GFS encourages students to take initiative in their own education. Last year, one hundred and ten Upper School students
pursued their particular interests, alone or in groups, with the help of a faculty advisor. Students
initiate these Directed Independent Study minors, which meet once a week, and develop the curriculum in
concert with the advisor. Occasionally, students complete the course offerings in a particular discipline and
they develop a DIS major, which fulfills the requirements for a full-credit academic course. The experience of
creating a project, organizing it and sustaining it to completion is invaluable in helping students take responsibility
for what they learn and how they learn it.
All students planning to apply for DIS must consult with the Director of Independent Study.
This year, GFS is one of nine independent schools venturing into the world of online education with a course on Media Studies taught by Upper School English teacher Meg Goldner Rabinowitz. Learn more about Global Online Academy.
DIS MAJOR
Grades: 11, 12
Students in the upper grades may elect, as part of their academic schedule, a program of Directed Independent Study. An Independent Project may replace elective courses and may be substituted for required courses with permission of the department in question. Credit for Major Independent Projects will be assigned by the Academic Standards Committee or the Independent Projects Committee after evaluating the student’s proposal. Students choosing independent study are required to keep a weekly journal, to write at least 1 major paper each quarter, and to make periodic informal presentations of their work. All DIS Major electives are given letter grades. Students should expect to meet regularly with an advisor (a member of the faculty or other adult) and with the Director of Independent Study. In the spring, they are required to make a formal presentation of their work to their advisor and 2 other faculty members.
DIS MINOR
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Students may elect, as part of their academic schedule, a program of Directed Independent Study. A minor elective class or project in Independent Study should demand the same commitment as a 2 period minor elective course. Students choosing this program may develop a project, which can be completed during the school day, or outside of school. Students may elect to focus on an academic interest or to work on a community outreach project within GFS or in the Germantown community. The range of courses and projects has included Mandarin, German, reading in philosophy, history and religion, art projects, creative writing, computer programming, tutoring children and adults at GFS, at local elementary schools, and at shelters, and working in the Pennsylvania School For The Deaf classrooms. Students should expect to meet regularly with an advisor and periodically with the Director of Independent Study.