da Vinci Leadership Program
The Da Vinci Arts and Science Community and Environmental Leadership Program is a unique, 4-credit-interdisciplinary program which explores art and science through hands-on, experiential learning at the J.C. Taylor Nature Centre in the arboretum at the University of Guelph. The Da Vinci Program is a great alternative to a standard grade 11 semester. Each year, students selected from all schools within the school board obtain the following academic credits: English (ENG 3U) , Biology (SBI 3U) , Introduction to Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology (HSP 3U) and Exploring and Creating in the Arts (AEA 3O). On top of these credits, the program also takes them on various field trips in the community, to Killarney Provincial Park for a five day canoe trip, to Toronto to take in museums and galleries, as well as to many labs and other resources on the University of Guelph campus and in the city of Guelph.
An important aspect of the program is The Eco Artists Program, a leadership program that allows the students to develop teaching skills in teaching grade fours. Interested students should be open to exploring issues related to social and environmental justice, passionate, flexible, creative, able to handle unique situations, like children, and be able to work well independently.
The Da Vinci experience is an amazing catalyst for growth, self-exploration, and for deeper engagement with our local and global communities.