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Fifth Form - Program Description

Responsibility and Commitment

After self-discovery in Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" comes challenge. In South Kent School's Fifth Form program challenge translates to the themes of Commitment and Responsibility. Commitment is seen primarily in the area of academics as our boys work to put together the best possible transcript in this very important year. South Kent boys practice responsibility and assume leadership roles in the South Kent community to prepare for the Sixth Form year. Some boys will have responsible positions in the dorms; all Fifth Form boys share the responsibility for the efficiency and cleanliness of dishwash and the dining hall, a focal point for the day-to-day operation of the School.

Here at South Kent, we follow a modified "core" curriculum that will attempt to parallel studies in English and American History to related time frames and thematic material. The overriding theme is "American Exceptionalism: Myth or Reality?" Our boys will study a traditional eleventh-grade prep school curriculum that includes courses in science, mathematics, a foreign language, and the arts. The Fifth Form program includes extensive travel to support our academic work, as well as to continue to challenge and test our limits and abilities.

Affinity Group

The 5th, 6th, and PG Forms are divided into three heterogeneous groupings which we have titled “affinity” groups. Over the course of the year, each affinity group will participate in three different “Calls” designed to guide young men along their Hero’s Journey. The Calls:

South Kent’s Outdoor Adventure program fosters a deeper understanding of the self and instills in our students an appreciation for the natural world. The types of activities that drive our young men to these goals are rock climbing, hiking, snowshoeing, tree planting, overnight camping and structure building (all seasons). With the Call to Adventure, students are challenged to leave their comfort zones and develop the confidence to handle unfamiliar situations while simultaneously fostering a sense of stewardship for the environment.

Young men face a choice in life: to be a hero, using his gifts and talents for the benefits of the community, or to be a celebrity, working only for his own benefit. South Kent develops heroes who act selflessly on behalf the community. Serving the community can take many different forms. Students will participate in the on-campus “jobs” program, and be asked to participate in a variety of off-campus service programs such as, Habitat for Humanity, Midnight Run, etc. Call to Service participants also have opportunities to attend retreats to reflect upon the links between their spiritual and communal lives.

Boys arrive at different stages of their hero’s journey, some newly departed from home, others further along the path and feeling comfortable and competent with their inner and outer worlds. The Call to Explore gives our boys the opportunity to explore and express themselves through drama, movement, poetry, story telling, video production, and more. Opportunities such as performances and presentations for the community draw boys out, making them comfortable with expression and acceptance of themselves.

In The Fifth Form you will:

• Concentrate on classroom work to prepare for college acceptance.
• Demonstrate cooperation and active support for leaders of the community.
• Engage in traditional academics.