Announcing the Next Heimbecker Chair for Experiential Education

Dr. Du Bois is currently Director of International Learning at Hilton College, a full boarding school in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He has previously worked as Director of Studies and Head of English at Peponi School (Kenya) and as an English and history teacher at Rondebosch Boys’ School (South Africa). He holds a BA in English, History and Music from the University of Cape Town, a PGCE from the University of South Africa, and both an MSc in Comparative and International Education and a DPhil in Education from the University of Oxford (Commonwealth Scholarship).

 

Dr. Du Bois is recognized as a leader in experiential education and the benefits it brings to communities, individuals and the environment. As one of his many projects, he runs a nine-month intensive sustainability education program for KwaZulu-Natal youth. His experience and understanding of the nature of a boarding campus will be invaluable for Shawnigan as we seek to develop our distinctive programs. He will work closely with the Shawnigan team to focus on experiential education, develop and implement the Shawnigan Journey, and co-create the inter-disciplinary programming for our planned Ideas and Innovation Centre.

 

“I am delighted that we have attracted an educator of Alexei’s calibre, and am certain he will forge an exciting partnership with our team of passionate and inspiring educators here at Shawnigan,” says Head of School Mr. Larry Lamont. “I believe that his unique skill set will help us both develop a Canadian and global reputation and competitive edge in experiential learning and create an Ideas and Innovation Centre that buzzes with inter-disciplinary thinking.”

 

Hilton College has given Dr. Du Bois a sabbatical to bring his experience and expertise to Shawnigan. Dr. Du Bois comes with an outstanding set of references and expectations.

 

Dr. Du Bois has spent the first two weeks of April visiting Shawnigan, and has been working as a consultant to Shawnigan, based in South Africa, since February. He is currently working with Mr. Hall to advise and support Shawnigan in developing experiential learning opportunities and facilitating the pilot program for the Beyond the Gates project. Beyond the Gates seeks to provide greater experiential education opportunities here on Vancouver Island for our students. Dr. Du Bois will complete the Hilton school year (ending in December 2023) and will start on campus at Shawnigan in January 2024.

 

We look forward to welcoming Dr. Du Bois, his wife Carmen, and daughters Giuliana (6) and Gabriella (4) to Shawnigan.

 

“I am excited at the opportunity to build on the exceptional work that Tom Hall has begin at Shawnigan as part of the Heimbecker Innovation Chair,” Dr. Du Bois said. “In particular, I look forward to working with the Shawnigan team on embedding a range of inter-disciplinary, sustainability learning opportunities for Shawnigan pupils participating in both the Shawnigan Journey and beyond. Immersing pupils in a systems-focused curriculum that develops resilience and an appreciation for complexity complements the invaluable experiential learning that the Shawnigan Journey presents.”