What is a Watershed?
At Lorien Wood, the word “watershed” carries both ecological and symbolic meaning. Geographically, a watershed is a region where all water drains to a shared body—reminding us that land, life, and choices are interconnected. Spiritually and developmentally, a watershed is a turning point—a moment of change that shapes what comes next. As students explore the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, they come to see themselves as stewards of God’s creation, learning how their daily actions impact the world around them and how they are called to care for it with wisdom and purpose.
Field Trips & Integral Learning Experiences
Students learn best when they apply their classroom learning in experiential ways. Feasts, historic balls, rollerskating parties, archaeological expeditions, and more allow students to inhabit their learning and create vivid memories. Here is a sampling of the many experiences offered in Form 4.
U.S. Capitol Building: Form 4 embarks on an in-depth tour of the U.S. Capitol Building complete with a ride on the underground shuttles between the Senate and Capitol Building!
Historic Ball: The Lorien Wood Historic Ball takes place at the enchanting Old Town Hall in Fairfax City. This experiential opportunity serves as the culmination of the semester's Humanities studies on the Revolutions Era, where students explore pivotal moments in history, including the English Civil War, the American Revolution, and the French Revolution. Students choose a historical figure and research the clothing styles of their chosen character for their costume. Music class serves as the teaching ground for traditional dances such as the Grand March, the Waltz, and the Virginia Reel. Read more about this event on our Blog: “Stepping Back in Time: The Lorien Wood Historic Ball.”
Immigration Day: For this full-day immersion, students are transported to the era of 1850-1920 experiencing the journey of an immigrant arriving in the United States via Ellis Island. Each student adopts the persona of a character from this pivotal period in history, embarking on a journey that mirrors the real-life process of boarding a ship, undergoing medical examinations, literacy and naturalization tests, and even fingerprinting. It's an unforgettable exploration of the immigrant experience, bringing history to life in a hands-on and immersive way.
Manassas National Battlefield Park: A highlight for Form Four students is visiting Manassas National Battlefield Park, where history comes to life as they explore Civil War sites surrounded by scenic landscapes. Students read an original Harper’s Weekly article about the Battle of Bull Run, then visit the grounds where the war’s first major engagement unfolded. Walking these historic fields, students gain a powerful, firsthand perspective on the sacrifices made by soldiers, some not much older than themselves, 163 years ago.
The Middle School Reading List
At Lorien Wood, we seek to foster a love of reading into the crucial years of middle school. Here is a curated short list of books sure to capture the heart of any middle schooler!
Explore the List