Arts and Leisure
The arts are a vital aspect of our education. All our students are instructed in music, drawing, creative writing, and poetry. Each grade also performs a play. We engage students in the joy of writing, of stories, of poetry, and of song. The boys keep journals, compete in poetry recital contests, experience great music, learn to sing traditional songs, practice the art of writing and telling stories, as well as hear a wide range of interesting stories — from folk tales and historical narratives to epic legends of heroes.
THE ART OF RHETORIC IS INCULCATED throughout the curriculum. Students learn the skills and mechanics of public speaking and writing. A middle school class is devoted to rhetoric each week. The writing program fosters attention to detail and practicing skills, but also exercises the imagination and creativity. We have a boys’ choir and a chess club that meet weekly after school (and are very popular).
Four Houses
Similar to many traditional english schools, all students are placed in one of four houses: House of the Raven, House of the Shell, House of the Green, House of the Water. Each House is derived from the shield on the school's coat of arms and features a particular virtue as its motto. The houses cultivate camaraderie, leadership, and a healthy rivalry among the boys. They serve as the families within the larger family-like community of Western Academy. The student's placement in a House is permanent and siblings will automatically be placed in the same House. Student leadership is orchestrated through the Houses. Throughout the year the Houses compete; competitions include chess tournaments, academic projects, poetry competitions, athletic events, etc. The primary days of competition are festival days — days designed to help students have a sense of season and to truly celebrate a feast: they know the reason for the feast — the feast's gift — and can naturally rejoice in receiving the gift.
