School Without Walls 2021
Last month, we held our third and final session of Schools Without Walls for the academic year. This week of experiential learning sees our Deep Creek Middle School students immerse themselves into other branches of the organization, which includes helping with research projects, working on our campus’s sustainability initiatives, and exploring iconic cultural and natural history sites across Eleuthera. This extended field trip of immersive learning always provides new experiences for both staff and students, and while adapting our teaching and routines to adhere to new COVID-19 safety measures, we were able to continue this program of learning by doing.
Students visited the farm to learn about animal husbandry and also did some planting.
DCMS grades 7-9 split up to tackle different learning objectives, and our research team was in full force with their new assistants for the week. A wide range of current projects ongoing at CEIS meant that Grades 7 and 8 spent time in the field and in the lab, learning about topics ranging from Bahamian fisheries to coral reef ecosystems to sea turtle ecology. Students also spent time getting immersed in some of our sustainability systems on campus, including the farm, our waste management facility, and the aquaponics system.
In addition to a trip north to visit different historic sites on Eleuthera, Grade 7 visited Lighthouse Beach to learn about the geologic formations, ponds, and coral reef ecosystems that surround the southern tip of the island.
Students snorkeled at Lighthouse Beach, visiting corals and practicing their fish ID.
Meanwhile, grade 9 students were busy working through their PADI Junior Open Water course, spending the week getting comfortable in the water and building their diving skills to continue towards their certifications.
The week culminated in Presentations of Learning, during which the students summarized their learning outcomes into skits, art, and question and answer sessions. This year, these presentations were held online, further highlighting the adaptability of both students and staff to end a week of experiential learning on a high note. While logistics will continue to be a challenge during the pandemic, Schools Without Walls poses a great opportunity to get back to high value learning experiences. With many of the week’s activities being outdoors, we can make the most of the opportunity to safely teach, learn, and live well in South Eleuthera. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make the program a success!