SUMMER INTENSIVE COURSE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Public Speaking in the Real World: A field-trip-based experiential seminar

Why?

The path from high school to college to career is changing. Today, admissions officers and employers are looking for applicants who combine academic knowledge with real-world skills. High school students need more opportunities to engage in career-relevant experiences in the real-world. 

Who?

This course is designed for gifted and/or mature high school students who are looking to improve their communication skills by giving speeches, both extemporaneous and scripted, in a variety of real-world contexts.

Where?

We will meet, initially, at the instructor’s kitchen table in Corte Madera. Most lectures and discussions will be conducted  while hiking in Marin. Half of our meetings will be field trips, which may include Yerba Buena Gardens, the Berkeley Poetry Slam, The Moth StorySlams, BATS Improv, open mic nights, comedy nights, public meetings, and public lectures.

When?

The summer intensive session will be held July 13–July 18 with a full-day program and frequent evening field trips. Thereafter, we will meet once a week during the fall, for an additional six meetings that will be held on weekends.

Instructor:

Cathy Petrick, MFA Creative Writing, single subject credentialed teacher of English,  has worked as a cook, a national park ranger, a French teacher, an English teacher, a cross country coach, and a college admissions essay coach. During the summer she teaches experience-centered seminars for small groups of motivated high school students.