Humanities Now

In the last decade or more, there has been a great push for increased attention to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education.  At BHS, we have addressed this in a number of ways, from MathCounts and Robotics to Invention Convention and a variety of other programs.  While STEM education is very important, it is troubling to learn that there has been a decline in the number of students that are studying humanities.  A recent Wall Street Journal indicated that since 2012, there has been an almost 30% drop in students graduating college with concentrations in humanities.

 

The efforts to understand our shared humanity is very difficult and often hard to quantify, unlike much of what is studied in STEM fields.  While focusing on the humanities may not seem as practical as STEM, moral leaders and those that strive to help us understand the world in which we live are in short supply.  In the past week, the world has been repulsed by the savagery of terrorism, and too often we are left asking, how can this be.  Through the humanities, we can try to get at this.  Studying history, reading literature, developing, and debating ethics are as important as they have ever been.

 

At The Beech Hill School, we strive “to develop intellectually curious and capable young adults who will become contributing citizens and informed decision-makers.”  If we are to live up to this vision; it is critical that our future leaders are not only challenged by unique programs in STEM fields, but that they delve into the messy work that is understanding our shared humanity.

 

The Beech Hill School does not discriminate in its hiring, admissions policies, financial aid policies, educational policies, or the administration of school-related programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, nationality, gender, disability, or ethnic origin. The Beech Hill School is a non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt entity.