IB English: Power, Performance, and Original Storytelling
Right now, in International Baccalaureate (IB) English: Power and Performance, 11th- and 12th-graders are studying Anton Chekhov’s short stories and experimenting with his craft techniques in their own writing.
Each student has selected a signature Chekhovian move—such as light and dark imagery, the purposeful placement of a “Chekhov’s Gun,” or the use of philosophical monologues—and is using it as the foundation for an original short story. They are drafting, exchanging peer feedback, and revising their work with the option to submit their final pieces to the Upper School literary magazine, PRISM.
This year of the International Baccalaureate (IB) English course centers on the themes of power and performance, with particular emphasis on public speaking, oral assessments, and inquiry-based literary analysis. Students engage with a wide range of global literature, examining each text through its historical and cultural context while developing a deep understanding of genre and craft. Throughout the year, they refine their analytical and creative writing skills; practice crafting arguable thesis statements; and prepare for the IB oral assessment by creating and delivering presentations that unpack the literary and persuasive techniques within each work. Students also maintain a yearlong Learner’s Portfolio that gathers their formative, creative, and analytical writing as they build confidence, independence, and voice.
Tuesday night’s International Baccalaureate (IB) recital showcased the talents of IB Music HL2 and SL students in an evening of vocal and instrumental performances.
Numerous WFS students were honored at the Blood Cancer United Student Visionaries of the Year Grand Finale Celebration, recognizing their leadership, compassion, and commitment to making a difference in the fight against blood cancer.
The Wilmington Friends School Mock Trial team delivered an outstanding performance at the 35th Annual Delaware High School Mock Trial Competition, competing against 26 teams from across the state. The WFS “A” Team finished 3rd overall, while the “B” Team earned an impressive 9th-place finish.
The WFS College Office recently hosted a Case Studies program for juniors and their parents/guardians. Prior to the program, students and families were given three college applications to read.
Head of School Ken Aldridge visited 2nd graders in February to celebrate "I Love to Read Month," sharing two meaningful stories with students, “The Trouble with Giraffes” and “Strictly No Elephants.”
Bravo to Landis Hershey ’26 (left) and Henrik Maansson ’27 for representing Wilmington Friends School at the 2026 English-Speaking Union Philadelphia Branch Shakespeare Competition!
Wilmington Friends School student-athletes delivered an outstanding week of postseason performances, representing the Blue with pride across the DIAA State Championships. From record-breaking swims and podium finishes to historic wrestling milestones, standout track performances, and a hard-fought basketball season, the Quakers once again showcased the talent, resilience, and leadership that define WFS athletics.
Congratulations to Vincent Jackson ’27 on becoming a published author with the release of his book "Within the Darkness" (you can find it in the WFS library)!
Last week, the WFS Model UN Club, accompanied by faculty advisor Nick Childers, sent a delegation of six students to the Garnet Valley Model UN Conference. This was their first time participating in the Garnet Valley Model UN Conference, and the Quakers built on their experiences from past conferences.
Middle school students had the opportunity to engage with a Black History Month bulletin board created by Sisters of Color members Zoe H. ’30, Maddie W. ’30, and Mia J ’30.
Lower school students shared a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to Friends Village last week, which has been their home throughout the 2025–26 school year during construction.
Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.