Critical Analysis and Rhetoric Skills Honed in NBS Lectures on Art

Dali, Altorfer, van Eyck, Vasari, and Raphael...During Friday morning's NBS Lectures on Art Finals, our eighth grade finalists provided in-depth critical analyses of notable works of art by these master artists before an audience of the boys' peers from the Nightingale-Bamford School and a panel of judges comprised of faculty members, administrators, trustees, and art experts.

One of four summary projects that the boys complete in their humanities course, the NBS Lectures challenges all of our eighth graders with researching an artwork of their choice and presenting a lecture that includes analysis of several components, such as iconography, gesture, color, impact of the artist, and historical setting.

The boys were judged on the quality and depth of their research and analysis as well as their presentation skills and the visual design of their slides.

It is no easy task for a boy to undertake such a complex multifaceted project. Each presentation was superb, and all of the finalists should be proud of their accomplishment.

The humanities course at Saint David's, taught by art historian Nancy Iannicelli, is a signature learning experience that challenges our boys to dig deeply and focus intently. It hones their analysis and rhetoric abilities, while demonstrating respect for scholarship and the rigorous pursuit of knowledge.

Resilience in the Teaching of Languages

Above: The Nerf microphone ball enables boys learning remotely to hear their classmates well. The pandemic has challenged educators to reinvent and reimagine units of study to keep learning engaging, regardless of how it is delivered. The following article, written for Saint David’s Magazine by our Modern Languages Chair Dr. Victoria Gilbert and Lower School Spanish teacher Flor Berman, addresses how this was done in the Spanish immersion language program at Saint David's. Ms. Berman and Dr. Gilbert, recipient of the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers' Ruth E. Wasley Distinguished Teacher Award, presented on the topic at NYSAIS’s Flexible Classroom Conference last summer. How Spanish Classes Have Bounced Back Resiliency implies an ability to bounce back, but as teachers working with the youngest learners in the school, we would reframe resiliency as the opportunity to reimagine. Whether boys are learning through a face-to-face experience or through the med

The Role of Faith in Social-Emotional Learning and Psychological Well-Being

The following article by our School Psychologist, Dr. Michael Schwartzman, appears in the current issue of Saint David's Magazine : During one of my first observations in a Saint David’s classroom 15 years ago, I witnessed two first grade boys in a verbal altercation. Although it was contained just between the two boys, their observant teacher had them talk it through and then shake hands on being in a better place for having done so. I was very impressed, and still am, with this approach that the school takes many times throughout the day. It helps establish a firm idea of how to behave, especially in social situations where emotions can be stirred and run high. Through this experience repeated consistently day in and day out, better, more productive ways of engaging become increasingly integrated by the boys as they develop socially and emotionally in interaction with each other. As the School Psychologist, I spend a lot of time thinking about the touch points for student and t

Storytelling Demonstrates Understanding

Their time had arrived. As the lights dimmed in our Otto-Bernstein Theatre, the astrophysicists, a mix of jitters and excitement, awaited their opportunity to share insights and stories about the workings of the universe. Which planets might support life? Is there water on Mars? What are Dwarf Planets? "Let's take a look at our closest neighbor, Venus," invited one presenter, before revealing that the planet - while ideal in proximity - has surface temperatures of 900 degrees F: "Imagine - standing on the surface would be like being burned alive!" Later that same day, in our Graham lunchroom, early 20th century immigrants of all ages from Italy, China, Ireland, Russia, among other countries, waited, with hope and determination, their turn to be interviewed for admittance to America. It wasn't going to be easy. They would be asked pointed, potentially life-altering questions by various processors. "What's that cough? It doesn't sound good,&qu

David O'Halloran, Headmaster - Saint David's School, New York City

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