Theatre and Theatre Tech: The Hill School Theatre Program is a dynamic and collaborative afternoon activity open to students of all experience levels. Students may participate as performers or as members of the Theatre Tech team, with opportunities in acting, directing, stage management, lighting, sound, set construction, costuming, and backstage operations. Each term offers a unique production experience ranging from fully staged plays and musicals to student-written works and cabarets.
Theatre and Theatre Tech emphasize creativity, discipline, collaboration, and responsibility. As representatives of The Hill School Performing Arts Department, students are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and tech calls, prepare for assigned responsibilities, and contribute positively to the collaborative process of live performance.
The Dial: Are you interested in creating history at The Hill School? If so, join The Dial as a member of the editorial board! Working alongside other students, you will design, plan, edit, and create a volume of our school’s yearbook—something that students have done for over 120 years! This is an important task that allows you to create a permanent printed keepsake that records and celebrates the lives of hundreds of students, faculty, and staff members.
Speech and Debate: Hill Forensics, also known as Speech and Debate, is a competitive team. This afternoon activity brings together a diversity of interests in arts, academics, argumentation, acting, public speaking, current events, and other individual interests of students at Hill under the umbrella of a single team that practices, travels, and competes together. In addition to a decade of success across these events, Hill has a strong group of returning team members in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, where individual competitors address philosophical questions, and Public Forum Debate, a partner event about current events.
The Hill News: Students participating in The Hill News afternoon activity will have an opportunity to shape their own role inside our student-led journalism program. Any student wanting to work on a special project for The Hill News (writing a weekly column; launching a podcast; creating multimedia packages for the website; etc.) is welcome, regardless of prior experience.
Engineering and Design: Students participating in Engineering and Design are able to work in the Fabrication lab, learn and work with different rapid prototyping machinery such as CNC router, 3D printer, and Laser Cutter to design and produce products of their own. Students are guided through the design and manufacturing of products. Students learn about mass production and ways to market their products..
Fall Sculling and Learn to Row: The Fall Sculling program aims to provide a fall training opportunity for all rowers, with a focus on small boat skill development and sculling. The development of small boat training skills is crucial to the athlete’s long-term development and will improve their overall boat-moving ability in any boat class. The program will also include cardio and strength components, so that athletes will improve technically and physiologically over the fall. *Requires two seasons of interscholastic athletics
Strength and Conditioning: Strength and Conditioning is for The Hill student-athlete who wants to improve athletic performance and sport-specific skills in their only off-season. Admission to this program is contingent on approval by the Athletics Department. Students in Strength and Conditioning participate in two seasons of interscholastic play at Hill during the year they enroll in Strength and Conditioning, and make a varsity-level commitment in at least one of those sports. Priority is given to upper form students. *Requires two seasons of interscholastic athletics
Dance: This afternoon activity focuses on enhancing dance training in the following techniques: ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary. Dancers will focus on improving their technical ability and performance quality.
Intramural Ultimate: Co-ed athletic activity in which students will learn the primary styles of throwing discs and play the game of Ultimate. Students will also learn disc golf, other games, and compete against other schools.
Recreational Squash: Students participating in this co-curricular activity will learn the game of squash and will have the opportunity to improve their skills daily under the direction of our squash pro.
Spin & Barre: This afternoon activity will focus on providing students with a unique exercise experience utilizing Hill’s spin bikes. Participants can expect a variety of challenging spin classes three times per week, and two barre classes each week.
Rock Climbing: Attend the Philadelphia Rock Gym 2-3 days/week and learn skills of top rope, bouldering, movement and positioning, footwork, handwork and team building. No climbing experience is required. Learn to climb on Hill’s top rope wall and Kilter Board right on campus. Please note weekend climbing will also be a part of this program, dates to be determined. An activity fee will be assessed prior to the start of the season. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Sports Media: Requires approval by the Athletics Department. Students assist the Athletics Department in all aspects of game day operations. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills such as broadcasting, social media, graphic design, scorekeeping, and more. This co-curricular activity fulfills the interscholastic athletics requirement for fifth and sixth form students.
