Our Curriculum at a Glance
The GBCS expectations for Student Learning and subject specific course competencies are aligned to the New Hampshire Curriculum Frameworks and Commom Core State Standards. Course expectations are implemented to a college preparatory level, but classes are heterogeneously grouped with a great deal of flexibility to support student needs, interests and challenges. Great Bay Charter School offers Advanced Placement courses in English Literature and Composition, Language and Composition, US History, and Calculus based on student interest. GBCS also offers a scholar program for students with particular content interests.
Project-Based Learning
At GBCS, we prioritize hands-on, learning that is delivered in the form of projects. Often interdisciplinary, students are given real world scenarios and “problems” to solve in both independent or group applications. Many students find this type of learning more engaging than more traditional models.
Personalized Learning Plans
The Great Bay Charter School requires the development of collaboratively developed, student-led Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) for each student. Conferences are held each fall to discuss the students goals and establish the plan. A spring review conference focuses on progress obtained and targets for next year. Much like an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students with special needs, the PLP is student-focused, developed by a team, and will help guide educational options and opportunities throughout the students’ tenure at school.
Advisory
From day one, students are connected with a faculty advisor who serves as the primary connection between student, family, and school. They stay with their advisors throughout their tenure as a lower or upper school student and develop very supportive relationships to assist the student in navigating school.
Students meet with their advisors in small groups twice daily—at morning meeting and during late morning advisory. These mixed-grade advisory groups will do a variety of activities that can make them seem like small family units within the school.
Collins Writing Program
At GBCS, we use The Collins Writing Program to aid students in strengthening writing across the curriculum. Its cornerstone, Five Types of Writing, provides teachers with a framework grounded in the science of writing to engage, teach, and assess students while building essential writing skills and habits in the context of everyday classroom learning. Collins Writing is used to improve content understanding, build participation and accountability, and strengthen writing skills and habits—all while aligning with research-based practices.
Internship Opportunities~
Real Credit for Real World Learning
Great Bay Charter School seeks to provide a broad range of learning opportunities for its students as part of the academic program. Career or industry specific learning opportunities are almost impossible to simulate within the walls of a school. However, through collaboration with local businesses, GBCS can connect students with experiential learning opportunities for which they can receive high school credit. In addition to credit towards graduation, students gain experience and insight that will inform and influence choices they make about college and career. Businesses gain as well because internships are an investment in the future workforce.
Examples of Previous Student Internships
- Staff Reporter – Seacoast Media Group
- Staff Photographer – Seacoast Media Group
- Nutritionist Assistant – Riverwoods
- Radio Station Operator – WXEX
- Auto Technician – Wright’s Quick Lube
- Veterinary Technician Assistant – Lafayette Animal Hospital
- Student Teacher Assistant – Seacoast Charter School
- Front Desk Coordinator/ Assistant- Lux Studio
- Fire Fighter – Epping Fire Department
- Art Therapist – Portsmouth Music and Arts Center
- Public Safety – Epping Police Department
- Library/Media Services – Epping Elementary School Library
- Library/Media Services – Kensington Public Library
- Political Campaign Worker – Obama for America
- Restaurant/Hospitality – Epoch Restaurant
- Reptile Specialist – Zoo Creatures
- Line Cook – Margarita’s Restaurant
Competency-Based Assessment
Rather than grading with a letter-based, traditional points system, GBCS measures academic and skill-based proficiencies. Our competencies are based on Common Core and State Standards. While we use projects, presentations and writing for assessment and not formal tests, state testing is required.
