SENIOR EXPERIENCE (Full Year; Seniors Only; 2 units)
“The key to transforming standardized education is to personalize it. To build achievement on discovering the individual talents of each child, to put students in an environment where they want to learn and where they can naturally discover their true passions.”
-- Ken Robinson, The Element
“SREX” is a Humanities based curriculum that allows students to earn credit for senior level English (English 4) and social studies (Participation in Government and Economics). This incredible learning experience incorporates art, field trips, film, and projects as well as experiential learning as it includes an out-of-school, full year, internship.
Senior Experience: Frequently Asked Questions
1. If I enroll in this program, can I still take AP classes? Yes! Of course! This program will take up the last 3 periods of the day. That leaves 6 periods to fill with whatever classes you choose (including AP Lit or Lang, AP Human Geography, AP Gov’t , AP Macro or AP Micro).
2. If I enroll in this program, can I still participate in extracurricular activities? Yes! Your schedule with your mentor/internship placement can be set up to accommodate your needs.
3. What is the benefit of having an internship that lasts all year? Working in a particular career or field weekly throughout the year immerses you in your interested profession as you are able to take an active role as an intern for an extended period of time. You have the opportunity to make connections in a career that interests you as you gain real world experience.
4. How else will this program benefit me? The responsibility of making and sticking to a schedule introduces you to the important time management skills necessary for successful college and work experience. This experience will also help you become much more independent as you will balance the demands of the internship along with your school schedule. In addition, if you choose an internship placement that is in a field of study that interests you, you will be better prepared to make decisions about your course of study as a college student.
5. Can I choose an internship based on a hobby or interest? Of course! We encourage you to find a placement that will be rewarding for you. Pursuing the professional or business aspect of one of your personal interests is certainly an option.
6. Can I take Virtual Enterprise and Senior Experience? Yes. Virtual Enterprise runs in the morning and in the afternoon so you would be scheduled in both programs at different times during the school day.
7. Can I take an AP exam even if I have not taken the course? Yes, you may take the exam even if you have not taken the course. Both Senior Experience teachers (Ms. DiGennaro and Ms. Scherer) are experienced AP teachers. They may help you prepare for the exam as they incorporate AP skills and strategies into their curriculum.
8. If internships are only the last 3 periods, do they have to be local? No. The location of your internship is up to you. You will schedule your specific internship dates and time with your mentor or internship coordinator to accommodate your needs. If you choose an internship that is not local, you may schedule your internship on the weekend or in the evening as long as you fulfill the three hour a week requirement.
9. Will this course give me any college credit or weighted average like an AP class? This class is not weighted like an AP class and it’s not offered for dual enrollment; however, the internship will provide real world experience where you will make contacts with professionals in your desired field.