The courtyard at Shrub Oak International School recently transformed into a scene reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties as students in the Diploma cohort celebrated the conclusion of their class reading of The Great Gatsby. The themed gathering, inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, provided an engaging and immersive way for students to connect with the literature they had been studying throughout the term.
The celebration marked the culmination of weeks of reading, analysis, and classroom assignments centered on the novel. Throughout the unit, students explored the characters, symbolism, and historical context of Fitzgerald’s work, gaining insight into the cultural atmosphere of the 1920s and the themes of ambition, identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The Great Gatsby party served as a creative extension of that learning, allowing students to step into the world of the novel while celebrating their academic accomplishments.
The courtyard setting provided an ideal backdrop for the event. Students arrived in our courtyard dressed in fun Roaring Twenties-inspired attire, bringing the era to life with flapper-style dresses, sharp suits, and other period-inspired fashion. The festive outfits reflected the glamour and sophistication associated with the Jazz Age, adding to the immersive atmosphere of the celebration. For many students, preparing for the event and selecting their outfits became an additional way to engage with the historical period explored in the novel.
Music played an important role in setting the tone for the gathering. Jazz filled the courtyard, echoing the sounds that defined the cultural landscape of the 1920s. As students mingled and enjoyed the festivities, the lively rhythms helped recreate the vibrant spirit often associated with the lavish parties described in The Great Gatsby. The music contributed to a relaxed and celebratory environment where students could reflect on the novel while enjoying time together outside the classroom.
The party also featured themed spring snacks and beverages that complemented the Gatsby-inspired setting. Students sampled a variety of light refreshments while continuing conversations about the novel and the work they had completed during the unit. The shared experience reinforced the connection between academic study and social interaction, highlighting how literature can spark discussion, creativity, and collaboration.
Events like The Great Gatsby celebration reflect Shrub Oak International School’s commitment to experiential learning. By incorporating hands-on activities and creative programming into academic subjects, educators provide opportunities for students to engage with course material in ways that extend beyond traditional instruction. Activities that combine reading, discussion, and interactive experiences can support communication, social engagement, and deeper understanding of academic concepts.
For students in the Diploma cohort, the celebration represented both a conclusion and a recognition of their efforts. Completing a complex and widely studied novel such as The Great Gatsby requires focus, comprehension, and thoughtful analysis. The party offered a moment to acknowledge that work while celebrating the community built within the classroom during the course of the unit.
Photos from the event are being compiled into a presentation, allowing students and staff to revisit the highlights of the celebration. The images capture not only the distinctive style of the 1920s-inspired gathering but also the enthusiasm and pride of students who brought their classroom learning to life in a meaningful way.
Through creative experiences like the Great Gatsby party, Shrub Oak International School continues to demonstrate how literature can inspire connection, imagination, and celebration while supporting the academic growth of its students.
