Mr Derrek Berkompas served as the Schoolwide Instructional Coach in the 2023-24 school year. He transitioned to becoming the school’s first-ever Middle School Principal starting this August. The Oryx caught up with him, and here is what Mr Derrek had to say:
Mr Derrek, please tell us something about yourself.
My passion for teaching and learning is informed by my own experiences as a father of six, foster parent of nine, and as a steadfast believer in the power of human connection. While I am new to this specific role here at WIS, I bring with me a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in education, including three years as an Elementary School Principal and years as instructional coach. I am from Washington State in the USA.
What can parents expect in terms of curriculum and academic focus for students in grades 6-8?
Our MYP curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Students will examine deeper into core subjects while exploring a variety of electives to discover their passions. At WIS we emphasize a balanced approach that includes academic rigor, character development, and extracurricular involvement.
What opportunities are available for middle school students to get involved in extracurricular activities and clubs?
Windhoek International School offers a vibrant and diverse range of extracurricular activities to cater to student’s interests. From sports and arts to clubs and community service, students have ample opportunities to explore their talents, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. Students should speak with Mr Jako Fourie to sign up for your preferred extracurricular activity.
How does middle school prepare students for high school and beyond?
Our middle school program is designed to provide a solid foundation for high school success in the DP IB program. We focus on developing strong academic skills, critical thinking abilities, and a love of learning. As we discussed in the first assembly of the year, the adolescent mind begins the process of pruning and myelin formation during these years. So it is important to use middle school to develop good habits and become passionate about learning and activities.
How does the school incorporate technology into the learning process?
Technology is integrated into our MYP curriculum to enhance learning and prepare students for the digital age. Our goal is to equip students with the digital literacy skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. I am fascinated by the potential of Artificial Intelligence, but we must be sure it doesn’t impede our skills development or stand in the way of our human interactions.
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