Upper School Activities
Athletics - PCA Panthers
- Boys J.V. and Varsity Basketball teams compete in the St. Louis Missouri Christian Athletic Association (SLMCAA) league.
- Girls Basketball team competes in the St. Louis Missouri Christian Athletic Association (SLMCAA) league.
- Girls J.V. and Varsity Volleyball teams compete in the St. Louis Missouri Christian Athletic Association (SLMCAA) league.
Blues/Jazz Band (new for 2008-2009)
PCA is excited to offer a jazz band open to auditions for musicians in grades 5-12. Mr. Paske will be teaching students the history of Blues and Jazz while demonstrating how Blues/Jazz music is a cornerstone in the St. Louis area. We are planning several interesting concert opportunities.
Auditions will be open for piano, bass guitar, drums, and maybe an occasional vocalist.
Any student auditioning for the Blues/Jazz Band at PCA must currently be studying privately with an instructor, practice daily, and enjoy the performance arts.
Chess Club
The Fellowship Chess Club is in its fourth year at PCA. Club meetings consist of short lessons, chess problems, and lots of chess. We conduct our own in-house tournament with prizes to be awarded to the winners. Also, all team members participate in two local US Chess Federation tournaments. All students in grades 5-12 are invited to join.
Membership dues: age 14 and under, $35; 15 and older, $47.
Dues covers membership in the US Chess Federation and all entry fees in two local tournament events. Members receive an official rating from the US Chess Federation to see how their ratings compare to other chess aficionados from all over the United States as well as track their own progress. In addition, students 15 and over receive the monthly US Chess Federation magazine. A portion of the dues are applied toward the purchase of chess accessories.
Beginners are welcome! Personal instruction is available.
Debate
PCA is the founding school of the Classical Christian Schools of Missouri Debate League. Our students are learning how to research a topic, how to write a case, how to write and deliver an argument, how to deliver and answer cross examinations, and how to speak persuasively.
This year's topic is, "Resolved: The Federal Government should prohibit the private ownership of firearms."
Fall Retreat
Each fall students in grades 7 through 12 and their teachers take a two-day retreat to a site off campus. Here old friendships are strengthened and new ones are made. Teachers and students have the opportunity to interact in a non-academic setting, forming relationships that will prove invaluable throughout the year.
Shakespeare in a Week
What better way to train students in the art of rhetoric than by producing and performing a play by Shakespeare? Each year students in grades 7-12 come together to do just that. They construct the set, block, memorize lines, prepare concessions, and create publicity -- all of which culminates in performances on a Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
How long does such a production take? One week. While it is true that lines are assigned in December, and line drills are conducted throughout the winter months, the bulk of the preparation is done in just six days. These are six days of intensive work as students dive headfirst into the culture and spirit of Shakespeare, learning not only the language and vocabulary of Shakespeare but important tools that will enable them to be successful rhetoricians whatever their vocation.
Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing was presented March 7 & 8, 2008 at PCA and was a great success. Stay tuned to hear which play will be presented as part of the 2008-2009 school year!
Student Council
Each year PCA Upper School students elect student representatives and officers. Student Council serves as a student liaison to the Dean and is responsible for planning many social events. Student council members also serve as hospitality committee for the Upper School Symposiums.
Yearbook
PCA Upper School students may volunteer to be a part of our yearbook staff. Responsibilities include photography, copy editing and page layout.