Adelphi Academy - Adelphic Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

Page 25 text:

26 ADELPHJ ACADEM Y. Art School already in the Academy makes this an especially fortu- nate opportunity. Szbctlz. The Continuity of Science Study. Natural Science is to become as continuous a feature of the curriculum as 'History or English. The study of the object or, where the object is neces- sarily lacking, of the picture, is made prominent in every one of the primary class-rooms. In each year of the lower grades the concrete facts of elementary natural history and of the physics and chemistry of daily life are studied and explained. Biology in the Collegiate Department is based, therefore, upon a considerable equipment of knowledge concerning Zoology and botany, and physics and chemistry, when taken up, connect naturally with the preceding study of life and its environment. Sevenfh. Arrangement of the Studies in the English Language and Literature. The mother-tongue is to be studied by the labora- tory method. That means that the younger pupils are to become familiar with the best books of juvenile literature. Such books will be used as reading books, and the study of English grammar will also be based upon them. The correct use of English, in other words, is to be insured as much as possible by constant familiarity with the best models. Formal grammar should be simplified, and its terminology should be made plain and practical. Similar methods will characterize the study of English Litera- ture. The library is the laboratory, and the class carries in hand not a description of the subject, but the subject itself. Practice in writing the mother-tongue well is to be secured not so much by the formal essay as by the writing of themes in the class, the natural expression of the moment's thought. The list of books from which reading books and texts in literature are to be chosen can be ex- amined in the catalog of the Academy. Ezghfh. Systematic Physical Training. Last, but not least in importance, is the new requirement of uniform,,systematic physi- cal training on the part of every student. Provision of time and in- struction is made for every class. The younger classes, to the Sixth Academic grade inclusive, are required to engage in the regu- lar calisthenic exercises as at present. Above that class each stu- dent must engage at least twice a week in systematic exercises un-

Page 24 text:

ADELPH1 ACADEMY. 25 Latin for seven years, Greek for Hve years, while English study holds the prominent place in every year of the twelve. History and politics, in one form or another, extend through every year of the course except one, and the study of the Fine Arts takes its proper place by the side of History. Science-study is required of all students, and especial attention is paid to this work among all the earlier classes. Physics and Chemistry are each studied for four years, while Natural History and its kindred topics are studied throughout the whole course. Particular attention is also invited to the opportunity for two years' study of the Spanish language. This offer should be of special service to young men who intend to enter a business career. Finally, the advanced work of the Mathematical Department receives more time and assumes a more systematic shape than ever before. In conjunction with the required science of the Scientific Course it insures a sound training in pure and applied science, together with ample laboratory facilities. Fzfflz. Biology in the Collegiate Course. Particular attention is invited to the range and sequence of studies in the central course of the Collegiate Department, the Collegiate Course. Every thorough course of education should contain a strong sequence of science study experimentally taught. Biology and its related subjects are the scientific background of this Collegiate Course. Biology is the science which deals with life, and is, therefore, most closely connected with the study of life in history and literature. It is also the science that is most intimately connected with wornan's Work in the World, and hence this course of training will prove to be exceedingly valuable for young women. On the other hand, the extended study of Biology with laboratory equipment will be the best possible preparation for the study of medicine, and hence this course is recommended to the careful attention of young men who are thinking of entering subsequently upon the study and practice of medicine. Moreover, the Collegiate Course is, in general, preeminently a culture course in literature, language and history, and particular emphasis is laid upon the study of the history and philosophy of Art as a pendent to the study of History and Psychology. The

Page 26 text:

ADELPHI ACADEMY. 27 der the eye of an instructor. The student will be' told what exer- cises are needful and suitable, where to begin and when to stop. The different classes will be given such a physical training in field or gymnasium, or both, as will insure a normal muscular develop- ment, and under natural conditions the certainty of physical health. This physical culture is by no means intended to secure merely ex- pertness in playing games. It is rather the education of the body which is intended to accompany the education of the mind. It inures to the beneht of all students, and not to the sole benefit of a few favored athletes. The Adelphi Academy is not seeking for reputation in ath- letics, but it is planning to shield its best students from the danger of a break-down on account of insufficient or improper exercise. The acquisition of a playing-field by means of the generosity of the Trustees and Alumni has rendered it possible to make ade- quate provision for this weekly physical culture. Through the larger part of the year classes of both boys and girls can be kept engaged at the same time, one in the gymnasium, and the other at the Held. The more advanced classes will naturally obtain from the latter convenience the highest degree of profit.