This course will focus on the ever-growing field of computer game development. You will learn how to create a game project from start to finish. You will be introduced to the basic sequence of game design: develop an idea, create storyboards and sketches of the game, develop the details of the story and characters, and share these concepts through a design document. You will then learn how to use a game design engine authoring tool used by creative professionals for building and self-publishing games. You will explore various topics in physics and math to make their world's work. You will also explore devices and operating systems for games, such as iPhone, Android, Mac Windows and the web. No programming experience is necessary.
For 7th- and 8th-grade students, this class is designed to enhance fundamental reading and writing skills through the close reading of short stories and poetry. You will complete text-based grammar exercises. The writing workshop will focus on the body paragraph as the basic unit of the analytical essay. While grammar, reading, and composition remain at the heart of the course, you will also learn to develop original arguments based on their interpretive discoveries.
This three-week course is designed for students getting ready to enter a pre-algebra course. We will work on basic arithmetic skills often forgotten, but so essential to future math classes. Learn how to work with fractions, decimals, and percents more quickly without tricks or gimmicks by simply increasing your understanding of how numbers work. The work will be done primarily without a calculator. All skills will be taught in the context of topics covered in pre-algebra courses: area and volume, probability, word problems, ratios, and simple equations.
Anyone in Precalculus is expected to develop a mastery of elementary functions that intertwine concepts from both Algebra and Geometry. The pace of the course requires you to grasp new theories and results on a daily basis. The objective of the three-week summer course is to prepare you to be successful in such a challenging and rigorous environment. The course will focus on reinforcing and establishing fundamental concepts from both algebra and geometry, such as properties of fractions, exponents, graphs and transformation of functions, triangles and trigonometric functions.
This intensive three-week course will review the Algebra I skills essential to one's success in subsequent mathematics courses. Topics will include: the Real Number System and its properties, Solving Linear Equations, Solving Multi-Step and Compound Linear Inequalities, Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring, Solving Systems of Equations, Laws of Exponents, Monomial and Polynomial Expressions, Rational Expressions, Intro to Functions, Graphing, Problem Solving Approaches, and Numeracy.
This Spanish beginners' course is for anyone who has had little or no previous experience with the language. It will foster the development of basic Spanish skills. A variety of communicative activities will help you build your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. You will learn the grammar and vocabulary necessary to describe yourself and others, what you like and dislike, your school life, leisure activities, food, and family relationships.
This study skills course is designed to help you develop more effective systems of organization, to improve reading comprehension, and to listen critically. You will study different forms of note-taking and analysis as well as practice how to study for assessments to better learn and retain material. You will also reflect on taking control of your workload and managing it realistically and productively.
For 9th- and 10th-grade students, this course reviews the fundamentals of reading, composition, and grammar basics. Whereas English Essentials I focuses on fundamental writing concepts, this workshop places greater emphasis on the multi-paragraph analytical essay. All writing assignments, however, will encourage you to develop their critical reading skills, while close-reading short stories and poetry. What's more, you will be encouraged to formulate original arguments based on their interpretive discoveries.
This course is designed to help you improve your math skills in preparation for Calculus. You will have a quick review of the important types of problems that Calculus students must be able to solve. The problem solutions require algebraic, trigonometric, and geometric techniques, all of which will be reviewed. You will become experienced in approaching complex, multi-step problems that are part of the Calculus curriculum. These problems will require you to use math studied in the past, as well as to practice explaining problems with a sketch, or verbal description. You will also be provided with ample practice with the graphing calculator.
This three-week course is designed for anyone getting ready to enter an algebra course. We will work on big ideas of algebraic thinking that students can develop before they enter algebra. The ideas are: Representation, Proportional Reasoning, Balance, Variable, Function, and Inductive/Deductive Reasoning. The concepts will be introduced through classroom activities and partner projects, such as poster creation and presentation. You will also review and strengthen prealgebra skills as you study these big ideas.
Jump into the world of software design! In this beginning course, we will cover the software creation process. You will learn the object-oriented design principles as you plan their projects. You will learn the fundamentals of programming to develop your projects. Java will be the primary language to teach you to understand data types, methods, and how to control the flow of software. You will work individually and in small groups to explore new concepts. Programming assignments will be given to explore their teamwork and creativity. No previous programming experience is required.
This study skills course is designed to help you develop more effective systems of organization, to improve reading comprehension, and to listen critically. You will study different forms of note-taking and analysis, as well as practice how to study for assessments to better learn and retain material. You will also reflect on taking control of your workload and managing it realistically and productively.
What do Captain America and Supergirl have in common? We'll take a look at how the greatest super heroes have changed in the graphic novel, animation, and film! We will delve into the realm of the street level vigilante, super powered teams, and villains of all shapes and sizes. Soon enough, you'll feel the power of Wolverine's claws, Green Lantern's power ring, and Wonder Woman's magic lasso. By the end of the course, the historical study of the golden, silver, bronze, and modern age of comic books will launch us into the creation of our own comic books. Be prepared to SMASH! CLOBBER! and BAM!
Ready to write? This fast-paced, intensive course, emphasizing process, encourages you in a supportive workshop setting to find, and develop, your own unique voice. We'll write fiction, poetry, journal entries, letters, character sketches, and, sometimes, a mix of all of the above. While there will be some reading of writers' uses of different styles and techniques, the focus of the course will be highly creative and...fun!
Calling all future millionaires! Spend some time this summer learning about the world of finance, while practicing math and study skills. This course will introduce you to basic principles of economics and investing. You will read the Wall Street Journal to understand how these principles are at work in today's international arena. You will also be introduced to principles of saving and investing. You will create a plan for achieving financial goals and discover the power of compounded interest. You will be introduced to the world of investments by analyzing a company, such as McDonald's, and tracking its stock. You will create a financial plan for a family. Through these projects and simulations, you will strengthen your study skills (planning, outlining, and note-taking), technology skills (Microsoft Word, EXCEL, PowerPoint, and Google) and math skills (fractions, decimals, percents, graphs, and equations). This course will help you become grounded in issues about money and its importance in our society.
In this class, you'll learn to express yourself with greater confidence and clarity in a fun, summer environment. The course is designed to help develop critical-thinking skills, such as creating logical arguments, presentation skills (enunciating and maintaining eye contact), and listening skills (providing constructive feedback to your peers). You will have the opportunity to present both impromptu and prepared speeches on topics of your own choosing. Speeches include biographical introductions, informative how-to explanations, and persuasive arguments. You'll also become familiar with the basics of good public speaking by viewing and critiquing famous speeches, old and current. Whether you're new to public speaking or you took it in middle school, you'll have an enriching experience in this course with fresh vocal exercises and unique speech topics.
Learn how to enhance your web presence! This course introduces you to the technical details of the Internet and web development. You will first learn about the structure of the Internet. Next, you will look at a variety of types of websites to help develop your understanding of design principles (layout, typography, color graphics) and how these choices affect the user's experience. You will learn HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript skills along with the vast capabilities of these modern forms of classic web languages. You will work with a team to create their final site and include interactive features using Javascript or jQuery. No programming experience is required.
Harvard-Westlake Wolverine Sports Camps now offers After-Camp Yoga! Yoga is accessible to everyone – from beginner to advanced levels. You will learn basic to intermediate yoga postures (asanas) that will help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. In addition to learning the physical aspect of yoga, you will be taught many styles of mediation and learn relaxation techniques to help manage stress.
This course bridges incoming Harvard-Westlake ninth graders into the mathematics curriculum. It features critical topics in algebra, such as radical equations, systems of equations, and parabolas. By emphasizing sophisticated, challenging, and multi-step problems, this course will deepen and broaden your abilities as you transition into your new school. This course is only offered to incoming Harvard-Westlake ninth grade students. PREREQUISITES: HW Students Only
The Coro - Harvard Westlake Civic Leadership Summer Program is a 3-week, experiential leadership program that uses Los Angeles as the classroom. You will re-examine your ways of looking at the world and explore the city's complex issues from multiple points of view. Through this immersive experience, you will spend days out in the field, conducting interviews with leaders across sectors, coupled with in-class leadership development training. You will walk away with a deep understanding of the civic landscape in Los Angeles and your own impact as emerging leaders in the region. Founded in 1942, Coro is a national organization that specializes in training future leaders. Numerous national figures, including Senator Diane Feinstein, Senator Tim Kaine, and many others, were Coro Fellows, a year-long leadership program for college graduates. Coro strengthens communities, organizations, institutions, and, ultimately, the democratic process by preparing individuals for effective and ethical leadership. For nearly 60 years, Coro has used the region as its classroom – teaching students and executives, community leaders and entrepreneurs, public officials and aspiring public servants how Southern California works so they can make it better. Today, Coro is the region’s premier civic leadership training program and a community of alumni who are shaping the future of our communities. PREREQUISITES: HW Students only. Application required and may be found here. Priority deadline for is March 19. Students must be accepted into the program before registering.
SAT Math Workshop thoroughly reviews the entire range of mathematical topics, format, and concepts covered on the Math SAT, which requires completion of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. There is sufficient practice time during this workshop for you to become comfortable and confident with the necessary algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. All typical problem concepts found on the SAT are covered in depth and put into proper perspective, so that they may be used as effective problem-solving tools, rather than remain as stumbling blocks. Useful problem-solving techniques for approaching a typical SAT are stressed. (Note: this class only reviews for the SAT Math Test, not the SAT Subject Test in math.)
This course is designed to prepare you for the verbal sections of the SAT, as well as for upper-level high school coursework across the disciplines, especially Honors and Advanced Placement English (both Language and Literature). While test-taking strategies will be discussed, the primary focus of the sessions will be the enhancement of the analytical reading and writing skills demanded by both the exam and rigorous high school classes. Working with actual practice tests, as well as independently-designed lessons, your instructor will review key principles of grammar, argument, rhetoric, and style, and teach you how to write a rhetorical analysis essay (a cross-curricular genre of writing that employs close reading skills to examine how writers use language to convey their points of view).
The Harvard-Westlake Summer Jazz Workshop is designed to decode jazz improvisation. Like any new language, jazz requires a complex vocabulary and learning this vocabulary takes time, patience, and lots of practice. Do you love to play your instrument but aren’t totally sure what to do when asked to “solo”? Harvard-Westlake’s Director of Instrumental Music, Shawn Costantino’s well-structured and FUN camp will equip you with a skillset to succeed in playing improvised music. Through small group master classes, semi-private lessons, small ensemble playing, and detailed ear training and music theory instruction, you will gain a deeper and more meaningful relationship with melodies, chords, scales, and rhythm, the essential building blocks of becoming an excellent jazz musician. Mr. Costantino will be joined by prominent Los Angeles touring and recording musicians, Mike Rocha, and Matthew Yeakley. While open to students in grades 10, 11, and 12, 8th and 9th grade students may audition for placement consideration.
This course will enable you to become more experienced with the skills necessary to become a successful researcher and academic writer. You will look at various types of sources to identify which ones to use and how to use them effectively. We will look at how to approach a research topic and begin work. We will also explore how to gather the information necessary to write a solid research paper and how to construct a convincing argument. You will practice the various steps of academic writing, building up to a complete product. You will produce short writing projects based on materials presented in class. While historical research will be the basis of this course, the skills learned will be applicable for any academic subject.
This three week workshop is open to students and alumni that have taken any Ceramics or Glass course at the Upper School. You may choose a glass and/or ceramics concentration, however, your concentration must match with the beginning class(es) you have previously completed. For three hours each day, there will be an open studio policy where you can make anything that you wish within the given time frame and potential of the Harvard-Westlake glass or ceramics studio facilities. You may arrive with creative ideas, or just the interest in throwing/blowing some forms and figuring out what you want to make as you go. Ceramics will focus on the use of high-fire (Cone 10) clays, glazes, and firing processes. Weeks one and two will be dedicated to wet work including throwing, hand-building, and trimming. Week three will focus on glazing, loading the kiln, and firing the ware. Glass will have open use of the glass blowing furnace, studio, and cold-shop. Materials and tools will be provided.
This 6-week summer course covers a full year of high school geometry. We will concentrate on the study of Euclidean Geometry, while maintaining and enhancing algebraic skills. You will learn the ideas, concepts, and theorems of this branch of mathematics, as they were developed by the early mathematicians. You will also extend your reasoning skills by forming geometric arguments and you will learn how to apply these principles to solve problems in various situations. The first 3 weeks of the course will concentrate on basic concepts, congruent triangles, parallel lines, and polygons. We will also be concentrating on the techniques of writing proofs during this session. The second 3 weeks of the course will concentrate on similar polygons, the Pythagorean theorem, circles, area, surface area, volume, and coordinate geometry. This course is open to Harvard-Westlake students who did not take Geometry in the 9th grade. This will allow them to continue their math studies at the Algebra II level in 10th grade. This course is also open to any non-Harvard-Westlake student who has completed 8th grade. A grade will be given at the end of the 6-week course.
This 6-week summer course covers a full year of Spanish II. In this course, you will continue to improve the skills of reading, understanding, speaking, and writing Spanish. Moving at a faster pace, you practice all topics introduced in Spanish IA and IB and expand your vocabulary. The exploration of Hispanic cultures, oral presentations, and written compositions continues to be the central focus of the program. Great importance is placed on the application of contextualized grammar concepts. Practice of grammar and vocabulary, note-taking and test-taking skills are important aspects of the program. The course is open to any non-Harvard-Westlake student as well as to any Harvard-Westlake student that has completed Spanish I or Spanish 1B and wishes to advance further. For Harvard-Westlake students, this course is a fully accredited course and a placement requirement that will allow you to take Spanish III, thereafter. Please note: If a non-Harvard-Westlake student requires credit for this course, approval from your home school to enroll is required. A grade will be issued at the end of the summer term, but it is at the discretion and policy of the receiving school to accept or deny this credit. You are advised to check with your school's guidance office to determine if credit is allowed. You are encouraged to contact the Harvard-Westlake Summer Programs Office for a complete course description prior to enrolling.
This workshop is only open to Harvard-Westlake students. In this 3 day intensive workshop, our panel of college admissions, counseling, and writing professionals will introduce you to the process of preparing a college essay. In addition to giving you valuable information about the current realities of the admissions process, our panel will focus on voice, the elements of your experiences and interests that form compelling college essays. You will have multiple half hour-long, one-on-one sessions with a member of our panel as you grow your essays from the brainstorming and strategizing stage to a polished final draft. Beginning in the fall, HW Upper School Deans will work with their twelfth-grade counselees, both individually and in small groups, as they craft college essays. This workshop provides a unique opportunity for you to focus solely and intensely on the essay before classes begin in September. Due to the personal attention each student deserves and requires from this workshop, enrollment is limited. Please only register for one session. Please note: Monday classes will end at 12:00 PM. PREREQUISITES: HW Students Only
This workshop is only open to Harvard-Westlake students. In this 3 day intensive workshop, our panel of college admissions, counseling, and writing professionals will introduce you to the process of preparing a college essay. In addition to giving you valuable information about the current realities of the admissions process, our panel will focus on voice, the elements of your experiences and interests that form compelling college essays. You will have multiple half hour-long, one-on-one sessions with a member of our panel as you grow your essays from the brainstorming and strategizing stage to a polished final draft. Beginning in the fall, HW Upper School Deans will work with their twelfth-grade counselees, both individually and in small groups, as they craft college essays. This workshop provides a unique opportunity for you to focus solely and intensely on the essay before classes begin in September. Due to the personal attention each student deserves and requires from this workshop, enrollment is limited. Please only register for one session. Please note Monday classes will begin at 1:00 PM. PREREQUISITES: HW Students Only
SAT Math Workshop thoroughly reviews the entire range of mathematical topics, format, and concepts covered on the Math SAT, which requires completion of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. There is sufficient practice time during this workshop for you to become comfortable and confident with the necessary algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. All typical problem concepts found on the SAT are covered in depth and put into proper perspective, so that they may be used as effective problem-solving tools rather than remain as stumbling blocks. Useful problem-solving techniques for approaching a typical SAT are stressed. (Note: this class only reviews for the SAT Math Test, not the SAT Subject Test in math.)
This course is designed to prepare you for the verbal sections of the SAT, as well as for upper-level high school coursework across the disciplines, especially Honors and Advanced Placement English (both Language and Literature). While test-taking strategies will be discussed, the primary focus of the sessions will be the enhancement of the analytical reading and writing skills demanded by both the exam and rigorous high school classes. Working with actual practice tests, as well as independently designed lessons, your instructor will review key principles of grammar, argument, rhetoric, and style and teach you how to write a rhetorical analysis essay (a cross-curricular genre of writing that employs close reading skills to examine how writers use language to convey their points of view).
Ever wonder how the sticky, gooey caramel in your favorite candy bar is made or how to make your own pickles? Why do we put yeast in our pizza dough and baking soda in our cookies? How do you cook the perfect hard-boiled egg? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Boil, Fizz, Pop! The Science of Cooking & Eating. We will explore the physical and chemical science behind the art of cooking through exciting hands-on experiments and high-energy activities. Advanced reservations required.
Facebook has an app. Twitter has an app. iMovie has an app. Those apps and more were all created by someone who learned computer programming. Are you interested in computer programming and don't know where to start? Scratch is a great way to learn the fundamental concepts of programming languages. In this class, you will explore how to create games, animations, stories, and art using Scratch, a computer learning tool that teaches programming skills. You will also apply your knowledge to Arduinos.
This class teaches the skills required to compose and produce modern electronic music. In particular, we will focus on using Logic Pro X and various sound plug-ins to create exciting, contemporary music. You will create a portfolio of musical demos that can be used for personal promotion or for applying to other music programs. This course is open to students of all skill levels and musical experience.
In this course, we will be equal parts fanboys/fangirls, social scientists, and creators. We'll look at the social origins and back stories of some of our favorite superheroes: did you know that Superman's backstory is a retooling of Moses's story from the Old Testament? Or that Captain America was an answer to Americans' fears during WWII? We'll explore how superheroes have evolved with the times and also how the media through which they are portrayed has changed. And we'll borrow classic techniques from masters like Stan Lee to create our own superheroes.
Learn the basics of good photography and refine your results with Digital Darkroom special fx to streamline the artistic processes of traditional color and b/w darkrooms. Create contemporary versions of classic photographic effects with Adobe Photoshop techniques. Explore Split Color Toning, Extended Dynamic Range and Digital Cross Processing. You will be supplied with a digital SLR (Nikon D-40) camera for on-campus use and will have access to an individualized photo work station and a working photo studio.
This course will offer a fun and interactive introduction to the fundamentals of the Chinese language. Through games, daily conversations and various dynamic exercises, we will practice building listening and speaking skills in this tonal language. By the end of the three weeks, you will learn to recognize simple characters in Chinese calligraphy and enjoy other cultural activities.
Are you curious about events in the world around you? Do you like being the first to know what’s going on? Do you like trading stories and keeping others informed? If so, you’re a natural journalist! Develop your skills in this three week summer program, where you will learn the fundamental skills of writing for newspapers, including writing and editing feature, sports, and news articles; conducting effective interviews; and crafting editorials and reviews. You’ll also get to try your hand at photojournalism and page layout as we create our own newspaper to report on the activities happening around us at Harvard Westlake this summer.
Explore your creativity through art. The traditional forms of drawing and painting will be our starting point for a number of creative, zany, and fun projects. Past projects have included everything from two dimensional drawings to painting shoes. If you bring an idea to class, we will try to incorporate it into our projects. Come get yourself dirty and create great art.
What makes something functional? We will examine this question while learning to use clay-building techniques, such as coiling, slab-construction, and wheel throwing. We will make cups, bowls, mugs, bottles, pitchers, plates, boxes, and other useful forms out of clay. You will get the chance to explore surface decoration techniques such as glazing, under-glazing, staining and slip-decoration. Come make ceramic objects that you can use in your everyday life!
Have you ever been involved in an argument or discussion that you really, really wanted to win? Do you want to convince your parents to let you stay up later or have extra cookies after dinner? In this course, you will practice common debate skills used in public debates, as well as casual arguments. We will work on both verbal and nonverbal communication skills, play impromptu speaking games, watch and evaluate political debates, and practice a variety of debating styles, both team and individual. By the end of the course, not only will you be comfortable speaking at the podium, you will also have a good idea of how to structure a thoughtful argument, how to refute a statement you don't agree with, and how to get that extra dessert.
We will explore slant rhyme, repetition, metaphor, and imagery to help strengthen our arguments and our rhythm. Drawing on “conscious” hip hop, spoken word poetry, and civil rights speeches, we will write and perform our own raps, poems, and persuasively lit-pieces.
Through playing games such as Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and capture the flag, you will develop fundamental sports skills and athletic ability, all while enjoying the spirit of teamwork.
This course is designed for the absolute beginning violinist! We will provide you with an instrument, a lesson book, and 3 weeks of fun music-making instruction! Who knows, you might unleash a talent that you never knew you had!
Would you like to know how to create amazing digital images? Visual imagery is today's most powerful method of communication. A single image can tell a story, evoke an emotion, advertise an event or sell a product. During this three-week class, you will learn how to harness the power of graphic design as you create your own works of art through a combination of photography, type, color, and texture. You will learn the basic elements of design and composition that will help you take your ideas and images to the next level of Wow! Photoshop, or an equivalent graphic design program, will be used extensively throughout the course. The skills you will learn will help you create standout images for both print and the web, including websites, blogs, posters, invitations, CD covers, T-shirts...or just about anything else you can dream up.
What makes one character more memorable than others? Why is Superman way more popular than the Green Hornet? In this course, we only look at the memorable ones. We look at the good guys (Atticus Finch) and the evil ones (Lady Macbeth). We watch modern adaptations on some of these timely classics and see how their stories are still being told in modern television shows and movies (Twelfth Night/She’s the Man and Cyrano de Bergerac/Roxanne). No homework required and we make popcorn as we watch excerpts of the films, shows and plays. We don’t tell you how the stories end, you’ll have to figure that out yourselves.
This class welcomes first time actors as well as those with stage experience who are looking to develop their skills. You will learn and develop acting techniques, explore characters, read through scenes from award-winning playwrights, audition for roles, and memorize and rehearse your plays with the director and other actors in the class. You will have fun as you develop the focus and professional behavior required by working stage actors and learn the basics of blocking, prop work, vocal projection, and exploring emotions through character work. The three weeks will culminate in technical rehearsals adding props, costumes, lights, and sound. As the final product, students will present a performance of scenes from classic and contemporary playwrights for a live audience made up of fellow students, family, friends, and the invited public.
Use math to explore the world this summer. Work with your peers to learn how to use math to make decisions that matter. You will explore new territory by answering questions, such as: 1) What type of chocolate chip melts faster?, 2) How can I create and decipher secret codes?, 3) What number system does the computer use?, 4) How can we reduce traffic jams using graph theory, and 5) What ride will people choose at a carnival with random walks? All topics will be taught conceptually. You will explore them with hands-on activities.
What makes something functional? We will examine this question while learning to use clay-building techniques, such as coiling, slab-construction and wheel throwing. We will make cups, bowls, mugs, bottles, pitchers, plates, boxes, and other useful forms out of clay. You get the chance to explore surface decoration techniques, such as glazing, under-glazing, staining, and slip-decoration. Come make ceramic objects that you can use in your everyday life!
From song selection and arrangement to vocal techniques and production skills, you will learn all you need to know about making a great-sounding demo recording that showcases your talent. You will become familiar with working in a recording studio and will produce songs that can be used for auditions or shared with friends and family.
Express yourself through the language of dance! The Art of Dance-Making is open to dancers of all experience levels who love to dance freely and want to learn how to make up their own dances. A wide variety of guided improvisations will help you tap into your own creative impulses and discover and create original dance moves. Become a real-life choreographer as you practice with the tools of dance-making and learn to build a dance from scratch. Find your inner voice and develop the confidence to let it out with your own original style of moving! All levels of experience welcome.
Ever have ideas you know would make good stories, if you could just put them into the right words? This class will focus on widening vocabulary, creating story arcs, developing characters, and practicing proper grammar as we create both short stories and chapters of longer works. We will read short stories, write outlines of our own, perform peer evaluations, and practice general creative writing. At the end of the class, you will have a journal of vocabulary and ideas, as well as a compilation of longer pieces.
Interested in storytelling through comics? Comic books bring stories to life in exciting innovative ways. Even if you have no experience in illustration, you can still create a fun and dynamic story. This class will take a look at comic book basics: scripting, layouts, paneling character creation, and story-boarding. By the end of 3 weeks, you will have your very own comic book creation.
Through playing games, such as Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and capture the flag, you will develop fundamental sports skills and athletic ability, all while enjoying the spirit of teamwork.
Do you love to travel to exotic, far-off lands? Do you like to try new foods? Do you love to learn languages? Would you like to be able to speak to the locals in THEIR language? Join us in around the world in 13 days where we will learn some Spanish, Italian and Portuguese phrases through role-plays, games and last but not least, food! We will dedicate one week to Spanish language and culture, and learn to make tortillas españolas, elotes mexicanos, or empanadas argentinas. We will also spend one week learning about Italian language and culture, learn to make pesto sauce, spaghetti alla carbonara, or pizza, and a bit about Italian art. Finally, we'll spend one (3-day) week on learning about the Portuguese language and Brazilian culture, and learn to make pão de queijo, and learn about the history of Portuguese in Brazil and a bit about dance and soccer in Brazil.
Learn the basics of good photography and refine your results with Digital Darkroom special fx to streamline the artistic processes of traditional color and b/w darkrooms. Create contemporary versions of classic photographic effects with Adobe Photoshop techniques. Explore Split Color Toning, Extended Dynamic Range and Digital Cross Processing. You will be supplied with a digital SLR (Nikon D-40) camera for on-campus use and will have access to an individualized photo work stations and a working photo studio.
In this class, students will explore clay, plaster, wood, chipboard, and fabric to create three-dimensional artworks. We will sculpt, construct, make molds, assemble, glue, and sew to make a variety of sculptural forms. You will get the chance to work collaboratively and independently throughout the three week session. Come ready to use your eyes, hands, and mind to make three-dimensional art.
Do you spend your time Pottering about reading of wizards and magic? Time-travel and robots? Come read and learn how to write your own fantasy/sci-fi stories! Follow in the footsteps of Narnia's Pevensie children to your own magical world. Fantasy and sci-fi have all kinds of heroes and heroines, human, wizard, or otherwise. What kinds of adventures do your characters have? What do they learn on their journeys? What creatures do they encounter on their way? It's all up to you! We'll read some short stories and work on our own. This class is rated E for everyone, whether you've been writing stories on your own or always wanted to but never tried.
It’s a hard knock life out there! But, don’t worry, the sun’ll come out, tomorrow. Yep, you guessed it. This year’s HW Mini-Musical features hits from the musical “Annie!” Come join us for a summer of musical theater fun where each day we will work on creating characters through theater games, song, and dance all leading up to a big showcase for parents and friends at the end of the three weeks.
Life is funny, and so are you. In this class, you’ll study the work of top comedians and learn how to turn your real-life experiences and personal observations into your own stand-up comedy routines, “Saturday Night Live” style sketches, improvised scenes, and autobiographical stories that will make your friends, family, and most importantly, you, laugh. Teacher Liz Brown has performed at the top comedy theaters and clubs throughout Los Angeles and Boston. Whether you know you’re funny or just suspect you are, in this workshop you’ll find out you are absolutely right. The class culminates with a performance of the students’ top material in front of an invited live audience.
Come join our rock and roll band and create a professional-sounding record with us. Learn the recording process and improve your musical skills while doing so. This course is open to rock and roll musicians of all experience levels who play guitar, bass, drums, or keyboards/synthesizer. We will learn to play covers of classic and modern rock songs and how to compose original music. At the end of the course we will have created a recorded album that you can use for personal promotion.
Learn the design process and equipment used to produce a live performance, including live sound, lighting, and special effects. There will be hands-on experience with professional-quality gear in a state-of-the-art facility.
Ever get tired of teachers and parents always telling you what to do? Well, come take Robotics and get the chance to tell a robot what to do. In this class, you will have an awesome time building robots that will be able to navigate obstacles and respond to a variety of sensors, including light, touch, and sound. Come learn to master the programming of basic movements, and then progress to more difficult challenges. We'll be using LEGO Mindstorms to build robots that can navigate mazes among many other fun things, all by YOU telling IT what to do.
Our own modern heroes, like the Avengers, Batman, and even Katniss from the Hunger Games, continue the ancient tradition of hero (and heroine!) myth, along with their enemies, and so thus they share much in common with ancient heroes and monsters. To understand what drives the stories of heroes and monsters and makes them so engaging, we explore the cultural ideas underlying some of the more popular myths. We will begin by looking at how Greek monsters were born and what they represent, before learning about the ancient heroes who battled them. Modern science fiction often occupies the same role for us that “mythic time” served for the Greeks, and so we can find revealing similarities between heroes and monsters in our two cultures in 50s-era Hollywood films on alien invasions, “man vs. robot” films like Terminator and The Matrix, etc. Our class will culminate in a “mythmaking” project, in which students will present a story of a hero/heroine vs. monster that is rooted in mythic tradition, either Greek or modern, but with the details altered to reflect their own individual ideas about heroism and society.
You will examine your personal experiences using video and digital photography. You will experiment using traditional/analog techniques alongside digital processes. You will delve into the materiality of both mediums, using found images, personal items and images you generate yourself. Throughout the course, students will learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, use of digital cameras and the photochemical process. Students will end the class having produced high quality hand crafted images.
NOTE: DAILY ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS. Since 2011, the Righteous Conversations Project has connected teens and Holocaust Survivors for meaningful intergenerational dialogue and collaborative new media projects. During The Righteous Conversations Digital Storytelling Workshop, you will take one survivor’s story and bring it to life through live interview, experimental animation and sound design. In doing so, you are introduced to powerful tools that carry forward the narrative of Holocaust Survivors in our community. Previous films have gone on to screen in numerous film festivals and win many awards. ***For all levels. Previous film experience is not necessary. In addition to animation, you will learn interview techniques, camera and microphone setups, and studio lighting techniques. This unique workshop is particularly suitable if you have an interest in animation, visual art, and digital storytelling, and if you have already taken a workshop through the Righteous Conversations Project.*** Teaching Staff: Artistic Director of the Righteous Conversations Project, Cheri Gaulke, has mentored hundreds of successful video/film projects at Harvard-Westlake in her roles as Video Art Teacher and Founder of the Summer Film Program. Professional animation mentors and teaching artists will lead film production and guide students in learning film and animation techniques. Samara Hutman, Director of The Righteous Conversations Project, will facilitate dialogue, reflection and creative collaboration with Survivor elders. On the first Thursday of the workshop, class will meet for an introductory dinner from 4:00PM to 7:00PM. On all other days, the workshop will meet from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
A two-week intensive to learn the fundamentals of screenwriting. This course is an opportunity to hone your craft by creating and completing a short screenplay. How do you construct a short film screenplay that is succinct yet complex, simple but powerful? Students often struggle with how to make a good story and yet story is the key to making a successful film. We will watch short films and do lots of writing -- exploring character, dialogue, plot, and different genres and styles. This two-week intensive is an opportunity to hone your craft and make your films better. You will have a lot of fun in this class, and your writing will improve. A selection of screenplays from this class will be produced during Making a Short Film. Past screenplays produced during the Summer Film Program have been selected for film festivals.***For new and experienced writers.
A one-week intensive to learn the fundamentals of camera work, editing and storytelling. Have you ever wanted to make your own films? This film camp, designed especially for 7th-11th graders, offers a comprehensive approach to filmmaking with a focus on narrative. We'll watch films to identify what makes a good story and learn all of the necessary tools from cinematography to editing. The HW campus will be our back lot as we shoot scenes in various genres, which we'll edit into short films complete with music and credits. You will work in small groups and get a chance to explore story development, production design, acting, directing, cinematography, and editing. Teaching staff: The camp is overseen by Sarah Morton, a filmmaker and film educator. Sarah first joined HW Summer Film in 2013 and has worked closely with HW Film Director Cheri Gaulke on both the Righteous Conversations Project and the Short Film programs.
A two-week intensive to shoot and edit a short film. Do you already have experience and want to be part of a filmmaking crew? This session is right for you. There are opportunities for actors, directors, cinematographers, production designers, sound designers, composers, and production assistants. Scripts will be selected by the teachers from those generated during our Writing the Short Film intensive. You will work in small production teams based on interest, each crew working with a mentor. Each film team will start with casting while determining the visual style of their film. The campus serves as the back lot and sound stage as we scout locations and develop each film's production design. Then we'll plan our camera work and shooting schedule. At the end of the first week, we will have finished pre-production and started production. In the second week, you will finish filming and begin post-production, creating a first rough cut to be screened for friends and family. In past years, films produced in our program have shown in film festivals and won national awards.***This class will not cover basic instruction and, therefore Summer Film: The Basics or equivalent is a prerequisite. If you have not met the prerequisites but feel you are ready for an advanced level course, you may apply by submitting a link to your previous work. Teaching staff: The camp is overseen by Sarah Morton, a filmmaker and film educator. Sarah first joined HW Film in 2013 and has worked closely with HW Film Director Cheri Gaulke on both the Righteous Conversations Project and the Short Film programs.
If you’re someone who loves to create visual stories and would like to learn an editing software that professional editors use as well as learn to complete a student produced short film for social media and film festivals, this session is for you. Using the footage from the Making the Short Film sessions, not only will you learn to use Adobe Premiere Pro, you will also explore different editing styles, learn audio editing and dubbing, create a soundscape with sound effects, select music, add special effects, make interesting title sequences and credits, do color corrections and learn how to export a video, both for festivals and for social media. A film can be shot and simply edited, but to make a film competitive in the festival world, one needs to refine the editing in many ways. This post-production session will demonstrate how a short film is assembled, completed and made ready for the big screen. Teaching staff: The camp is overseen by Sarah Morton, a filmmaker and film educator. Sarah first joined HW Summer Film in 2013 and has worked closely with HW Film Director Cheri Gaulke on both the Righteous Conversations Project and the Short Film programs.
These one-week sessions (sessions 2, 3, and 4) are intended for novice Lincoln-Douglas Debaters. You will learn the basics of LD Debate. This session is appropriate for you if you have never participated in debate or have limited experience.
These one-week sessions (sessions 2, 3, and 4) are intended for anyone who is currently participating in, or would like to learn about, the Middle School Public Debate Program (MSPDP). All levels of MSPDP are welcome to attend. You will be grouped according to ability level and experience.
PLEASE NOTE: ON JUNE 3, YOU WILL BE SENT A TRAVEL INFORMATION FORM FOR YOU TO FILL IN YOUR ARRIVAL PLANS, DEPARTURE PLANS, AND ROOMMATE REQUESTS.*** The flagship program (session 5) is intended for all levels of debaters, including those with no experience. You can sign up for any style of debate: Lincoln-Douglas, Middle School Public Debate, Public Forum, or Policy. If you are from a school that already has a competitive debate team, you should choose the style in which your school competes. If you attend a middle school (grades 5 to 8) that does not have a competitive debate team, you should choose Middle School Public Debate. If you attend a high school (grade 9 to 12) that does not have competitive debate, but are interested in competitive debate, you should choose Lincoln-Douglas Debate. If you are in high school (grades 9 to 12) and are interested in learning about debate, but are not interested in competitive debate, you should enroll in Public Forum.
The flagship program (session 5) is intended for all levels of debaters, including those with no experience. You can sign up for any style of debate: Lincoln-Douglas, Middle School Public Debate, Public Forum, or Policy. If you are from a school that already has a competitive debate team, you should choose the style in which your school competes. If you attend a middle school (grades 5 to 8) that does not have a competitive debate team, you should choose Middle School Public Debate. If you attend a high school (grade 9 to 12) that does not have competitive debate, but are interested in competitive debate, you should choose Lincoln-Douglas Debate. If you are in high school (grades 9 to 12) and are interested in learning about debate, but are not interested in competitive debate, you should enroll in Public Forum.
Harvard-Westlake Wolverine Sports Camps now offer After-Camp Yoga! Yoga is accessible to everyone – from beginner to advanced levels. You will learn basic to intermediate yoga postures (asanas) that will help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. In addition to learning the physical aspect of yoga, you will be taught many styles of mediation and learn relaxation techniques to help manage stress. The camp will take place on the Upper Campus and is taught by Harvard-Westlake’s yoga instructor, Cindy Gannon.
If you are an advanced player and one of the best in your school or city, we want to help you maximize your talent and become the best player and person you can be. The Wolverine Sports Elite Basketball Camp offers intensive skill development and competition, and will prepare you for a strong future. At our camp, we will apply technical basketball instruction, intensive drill sequences, and guided game situational play from some of this city's most proven coaches. The Wolverine Sports Elite Basketball Camp's highly refined training methods seamlessly translate from the practice court to game competition. This is not for beginners, but for those who have significant basketball experience. If you think you've got what it takes, do not miss out on this opportunity!
Come learn the basics of competitive fencing, an international and Olympic sport. This class will promote fun while you learn the fundamental skills of fencing. Learning fencing will help you develop balance, concentration, coordination, tactical skills, teamwork, discipline, and self-esteem. Participants will learn proper footwork, execution of fencing actions, and recreational bouting. All equipment will be provided, including equipment for electronic scoring.
Harvard-Westlake Wolverine Sports Camps swimming staff will have two weeks of swim camp this summer. Both weeks of camp are designed for intermediate level swimmers and advanced swimmers. The advanced camp is for swimmers who are looking to improve race strategies, race pacing, and overall race performance. Swimmers will receive instruction in all four competitive strokes, racing starts and turns, as well as advanced race theories. The Wolverine Swim Camp has highly qualified coaches who use the latest developments in training sciences to help swimmers move as efficiently as possible through the water. In addition to work in the water, you will be taught dry land workouts designed to improve core strength, which will help swimmers hold proper body line in the water. The camps will both take place in the Copses Family Pool, one of the finest aquatic facilities in all of Southern California.
Harvard-Westlake Wolverine Sports Camps swimming staff will have two weeks of swim camp this summer. Both weeks of camp are designed for intermediate level swimmers and advanced swimmers. The intermediate camp is for swimmers who are looking to refine their start, turn, and stroke techniques. Swimmers will receive instruction in all four competitive strokes from highly qualified coaches who use the current best practices to help swimmers move as efficiently as possible through the water. In addition to work in the water, you will be taught dry land workouts designed to improve core strength, which will help swimmers hold proper body line in the water. The camps will both take place in the Copses Family Pool, one of the finest aquatic facilities in all of Southern California.
This camp provides individual attention and guidance for student runners in events 800 meters and up, including cross country races. You will train in an environment where success is the focus and you'll receive guidance from coaches whose expertise utilizes the latest research in exercise science and best practices. This includes training, racing strategies and racing philosophy, injury prevention, character development, and leadership skills. Coach Sharpe has over 10 years experience at Harvard-Westlake. His achievements as a coach include five CIF team championships in Cross Country and Track & Field, countless CIF and State champions, and even National Championships, as well as two National Records.
Harvard Westlake's Head Lacrosse Coach, Erik Krum, along with his qualified assistants will host a week-long lacrosse camp. The camp will cover the building blocks of lacrosse from stick skills, dodging, shooting, team offense, team defense, and transition play en route to becoming an advanced player. More advanced players will receive insights as to what will elevate them from good to great. Initial sessions of the camp will focus on individual skills, while later sessions emphasize the incorporation of these skills into group and team concepts. Daily scrimmages and games provide opportunities for players to experiment with new techniques. Participants should bring their own gear, although equipment will be available for those new to the sport.
Harvard-Westlake Wolverine Sports Camps now offer After-Camp Yoga! Yoga is accessible to everyone – from beginner to advance levels. You will learn basic to intermediate yoga postures (asanas) that will help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. In addition to learning the physical aspect of yoga, you will be taught many styles of mediation and learn relaxation techniques to help manage stress. The camp will take place on the Upper Campus.
Varsity Head Coach, Melissa Hearlihy, and her staff will stress fundamentals focusing on individual offensive and defensive skills, and begin the process by applying individual skills to team offense, defense, and transition. The camp will emphasize all the fundamentals of basketball, including ball-handling, passing, dribbling, shooting, rebounding, and foot work. Coach Hearlihy has been a Varsity Head Coach since 1986, winning sixteen Mission League titles and six CIF Championships. Coach Hearlihy has been the Daily News Coach of the Year numerous times, ESPN Rise Coach of the Year in 2010, and has taken her teams to two open division finals.
Jonas Koolsbergen has been the head track and field coach for boys and girls at Harvard-Westlake since 1992. This camp is geared towards giving each athlete the tools needed to become faster. You will receive personal attention to improve your running - and you do not have to be track athletes to participate or benefit, as athletes in almost all sports can benefit from being faster and quicker. We will dissect the very process of sprinting and use the knowledge gained to make refinements in each athlete's sprinting. Each phase of running will be analyzed: start, acceleration, and maintained speed. You will go through sample workouts and entire long-term training programs will be introduced. Stretching and injury prevention will also be taught.
Bo Hardt, Head of Program for Boys Tennis at HW, will coach 2 summer camps along with his experienced coaching staff and Varsity alumni tennis players. As assistant for the last 5 seasons, the program has had tremendous results. After making the finals in 2014 and 2015, HW won the D-1 CIF SS Championship in 2017. In 2018 HW cemented itself as the #1 tennis program in So Cal by taking second place at The All American National Tournament and repeating as CIF champs while adding its first ever CIF State Regional title. HW’s top doubles team also made history in 2018 by winning The Ojai Tournament and CIF Individuals Tournament. Instilling a team first concept and a love for daily improvement, Coach Hardt’s players have thrived in the strong academic life and flourished in the team environment.
This camp will review basic fundamentals and skills, and introduce and strengthen advanced skills. We will teach and discuss position work: attackers, center defenders, centers, and goalies are all welcome. We will have video and classroom sessions (please bring a notebook). Campers should have some experience playing water polo and must be intermediate level swimmers and be able to tread water. Come out for some high level water polo!
Wolverine Sports Surf Camps are geared toward the novice through intermediate surfer and provide a safe, fun, and educational introduction to surfing and the ocean environment for boys and girls grades 5-12. Our low student-to-instructor ratio guarantees surfing improvement, personal attention, and, most importantly, safety. All instructors are CPR & First-Aid Certified and are among the top surfers in the area, each with years of teaching experience and training. Campers meet in the parking lot at 38th St. in Manhattan Beach, just north of the Rosecrans Ave. Arrangements can be made for transportation to and from the high school. Contact Coach Crelling at jcrelling@hw.com for arrangements. Come join us this summer and learn to surf!
Jonas Koolsbergen is the head track and field coach for boys and girls at Harvard-Westlake. Since 1992, he has coached hundreds of CIF finalists and led the Wolverines to 4 CIF championships. Participants in this camp will be introduced to all aspects of track and field, covering the technique and training concepts of all events. This will be a very active camp. You will learn by doing, and we emphasize learning and fun without pressure. The end of the camp will include an enjoyable intra-camp multi-event competition, where athletes will apply their newly acquired abilities in a meet environment.
The week-long volleyball camp will emphasize fundamental skills and basic strategies of the game. High-quality demonstrations, repetitions, and competitive games will be provided to ensure each player's skill development. Enrollment in this camp will be limited in order to ensure a quality student-to-teacher ratio. Hayley Blanchard is in her third year as Program Head for Girls Volleyball, coming from a successful three years at Mira Costa High School, where she was Daily Breeze Coach of the Year in 2016 after leading her team to a Bay League Championship, and numerous national tournament championships. She is also the director of Surfside Volleyball Club, where her teams rank top 10 in Southern California, with all ages qualifying for Junior Nationals. Harvard-Westlake’s rich volleyball history includes 17 league championships, 6 CIF championships, 4 State Titles, and numerous student athletes who have gone on to play collegiately at top academic and athletic schools at the Division I, II, and III levels.
Jonas Koolsbergen has been the head track and field coach for boys and girls at Harvard-Westlake since 1992. This camp is geared towards giving each athlete the tools needed to become faster. Athletes will receive personal attention to improve their running. You do not have to be track athletes to participate or benefit, as athletes in almost all sports can benefit from being faster and quicker. We will dissect the very process of sprinting and use the knowledge gained to make refinements in each athlete's sprinting. Each phase of running will be analyzed: start, acceleration, and maintained speed. You will go through sample workouts and entire long-term training programs will be introduced. Stretching and injury prevention will also be taught.
This intermediate-to-advanced skills camp is perfect for girls looking to improve their individual skills. Enrollment is limited to assure a low player-to-coach ratio. The camp will address fundamental technical and tactical skills with a focus on footwork, developing confidence and creativity with the ball, and combination play in small spaces. Additional topics will include physical and mental preparation, injury prevention and tactical awareness. HW girls' soccer camps are directed and overseen by Harvard-Westlake Program Head Richard Simms. Coach Simms has been in his role at HW for 14 years and is also a Director of Coaching at a local club. The camp will also employ many of the HW Varsity coaching staff and will include the opportunity for campers to play with and learn from current HW Varsity players. Campers will also have a chance to work on their technique in the gym by playing futsal (flat shoes required). If you have your own soccer ball, please bring it, but soccer balls will also be provided.
Join the Harvard-Westlake coaching staff in this week-long field hockey camp, ranging from beginner to intermediate and advanced. During the camp, athletes will be divided into smaller groups for individual instruction, covering fundamental dribbling skills, jabbing and block tackling, scoring techniques and strategies, passing and receiving, and other principles of play. Special sessions for goalkeepers will also be offered. You will participate in daily drills and scrimmages, and there will be many opportunities to win camp prizes during games and fun competitions. Camp will end with A Day of Games, a fun way for campers to bond and show off their new skills, compete, and win prizes. Sticks and goalie equipment may be borrowed for camp if needed.
Jonas Koolsbergen is the head track and field coach for boys and girls at Harvard-Westlake. Since 1992, he has coached hundreds of CIF finalists and led the Wolverines to 4 CIF championships. You will be introduced to all aspects of track and field, covering the technique and training concepts of all events. This will be a very active camp. You will learn by doing, and we emphasize learning and fun without pressure. The end of the camp will include an enjoyable intra-camp multi-event competition, where athletes will apply their newly acquired abilities in a meet environment.