Experiential
Learning
Experiential learning is an engaged learning process whereby students “learn by doing” and by then reflecting on this experience. Experiences are carefully chosen for their learning potential. 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 as through a dedicated program: Green Fridays. 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. Check out the last year's (2020-2021) Green Friday Projects!
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01
Partnership with
Food Post Farms
Food Post Farms is a closed-loop♻️island farmstead that specializes in vermicomposting. Vermicompost is the product of the decomposition process using various species of worms. HIGS and Food Post Farms work together on multiple projects. Mr.Dorlan Curtis, also know as "the worm guy", facilitates compost management and soil production for the campus and has given multiple presentations to students on closed-loop farming. He has worked closely with our Junior High students to educate them on sustainable waste management, which has led to a complete re-haul of our school's waste system.
02
Native Plant Garden
The Grade 5 & 6 class learned about indigenous and medicinal plants. They worked with Dr. Ethan Freid, a renowned botanist from The Bahamas National Trust, and a local entrepreneur, Calae Burrows. Burrows uses local plants in teas, cosmetics and seasonings. Students learned about our botanical heritage and its cultural and economic value. They then designed their own garden of indigenous and medicinal plants to plant on school grounds. The class worked as a team to select, propagate, and transplant appropriate plants, as well as to keep these plants healthy and alive as the year progressed. The garden is planted against a mural the students painted, which features local birds and butterflies. The class then finished off the year by selling various plants and teas made from their hard won crops at the Green Friday Exhibition at the end of the year. Their work not only aligned with the national curriculum for science and social studies but was an highly engaging way of exploring these topics.
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03
ZERO WASTE SYSTEM
The Junior High students this year focused on learning about and implementing a Zero Waste System at HIGS. Students explored the landfill in North Eleuthera and met with local stakeholders to learn about local waste systems and environmentally sustainable practices. Throughout the term, students developed and revamped our waste system, which now includes three bins: compost, general trash, and aluminum.
04
vegetable Garden
Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 students were hands-on in the garden with field trips or visitors each week. Several areas of farming were included in their learning, and students' interests acted as the guide for the learning process. Worms became a strong area of student interest after the visit to FoodPost Farms. Composting and its importance became a focal point in their studies.
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