My school

I am not sure about the practicality of my school, but at this point perhaps that is not the point.  When I think of what my ideal school would be like, I am reminded of medieval European curricula a la Boethius; basically it consisted of a "liberal education".  A liberal education consisted of either the quadrivium which centered on arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music, or the trivium which consisted of grammar, rhetoric, and logic.  I think my model would work best in a middle school context because of its three grade levels.  Instead of  6th, 7th, and 8th being used to denote the grade level, each level would be known as history, philosophy, and social awareness.  Within each level there would be a pretty standard array of subjects- math, science, language arts, etc.  The main impetus driving this new design would be that in all subject areas of the history level or grade, history would be highlighted.  For example, maybe a science class would focus on the history of science and its progression.  In math, problems and equations will be sought after in a fashion that highlights specific historical events, perhaps learning how math was done in the Roman Empire, or the Enlightenment for instance.  Other emerging educational tools are to be welcomed- such as was seen in the lesson surrounding the Brooklyn Bridge.  The same would apply at the philosophy level.  Here a deeper understanding of each subject would be uncovered- questions will be raised and studied about the nature of each subject; perhaps math class would use logic and syllogisms to study equations.  The social awareness level would follow the same format with the emphasis focusing on things like social justice, the "politics of food"- basically uncovering social hegemony, privilege, and things that are hidden from the citizenry so as to bolster the power of one group over another.  Also, taking an idea I heard from Devon in class, each level would utilize "community projects."  The one Devon told me about centered around a garden that each class would help grow, foster, and cultivate.  In addition to the basic tending of the garden, the garden would be used in science and math classes, for instance, as a practical means to learning these subjects; graphing growth, learning about how photosynthesis works, etc.  This school would not be considered college preparatory, but would be curricula driven.  The philosophy behind this is that great curricula which inspires and captivates students would give them the tools necessary, not only to be great independent citizens, but also to go to college if that is something they desired- personal responsibility, choice, and passion for life and learning will have to be key themes throughout all levels.