Noble and Greenough School Course Catalog

Class IV Sexuality Education:

The Nobles Class IV Sexuality Education PD curriculum aims to, in conjunction with Nobles’ mission and principles, provide a classroom opportunity for students to engage in discussion topics connected to sexuality education. Through the usage of a custom version of the Our Whole Lives curriculum, PD aims to “create environments that support and nurture sexual health.” 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 intellect to address the attitudes, values, and feelings that youth have about themselves and the world.” Nobles’ semester-long sexuality education curriculum engages students in thoughtful conversations to help them consider all of the factors that might go into making healthy decisions about their own sexual lives. In accordance with the OWL principles and best practices, our curriculum aims to equip youth with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to positively engage with harm reduction strategies. Additionally, the curriculum proactively helps youth feel good about themselves and their bodies through a variety of discussions on topics like healthy relationships, interpersonal values, consent, and more.

Class IV Sexuality Education PD courses are team-taught by specially trained Nobles educators and meet once per cycle 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

The fundamental brain and behavioral science principles that explain how social media keeps users engaged

TThe 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 be encouraged to envision and advocate for humane technology that fosters well-being and connection.

Class IV Humane Technology PD courses are co-taught by trained teachers and members of the student support team, and meet once per cycle for one semester.

Class III Mindfulness:

This Class III Personal Development course is a semester-long deep-dive into Mindfulness. Many recent studies have shown that mindfulness practice enhances concentration, resilience, and empathy. In this course, students gain an understanding of the neurological benefits of mindfulness and learn various ways to engage in mindfulness meditation. The techniques they practice will 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.

In the Spring, both PD III classes 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 PD courses are taught by our resident mindfulness guru, Kate Harrington, and meet once per cycle for one semester.

Class III Substance Use Awareness:

The Class III Substance Use Awareness course explores the science, treatment, and impact of substance use disorders. Students learn about the complex interactions of biological, psychological, and social causes and consequences of substance use. This class prepares students to develop knowledge of, and skills in, evidence-informed substance use prevention, education, and treatment.

In the spring, both PD III 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 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 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.