Announcing our 24-25 Learning Arc

What is Most Important to Build Heroic Culture?

At Acton Academy Lincoln, we believe in the power of curiosity, creativity, and challenge. Each year, we develop our learning design around a central, thought-provoking question that guides our learners through a transformative educational journey. This year's question strikes at the heart of what it means to be part of a thriving community: What is most important to build a heroic culture?

​A Deep Dive into Heroic Culture

In a world that is rapidly changing, the need for strong, resilient, and compassionate communities has never been more pressing. But what truly defines a "heroic culture"? Is it about setting clear boundaries, or fostering strong connections? Is it rooted in personal accountability, or do we need to lean more on peer support? For the year, our learners will explore these themes, testing ideas and reflecting on their experiences to build a deeper understanding of what it takes to cultivate a community where heroes are made.

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Session One: Clear Boundaries vs. Strong Connections
Quest | Build the Tribe - Survivor Style

Our journey begins with the age-old debate of boundaries versus connections. Which is more vital in creating a cohesive group? To explore this, our learners will be challenged to "Build the Tribe" in a Survivor-style quest. They'll develop survival skills, face challenges, and discover what it means to come together as a strong, resilient community.

Session Two: Personal Accountability vs. Peer Accountability
Quest | Shark Tank Entrepreneurship Quest

As we dive into the second session, the focus shifts to accountability. Is it more important for a hero to hold themselves to high standards, or to be held accountable by their peers? Learners will put their ideas to the test in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, honing their entrepreneurial skills and learning the importance of responsibility in both personal and collective success. Meanwhile, our Spark studio will focus on the principles of Servant Leadership.

Session Three: Shared Values vs. Noble Cause
Quest | Colonial America
  
In session three, learners will step back in time to experience life under the rule of tyrannical King George in our Colonial Acton quest. Through this immersive experience, they’ll explore the tension between shared values and the pursuit of a noble cause, examining how these elements shape the fabric of a heroic culture. Our Spark studio will turn its attention to the natural world, exploring North American biomes.

Session Four: Kindness vs. Honesty
Quest | Detective Quest, Chess, and Mechanical Physics 

This session delves into the balance between kindness and honesty—two virtues often seen at odds. Our younger learners will embark on a Detective Quest, while elementary heroes will master the strategic game of chess, and our middle and high school learners will tackle the complexities of Mechanical Physics. Each quest will challenge learners to navigate the delicate line between truth and compassion.

Session Five: Individual Excellence vs. Group Success
Quest | Healthy Living, Newton's Toy Shop, and Build a City/Electricity 

The fifth session raises the question of individual versus collective achievement. Is it more heroic to strive for personal excellence, or to contribute to the success of the group? Sparks will explore Healthy Living and Lifestyles, elementary learners will experiment with Newton's Toy Shop, and older learners will undertake the challenge of building a city while learning about electricity.

Session Six: Tough-Minded vs. Warm-Hearted
Quest | Gardening, Story of Energy, and Coding/Robots 

As we near the end of the year, we’ll explore the balance between toughness and warmth. Spark learners will dig into the soil with a Gardening quest, elementary learners will trace the "Story of Energy," and our middle and high school heroes will dive into the world of coding and robotics. This session encourages learners to reflect on the importance of resilience paired with empathy in a heroic culture.

Session Seven: Hard-Working vs. Fun-Loving
Quest | Strategic/Collaborative Games and Passion Projects  

In our final session, we’ll examine the tension between hard work and the pursuit of joy. Can a heroic culture thrive without a balance of both? Sparks will engage in Strategic and Collaborative Games, while all other studios will embark on Passion Projects, allowing learners to pursue their interests and passions, demonstrating that hard work and fun can indeed go hand-in-hand.

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As we navigate these seven sessions, our learners will be challenged to think critically, act courageously, and reflect deeply on what it means to be a hero in their own lives and communities. By the end of the year, they will have gained not just knowledge, but the wisdom and insight needed to build and contribute to a truly heroic culture. 

We invite you to join us on this exciting journey at Acton Academy Lincoln as we explore, question, and discover together!