Enrichment Clusters
Cycle 1

BELL Academy is proud to boast amazing enrichment clusters including fine arts, drama, origami, fashion, community service plus many more. 
Students will be able to choose from the clusters listed below by ranking their preferences from 1-14. We will do our best to give students their top choices! There will be 3 cluster cycles this year.

Future Community Leaders  


Are you interested in taking action in our community or around the world? Is there something bothering you that you would like to see changed? In this cluster you will learn how to do something about it! Through investigation and planning we will be able to address these issues, develop and carry out action plans to make a positive impact on our community. Field trips may include various points of interest throughout Queens. You will decide! 

21st Century Technology   


Do you enjoy creating presentations or animations on a computer? Are you interested in creating and maintaining a blog? Does the technology behind a 3-D printer fascinate you? If you answered yes! to any of those questions then this is the SEM for you! We will be exploring how digital technology has impacted the way we learn, communicate, and do business. You will design a project that will demonstrate how you can use this technology to impact our community. Possible technology to be used will be laptops, iPad minis, SAM Animation software, and our 3-D printer. A possible trip could be to the museum of the moving image and/or to a local business.

Environmental Cluster


Do you find yourself thinking about ways to improve our planet and how you can help make it better? Do you like figuring out creative ways to turn something old into something new? In this cluster, you will be working on projects that may include creating art through used materials or even writing letters to spread important information about our environment. Through some brainstorming and planning, we will find our own ways to make a dent in conserving and helping our planet in a positive way. Field trips may include a visit with the Department of Environmental Protection or the Queens County Farm Museum.


BELL Film Critics 


Do you like to watch movies and then talk about them with your friends? Do you enjoy looking at the movie posters advertising the films? Well if you do then this is the cluster for you.  Learn how to write a movie review and design your own movie poster describing movies that you have seen. A possible trip to the museum of moving image in Astoria at the end of cluster is expected.

Building Dreams-Architecture and You

Have you ever wanted to redesign your room? Do you ever wonder how skyscrapers or bridges are built? Do you like to put things together or take them apart to see how it works? Does design and planning intrigue you? In this cluster you will be exploring different phases of the drafting and design process of the world around you including drafting blueprints by hand and with the use of computer applications such as auto-CAD and/or Google Sketch-up, building miniature 3-D models, and understanding all aspects of the design and building process which may include New York City building codes, plumbing systems, electrical systems, structural engineering and architectural design.  At the end of this cluster we may visit the Architecture and Design department at the Museum of Modern Art or the Center for Architecture in New York City.

Zumba Fit


Do you love to be active but don't love sports?  Did you ever wonder where Zumba dance routines came from and why they're so popular? Would you like to learn how to make foods that will help you to become and stay healthy? Then Zumba Fit is for you!  In this cluster, you will learn where Zumba originated from and how to follow Zumba dance routines. You will also learn about the benefits of exercise as well as how to eat to fuel your mind and body! You will create your own Zumba routines and learn how the food we eat affects our whole body.  You will also have the opportunity to spread your new healthy attitude with our community by teaching your Zumba routines to other students or displaying informational posters in the building.   A possible trip to the Biology Experience exhibit at the New York Hall of Science will be planned as well.

Exploring Art Through Social Issues


Do you enjoy art? Are you interested in creating a school wide museum exhibit in our halls here at BELL? What social issues interest you? What are you passionate about? In this cluster, you will explore many artists, from around the world.  You will investigate a variety of artists and create your own drawings, using images that define you and demonstrate a social issue important to you.  A possible trip will be to Queens Museum of Art.

Fashion of the World

Do you love fashion? Are you passionate about designing clothing? In this cluster, you will explore fashion trends of different cultures and design original fashion pieces that are inspired by those cultures. You can create a hat, a pair of socks, masks dresses, pants, jewelry, etc. A possible trip to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to explore and learn more about the fashion industry and famous designers.


Masterpieces that "Count"    


Do you enjoy creating masterpieces through paper folds? Maybe you’re interested in creating unique and abstract designs?  Have you seen creative pieces of artwork and want to see how they are made? In this cluster you will learn about different forms of art that incorporate elements of math.  Some topics may include the ancient art form of origami, tessellation designs and much, much more! Bring your creativity to this cluster to help coordinate school wide art and math events! Possible field trips to a “Special Folding Fun” Session at the American Museum of Natural History and/or to the many Art and Math Museums of New York City!

Are Disney Movies a Good History Teacher?   


In this SEM, we will use the movies produced by Disney to analyze the historical accuracy of these children’s movies. We will also investigate whether some movies are more accurate than others and will brainstorm ways to make these films more accurate.  We will also discuss whether it is important for these films to be historically accurate.  Students will also work to analyze any biases or other trends that may be present in the movies we will evaluate.  Since we will be judging for accuracy, we will also need to investigate the time periods these movies represent.  Some potential movies include, but are not limited to: Mulan, Johnny Tremain, Robin Hood (animated, 1973), Newsies, Pocohontas, Remember the Titans, Miracle, and National Treasure.  Students will help decide the movies and time periods we discuss.

Art History Cluster  


Do you like art?  Are you interested in learning about the historical world of art and recreating your own impressions? Then this cluster is for you.  Research images and stories about cave paintings, Egyptian art, and Greek vases and urns.  You will select images you connect with then you recreate them in class.  Possible trip to local New York City Museums to see and learn about original works of art.

Hot off the Press

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! BELL Newspaper needs dedicated, hardworking students to be reporters, editors, artists, designers and photographers!  You will develop the ideas and write the stories that the BELL Family will read about!  Would you like to write your own comic strip or horoscopes?  Maybe interviews with BELL staff or students are more your thing? The possibilities are endless when you get to decide!  A possible trip will be to the local newspaper headquarters.

String Ensemble 


Are you a musician interested in performing in a group setting?  This cluster is open to all students with a desire to create and perform with others who share a passion for music. You will have the chance to compose and record your own music, learn to arrange and play songs of your choosing and perform in ensembles in multiple different settings. All ability levels are welcome. We will be able to provide string instruments from the school so you do not need your own instrument to participate in this cluster. Possible class field trips include sitting in on a rehearsal of the NY Philharmonic and other musical performances around the city.


Drama 


Are you a natural performer?  Do you like to act?  Are you creative and love to design sets? If so, Drama Club is the club for you!  Drama Club is for students who enjoy acting, singing, dancing or being cast crew members. You will learn acting skills, play production, teamwork and have experience working on sets and props.  As a club, you will hold performances for the school and spread your talents to our local community centers such as the YMCA or nursing home.