Academics
Realizing the need for a more tailored education, we've developed our programs to meet national standards whist valuing the importance of alternative techniques for a 21st century education. The Harbour Island Green School follows the National Curriculum of The Bahamas up until Grade 9, with a parallel focus on the environment and experiential learning. Best practices and experiential learning are integrated into our curriculum to promote our core values: Leadership, Sustainability, Love of Learning, Creativity, and Community.
Small Class Sizes
With class sizes ranging from 10 - 15 students, teachers can tailor instruction more individually with more one-on-one interaction. Our 1:6 teacher student ratio allows for less disruptions. Each student receives the time and attention they need in order to flourish in a classroom setting.
Experiential Learning
Throughout the experiential learning process, the learner is actively engaged in critical thinking, experimenting and problem solving. At HIGS, experiential learning is integrated into core classes, as well ad through our dedicated Green Friday Program.
Afterschool Support
Our school offers multiple streams of afterschool support. These include individual tutoring, additional group classes, or dedicated homework spaces. This program is guided by our teachers who are able to provide targeted aid for students.
Clubs & Extracurriculars
At HIGS we pride ourselves on offering as many extracurricular options to our students as possible, so that every student has the opportunity to discover their passions and interests. Our after-school activities are instrumental in helping our students form well-balanced lives.
National Curriculum
We follow the MOE curriculum whilst incorporating experiential education, learning-through-interest and best practices. While constantly improving our learning model, we still aim to meet and exceed national standards. HIGS is a registered testing site for National Exams such as GLAT 3, GLAT 6 & BJCs.
Special Services Division
This program provides mental health and special education services. This includes individualized counseling and academic support services for identified students. Students in the program have an individualized plan, incorporating provisional diagnoses, attainable goals, and actionable steps to best support the student.
ENGLISH
This course emphasizes the fundamental language skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking, viewing, and presenting. The course includes studies of various literary genres: poetry, prose, drama, and non-fiction. The techniques learnt in class facilitate smoother writing, reading, and public speaking, allowing students to better communicate with the world around them.
MATH
Mathematics helps us understand the world and provides an effective way of building mental discipline. This course is designed to encourage logical reasoning, critical thinking, creative thinking, abstract or spatial thinking, and problem-solving ability. Along with the MOE curriculum, our teachers integrate best practices to ensure understanding and mastery.
SCIENCE
Students study a broad base of knowledge in the field of science. The Primary School Program studies a range of introductory topics from different areas of science including biology, chemistry, physics, and geology. The Junior High Program branches into Health Science and General Science, in addition to the aforementioned fields.
SOCIAL
STUDIES
Students discover commonalities and differences among peoples from past to present. Emphasis is placed on understanding the social, political, environmental, economic, and spiritual factors of human development, both in The Bahamas and internationally.
ART
The goal of this course is to expand students' creativity and to allow them to express their emotions in a positive way. Students will explore a variety of artists, materials, and art processes, including drawing, painting, and photography. The class also explores how art relates in cultural and historical contexts.
Spanish
This course is designed to develop listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills in Spanish. Students learn the fundamental structures of the language by engaging in brief conversations, directed dialogues, and a variety of activities.
Religious studies
Religious Studies allows learners to explore religious beliefs and practices and the possible influence of such beliefs and practices on individuals and society. Students study The Bible as well as explore other religions. This promotes the development of values and morals, enabling students to make informed decisions on moral and ethical issues.
gREEN fRIDAY
At HIGS, experiential learning is integrated into core classes, as well as through a dedicated program: Green Friday. Every Friday afternoon, students from K through 9 are immersed in environmental initiatives such as oceanic research, sustainable farming, and the implementation of sustainable waste management.
Early Childhood
Program
Our early childhood program focuses on the learning, developmental, social, and physical needs of young children. Our educators provide a safe and comfortable environment in which young children can learn not just early academics, but social, motor, and adaptive skills which prepare them for future academic success. .
L.T.I.
Program
Along with the introduction of new teachers came their expertise and experience with new programs. This semester we introduced the Learning Through Interest (LTI) Program, where students were challenged to dive into their interests, explore their passions, and present on what they discovered.
Physical Education
Program
At HIGS, the physical education program is designed to teach the basics of popular sports games and integrate healthy exercise into our students everyday lives. Games taught include softball, basketball, cricket, and track. The program is hosted off campus, normally on the local sports field, the community basketball court or the beach. PE gives our athletic students opportunities to develop and display their skills, while simultaneously pushing our less active students to improve their physical health and stamina.
Softball Basketball Soccer Cricket
HIGS follows the National Curriculum of The Bahamas from Kindergarten to Grade 9. Learning at the school is guided by a commitment to 21st century skills, environmental sustainability and social justice, as well as current pedagogical best practices.
