2010-2011 Besant Hill Senior Capstone Program

The Besant Hill Senior Capstone Program provides students with a variety of opportunities to participate in flexible learning activities that promote 21st century skills. These activities focus on global and community partnerships, social responsibilities, creative problem solving, critical thinking, self-direction, collaboration and technological proficiency.

The Capstone Program aims to encourage seniors to take their education outside of the classroom, by crafting projects where they may explore their interests and use their academic skills to contribute to the world beyond our school. The actual Capstone experience takes place over the course of the last three weeks of the academic year.

Beginning in January, the student completes a proposal process that results in a clear plan for her/his project; goals, guidelines, and responsibilities. The final proposal must be approved by the Senior Capstone Director, and in certain instances, in consultation with faculty and administration.

The purpose of the Senior Capstone Program is to provide an educational experience outside of the classroom. The on-site projects occur during the last month of the academic year and allow students to participate in what usually an off-campus experience is resulting in:

1. The student’s practical application of academic knowledge or research in an area of academic or creative interest.
2. The student providing a service to the community.
3. A student experience in an area related to a career interest.

Capstone Projects will take the place of the normal school schedule. The successful project involves student participation at least five days a week, for a minimum of seven hours (the equivalent of a typical school day).

The student is responsible for every phase of the process, which includes initiating the investigation, contacting a potential sponsor, selecting a faculty advisor, writing the application and the proposal, arranging for transportation, meeting all deadlines for project progress and making a presentation on her/his project to fellow Capstone participants and community members. School faculty and staff offer assistance and guidance along the way.

By the end of the Senior Capstone project it is our goal the seniors have met Besant Hill School of Happy Valley’s mission “… of developing an individual's intellectual and artistic abilities, through awakening the spirit of inquiry” as well as putting into practice knowing how to think and not what to think.

Peter Bergen
Director of Capstone

For more information contact Peter Bergen at pbergen@besanthill.org or (805) 646-4343, extension 103.