The mission of Acton Academy is to inspire each child and parent who enters our doors to discover a calling that will change the world.
Here are some questions the ES Eagles explored in discussions this week:
Freedom, while often difficult to define, is nonetheless a gift. What would it feel like to be subject to authoritarian rule?
As part of this session's American Independent Quest, this week, the MS Eagles were put in the shoes of either a Loyalist or a Patriot, experiencing what it may have felt like to be subject to the whims of King George III's power 🇬🇧! On Monday morning, King George III and his minions, played by a few Launchpad Eagles, were met with a round of cheers and jeers as they entered the MS Studio. We'd strongly suggest you take one minute to watch a snippet of the King's entrance here!
However all was not well in The Colony. Later in the day, the MS Eagles were notified by the King's messenger that, effective immediately:
His Majesty the King requires that his subjects work hard all day and night. All citizens are required to gain proficiency in one Khan Academy (math) skill each night at home, or pay an Eagle Buck fine.
The MS Eagles began jostling for the King's mercy. The "glorious" King began receiving letters from his subjects seeking his approval. That said, an underground opposition arose, posting messages like, "Down with the King!"
Later in the week, the King notified his citizens they may choose to call a Continental Congress to draft and ratify a Declaration of Independence with a two-thirds majority. However, all revolutions come at a cost. If the revolution was lost, they could suffer the King's wrath! Plus, it pays to be a loyalist—garnering a two-thirds majority would be a challenge.
To joust the "rambunctious" Patriots, His Highness chose to bestow certain privileges to his Loyalists, like an additional fifteen minutes of free time. In return, the Patriots brought donuts and shared them with one another as a symbol of their defiance. In turn, in an act of deep treachery, the King ordered pizza for lunch, giving it only to his Loyalists 🍕.
Following the pizza, things escalated... Backroom deals amongst Patriots and Loyalists began. Some Eagles were labeled as traitors; something needed to be done.
The Continental Congress presented their Declaration of Independence to the Colony and received the two-thirds majority needed to pass the declaration. However, revolutions are generally unlikely; as such, a roll of the dice would dictate the outcome. A roll of 1 or 2 would result in a successful revolt. A roll of 3, 4, 5 or 6 would result in failure and King George's continued rule.
At approximately 2:15pm on Wednesday, the dice hit the ground. It was a 1! The MS Studio shook with excitement, even setting off the "Yacker Tracker" in the ES Studio downstairs. The revolution was successful—the Patriots had won, and King George III's rule shockingly came to an end!
Here are some questions the MS Eagles explored in discussions this week:
Imagine if you could have conducted an industry study or impactful "Stars and Steppingstones" informational interviews with industry leaders at age fifteen? Who would you have been hopeful to meet? What if you could tested your theories through real-world apprenticeships? Where would have you apprenticed?
For this session's Next Great Adventure (NGA) Quest, Launchpad Eagles have the opportunity to devote two or more hours each day to these types of activities and more.