Upper School Program

JOIN US!

July 6 - July 30, 2021

in-person on campus

$3550 - Full Day (9 am - 4 pm) - grades 9-10

$2550 - Mornings Only (9 AM - 12:30 PM)

Upper School Opportunities

Summer Seminar - 9 am - 12:30 pm

SUMMER SEMINAR

Join us for four weeks of immersive, multidisciplinary study and seminar-based instruction combined with interactive experiences, including interviews with local experts, group film screenings, hands-on activities, and virtual excursions.

In addition to providing academic continuity during the summer months, the design of this program encourages student discussion and critical thinking, broadens background knowledge and supports the development of essential 21st century studentship skills.

This program is open to both AIM and non-AIM students, entering grades 9 through 12.

AND DON'T FORGET - AIM students who fully participate in the Summer Seminar program will receive credit for AIM's assigned summer work and will NOT be required to complete AIM's summer reading and writing requirements.

2021 SUMMER SEMINAR THEME:

Be an Educated Consumer!

What to buy, what to wear, what to eat, what to believe… Everyday we make decisions as consumers. Join us as we deepen our awareness of consumerism in our daily lives and explore how the past, present and future is sculpted by society’s needs and how we decide what food, clothing, transportation, products, services, entertainment, and information to “buy.”

Program Features:

Co-taught by interdisciplinary team of AIM teachers
Weaves together reading, writing, research, art/film/media study, and hands-on learning
Builds background knowledge, critical thinking, cultural competence, and 21st century studentship skills
Opportunities to engage with experts in the field
Meets requirements for AIM Summer Reading and Writing assignments!

MATH SKILLS MAINTENANCE ADD-ON ($650)

Since our Upper School Summer Seminar program is focused primarily on the Humanities and Literacy, we are offering an add-on program for math skill maintenance. This program runs each morning before the start of the seminar program and is for Upper School students (rising 9th-12th) who are continuing to work on fluency with math facts or fundamental algebraic concepts. This is not tied to a particular math curriculum or grade level and is designed to provide an opportunity to practice core math skills during the summer months.

Afternoon Workshops (Grades 9-10)

Upper School students entering grades 9 and 10 will have the opportunity to extend their day and explore their creative interests in a “can do” environment. Choose four week-long workshops from a variety of options, including STEAM, visual arts, sports and fitness, and other adventures. *Students will choose one workshop for each week of the summer program.

Students must be enrolled in a morning program to participate in Afternoon Workshops. If you need to access the selection form, please contact Erin DeVault at edevault@aimpa.org.

WEEK ONE (July 6-9)

Grades 8-10: 4 Chords Music Workshop - Students will learn to play 4 chords (C, D, Em, G) on the piano and guitar, as well as the fundamentals for playing the bass and drums. After tutorials in each, students will pick their instrument of choice and together they will form a band and learn to play various songs using the 4 chords learned. No musical skills required!

Grades 8-10: Campus and Community Projects - Learn new skills while giving back to the AIM community! Students will engage in special projects around campus that are focused on refreshing and beautifying the school. Specific projects will be determined closer to the start of the workshop, but examples may include: learning to use basic tools to repair or assemble furniture, refurbishing beloved (but aging) artwork, learning how to prep walls for painting, organizing storage spaces, and refreshing gardens and landscape.

WEEK TWO (July 12-16)

Grades 6-10: Fishing in Philadelphia - BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!! Join our Interim Head of School, Dr. Gallagher, in this week of fishing adventures! We will travel around the Philadelphia area to various fishing locations and explore local rivers, canals, and more. Students are encouraged to bring their own fishing pole and sun/insect protection (hooks and bait will be provided). Please note: Space in this group is limited due to the number of seats available in our transportation vans.

Grades 8-10: Cyanotype Photography - Use your smartphone to take photos that we will develop into negatives. We will learn about the science behind cyanotypes, mix the light sensitive emulsion, coat the paper and work in a mock darkroom to experiment with exposure times to create prints from your photos. We will also work outdoors and let the sun help develop our photograms. Don't have a smartphone? No problem! AIM will have iPads available for all to participate.

WEEK THREE (July 19-23)

Grades 8-10: “Zine” Making - In this workshop, students will use collage techniques (either by cutting up magazines or using Photoshop) to take apart and reconstruct advertisements to "change the message." Discussions about advertising, subliminal messaging, celebrity influence, and body image will be incorporated into this workshop, along with fun hands-on projects. At the end of the week, each student will have their own “zine” showcasing all of their creations.

Grades 8-10: Tennis for All Levels - Students will improve their tennis game and fitness in a fun, team-oriented atmosphere by playing games and matches, practicing tennis drills, applying strategy, and engaging in physical conditioning. Students at any level can join! Students are encouraged to bring their own racket if they have one. We will have extras available for those who do not. Please note: Space in this group is limited due to the number of seats available in our transportation vans.

WEEK FOUR (JUly 26-30)

Grades 6-10: Fishing in Philadelphia - BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!! Join our Head of School, Dr. Gallagher, in this week of fishing adventures! We will travel around the Philadelphia area to various fishing locations and explore local rivers, canals, and more. Students are encouraged to bring their own fishing pole and sun/insect protection (hooks and bait will be provided). Please note: Space in this group is limited due to the number of seats available in our transportation vans.

Grades 8-10: Gaming Workshop - Join us for a week of strategy, fun, and gaming. We will be exploring a variety of board and card games, traditional or otherwise. Game choices will be tailored to players’ interests and personalities. Suggestions and recommendations are encouraged. If you enjoy gaming for strategy, friendly competition, or simply to socialize, this workshop is for you!

Camp Counselors (students 16 years and over)

AIM Camp Counselors work with our elementary-age afternoon campers from 12:30-4:15 daily throughout the summer program.

To apply: email Erin DeVault at edevault@aimpa.org.

Counselor Responsibilities:

Escort small groups of students between activities
Participate and encourage students during activities
Help supervise students during free play

Application Requirements:

Must be 16 years or older at the start of the program
Must participate in a low-pressure interview and attend an orientation and training day during the spring
Must submit any required paperwork, background checks, or clearances (AIM's HR department will help guide students through exactly what they need)

Counselors can receive either volunteer hours or a small stipend payment for their time

Introduction to the ACT - POSTPONED SUMMER 2021

~~Introduction to the ACT~~ - POSTPONED SUMMER 2021

Given the continuing changes surrounding college acceptance requirements and the ACT/SAT exams, we have found that there is decreased interest in this program for Summer 2021. Due to low enrollment, we have decided to reallocate our faculty and resources to expanding our other programs. Check out our Summer Seminar Program for exciting High School Programming!

Still looking for Test Prep support and instruction this summer? We do have faculty available for 1:1 tutoring. Please complete our Tutoring Interest Form to explore this option.