Upper School Explores History and Culture Through Field Order 15 and Kendrick Lamar

Over the past two weeks, Upper School students have engaged in a fascinating exploration of history and storytelling during their advisory sessions. As part of a Deep Dive discussion, students examined Field Order 15—an often-overlooked Civil War-era policy promising land to formerly enslaved people—and its surprising connections to Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl halftime performance.

Through guided discussions, students explored the historical context of Field Order 15 and its lasting significance. They then analyzed Lamar’s performance, considering how music and art can reflect themes of perseverance, identity, and history. By connecting the past to the present, they gained a deeper appreciation for storytelling’s role in shaping our understanding of the world. Along the way, they also expanded their analytical skills by engaging with new “thinking routines,” structured approaches to guide observation,  inference, and analysis that deepened their exploration of complex ideas.

By making connections between the past and present, students not only gained a deeper understanding of historical storytelling but also strengthened their ability to think critically across disciplines. This advisory series is part of Moravian Academy’s commitment to fostering curiosity, thoughtful dialogue, and a lifelong love of learning.