Education that shapes both -
mind and character
Studying great works of Western civilization, students seek answers to life's most important questions, learn to understand themselves and the world around them, while building bonds of trust and friendship with their peers. In short, they are inspired to become heroes of their own story.
Great Works Academy supports
grow in virtue
Together with Aristotle, Tolkien or Rembrandt, students explore important moral values and reflect on them while shaping their own character.
think critically
Instead of memorizing data, students are encouraged to formulate their own thoughts and analyze different arguments.
focus deeply
Deep study of the great works allows students to concentrate better - a skill which helps the greatest ideas and innovations to form and emerge.
read with comprehension
Students are guided to understand the meaning of the text so that they can independently evaluate the content.
Why is the program relevant?
As humans we often ask crucial questions to which we don't find answers in our daily lives.
What does it mean to be happy? What is justice? Is democracy the best political system? Is beauty subjective?
The great works in Academy are chosen for their universality and timelessness. They play an important role on our journey of exploring the important questions of humanity.
Teacher as a guide
We work with outstanding teachers at schools, who care about complex development of their students and the improvement of educational system.
During the school year, the guide (teacher) organises 12 seminars (90 minutes each) to which students come prepared to talk about the great work they studied and reflected upon.
The role of the guide is to help students navigate during their discussions on the big questions and topics within and beyond the great work.
95% of students say that the TEACHER
is one of the most influential parts of the program
We support teachers with
Initial
Training
Lesson plans
in Online library
Materials
in Online library
Mentoring
and Community
Benefits for participants
With its content and form, Great Works Academy mitigates the impact of unregulated Internet culture - it helps young people to study and think independently, evaluate arguments and situations and better express their own viewpoints.
Through the great works, students explore the great ideas, they exercise critical and analytical thinking, empathy, as well as consistent work with text, music, film and artwork.
The great works help them to discover beauty and give value to the cultural heritage of western civilization.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
74% of students report an improved ability to see and understand different perspectives
66% perceive an improvement in empathy
CRITICAL THINKING
Students improved their critical thinking, evidenced in an 11.8 times higher score on a required assessment.
ABILITY TO FOCUS
74% of students listen better
49% improved their concentration
51% of students become more actively engaged in class
READING COMPREHENSION
Students improved their reading comprehension score by 5.4 points.
vision
Virtuous young people longing for wisdom and beauty.
mision
By searching for answers to the important questions in life and studying the great works and stories of our western civilization enable high school students to better understand themselves and the world and motivate them to become the heroes of their own amazing stories.
We are a team of enthusiasts
for good quality education.
Our combined professional backgrounds and academic qualifications from Slovak and foreign universities inspire us to approach young people with respect and share with them the best of what we have been given. In line with the mission and vision of Great Works Academy, we're consistently educating ourselves and seek to work and live with integrity.
Teaching Character: A Practical Guide
Great Artworks Can Help Students (and Teachers) to Flourish and Become Heroes of Their Own Life Story.
Organized by
Partners
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