A school for global citizenship

“BRING out the genius in every child.” That is the maxim of the Diliman Educational Corporation. It runs Diliman Preparatory School in Quezon City. DPS is a happy and exciting learning organization that commits itself to drawing out the genius in every child for entrepreneurial, ethical and global citizenship.

I am privileged to have been invited by former Sen. Anna Dominique ‘Nikki’ M. Coseteng, president and CEO of DPS, to lecture on tourism at DPS Commonwealth Campus recently. I was personally toured by my friends, Kenneth Benignos and Perry Coseteng. DPS offers pre-school, grade school and high school classes. It also has 4-year courses: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor in Elementary Education and Bachelor in Secondary Education.

Why is the school special? The academic offerings have varieties of programs that prepare students to be highly competitive. There is the implementation of the Whole Brain Learning System in the programs and curriculum. Understanding by Design (UBD) is integrated in the reading program from Early Childhood Education up to High School. It adopts multi-disciplinary and student-centered teaching-learning strategies. Research and project-based curricula are given emphasis. It employs a Singapore-based Math and Science Program.

To develop all the learning skills, state of the art instructional tools and equipment are used. The teachers are emphatic in the development of social, entrepreneurial and leadership skills of the students and pupils. Secondary school students are made to undergo a career tracking program to really identify their priorities. Standardized tests are used to have students’ test aptitude interest. Everyone is made to undergo English Proficiency Intervention Program (ePIP Outline).

There is a provision for after-school holistic growth and development programs (foreign language, Mandarin, music, arts, swimming, taekwondo, chess, basketball, volleyball, wall climbing). Robotics is integrated in computer classes from nursery to high school. Varied subjects have comprehensive intervention and enrichment programs. Students are provided opportunities to be recipients of various local and international prestigious academic and sports awards.

DPS has provided means for Grade 6 students to be accepted at the Philippine Science High School and other science schools, and high school graduates are able to enter UP and other top colleges and universities in the course which is their first choice. Academic and athletic scholarships are also available for deserving students. The school can also sponsor the participation of students in local and international youth congress, academic and sports competition.

Strategic corners in the campus are provided with “Learning Walls” showcasing informative yet entertaining topics. There are advanced Information Technology classes and computer education program from nursery to high school. I was amazed to see Grade 2 pupils preparing very good power point presentations.

I am sharing my experience to encourage my friends who are in the education sector to be more innovative and probably ponder on my vicarious experiences. There can always be activities which could be added to what we have already.

Like DCTI, we can always produce globally competitive graduates who internalize and practice professionalism and social responsibility. Hand in hand, we can always develop active school-community involvement in the formulation and implementation of socio-civic projects. Let us open our doors and challenge the future!