice.
It’s electric, it’s loud! This elective is for guitarists, pianists, and vocalists who have a penchant for making a musical ruckus. Students learn to be flexible as they learn how to play unfamiliar instruments like the bass guitar and drums. Rock Band is the elective for students are proud to be loud.
All female and non-binary students are welcome to join Girls Who Code. Students learn to use HTML, CSS, and some JavaScript to create their very own website. In partnership with the Girls Who Code organization, students learn best practices for designing websites such as blogs, portfolios, informational websites, point-and-click games, etc. Students develop their skills in coding, as well as learn the importance of web design, planning, functionality, and UI/UX.
The Bridge Elective is a journey into strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration, tailored for the agile minds of gifted learners. This elective goes beyond the traditional boundaries of academic pursuits, offering a unique platform to sharpen critical thinking and social interaction skills. Students not only learn the mechanics and strategies of bridge but also gain skills that are pivotal in life: collaboration, strategic thinking, resilience, and effective communication. These skills are particularly crucial for gifted children, who often excel in academic fields but benefit immensely from opportunities to develop their emotional and social intelligence.
The Game of Go originated in China more than 5000 years ago. Although the mechanics of the game are very simple — players take turns placing circular stones on a grid — the strategies for winning are monumentally complex. Over the centuries, many deep thinkers have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of Go’s challenges and secrets. Students gain strength not only through the experience of playing the game, but also by practicing techniques ranging from the ancient to the very modern. Go teaches a student to compete both vigorously and honorably. By tradition, a player must maintain fighting spirit, but balance it with respect for the effort and the feelings of one’s opponent.
In the Silent Movie Club, students watch films by Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and other luminaries of the silent era. Then, students create their own silent short films, learning every step of the filmmaking process — from storyboarding to shooting to editing.
This elective focuses on the joys and challenges of mastering ballet technique and appreciating the art form. Class includes rituals of ballet barre, center exercises, and moving across the floor, as well as learning excerpts of famous ballets. This elective also includes an excursion to Lincoln Center for a “Working Day Tour” where students learn about the history of New York City Ballet and David Koch Theater (formerly New York State Theater), as well as watch a professional rehearsal.
In the Environmental Club, students dive into exciting activities that promote eco-conscious living and join like-minded peers on a journey to understand and tackle environmental challenges. Through engaging discussions and projects, they develop a deep appreciation for our planet.
Speyer Chess Elective is a place where students can continue to play chess with other Speyer students. Sessions include G/5, G/10 and G/15 tournaments. They also enjoy casual games and Bughouse on the Boulevard. Students who are eager to improve and who are playing chess outside of school are invited to bring in their own games for a one-on-one or small group analysis with our Grandmasters and will receive guidance on developing a personalized opening repertoire. There is also, of course, full access to the chess library if they just want to take out a book and read.
