Learning

Our mission statement ends on a powerful note: "We expect our graduates to shape a changing world." How does four years at Porter's prepare girls to do that? It starts with how we learn. A world of tech, globalization, and pressing problems can only be shaped by those who understand that the interdisciplinary approach is the way of the future. We are breaking down the traditional silos of academic subjects in order to approach learning holistically, preparing our students to venture forth as balanced, thoughtful young women. Come see how students at Porter's are applying that holistic approach to addressing the timeless yet urgent problems that humanity faces.

Click an interdisciplinary theme to see how Porter’s students are shaping a changing world:

Business & economics
democratizing beauty

Elle Choi ’20  explored the complex intersection of industry, body image, societal pressure, and the power of advertising in her Capstone project dissecting the influence of makeup marketing in South Korea. She didn’t shy away from calling out the standards — which can be unrealistic bordering on cruel — pushed by cosmetic companies. She also constructively searched for ways that Korea’s beauty industry could become more inclusive and healthy.

social media as a business tool

The brave new world of social media and bite-sized content is more than just a connection to friends or a welcome distraction. Effectively navigating this complex and nuanced online world can be the difference between relevance and obsolescence for businesses. Madyn Singh ’20 explored the cross-section of economics, tech, and creative writing in her Capstone project.

Environment
linking forests and food

In their presentation “Life On Land,” Rania Notowidigdo ’21 and Sydney Cheng ’21 dug into the many ways that trees shape our ecosystem and agriculture. Deforestation and desertification of our environment are having dire effects on humanity’s ability to feed ourselves and maintain access to clean water.

Environmental advocacy via art

Inspired by the natural beauty of her home state of California, Evelyn Usich ’20 chose to pair her artistic abilities with an abiding passion for the preservation of her habitat. Highlighting endangered species, Evelyn sought to awaken in others the same urgency and passion for nature that drives her.

Philosophy, religion & Ethics
equity in genetics research

Jackie Mack ’21 explored how the scientific community navigates race, ethnicity, and biology. In underlining that 96% of genetic studies are based off people of European descent, she exposed a crucial bias in the research, which affects treatments for certain ethnic groups.

how do people create social movements?

Movements pushing for social change are as visible in America and around the world as they’ve ever been. From Black Lives Matter to March For Our Lives, activists are reshaping society. But how does that actually happen? This the question McKenzie Roller ’20 strives to answer in her podcast series, “Voices Of Change, For Change.”

Art, culture & Humanity
choreography with an unwavering voice 

Sometimes dance has the power not only to floor us with physical genius, but to demand we sit up and engage with a profound message. Kristabel Kenta-Bibi ’22 created such an effect through her dance performance set Andrea Gibson’s poem, “Letter To The Playground Bully.”

self exploration through creative expression

Whether through painting, drawing, or digital art, 2020’s AP Studio Art Exhibition showcased a tremendous range and depth of creation. Engaging with themes of identity, environmentalism, gender, pop culture, beauty, dreams, and more, this grouping of work demonstrates the power of art.

Government, civics & social justice
two immigrant stories, one america

How do the experiences of Mexican and Filipino immigrants to the United States compare and contrast? Using the book “Dear America” by Jose Antonio Vargas as her guiding text, Isabella Heath ’20 crafted this video that compiles her thoughts and research about two influential ethnic groups.

the historical weight of colonialism

France was among the most prominent European empires that conquered much of Africa through colonialism. But what are the lasting effects of that harm even today? Lauren Schramm ’20 answered that question in her Capstone project through case studies of Algeria, Nigeria and Sudan. Her research suggests that the ripple effects of France’s behavior continue to shape the culture and politics of these nations.

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Health & Medicine
engineering to save lives

Students in Jason Welch’s engineering class began tackling one of the world’s most pressing problems: how to make low cost ventilators using “off the shelf” components. Students are designing ventilators on a virtual program called TinkerCAD Circuits. Applying learned skills to this problem is a fitting example of a curriculum designed around bettering humanity.

music and mental health

We all enjoy music, but there’s a field that strives to bring the melodies of our favorite songs into the world of psychology. That field is music therapy, and Tyler Smith ’20 crafted some highly listenable research around it. She interviewed experts to find links between health and music, and focused on how the Porter’s community could benefit.

Technology
blockchain and blood diamonds

In African nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo, “conflict diamonds” sold to western companies finance violence. This project from Amy Wang ’20 examines how Tracr uses blockchain’s decentralized tech to aid the diamond industry in preventing the sale of conflict diamonds. 

Tracr Blockchain Presentation 1
making tech an ethical endeavor

“Bringing Technology into the World Without Being a Terrible Person: A Guide” is the aptly titled Capstone project from Jami Biddle ’20. A budding computer scientist, “she was fascinated by the intersection of ethics and business in the tech world.” So she set out to shape a framework for measuring those ethics.

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For more resources on our curriculum, see additional info below.

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