What is the Senior Project?

The Senior Project is a proficiency based graduation requirement mandated by the Department of Education. The class of 2008 is the first class required to complete a Senior Project that allows students to apply their learning to their own passions or interests. In the real world, all students need to be able to perform a multi-step problem using critical thinking skills and content knowledge. The Senior Project offers broad opportunities so that all students can achieve at high standards and apply their knowledge and skills in real world situations. Advisors and content area teachers will help students design projects that satisfy the student’s own natural thirst for information and skills. The Senior Project has 4 components:

1. Research Paper – Students write a 1500-2000 word thesis driven research paper on a topic related to a chosen field of interest. This interest, chosen by the student, could be a career or special hobby. The topic, however, must be legal, safe and moral, and must include a clear “learning stretch” that emphasizes depth of knowledge, and includes analysis, interpretation, and evaluation. The Senior Project Review Board, and parent or guardian must approve topics. The senior high faculty will assess the research paper.
2. Product – Students use the knowledge acquired during the research phase to create a demonstrable product that is related to or connected to the research paper. A demonstrable product could be a physical product, planning an event, or designing or improving a system. A student must choose a mentor who is an expert in the student’s chosen field and who will assist them in their project. Fieldwork must include a minimum of 15 hours, with 10 of those hours in direct contact with the mentor. The seminar instructor, a panel of seminar instructors, and the mentor will assess the product.
3. Portfolio – Students showcase the connection between the research paper and the product, documenting the learning stretch and providing evidence of all required components of the process. The requirements of the portfolio will be benchmarked (stated deadlines) during the senior year. The portfolio will be handed in prior to the oral presentation. The seminar instructor and a panel of seminar instructors will assess the portfolio.
4. Presentation – Students present a culminating oral presentation (8-10 minutes)
about their research paper and product to a panel of judges comprised of school
and community members. Students respond to questions from the panel about
their Senior Project experience.

Senior Project Mission Statement

The mission of the Exeter-West Greenwich High School Senior Project is to empower all seniors to identify an area of great personal interest, and produce physical/written products, oral presentations, and in-depth, extended project work in their area of interest. By completing a successful senior project, students will demonstrate a mastery of deep content knowledge while applying and connecting knowledge in real world settings.