Experiential Learning

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” Helen Keller

School life is not only about academics but also taking part in activities which broaden students’ horizons and give meaning to what is being studied. At DSC, we have structured into our programming opportunities for students to be active local and global citizens. These unique learning experiences lead to lifelong memories; the value of these experiences cannot be overstated. They help raise achievement by giving students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in the real world.

Students at DSC have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills that they have learned in class to the real world. Volunteer community service opportunities, Experiential Learning Week, and Career Integrated Learning all provide students with a variety of opportunities to enhance their secondary school journey, provide valuable and meaningful experiences, and add to their personal life experiences.

Elementary

Discovery Days 2026

Secondary

Experiential Learning Week 2025

Collectively, our students have completed thousands of hours of community service, worked on overseas development projects, all in an effort to meet our School’s Mission Statement which supports striving for excellence and promotes making a positive contribution to the local and global communities.

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Community Service Involvement

Elementary

Starting from Early Years, our teachers collaborate and hand pick places within our local community where our youngest students can go and learn about the different roles people have and how we are all connected to each other. The importance of providing experiential learning opportunities continues in Elementary through field trips. Students are regularly given opportunities to extend their learning beyond the walls of the classroom and serve the community around them.

Secondary

The purpose of community involvement is to reinforce civic responsibility, strengthen the community, and develop a positive self-image. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, build up one’s resume for university entrance, and become a well-rounded person. As part of the OSSD requirement, students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service. Our Guidance Counsellors work with students to find suitable placements so that students can meet this graduation requirement. In addition, during our Experiential Learning Week, students travel to different destinations and have the opportunity to work towards their community service hours on various service projects.

Experiential Learning Week (ELW)

Each year, DSC students take part in our Experiential Learning Week (Secondary) and Discovery Days (Elementary). These exciting and educational programs are designed to give students the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the walls of the classroom and are structured around one or more of the following themes:

Leadership Skills and Collaboration
Enhancing Cultural Awareness
Community Involvement Through Service Projects
Enriching Creativity
Adventure and Sports

By participating in these learning experiences, students will enhance their 21st Century learning competencies while developing skills in the following areas:

Independence
Leadership
Organization
Collaboration

Students can select either local or international trips (when available) that focus on the themes noted above. Select programs award community hours that can be used as part of the graduation requirement of 40 hours of community service.

Past examples of ELW include:

Tanzania
France
Thailand
Fiji
Beijing City Tour
Kyoto City Tour
Vietnam Cultural Tour
Habitat for Humanity – China Global Village Youth Build
Toronto Universities City Tour
London Universities City Tour
Dragonfly Overnight Adventure Camp
Action Activity Camp

Career Integrated Learning (Co-op)

Career Integrated Learning provides senior high school students with an opportunity to acquire skills, knowledge, and real-world work experience through a community placement with local businesses and organizations. Students select an area of focus that is related to their OSSD+ specialization.

In addition:

Students will have the opportunity to earn two credits
Students will participate in the experience, reflect on their learning, and then apply that learning to education and career/life planning
Students will connects in-class learning with real world experiences
Students will have opportunities to learn in an authentic setting outside the traditional walls of the classroom

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