Noble and Greenough School Course Catalog

Class IV Sexuality:

The Nobles Class IV PD curriculum provides a classroom opportunity for students to engage in discussion topics connected to sexuality education. Using a custom, secular version of the Our Whole Lives curriculum, PD aims to instruct students to make empowered and well-informed personal choices about sexuality and relationships and to create a space that supports our students in all aspects of their identity. Key to creating a space where all students feel valued is to make sure that all lessons are framed in a way that includes people of all sexualities (including those who identify as asexual) and gender identities. Too often sex ed is framed through a hetero and cisnormative lens leaving out the experiences and needs of those who identify as LGBTQIAAP+ This curriculum assumes that all sexualities and gender identities are in the room and attempts to be as inclusive as possible when discussing sexuality, bodies, relationships and other related topics. The OWL curriculum states that “young people need sexuality education programs that model and teach caring, compassion, respect and justice. Such programs should be holistic, moving beyond the intellect to address the attitudes, values, and feelings that youth have about themselves and the world.” In accordance with the OWL principles, our curriculum aims to, “proactively help youth become sexually healthy people who feel good about themselves and their bodies, remain healthy and build positive, equitable loving relationships.” OWL is a curriculum built on values and respect. We acknowledge that some of the values may be slightly different than the messages students receive elsewhere. We expect students to be respectful and understanding of one another.

What it boils down to is this: in our desire to provide leadership for the public good, we are responsible for making our students leave Nobles prepared to be good citizens. Part of being a good citizen includes the ability to maintain healthy relationships with oneself and with romantic and sexual partners. This curriculum is the first step in a lifetime of learning how to navigate the discovery of one’s own identity and those relationships.

Class IV Sexuality PD courses are taught by faculty members who have been trained in the OWL curriculum and meet once a week for one semester.

Class IV Humane Technology

The Nobles Class IV curriculum utilizes the youth toolkit from The Center for Humane Technology, which states: "The main learning goal is for youth to be able to be a part of the push for humane technology that supports our collective well-being and is a part of a humane, sustainable, and equitable future."

In this course, students will explore:

The economic motivations and broader systems that prompt tech companies to market user attention and behavior to advertisers.

The methods social media platforms use to capture attention and influence behavior.

Fundamental brain and behavioral science principles that explain how social media keeps users engaged.

The negative impacts of the attention economy and persuasive technology, and why these issues stem from a flawed system.

With this understanding, students can more effectively navigate their digital environment and will have the chance to:

Use storytelling to reflect on their social media experiences and understand how sharing these stories can drive change.

Modify their social media usage by setting objectives and collaborating with others.

Envision and advocate for humane technology that fosters enduring, systemic transformation.

In the spring, both courses will incorporate the national "Teen Mental Health First Aid" curriculum, which teaches students "how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers."

Class III Mindfulness:

Many recent studies have shown that mindfulness practice enhances concentration, resilience, and empathy. In this course, students learn various ways to engage in mindfulness meditation, practice techniques that help them cope with stress, address their emotional needs, and relate to each other with kindness and compassion. In light of the fact that all brains function differently, we offer a broad variety of mindfulness-based activities and empower students to use the techniques that resonate most with each of them. By the end of the course, each student has a lifelong toolbox full of strategies and skills.

The Class III Personal Development course is a semester-long deep-dive into Mindfulness. Students learn about the neurological benefits of mindfulness, and they engage in practices that help them cope with stress, recognize and address their emotional needs, and connect with each other with kindness and empathy. By the end of the course, each student has a toolbox full of mindfulness-based strategies that they can use at any time to reduce stress, enhance focus, and cultivate strong relationships with people in their lives.

Class III Mindfulness PD courses are taught by our resident mindfulness guru, Kate Harrington, and meet once a week for one semester.

Class III Substance Use Awareness:

Currently, there are many individuals, families, and communities that are significantly affected by substance use disorders. The focus of this class is on exploring the science, treatment, and impact of substance use disorders. Students will explore the complex interactions of biological, psychological, and social causes and consequences of substance use. The class prepares students to develop knowledge of, and skills in, evidence-informed substance use prevention, education, and treatment.

Class III Substance Use Awareness Personal Development courses are team-taught by members of the counseling, health, and DEI teams and meet once a week for one semester.

In the spring, both courses will incorporate the national "Teen Mental Health First Aid" curriculum, which teaches students "how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers."

In this semester-long course, Class II students will explore what the field of psychology teaches us about how to be happier, how to feel less stressed, and how to thrive in high school. We will discuss all of the things that we mistakenly believe will bring us happiness and the various ways our minds lie to us about what we think we want. Together, we will learn and practice several techniques that have been scientifically proven to 'rewire' our brains to increase our overall happiness and well-being.