The Derryfield School ~ Global Education

Global Education

The Derryfield School knows how important it is to prepare our students to become local and global citizens; nurturing the attributes of social justice, civic awareness, cultural understanding and respect for others. Students develop these attributes through experiences in and outside of the classroom; and in the local and global communities.

Students are exposed to the world through an ongoing awareness by our faculty that what is taught in the classroom must be connected to the outside world in order for learning to be effective. Starting with sixth grade Geography students working with immigrants and refugees, to Middle School physical education classes emphasizing teambuilding and cooperation, to a focus on both Eastern and Western History in Upper School; this theme is continued from sixth through twelfth grade.

Many of our core and elective courses push our students to look at the local and global world from varying perspectives; including Geography, World Justice, Environmental Literature, Rebellious Women in Literature, Asia: East & West, Global Environmental Issues, Global Humanitarian Issues, Environmental Science: Case Studies and Music History.

Community Service - Service opportunities in our Middle and Upper Schools abound. Through service learning, community service days and numerous one time and ongoing projects, all students graduate with an understanding of our responsibilities to the community. For information on specific opportunities go the community service section of our website.

Travel Opportunities - Each year, middle and upper school students are offered opportunities to participate in domestic and international programs. Some of these trips focus on language and cultural immersion, some on service and some on a combination of service, culture and language. Click here for stories and pictures about previous years' programs. Information on trips for the 2010-11 school year is available below. Don't miss the Global Opportunities Information Night on Monday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lyceum.

2010 Global Trips

New York City Arts & Culture Trip

Dates: First week of spring break

Grades: 6th - 8th

Trip Leader: Cornelius Raiford

Costa Rica Environmental & Service Experience

Dates: First week of spring break

Grades: 7th - 8th

Trip Leader: Susan Grodman

Semester at Sea Pre-College Program

(ship-based program in Central America including Panama Canal transit)

Dates: December 15, 2010 - January 4, 2011