Commonwealth Academy in Alexandria Reflects on "Hidden Figures"

COMMONWEALTH ACADEMY REFLECTS ON HIDDEN FIGURES

The entire Commonwealth Academy school community (students, faculty and staff members) recently traveled to a local theater to see the Oscar-nominated biographical drama, Hidden Figures.

“The movie provided a great learning opportunity as Commonwealth continued our ongoing efforts and conversations around complicated social themes,” said Dr. Peri-Anne Chobot, Head of School. “Every student participated in a pre-movie lesson and a post-screening reflection.”

Judging by students’ comments, essays and discussions, viewing Hidden Figures had a meaningful impact on their perceptions regarding race, gender, our nation’s history and whom we consider to be heroes.

Lower School: In the words of a 4th grader, “It’s a lot to process.” Students selected as their favorite scenes those that emphasized the impact of segregation on the characters’ personal and professional lives. They said the movie provided them with a new appreciation for accuracy in math calculations and particularly enjoyed the fiery scenes when John Glenn piloted the safe return of Friendship 7.

Middle School: Writing classes participated in a gallery walk discussion to reflect on the movie’s themes. One student wrote, “Today, we have a Muslim segregation problem…Just like Blacks 50 years ago, Muslims today are under-appreciated. Some work very hard in our country and escaped deadly governments … we need to give Muslims a chance.” An African-American student was “amazed that I had people back then to fight for our rights. So this is why we need more movies and shows like this, to tell the community, the world, that we matter.”

High School: Sophomores discussed the Eurocentric patriarchal society’s effect on history, and listed people they considered to be “Unsung Heroes” and “Sung Heroes.” Seniors identified several microagressions from the film and determined whether they were based on race, gender or both. One senior’s reflection noted, “I feel that to act right, you have to stand up for your beliefs, no matter what.”

Teachers: Teachers were encouraged to engage in a post-movie reflection challenge to re-name the movie. The winner was “Space/Race”!

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Commonwealth Academy is a coeducational, college preparatory day school, grades 3-12, for average to gifted students who benefit from small classes and instruction designed to address various learning styles. Located in the Del Ray section of Alexandria, Commonwealth empowers students to reach their highest achievement levels, reflective of their true potential.