Discovery Studio Year 5, Session 3

Invictus: An Acton Academy

Session 3 in the Discovery Studio showcased what makes learning at Invictus truly transformational. Through purposeful dialogue, hands-on challenges, and cross-disciplinary exploration, our Heroes strengthened ownership, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills that extend far beyond the studio walls.

Each day began with intentional Socratic discussions designed to challenge thinking and inspire action. Big ideas such as keeping commitments, assuming goodwill, and asking “What will you do?” guided thoughtful conversations. Heroes examined leadership through the lens of the sheepdog, explored real-world role models, and investigated the evolution of physical education in the United States—connecting history, character, and action.

Friday Town Halls provided authentic opportunities for leadership and self-governance. Meeting twice this session, Heroes prepared for Exhibition, set clear goals for Fun Friday (earning weekly points to emphasize focused work time) and refined studio badge and certificate policies to ensure progress reflects true mastery and effort.

In Civilization, learners journeyed through Ancient Times, Part II, studying pivotal moments and cultures including the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, the Phoenicians, the return of Assyria, the rise of Babylon, and daily life in ancient Crete. These studies encouraged deep thinking about how civilizations shape the world and how ideas endure over time.

Daily Reading and Reflection remained a cornerstone of studio life through DEAR (Drop Everything and Read). Heroes engaged in independent reading and participated in a studio read-aloud of Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper, building empathy, perseverance, and a love of literature. Families may enjoy extending this experience by watching the Disney+ film adaptation together.

In ES Communications and Writer’s Workshop, Heroes practiced powerful communication skills with real-world relevance. Learners wrote thank-you cards to express gratitude, participated in a “Pitch a Pet” challenge that required thoughtful decision-making around responsibility and cost, and practiced giving meaningful feedback using the Feedback Sandwich (warm–cool–warm). Journey Meetings empowered learners to confidently lead parents through reflections on their growth, while “Learn How To” guides positioned Heroes as experts, teaching peers skills like riding a bike or skateboard.

Our three-week Quest, The Stolen Manifesto, immersed Heroes in a collaborative cartography/geography adventure:

This Quest integrated seamlessly with Art, where learners created compass roses, mastered cardinal and intercardinal directions, and designed original world maps—stepping fully into the role of cartographers and creative problem-solvers.

At Invictus, learning is designed to be meaningful, challenging, and joyful. Session 3 reflected our commitment to developing independent thinkers, courageous leaders, and lifelong learners.