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Try Something Different
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The Seven Pillars of Wellbeing

For the past 16 years, the Da Vinci team has been researching, developing, and implementing a comprehensive approach to education that continues to evolve and improve. 

 

Over the years, we have received training from Oxford, Harvard, the UNs University for Peace, and many other institutions. We have incorporated this training into our process to develop what we call our 7 PILLARS of wellbeing. These seven pillars are the foundation and the heart of the project, and the reason for its success.

 

We integrate the concepts of the seven pillars into our daily curriculum rather that teaching them as separate subjects throughout the day. Our goal is to show our students that they can choose to live happy and well-formed lives, leading them to achieve academic success, social fulfillment, and emotional well-being.

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1. High Academic Standard

The aim of our tutorial system and our small teacher-student ratio is, precisely, to achieve high standards in their academics. Our students enjoy learning, developing self-taught skills, and acquiring the discipline necessary to set and reach their own goals.

 

We teach students to raise their own bar, and aspire to greater achievements and gain confidence in their ability to improve in any area. We tailor their curriculum to their unique needs, ensuring they enjoy and fully benefit from their school life. Immersive learning experiences, such as hands-on and group classes, help solidify their knowledge. We emphasize reading skills because once students learn to read, they can read to learn, unlocking a world of self-teaching.

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2. Core Moral Values

From Preschool to College, the most important skill our students need to develop is the ability to make good choices. Choosing to do what is right is the key to a good work ethic and a meaningful and successful life in the future.

 

There are four main values we teach: Respect means treating others with kindness, putting yourself in their shoes, and avoiding judgment. Paying attention when others speak and considering their emotions, and to speak the truth kindly. Honesty builds trust and requires avoiding all lies and cheating. Responsibility involves understanding the impact of your decisions and taking charge of them. Teamwork is about working together, trusting others, and being part of a whole.

Effort values hard work, perseverance, and integrity in all your actions.

 

We teach this through in-depth classes on social behavior, clearly communicating expectations for behavior in the beginning of the day, responding immediately to rule-breaking, discuss actions, and create action plans, and through example.

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3. Relationship Building Skills

Building and maintaining relationships is not a skill we are born with. 

At Da Vinci we don’t assume they know how to do that, so we start teaching them from scratch. 

 

Some of the concepts we work on include: How to express your emotions, How to understand emotions, How to make friends, How to keep friends, How to resolve conflicts, How to be a good listener, How to be part of a team, and How to judge time and place.

 

Relationships are a key when it comes to success in life, and we want to make sure all of our students are properly equipped with all the tools they need to build strong and healthy relationships in their personal and professional lives.

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4. Self Control & Stress Management

Handling stress and frustration is crucial for both children and adults, requiring guidance and practice. We find that the best way to teach these skills is by building genuine connections with students through play, conversation, art, music, and more. Once connected, we teach them:

 

Stress Management: Prevention and de-escalation techniques.

Conflict Resolution: Teaching students to solve problems on their own and leading by example.

 

Resilience Building: Emphasizing the importance of failure and accepting loss to better face frustrations and negative emotions.

Setting growth goals: clarifying the problems, setting up a plan of improvement, and following up and sticking to the plan. 

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5. Physical Development

We promote and practice physical education for 45 minutes to 1 hour every day. Physical activity, especially cardiovascular exercise, is crucial for healthy growth and brain function. Our program, based on the latest research, incorporates daily morning physical education to support various aspects of student development:

 

Cognitive Processes: Enhances memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking by increasing neuroplasticity and promoting new brain cell growth.

Attention and Focus: Improves concentration and classroom engagement by reducing stress and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Hyperactivity Regulation: Provides an outlet for excess energy and helps maintain self-control by balancing neurotransmitters.

Socialization: Encourages teamwork, communication, and cooperation, fostering the release of endorphins that enhance social bonding.

Gross and Fine Motor Skills: Develops essential motor skills like running, jumping, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity.

As a result, we have observed significant improvements in our students' academic performance and personal growth.

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6. No Homework

As important as physical development, quality resting and leisure time are fundamental for children and teens' development. Reducing excessive use of electronic devices and promoting healthy sleep habits are crucial steps.

 

We prioritize well-being of our students and their families with a no-homework policy, fostering a healthy work-life balance. This allows students to explore interests and participate in extracurricular activities without the added burden of homework. Our tailored tutorial program provides a comprehensive education during the school day, eliminating the need for additional assignments. This approach supports family bonding and enables students to engage in after-school programs and sports clubs, encouraging personal growth and development outside the classroom.

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7. No Bullying

Our school is deeply committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for every student.

 

We have established a comprehensive anti-bullying program that includes proactive prevention methods, immediate intervention strategies, and restorative practices. Our faculty and staff are trained to identify and address bullying behaviors, while students are empowered to speak up and report any incidents.

 

Benefits of a Bullying-Free Environment:

Improved Academic Performance: Students who feel safe and supported are more engaged and achieve higher academic success.

Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Reduces anxiety and depression, promoting emotional stability and resilience.

Stronger Social Connections: Fostering a culture of understanding and respect encourages healthy, lasting relationships.

Increased Self-esteem: A supportive and inclusive atmosphere helps develop a positive self-image and confidence.

Reduced Absenteeism: Students are more inclined to attend school regularly when they feel safe and welcomed.

 

Through open communication, empathy, and support, we promote a culture of understanding and respect, ensuring that all students feel valued and secure in their school community.

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Try Something Different

info@davinci.okinawa

098-973-4637

449-3, Aza Uesu, Uruma City

Okinawa, Japan

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