Upper School
Special Studies Program: EXPLORE A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY
Self-discovery extends beyond the classroom. Each year, our Special Studies Program gives upper schoolers the chance to broaden their horizons through immersive learning opportunities, both on- and off-campus.
About SSP
Special Studies Programs, or SSP, comprises a series of outside-the-box learning opportunities throughout a student's Upper School experience.
Agnes Irwin girls travel to Spain to immerse themselves in language and culture. Hike glaciers and scuba dive in the frigid waters of the Icelandic countryside. Build homes for Habitat for Humanity. Conduct experiments to learn about how food is made and composted. Design unique and trend-setting garments. And pitch new product ideas, Shark Tank-style, to professors from the Villanova School of Business.
Local SSP
Four days each year in Upper School
Held between semesters, upper schoolers spend four days each year engaged in immersive, project-based mini-courses, usually led by AIS faculty.
Global SSP
Once in Upper School
Students take part in at least one global program during their time at Agnes Irwin. Global SSPs typically take place over spring break or in the summer.
Community Engagement
Throughout Upper School
During Upper School, students complete 40+ hours of volunteering/service in the area of their choice with the option to complete many more.
Local SSP
Our Local SSP programs help each student cultivate her own knowledge, interests and skills across disciplines.
Recent SSPs have featured opportunities to:
- Work with orphaned animals at Rosebridge Farm
- Taste their way through various cultural hotspots through South Philly
- Volunteer their time to combat food insecurity
- Learn the fine art of photography in nature
- Make dumplings for residents of the Mansion at Rosemont
- Create films for various non-profits in the area
Juniors and seniors can also develop their own independent SSP, or spend this week in an internship.
Global SSP
Our global SSP program is designed to help students investigate the world beyond their immediate environment, recognize their own and others’ perspectives, communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences, and translate ideas and findings into action.
Recent programs have included:
- Studying language and culture in Spain
- Volunteering at local schools in Costa Rica
- Experiencing Icelandic culture and adventure
- Practicing French and tasting French food during a homestay in the south of France
- Learning about sustainable farming in Italy
- Forging connections with students at a girls' school in Tanzania
Students can also propose their own global program.