Upper School Clubs & Activities
Upper School students have numerous opportunities to pursue their interests outside of the classroom. The school offers activities in the arts, student government, student-led publications and affinity groups to name but a few. There is dedicated time in the Upper School schedule for these groups to meet.
Clubs
Asian Politics and Culture (APAC) is a forum for students of all backgrounds to discuss politics and culture across Asia as they relate to current events. We examine media from various Western and Asian sources to explore the political climates of Asian countries and the issues that affect Asians in the US. We also learn how culture affects socio-political environments by commemorating significant occasions, educating ourselves about and partaking in traditions, and working to connect with our local Asian American community and support them through charitable organizations and activities. With Asian countries rapidly gaining influence on the global stage, we believe education about Asia’s culture and politics is essential not only for gaining a holistic understanding of the current state of global affairs, but also for living in a modern multicultural society.
The Audio-Visual Club provides many opportunities for students interested in audiovisual media and stage lighting to gain hands-on experience. Participants in the AV club will learn to assist the Technology Department in providing technical coverage for various school-sponsored events: assemblies, dances, and more. By managing and running internal events, students gain the skills to collaborate with their peers to produce high-quality events for the entire Brearley community.
Beavernacular is a club dedicated to fostering a supportive, open environment where members feel encouraged to learn, laugh, and write within a community of peers who share an enthusiasm and passion for literature. We strive to foster joy for everything literary and creative.
Brearley's Active Minds Chapter aims to bring critical conversation about mental health to Brearley, empowering students to create change in youth mental health and advocate for mental health awareness both in school and in our larger community. During meetings, we discuss various aspects of mental health, work on research presentations, and prepare assemblies and other school events such as movie nights and athletic games. We also help connect students to mental health advocacy in our local community by engaging in fundraisers and events outside of school. We bring together a diverse range of perspectives to change how mental health is discussed and to consider it in the broader context of equity, identity, and current events.
Business and Financial Awareness Club (BFA) is a community for students interested in exploring finance, personal money management, and entrepreneurship beyond the classroom. We host speaker events with industry professionals, lead interactive crash courses on topics such as investing and budgeting, and offer opportunities to participate in external competitions. Through these experiences, we aim to help students apply business concepts to their own lives while gaining insight into the broader corporate world.
Classics Club encourages students to pursue an interest in the complex and diverse culture, mythology, and modern reception of the ancient world. Outside of the school day we participate in Certamina (Latin Jeopardy) with other schools, organize club events like museum outings and lectures, and work on volunteer programs in the Classics (such as the Paideia Institute's Aequora, which aims to teach English literacy through Latin). In typical meetings, we discuss literature, articles and advancements in the field of Classics, as well as practicing for Certamina and holding space for members to present on myths or historical events that interest them. Meetings are held once a cycle during the school day, but special events may take place on the weekends. We welcome all members of the Brearley community regardless of previous experience with ancient languages or knowledge of the ancient world.
Computer Science Club allows students to explore different aspects of computer science, from simple programming to complex algorithmic analysis and software development. We invite students of various experience levels and provide them with a collaborative community that values collaboration and support. We plan to host conferences and workshops throughout the year with the middle school to help our club members understand the world of computer science and inspire young minds.
We aim to cultivate public speaking and critical thinking skills through the art of debate. We compete in the Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas debate styles, providing expert training for all students, regardless of experience. Members have the opportunity to compete at both local and travel tournaments on the NYCFL, NSDA, and TOC national circuits. The Debate Club offers an accessible, casual environment for debate, while the Debate Team is geared toward committed members seeking to excel at the nationally competitive level. We research a variety of topics, ranging from current political issues and policies to ethics and philosophical theory. All students, regardless of academic interest, may discuss and debate topics that interest them.
The French club strives to educate our many engaged and committed members to deepen their understanding of French culture and multicultural perspectives from around the world. We contribute uniquely to the Brearley community as one of the two language clubs that offer a space for everyone in the upper school to explore French culture; we welcome both those learning French in the classroom and those seeking introductory exposure to it. Through our varied and innovative activities, we have established a strong community within the club, with consistent attendance from members of all grades.
Global Girls is a club devoted to promoting global gender equality through facilitated discussions, fundraising, and international micro-financing of women's business and education endeavors. We discuss intersectional feminism and modern sexism and engage in activism to benefit women worldwide.
Members of Hablemos are committed to celebrating and learning about Hispanic cultures within the Brearley community. Hablemos' mission is to explore, through conversation and education, the diverse experiences of cultures that share the Spanish language, Hispanic Latinx countries, Hispanic África, and Spain. We are committed to being well-educated citizens and allies to all underrepresented and unheard voices, supporting all through conversation and service initiatives. In our meetings, we discuss politics, media representation, holiday festivities, and traditions from the often unheard Latinx-Hispanic, Afro-Hispanic, and Spanish cultural perspectives.
Lower School Math Club aims to connect Upper and Lower Schoolers by exploring math through a fun, creative lens. The club is a weekly after-school program that meets every Wednesday. We take concepts that Lower Schoolers learn in the classroom and introduce them to exciting applications, as well as hands-on arts and crafts activities and logic puzzles/riddles.
In Medical Science we aim to educate our members on human anatomy and medicine through presentations, games and videos. We invite guest speakers from the medical field to come in and share their experience as well as teach practical skills.
Music Mentorship aims to foster community through music and to use it as a bridge to advocate for significant causes. With continued cross-divisional mentorship by Upper Schoolers across the Lower and Middle Schools, our club fosters leadership and contributes to both Brearley and the broader community. Our trifold platform consists of fundraising, outreach concerts in local institutions, and in-school mentorship. The delicacy and emotional depth of music make it meaningful in its ability to communicate and connect. We hope to share our love for music and use its power to benefit our peers and our audience!
One of our specific goals for this year is to attract new club members who not only share our love for music but embrace its intersectionality. We want to give back to our local community by continuing to perform at senior residences and by contacting local council members and research organizations to determine where music could be emotionally healing. What excites us so much about our club is its mutually beneficial nature. Not only do we get to share our love for music and other causes under the umbrella of civic leadership, but we also get to communicate with various emotionally rewarding audiences whom we greatly appreciate.
In Music Mentorship, we want to use the universal language of music to convey passion and make a positive impact on listeners!
Brearley’s Riley’s Way Chapter works to provide Brearley students with skills in leadership, empathy, and kindness to drive positive change throughout our community. The Chapter is youth-led, putting a strong emphasis on student leadership, community connection, and hands-on service learning. As a Chapter, we meet bi-weekly to strengthen leadership skills, engage in discussions, and develop projects to support our community in and out of school.
The Science Club aims to promote and develop curiosity and a passion for science in the Brearley community through labs, activities, presentations, and discussions on a wide variety of scientific topics, especially those not focused on in our standard curriculum.
Students in Politics aims to bring together a diverse group of students to openly discuss and learn about current political news, elections, and the broader political spectrum in an accepting, bipartisan approach. In the club, we strive to combine local, national, and international topics in order to give students a holistic sense of current politics. We seek to create an open forum where students feel they can share their opinions and bring up topics that are important to them; however, students should not feel like any prior knowledge is necessary to attend the club. We want to create a space where students can choose to simply listen and engage when they feel comfortable.
The Tech Club is composed of students who do all of the technical work for Brearley’s staged productions. Tech work includes stage managing, building sets, running lights and sound, organizing props, and making costumes.
Technology Club is an innovative and creative space where students are exposed to a range of technical topics, including circuitry, 3D printing, engineering, and cybersecurity. We believe in learning through hands-on activities and applying our knowledge by creating projects. We host talks with speakers from the technology industry to gain insight into real-world applications. We also help organize BevHacks, Brearley’s annual hackathon. Technology Club encourages students of any experience level to join and explore technology with us!
Student Publications
Students in Class XI edit and staff the school's literary magazine, which is published twice a year. Stories, poems, drawings, and photographs are submitted by students in Classes V–XII to the staff; the staff selects submissions for publication, edits them as necessary, and lays out the copy using desktop publishing software.
Catalyst is Brearley’s first STEM publication, dedicated to making STEM accessible to the greater Brearley community and empowering young women interested in STEM. Catalyst showcases the scientific writing of students passionate about science and technology and promotes STEM throughout the Brearley community through a student publication. Catalyst accepts articles written by Upper School students as well as by staff writers.
Panoramic is a creative magazine that is meant to educate, empower, and embody Brearley's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as cultivate a closer-knit school community by promoting individual self-care and embracing the intersectionality of all identities that exist within “One Brearley.”
Organized around a theme chosen by Class XII, the yearbook has sections devoted to every major division and activity of the School but focuses on the senior class. It contains some written features, many photographs and much artwork, all of which are produced and laid out by the staff.
The Zephyr is a student-run newspaper that serves as the voice of Brearley students. With integrity and a commitment to the truth at the forefront, The Zephyr covers topics that are important to students. We aim to inform, entertain, and promote discussion in a community of engaged citizens. The Zephyr welcomes community submissions such as columns, blogs, letters to the editor, guest essays, and comments by including all voices and covering topics that are important to the students.
Identity-Based Groups
BSDLC represents the needs of historically marginalized students by creating spaces for healing, celebration, and affinity; holding people and organizations to their statements of beliefs; providing accurate representation and aid; and acting as a liaison between students, educators, and administrators to bridge the information gap. BSDLC oversees the Identity Spaces & Cultural Interest Groups at Brearley.
Bonim (Jewish Affinity Group) exists to create a safe and welcoming environment for all Brearley students who identify as Jewish to gather together and discuss our experiences being Jewish in today’s world, as well as current events that concern the Jewish community. We aim to create a tight-knit community for all Jewish Brearley students, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. We include all students who identify as Jewish, regardless of their beliefs or how they practice their religion.
ESEA Affinity is a space for East and Southeast Asian, or East/Southeast Asian Pacific Islander-identifying students, to discuss shared experiences and relevant topics related to their culture and heritage.
First-Gen will make time to connect around shared experiences (e.g., current events, cultural traditions, life experiences) and to build a safe community for all members united by our diverse experiences within our First-Gen identities. All of our conversations will be thoughtful and nuanced with respect to each of our unique perspectives. While our members may have shared experiences, our identities are not the same. First-Gen commits to creating inclusive spaces where we can bring our whole selves to our meetings with humor and thoughtfulness. This is a space to discuss both the obstacles and the joy inherent to being First-Gen.
The LatinX Affinity space aims to establish a safe space for students of all ages and grades in the Brearley Upper School who identify as Latinx, including all races that comprise the ethnicity. We hope to speak about our experiences both in and outside the walls of Brearley and to establish a stronger Latinx community within the school. We are aiming to do this by discussing current events and having thoughtful, introspective conversations about the implications and experiences of being Latinx today.
As our short-term goal, we want to encourage discussion and sisterhood among the Middle Eastern student body. In the long term, we hope to gather feedback that we can relay to the administration to ensure that all voices are heard.
The multiracial affinity club is an affinity space dedicated to fostering connection among students of mixed racial and ethnic backgrounds. In community, we discuss issues related to our mixed backgrounds and experiences, process contemporary events, and hold joy with each other.
Muslim affinity aims to create a safe and supportive space available for any student who identifies as Muslim. This affinity is a place to foster connection through both deep discussions and light-hearted conversations. We hope that the flexible and inclusive environment will allow for members to connect to their shared Muslim identity at Brearley. We would also like to use our platform to raise awareness among the rest of the student body about our community, so Muslim students feel included and safe in our school environment.
Neurodivergent Affinity seeks to provide a safe space for students with learning disabilities to discuss their experiences and to make Brearley a more inclusive and welcoming place for them.
Queer and Allies (Q&A) is an affinity/alliance space dedicated to discussing intersectional LGBTQ+ topics and broadening community through collaborations, projects, and engagement.
The South Asian Affinity Group aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for Upper School students who identify as South Asian to discuss topics such as current events, culture, and identity. We hope to use these discussions to foster an inclusive environment that allows students to speak openly and connect with their South Asian heritage.
Umoja is a safe space for Black students to discuss Black culture, Black excellence, the Black diaspora, and the issues within and outside of the Black community.
School-Sponsored Groups and Activities
Actors’ Collective is the next iteration of Brearley Night Live (BNL), continuing its mission to cultivate a love of theatre and performance within the Brearley community. We explore various aspects of the performing arts, including, but not limited to, acting technique, sketch comedy, stand-up, and playwriting.
The Athletic Association works closely with members of the Physical Education Department to organize school-wide events (Homecoming, Mountain Day, Winter Carnival, Spring Fling, and Field Day) as well as intramural games between the two school teams, the Red Team and the White Team. In addition, the AA may help to plan other athletic events, depending on the interests of the student body. We are dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility in athletics and fostering school spirit.
The Brearley Environmental Action Committee (BEAC) is a club dedicated to examining and raising awareness around the underlying issues in our community and the broader world through the lens of environmentalism. In order to foster a more holistic understanding of the climate crisis, BEAC sparks conversation and direct action in our school community on the topics of environmental justice and intersectionality.
Big Sister, Little Sister is a student-led mentorship program for students of color at Brearley. Upper School mentors meet regularly with Middle School and Lower School students of color to discuss, offer advice, and build meaningful bonds. Our goal is to maintain an affirming and supportive environment for students of color that extends outside of scheduled meetings.
The B-Naturals are Brearley's Upper School a cappella group. They perform and represent the school over 20 times a year both at school events and around the city. Students develop their musical knowledge and their range while learning to read music and harmonize with peers in small and full group rehearsals. Each year, students have the opportunity to record albums, which are subsequently released on streaming platforms—find us on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and more!
Upper School Ceramics offers structured hand-building and/or wheel tutorials as well as an area for open exploration. We examine natural forms such as shells, pods and fruit as launching points for sculpting. Surface decoration is also explored. No prior experience is necessary.
The mission of Upper School Chorus is to develop a collaborative and upbeat group of singers and to learn and perform repertoire across a range of styles and genres.
Upper School Community Engagement Club provides opportunities for Brearley students to participate in service learning through work and conversations. Through projects centered on our Brearley community and the larger communities Brearley is part of, we seek to learn about and immerse ourselves in these communities, then carefully consider the most effective and impactful ways to support them. We invite open discussions about the role of service and social justice at Brearley, among club members, other students, and faculty members. We plan to continue working with our previously established partners while exploring new projects and causes. Members of the club will have opportunities to engage in in-person service work both on and off the Brearley campus, during and outside of school day hours. We work to maintain and develop resources that help students find organizations and causes to consider for their personal service engagement.
Students learn to operate manual film cameras to take creative, artistic photographs. Students are guided through the “magic” (actual science) of developing their film into negatives and using their negatives to make black and white photographic prints in Brearley’s darkroom. No experience is necessary.
We aim to cultivate public speaking and critical thinking skills through the art of debate. We compete in the Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas debate styles and provide expert training for all students, regardless of experience. Members have the opportunity to compete at both local and travel tournaments on the NYCFL, NSDA, and TOC national circuits. The Debate Club offers an accessible, casual environment for debate, while the Debate Team is geared toward committed members seeking to excel at the nationally competitive level. We research a variety of topics, ranging from current political issues and policies to ethics and philosophical theory. All students, regardless of academic interest, may discuss and debate topics that interest them.
Drawing at the Met is for MS and US students who enjoy using simple drawing tools in their own journals to observe great works of art in the collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students meet in the school lobby to walk to the museum and are picked up or dismissed from the museum at 5:00 pm. Upper School students are welcome on a recurring or per diem basis.
In this activity, artists will walk over to Carl Schurz Park and draw from life. We will use pencil, charcoal, and other drawing materials and be inspired by the world around us. On bad weather days, we will stay at 610. *Please note: this will only be offered during the warmer months.
Math Team’s mission is to expand our mathematical horizons beyond the classroom for anyone interested, regardless of previous experience. Our team members bond over our love and appreciation for mathematics through creative problem-solving and friendly competition, and we hope you’ll join us for the ride!
Mock Trial aims to simulate real trials for civil and criminal cases. Students will learn about the legal system and criminal justice through peer competition, inter-school scrimmages, and club discussions. Mock Trial is a space for students to hone their public speaking skills, learn how to build effective arguments, and develop strong logical thinking skills. Mock Trial hopes to instill in its members a passion for justice and the American legal system.
Brearley Model Congress dedicates itself to providing an instructive, collaborative and enjoyable atmosphere in which students can develop their interests in American government while learning to be active citizens. In Model Congress, students debate a wide range of issues from different viewpoints and explore policy areas they are passionate about as they write bills and debate in city-wide and national conferences. Participants immerse themselves in legislation and politics while practicing public speaking skills in mock congressional committees that focus on topics such as education, technology, health, foreign affairs, and the armed services. We empower students with opportunities to model creating legislation that can make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Model UN aims to educate participants about current events, international relations, diplomacy, and the priorities of the United Nations. Members are assigned countries, and they negotiate solutions, representing their country’s beliefs, for the most pressing international issues, ranging from climate change to nuclear non-proliferation to the crisis in Syria. During the year, we attend several day conferences in New York and a four-day conference in Boston. Model UN will develop your public speaking and problem-solving skills, and will provide a space to immerse yourself in international politics. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people with different perspectives, both within and outside of Brearley.
Instrumentalists may participate in the Upper School Orchestra, which rehearses twice weekly and performs in concerts at the School throughout the year.
In our afterschool painting class, artists will refine their techniques and develop their portfolios, working with water-based paints such as watercolor, ink, and tempera. Students will paint and draw from life, emphasizing both technical proficiency and creative expression. The class fosters individual artistic growth through personalized feedback, allowing participants to cultivate a portfolio that showcases their evolving skills and unique artistic voice.
The Robotics Team designs, builds, and codes a robot to participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC). We design our robot for the FTC robotics challenge and compete with other teams in FIRST competitions. Students can work on the design, construction, and coding of the robot, as well as organize various team outreach initiatives. We are a welcoming, tight-knit team, and no prior experience is necessary to join!
This Association aims to develop in each individual a sense of responsibility for herself and a sense of fellowship and cooperation with others. It represents the interests of the student body in discussions with the faculty and administration about many matters of school life.
Brearley Student Ambassadors from Classes X to XII work closely with the Office of Admission, playing a key role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for prospective families. By conducting campus tours, student ambassadors have the opportunity to represent Brearley and share their stories with families of Middle and Upper School applicants.
A committee of student leaders dedicated to supporting and informing all initiatives related to Student Life. We seek students who would like to plan school-wide events and develop strong leadership skills and the ability to advocate for the student body.
Participants experience the ancient art of relief carving where shapes and figures emerge from a flat surface to create the illusion of depth. Students design and carve their own decorative relief images that may also be used as part of other woodworking projects. Tools and materials are provided.
Common Interest Organization (CIO)
Brearley Art Society is a space for students to foster their creativity and passion for visual art while gaining an appreciation for its historical and cultural significance. BAS aims to bring students together through a shared interest in the arts and to create opportunities for them to work on projects, engage in collaborative discussion, and receive mutual feedback, regardless of experience or skill level.
Ethi-nomics CIO will explore the often-overlooked philosophical and moral dimensions of economic systems. Through non-partisan discussions, thought-provoking debates, and expert speakers, we will critically evaluate the ethical impact of economic decisions in our ever-changing social climate, encouraging Brearley students to see beyond numbers and ask: What is fair? Who benefits, and who is left behind?
The mission of the Linguistics CIO is to have fun learning about the mechanics and evolution of language and its importance to global cultures. We will also apply what we've learned as we prepare for and compete in the fun, low-stakes NACLO competition.
A student-led CIO in which members can relax from school stress by participating in needlework-style activities. As a community, we participate in fiber arts-centered charities; we have pattern, thread, and yarn bins for those who like working independently, as well as a teaching corner for those who are learning. We will also host fun holiday activities.
Through lessons, interactive exercises, and guest speakers, we strive to introduce members of this CIO to psychological phenomena they would not otherwise have learned in school. This understanding can be used to enhance club members' everyday perceptions of themselves and others and help them explore psychology as a subject they might like to pursue or integrate into their future education.
Quiz Bowl rewards and encourages learning while providing meaningful experiences with teamwork and preparation. The skills students gain in acquiring information and working together prepare them well for their futures not only throughout their remaining academic years but also throughout life as professionals and citizens.
Sports Medicine CIO seeks to expand students’ knowledge in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries. Our goal is to support Brearley student-athletes in reaching their full potential both on and off the field by addressing their concerns and equipping our members with the knowledge and tools to stay healthy and injury-free.
