This part of our curriculum is unique to DCMS. The following programs are specially designed to provide students with opportunities to practice the core values of leadership, academic growth, and responsible citizenship.
Community Outreach
Community outreach is a partnership between DCMS students and students at the Island School semester program. Every semester, students work in teams with Island School students to research, design, and implement a project that benefits the greater community of South Eleuthera. Projects can be social or environmental in nature. In the past, they have included implementing an aluminum can recycling program, raising awareness about the impact of lionfish on Bahamian coral reefs, and planning a community art fair.
School Without Walls
For a six-week period in January and February, each grade tackles a unique and pertinent issue confronting the surrounding community. This issue is explored in different core classes and through full-day fieldtrips once a week. Topics include environmental and social issues. Recent projects included an exploration of the impact of lionfish to marine ecosystems and the local community, youth activism, marine ecology & the habitats of Eleuthera, and the legacy of plastic. The program culminates with a Presentation of Learning where students share what they have learned with the community.
Skills
The skills curriculum covers a wide range of subjects to support the children's development success as students, young adults, and future leaders. For grade seven, the curriculum focuses on study skills, computer literacy, and community building. Grade eight students learn leadership, communication, conflict management and decision-making skills. Grade nine students gain SCUBA certification.
SCUBA
In ninth grade, students at DCMS work towards a PADI certification through open water SCUBA diving. Students learn to dive safely through a combination of classroom lessons, contained water skills instruction, and open water dives. PADI certified instructors from the Island School lead weekly dives that teach basic diving skills, expose students to the local marine environment, and build teamwork and perseverance. Underwater graduation takes place at the end of the year.
Check out our grade 9 students diving with the green flag!