What Does Inquiry-Centered Learning Look Like Over Time?

At Bancroft School, we begin in PreK, when students first stand on stage during Friday Share to recite a poem. It grows in Lower School through experiences like the 4th Grade History Wax Museum, where students bring American Revolutionary War personalities to life through research, performance, and storytelling. By 6th grade, students present their work at the 6th Showcase, communicating ideas with purpose.

By the end of their 8th grade year, those same skills culminate in experiences like yesterday’s Model United Nations conference.

The conference capped off an interdisciplinary global studies history course. Students authored formal policy papers, designed interactive research displays, and represented countries in a full-day simulation featuring parliamentary procedure, moderated caucuses, negotiations, and collaborative resolution writing.

What stood out most to observers was the depth of personal connection students brought to their work:

• “My grandparents immigrated from this country.”
• “One of my teammates is from there.”
• “My sister is adopted from there.”

For other students, the connection was experiential. Colin, for example, recently traveled on the Bancroft School spring break trip to Costa Rica and used that firsthand experience to drive his Model UN research on the country.

These moments reinforced that meaningful learning happens when inquiry connects to community.

From PreK Friday Share to the 4th Grade Wax Museum, from the 6th Grade Showcase to today’s Model UN conference, there is a clear throughline: students learning to find their voice, share their ideas, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Congratulations to our 8th grade students on a remarkable day.