May. 14, 2008
Extra-curricular activities have special meaning at Aiken Prep. Teachers and administrators encourage students at all levels to participate in planned events throughout the year and to take part in other creative activities.
Field Trips
From the Aiken Post Office to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Aiken Prep does it all. We value educational experiences outside of the classroom, and our faculty incorporates numerous experiential opportunities into their classroom experiences. Beginning with 4K, our students are seen throughout the community and develop an appreciation of the larger world. With an emphasis on global education as well as understanding the United States, Aiken Prep utilizes field trips to bring academic subjects to life.
Music
Aiken Prep provides many opportunities for students to explore their music interests. Music instruction begins in 4K where students learn rhythms and songs. As the children grow older and progress through each grade level, they begin to play various rhythmic instruments, such as recorders, boom sticks, and hand bells.
Instrumental Music
Beginning in 6th grade, APS students in middle and high school may elect to participate in the instrumental music program. Both beginning band and concert band are part of the scheduled school day, and count towards academic credit when taken at the high school level.
Art
The Aiken Prep Art Department strives to create a studio space that stresses the importance of treating the study of art with respect. The students are encouraged to approach projects with a patient and academic attitude that dispels insecurity and fear of failure and builds confidence and creativity. Keeping the studio true to the classic forms of drawing, painting, sculpture, and design insures that the attention is placed on constantly improving skills.
Drama
At the lower school level, drama is incorporated by the classroom teachers and the music program. Students at each level participate in productions throughout the school year. At the middle school level, drama is an exploratory course and includes a full length musical play that is presented at the end of the third quarter annually. The high school offers a comparative theater course that is a study of various dramatic styles, history of theater, and acting techniques.
Performing Groups
Students are given the opportunity to perform in a variety of school productions which involve instrumental, vocal, or dramatic presentations.
Clubs and Activities
Aiken Prep offers a number of clubs each year and include book clubs, drama club, foreign language clubs, choir, student government, Beta Club, National Honor Society and yearbook are a few of the choices available.
Foreign Language
Spanish classes begin in 4K and continue twice a week through 4th grade. In 5th grade, Spanish instruction increases to three times each week. Middle schoolers begin taking Spanish every day as a part of their regular
academic schedule. Sixth-grade students also take Latin to help enhance their grammar and vocabulary skills. In high school, students have the option to continue with Spanish or begin French. Aiken Prep requires that high school students study the same foreign language for three years at the high school level.
Library
Formal library instruction is offered twice a week in the lower school. In 4K and 5K, story time is an essential part of library class. Students in these primary grades are taught to check out books and have the opportunity to take the books home to read with their parents. Library skills continue through the lower grades. Middle and high-school students use the library as a place for research in conjunction with their academic classes.
Technology
Integrating technology instruction within the curriculum is our primary goal at Aiken Prep. Students particpate in online publishing, produce multi-media presentations, and learn basic programming. As they meet our academic standards, students are building the skills that will be increasingly necessary in their future. Two PC labs provide the tools and resources where our children can experiment and develop into capable, young adults.
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