Noble and Greenough School Course Catalog
Personal Development IV
The Science of Well-Being:
In this semester-long course, Class IV students will explore what the field of psychology teaches us about being happier, feeling less stressed, and thriving 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. This course meets once per cycle and is team-taught by members of Nobles’ well-being and support teams.- Open To: IV
- School Level: Upper School
- Term Offered: Fall Only
Personal Development IV
Class IV Humane Technology
This quarter-long course gives every Class IV student a shared foundation in AI literacy and a structured opportunity to reflect on their relationship with technology. Rather than a lecture series and or finger-wagging about the dangers and harms of social media and technology, the module is built around a central question: What are your goals and priorities, and does your technology use (including AI) support them or work against them? Students will develop practical fluency with AI tools, including learning about the opportunities they present and their potential pitfalls; engage with the ethical questions surrounding big tech, algorithmic systems, and social media; and work towards cohering a vision for how technology fits into the life they want to build. Course Pillars:- * TAI Literacy: What AI is and isn't, how to use it well, where it may help and harm learning
- * Autonomy: Agency in relation to algorithms, recommendation systems, and big tech business models
- * Online vs. embodied identity: Self-presentation, social media, and the relationship between digital and in-person life
- * Technology at its best (and worst): Case studies of technology that enriches lives — and design that exploits attention
- Open To: IV
- Term Offered: Quarter 3 Only
Personal Development IV
Class IV Identity/Storytelling
In this quarter-long Personal Development course, members of Nobles’ DEI and Student Support teams will guide students through storytelling and shared experiences, anchored in the school’s values, so that they better see and understand one another and build community. Through this course, students should:- * Feel seen and learn to see one another, with storytelling as the primary vehicle
- * Understand Nobles' values and what we stand for
- * Build a shared language and the early capacity for hard conversations across differences
- Open To: IV
- Term Offered: Quarter 4 Only
Personal Development III
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. This course also incorporates 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 meet once per cycle for a semester and are team-taught by members of Nobles’ support and well-being teams.- Open To: III
- School Level: Upper School
- Term Offered: Spring Only
Personal Development III
Sexuality Education:
This semester-long Sexuality Education PD curriculum aims, in conjunction with Nobles' mission and principles, to provide a classroom opportunity for students to engage in discussions on sex education. Using custom lesson plans originally based on the Our Whole Lives curriculum, PD aims to “create environments that support and nurture sexual health.” Through thoughtful conversations, students will consider all of the factors that might go into making healthy decisions about their own sexual lives. Our curriculum equips youth with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to positively engage with harm reduction strategies while fostering self-esteem and body confidence through discussions on consent, healthy relationships, and interpersonal values. Nobles' mission states that we, “forge human connections to inspire a lifelong process of discovery and unlock the potential to do good.” We are responsible for ensuring our students leave Nobles prepared to be good citizens and do good in the world. 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 those relationships. This course is team-taught by specially trained Nobles employees and meets once per cycle.- Open To: III
- School Level: Upper School
- Term Offered: Fall Only
Personal Development II
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 II Personal Development course is a semester-long deep-dive into Mindfulness. Students learn about the neurological benefits of mindfulness and 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 II Mindfulness PD courses meet once per cycle during the semester and are taught by members of Nobles’ support and well-being teams- Open To: II
- School Level: Upper School
- Term Offered: Spring Only