Curriculum and Overarching Questions:
All teachers link their curriculum to the school’s core values: integrity, academic growth, responsible citizenship and leadership. These are the skills and values we want the students to leave DCMS with and incorporate into their lives. We use overarching questions for each grade that allow students to explore the core values during the school year. We chose the following focus questions:
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Grade Seven: Who are we and where are we?
Grade Eight: Who were we and where were we?
Grade Nine: Who can I be and where will we go? |
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Field Trip Series:
During the school year, middle school students participate in a two-month Field Trip Series that immerses students in the local environment to build their knowledge of history, geology, and ecology. Each grade level has specific overarching questions that determine the scope and direction of their studies.
Grade 7: Who are we and where are we?
The grade seven students are immersed in the local environment, traveling to the first location where settlers landed on Eleuthera, learning about the geology of the island where the formation of rocks is easily identified, and studying marine life living in the oceans surrounding their homes.
Grade 8: Who were we and where were we?
The grade eight students are leading a ‘Living History of South Eleuthera’ project where they interview people in various settlements about the changes they have seen on Eleuthera in their lifetime. The students take notes during the interview and transcribe their responses. At the end of this program, using the knowledge they have gained from the interviews, the students write a historical short story that takes place in Eleuthera. The goal of the story is to create a piece of writing that passes on some of the ‘oral history’ they have been given.
Grade 9: Who can I be and where will we go?
The grade nines are learning about the environmental challenges that face Eleuthera at this time and the role they will play in correcting these issues as the leaders of the future. Specifically they are learning about marine protected areas and declining fish populations. The students are doing research on species population in particular areas in South Eleuthera by SCUBA diving and snorkeling the local shoreline. They interview local people, fishermen, scientists and government officials to gather more information. The culminating activity will be traveling to Exuma to visit the largest marine protected area in the Atlantic.
Community Outreach:
The community outreach program is an opportunity for DCMS students to put the four core values into action. Partnering with Island School students, the group works on solving a community need or environmental issue. In 2007, students piloted a can recycling program in three settlements in South Eleuthera.
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After-School Reading and Computer Programs:
DCMS opens its doors afterschool and on the weekend for children from 7 years of age through high school to get extra help with homework, reading, and computer skills. On Saturday mornings children come to the Resource Center to play structured games, do art projects, or listen to storytelling. This is the only place where these types of activities are offered to children on South Eleuthera. |
Adult Education Programs:
The Resource Center offers classes to parents and community members who want to learn a new skill. Computer classes are a popular option, we have also offered a ‘Healthy Living Workshop’ where DCMS staff partnered with a local clinic to offer workshops on topics such as breast cancer, nutrition, exercise, diabetes, and heart disease. Over 35 adults in the community have regularly participated in these workshops.
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Summer Camps:
Over the summer many students attend camp in the United States. They have traveled to Boston, Maine and New York City to Wavus Camp for Girls, Camp Kieve for Boys, The Boys Club of New York-Camp Cromwell, Camp Dudley, Kiniya at Camp Dudley and Camp Wildwood-Massachusetts Audubon Society. They all had a fantastic time and they are still telling their friends about their adventures and new experiences. We are so fortunate to have these camps supporting our students. We also appreciate the individuals who supported these trips by picking up the students at the airport, driving them to camp and helping with their travel expenses.
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Boarding School Program:
Over seven DCMS students have attended boarding schools in the United States. Each student has received a full-scholarship to continue their studies at Proctor Academy, Lawrence Academy, Episcopal High School, Kimball Union Academy, and Vermont Academy. More and more students apply each year. This opportunity opens doors for many other possibilities in the future. |
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