The Semester has been flying by! Last Tuesday marked us being one-third of the way through the semester, and what a whirlwind it’s been. After tackling a four-day kayak trip and Scuba Week during their first two weeks on campus, our students are settling into the rhythm of academics, research, projects, apprenticeships, and much more.

The Island School Core Curriculum

Students rotate through four core classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 

Marine Ecology

In Marine Ecology, students explore the relationships between marine organisms and their environment. From examining mangrove adaptations to taking underwater field notes on patch reefs, this course immerses students in the ecosystems off the coast of South Eleuthera. By learning how to interpret an organism’s form to understand its function within an ecosystem, students develop the skills to draw meaningful scientific conclusions and gain a deeper understanding of ecological connections and the larger implications of ecosystem changes.

Sustainable Systems 

This class takes a mathematical approach to learn about and analyze campus water systems. Students use mathematical models, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning to identify problems and explore opportunities for improvement. By the end of the semester, students will propose a project to improve the water systems on campus, a sustainable change that will benefit The Island School community for years to come. 

Creative Writing 

Throughout the semester, students are tasked with documenting their time at The Island School through different literary media—from poetry to environmental journalism. Students dive into the writing process, developing their writing skills alongside their sense of self, and discovering storytelling as a powerful tool for sharing knowledge, promoting sustainability and environmental action, building community, and finding meaning in their experiences. 

Community & Culture 

In Community & Culture, students study The Bahamas, exploring historical narratives, tourism, and development that affect local communities in Eleuthera, as well as the rest of The Bahamas. This course examines how external forces shape island societies and economies, giving students more perspective on the place they are calling home this semester. Last week, students looked at how global, national, and local histories are all intertwined, while this week they are delving into storytelling and oral histories.

Semester Research Projects Answer Real-World Questions

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students get the opportunity to engage in one of eight research projects happening at the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI). This semester, projects include:

• Food Security/Aquaculture– Exploring how sustainable farming and aquaponics can strengthen local food systems by conducting community surveys on farmed seafood. 

• Sustainable Livelihoods– Working with local fishers to research lobster farming as a way to help build resilience against tropical storms. 

• Solar Energy– Hands-on solar installations across campus to demonstrate sustainable energy generation in remote/rural island communities.

• Blue Economy– Underwater surveys examining the relationship between shark diving tourism and species like the queen conch, a fishery that is critical to the Bahamian culture and economy. 

• Conch Aquaculture– Cultivating algae and creating systems for feeding queen conch to help develop sustainable methods to support conch conservation.

• Marine Mammals– Using boat surveys and underwater microphones to track beaked whales in the Exuma Sound to support conservation efforts.

• Sharks– Evaluating how different shark tourism techniques affect lemon shark behavior to create safer, wildlife-friendly practices. 
• Coral– Testing eco-friendly materials for artificial reef structures to help restore damaged reef ecosystems.

Whether they are diving in the crystal-clear waters, conducting interviews in the community, or analyzing data, students are getting hands-on experience with real-life scientific projects at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, learning about everything from sharks to solar to sustainable agriculture.

Gaining Experience Through Apprenticeship Program

Tuesday afternoons are dedicated to apprenticeships. Students from both the Semester program and Deep Creek Middle School had the choice from a variety of options, from aquaponics and farming to helping out in the Elementary Learning Center or in the kitchen

These apprenticeships help get students more involved on campus while building real-world skills they won’t find in a traditional classroom. 

Art & Movement, Querencia, and Exploration

On Saturdays, students’ academics focus on Art & Movement as well as Querencia. 

In Art & Movement, students have been working with Alexandria Robinson, a visual artist from Nassau, The Bahamas, who is an Artist in Residence on campus this Semester, to plan and deliver art projects in collaboration with local elementary schools. Their first project centered on the Chickcharney, a Bahamian folklore bird seen as a guardian of nature. This past week, students visited local elementary schools and helped students build their own bird sculptures based on the Chickcharney. Part of Saturday is also reserved for Querencia, which is dedicated to alone time, in which students return to the same spot each time. This practice helps them establish a sense of self through a connection to their surroundings, while also preparing them for their two-day solo they will undertake during their upcoming expedition. 

Throughout the week, students also have exploration time. With their bikes, students can responsibly and safely explore places like the inner loop or the mangroves at Paige Creek. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn to care for themselves and each other while delving into the natural places all around them.

Junkanoo Workshops

Throughout the semester, students participate in Junkanoo workshops with our neighbors in the local community. Junkanoo is a vibrant Bahamian tradition that features colorful street parades, handmade elaborate costumes, rhythmic music, and lively dancing. In these workshops, students learn about the celebration, its history, and create their own Junkanoo pieces. These workshops are a great way for students to connect with the culture of The Bahamas and be grounded in a sense of place and community.

Morning Exercise

Our morning exercise program, known at The Island School as AMX, gives students a choice between running and swimming, with the ultimate goal of completing either a half-marathon or a four-mile open ocean swim. Both impressive feats! A weekly AMX schedule includes run-swims, short track, long track, rest dance, and fun games, keeping the students active, engaged, and building endurance. 

Building Community

Student Leaders: Each week, a group of students is chosen to lead the community, with tasks such as leading a circle or planning a Saturday night activity. Their main role in this position, though, is to look out for the needs of the community and advocate for their peers, practicing positive leadership qualities that will serve them well in the future. 

Dorm Meetings: Students also have weekly dorm meetings that provide a powerful space for students to connect, bond, and communicate what’s on their minds and how to live well together, creating a strong foundation for an intentional community. 

What’s Coming Next 

As the semester progresses, students continue to make friends, learn, have fun, and challenge themselves in ways they never expected. Next week marks the start of expeditions, where students will complete an eight-day kayak trip, as well as a down-island trip where students not only go camping but also meet local business owners and learn about the history and culture of Eleuthera, establishing a stronger sense of place.

We can’t wait to see what the rest of our program has in store for this incredible group of young people.