St. Andrew's School expands post-grad program

St. Andrew's School in Barrington is now offering seven new courses in its expanded post-graduate curriculum.

Included among the new courses is one titled "Habits of a Chapin Scholar," which is taught by Amy Tinagero. The course arms students with the tools necessary for college, such as resume writing, successful note-taking, engaging discourse about contemporary issues, and discussions with college professionals. The course has been praised by students.

“It is about what works best for you and how to set yourself up for success," said Jack Manning, a student at the school. "I now have firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of what’s to come in college.” 

In addition to the course taught by Ms. Tinagero, the expansion in the post-graduate curriculum also includes College Writing, and Introduction to the Art and Science of Leadership. The courses are meant to differentiate the expectations and culture for the postgraduate program.

The upper school also offers Advanced Placement United States History, taught by Damara Hawley, Advanced Placement European History, taught by Susan McGann, Law and Society taught by Susan McGann, and Theatrical Design and Technology, taught by Daniel Mellitz.

The Habits of a Chapin Scholar class honors the school's commitment to its founder, Father William M. Chapin, through service, action, and inclusion. 

While a lecturer at New York University’s Abu Dhabi campus, Ms. Tinagero taught a similar course for students transitioning to college. The class does not simply cover the essential tools to succeed academically, but “a significant part of the syllabus is dedicated to wellbeing,” Ms. Tinagero says. “I drill self-reflective questions into my students heads like, am I getting enough sleep, eating the right foods, and exercising? Or, am I in touch with my emotional state, and do I feel balanced or should I seek some support?”

Additionally, the course includes two guest speakers, David Brown and Eric Mack, who are alumni of St. Andrew’s. Students have had the opportunity to discuss the lessons both Mr. Brown and Mr. Mack learned while at St. Andrew’s that helped them overcome adversities later in their lives. 

Similarly, in the Champion Symposium section of the course, students initiate civil discussions about adversities and contemporary issues.

“In order to successfully prepare a young person to be independent, you really have to prepare them to be compassionate to others but also to themselves,” Ms. Tinagero added.