Heathwood faculty encourage and respect the academic curiosity and interests of their students at every stage of the Heathwood experience. Seniors in the Upper School take their curiosity to a new level, as they are required to identify one area of deep interest and develop it into a scholarly exhibition. 

Supported by a joint committee of adults and peers, each senior pursues a yearlong scholarly research project resulting in a lengthy research paper (or paper and original product.) The committee is made up of two Heathwood Hall faculty members and an outside expert in the field of the student’s chosen topic.   

In addition to thinking deeply and writing thoroughly about their topic, seniors must also take part in the Senior Symposium, in which they demonstrate mastery of their topic through a public presentation. These presentations are held in an open forum, and the Heathwood Hall community and other interested people are invited to attend. 

Successful completion of the Senior Exhibition is a requirement for graduation and an important step in our students’ life-long journey of learning they will soon continue in college. 

Past Topics

Some recent topics included:

  • The Impact of Psychological Bonds Created by Sneaker Culture
  • How a National System of Outdoor Education Would Combat Nature-Deficit Disorder
  • Declaring China’s Mistreatment of Uighurs to Be Genocide According to the Geneva Convention
  • Coronavirus in South Carolina: How Politics Affected the Transmission of SARS-COV-2
  • I’m Watching You: The Watching Eye Effect’s Influence on Antisocial Behavior
  • Cardio, Resistance, and Crossfit: Determining the Best Mode of Exercise
  • How Effective Are the Mental Health Services in South Carolina Prison Systems?
  • The Effectiveness of the NBA Bubble

More Signature Programs

PEAK

Our one-of-a-kind PEAK program develops confidence through outdoor and wilderness skills.

Visual Art Concentration

Upper School students who choose VAC have additional art courses and dedicated art-making time outside of class.