Thematic Classes
Themes not Subjects
Our Classes are not based around subjects but around holistic real-world themes. Instead of a traditional school culture divided into subjects, where the things studied are often split into relatively small, separate parts. Instead of dividing learning into arbitrary subject, we teach classes that are cross-curricular. Our students take classes Humans 101 which includes objectives in biology, anthropology, history, and health. Or Environmental Justice which includes history, economics, ecology, sociology and communications. Or Mythology which includes literature, composition, anthropology, history and geography.
Thematic or Phenomenon Based learning not only better helps student prepare for the 'real world' but it also makes learning more interesting, relevant and fun.
A Finnish Modle
Finland's educational system is widely considered the best in the world. In 2016 Finnish National Board of Education mandated Phenomenon Based learning for all students and schools in the country as a " progressive approach to curriculum and pedagogy suitable for 21st Century learners"
Mistwood has been utilizing Thematic or Phenomenon Based classes for over forty years and we can attest to the outcomes. Students come away not only with academic mastery, but true depth of knowledge in the thematic area, along with social and practical skills.