In addition to its formal curriculum, Portsmouth offers several programs:

WRITING WORKSHOP
In addition to the Creative Writing course offered by our Writer-in-Residence, a Writing Workshop is available to students as an extracurricular activity. The Writing Workshop is directed by the Writer-in-Residence and provides students with an opportunity to work on their own writing projects. Students are free to work on fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and will learn the value of editing and revision in a workshop format.

FORM III COMMUNITY SERVICE
Each Form III student participates in an ongoing project of direct service work in the local community. Third formers complete ten hours of required service in one term and are encouraged to join other student service groups or create independent projects in community service during the year.

PRINCIPLES IN PRACTICE
The Principles in Practice Program helps students to understand and apply theological moral principles to their daily lives. Third Form students meet in a classroom setting to explore the theological foundations of our school mission, our view of man, his destiny, and how he can flourish in community. The Third Form Small Group sessions then offer students a forum in which they consider how these principles can and should be implemented in their daily lives. With the guidance of faculty and Sixth Form group leaders, students participate in discussions that center on real-life situations, focusing on how to make good decisions, to behave morally and to live with integrity.

FORM III HEALTH
The purpose of this course is to provide information and discussion opportunities for students on selected topics. Topics include stress (recognizing and dealing with), sleep, disease, medication use (over the counter and prescription), nutrition, tobacco, smokeless tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol. The Medical Services Department and professional guest speakers present topics.

FORM V HEALTH
This series of presentations begins with a discussion on streee and sleep. Other topics include: alcohol, reproduction, sexuality, and disease (in generral and what's new in the news). The Medical Services Department and professional guest speakers present topics.

FORM VI PROJECTS
Form VI students may elect to pursue a project as part of their Form VI program. These projects range from very formal academic activities that carry academic credit to less formal projects that allow students to pursue a particular interest. Some projects allow students to take a short leave of absence.

PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTION
Instruction in piano, guitar, voice, and some of the standard orchestral instruments is readily available to students at Portsmouth. At the recommendation of the Director of Music, academic credit may be given for instrumental lessons if taken for at least two years.

ADVANCED INSTRUMENTAL APPLICATION
Students may, with departmental approval, elect afternoon instrumental study during the fall and winter terms. This study may be dedicated to individual instrumental rehearsals, geared toward a student recital or other venues. Winter term is limited to students performing in the winter musical.

ABBEY SINGERS
The Abbey Singers is a performing chorale that welcomes any member of the student body to sing and participate in the group. Regular rehearsals include preparation for Sunday Liturgies, Church Assemblies, School Concerts, and invitational events such as community and choral festivals. Participation in the group is considered both a privilege and an opportunity for students who love to sing and grow in their knowledge and understanding of music.

PRO DEO
The chamber orchestra rehearses twice a week and performs both with the Abbey Singers and alone at special occasions throughout the year.

ABBEY PLAYERS
The Abbey Players' philosophy is that there is something for everyone in theater: acting, singing, dancing, and stagecraft. Three formal dramatic productions are staged each year, including the annual winter musical. Participation as an Abbey Player is open to the entire student body by audition at the beginning of each term. Recent shows include: You can't take it with you, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Anything Goes, Macbeth, Fiddler on the Roof, Antigone, The New Play Festival: featuring student-written plays.

INDEPENDENT STUDY
Students may pursue formal independent study for credit at points in their academic careers where experience and interest warrant. Independent study allows a student to take full advantage of the expertise and availability of our faculty. Students normally elect independent study to pursue special academic interests that are not usually available in a secondary school curriculum.