Interdisciplinary Studies

Problem solver, creator, and innovator - this is the type of student that will thrive in ID programs. Interdisciplinary Studies programs are built on collaboration, respect, and innovation. Collaboration is key to developing 21st century skills. Whether online or in person, a collaborative spirit is a basic foundation of inter- disciplinary work. Collaborative and creative individuals seek to encourage deep thinking and relevant learning. Respect for diverse groups and learning styles is also a building block for collaboration. The basic foundation is that everyone can learn and contribute to the community. Thus, ID classes are taught at multiple curriculum levels (Honors, ACP, CP) in a differentiated environment. ID classes strive for innovation, which comes from deep thinking about major challenges to human existence. From subatomic particles to climate change - innovation is going to be required to solve the most pressing problems of human society. From sustainable agriculture to aquatic biodiversity, humans must make choices that matter. ID programs also offer a smaller learning community experience. Diverse instruction requires smaller class sizes. Small learning communities support each other and encourage growth through a challenging curriculum.

The da Vinci Program

The da Vinci Program is a three-year STEAM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) beginning in Grade 10. da Vinci is a differentiated program: Students may enroll at the Honors, ACP, or CP level and need not be at the same level in all da Vinci classes.

da Vinci is a multi-year cohort program:

10th grade da Vinci chemistry, math, and art
11th grade da Vinci biology, math, and engineering
12th grade da Vinci capstone

Details about specific da Vinci courses can be found in the program of studies within each department listing. The da Vinci program will provide students with the opportunity to build skills in experimentation, analytical problem solving, collaboration, communication, and engineering, technology, and artistic representation through student-driven learning and real-world applications. A written application is required to join the da Vinci Program. Students should see their mathematics/science teacher or counselor for more information.

The Global Justice Program

The Global Justice Program is a three-year program beginning in Grade 10. As Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” With this in mind, the Global Justice Program seeks to examine race, gender, socioeconomics, religion, sexual orientation, and climate. How do we deal with injustices around the world? How do we deal with injustices in our own communities? The program aims to keep students together in cohorts, where they will work on collaborative, interdisciplinary projects, as well as more traditional assessments.

The New Media Communities Program

The New Media Communities Program is a two-year program beginning in Grade 10. New Media Communities combines English and History with project-based work in media analysis and media production. In addition to rigorous work studying history and literature, students will collaborate with their friends in filmmaking, audio production, music production, graphic design, web design, and more; in doing so, we will deepen our creative strengths and gain new ones. Sophomores will learn audio storytelling and production, participating in the nationwide NPR Student Podcast challenge. Juniors will expand their knowledge from Sophomore year and focus on using documentary cinema to enhance their understanding of American history and literature. Their work will culminate in a 10-15 minute collaborative documentary project to be submitted for local and national competitions. Throughout the program, our main goals will be to foster community, challenge ourselves, and tell stories that matter to us and to the world.

The WISE Program

The WISE program allows qualified seniors to spend Term 4 working on a substantial academic project of their own design on a part-time or full-time basis. Senior projects/internships are created to help the student explore a personal interest, and may include a possible career choice, a special talent, a research project, or a community service project.

The goal of the WISE program is to engage students in a different kind of learning experience outside of the classroom during the fourth term of their senior year as a way to help them transition to college or to work. The program hopes to foster independence, self-confidence, and a personal sense of responsibility for students as they take charge of their learning. Through internships with agencies in the area, WISE gives students the opportunity to obtain real-life experience in the working world and helps strengthen the ties between Newton South High School and the community.

Full-time Project: Allows students to be released from most classes (with exceptions, such as MCAS prep) and requires a minimum of 24 hours per school week working at an internship.
Part-time Project: Allows students to stay in some classes and requires up to 12 hours per school week working on the project/internship.

Who May Participate?

Students must be in good academic standing (cumulative unweighted grade point average of 2.0 or better) and must be on schedule to meet graduation requirements by the end of Term 3. Also, students must be deemed responsible based on their attendance (including cuts, absences, and tardies) and school behavior (including detentions and suspensions).

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