Academics
Upper School

Student Leadership & Clubs

Berwick’s Upper School leadership program is designed to give students authentic opportunities to exercise leadership as a service to their school community while remaining aligned with our core principles and values. Leadership is part of the daily culture at Berwick and students in Grades 9-12 become leaders through Innovation Pursuits, captaincy opportunities in athletic programs, lead and coordinating roles in theater productions, public-speaking in assembly, collaborative classwork, etc.

Clubs

In addition to a robust academic program, opportunities for exploration and engagement outside of the classroom are important aspects of the Upper School experience. Students are invited to engage in clubs, activities, and social events that occur both on and off campus. In addition to participation, students are encouraged to work in conjunction with the faculty to create vibrant experiences, expanding on and exploring a range of interests, and building a unique sense of community spirit.

Clubs at Berwick are largely student-run with faculty support and cover a range of interests driven by student investment and choice. Some clubs center around social/entertainment focused activities while others connect with the Lower and Middle Schools, Finance, Community Service, Sustainability, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). 

Club applications and sign-ups open each September and give students an opportunity to learn about, start, or join those that interest them. Meeting schedules are published and shared throughout the year. Students may also start a club by following a formal process that includes a written mission-statement and identifying a faculty sponsor.

Examples of clubs include:
Alliance Diversity Club Kindness Through Baking
BA Fantasy Sports Drama Club Math Club
Beach Clean Up Feminism Club Model United Nations
BNN (Bulldogs News Network) Film Club Outreach
Book Club Fishing Club Ski Club
Chinese Culture Club Food Critics Club Sustainability Club
Cornhole Club Gardening Club Teens for STEAM
 Debate Club Investment Club

Leadership Roles

List of 7 items.

  • Prefects

    Prefects are twelfth grader students who represent the entire Upper School (students, faculty, and staff) and use their positions to create an inclusive, collaborative environment for all. Prefects are asked to look beyond the social events of the school to cultivate and support the school’s mission and culture in broader areas. Open to Grade 12.
  • SLC Co-Chair

    In addition to representing the twelfth grade class, Student Leadership Council Chairs guide and mentor the SLC Representative group and help maintain fairness and equity across all four classes. (Open to Grade 12)
  • SLC Representatives

    Student-Leadership Council Representatives are primarily tasked with supporting and advocating for the needs of their class and the larger social experience of the Upper School. Representatives are expected to work collaboratively and constructively with all representatives. Open to Grades 9-11.
  • Honor Committee

    The Honor Committee, composed equally of Upper School students and faculty members, is Berwick’s judiciary board. Members serving on the Honor Committee are expected to hold the integrity of this position at all times. This includes absolute confidentiality and respect for the process and the students and faculty involved. Open to Grades 11-12.
  • SWAT (Student Wellness Advising Team)

    The SWAT Mission is to unite students who care deeply about the well-being of the Berwick Academy student body and consistently demonstrate respect and integrity in their daily actions and interactions. SWAT members attend the tenth grade trip. Open to Grades 11-12.
  • SALT (Student Athlete Leadership Team)

    SALT is comprised of student-athletes who model leadership, inclusivity, and integrity both within our community and beyond. They create a sense of shared responsibility between students, coaches, and administration and promote a partnership of mutual respect between all members of the athletic community. Open to Grades 10-12.
  • CAT (Creative Arts Team)

    A team of student artists focused on building community, inclusivity, and student participation in the arts across campus. This team collaborates with faculty, other Berwick leadership groups, and each other in the shared responsibility of community leadership. Open to Grades 10-12.

Berwick Academy

Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 520 students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Postgraduates. Berwick students are from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and several countries. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves.