A Year of Traditions
Fourth Grade at The Agnes Irwin School represents a time of mastery and of preparation for new beginnings, with students participating in several traditions that mark the end of their time in Lower School. One of the academic highlights is a year-long study of the United States,
first exploring Pennsylvania, and then moving region by region throughout the United States. Eventually, each girl selects one state and does extensive research on it. Using different research materials, maps, websites and so forth, the girls write a report and complete a variety of projects, culminating with the annual Fourth Grade States Fair in the spring. Another signature theme is that of notable women; specifically, fourth graders spend the year exploring the essential question, "What does it mean to be notable?" As part of that study, students read famous biographies of women, and then write a monologue in the voice of that woman. Each girl takes on the persona of that individual at the “Women in Wax” Museum in the fall. Later in the year, the music program reaches a pinnacle in the form of the much-anticipated Fourth Grade play.
The girls’ transition from Lower School to Middle School is marked in fourth grade by the assumption of and responsibility for several Agnes Irwin leadership traditions. Fourth graders assume leadership responsibilities such as: raising and lowering the American flag and the Agnes Irwin flag each day, leading the Lower School in the Pledge of Allegiance at the weekly assembly, taking attendance in their homerooms, recycling for the Lower School building, acting as PreKindergarten and Kindergarten helpers at lunch, and serving as messengers. A special part of the annual May Fair celebration is the fourth grade’s colorful, traditional May Pole dance. The year culminates with a Moving-Up Day ceremony, where students receive their certificate of achievement on stage in front of their family and friends.