Why Bohol Deaf Academy?
BDA has an enrollment of 80- 90 deaf young people every school year. Some students had a late start in elementary school so are a little older. Ages range greatly from 13 years old up to 30 years old. This age mix works very well as the BDA curriculum is designed to meet the students at what ever level they are.
The student body is a very tight knit group more like a family. Many of them have attended classes all the way through elementary school together. The students are encouraged to study hard but also enjoy their community and the many fun things there are to do on the campus.
Academics
Our students follow the academic curriculum required by the Philippines Department of Education. Our average student to teacher ratio is 8:1, and our communication policy is Total Communication, with primarily emphasis on Philippine Sign Language. We have high expectations of our students, and continually strive to help meet their maximum potential.
List of Academic Courses
Grade 7: Basic Math, English 1, Science 1, Asian History, Filipino 1, Values Education 1, Basic Computer Literacy, Arts (Basic Coloring), Health (Personal Hygiene), and Physical Education
Grade 8: Realistic Math, English 2, Science 2, World History, Filipino 2, Values Education 2, Intermediate Computer Literacy, Arts (Water Color Painting), Health (Nutrition), and Physical Education
Grade 9: Realistic Math, English 3, Science 3, Economics, Filipino 3, Values Education 3, Microsoft Office, Arts (Pastel Oil Painting), Health 9, and Physical Education
Grade 10: Geometry, English 4, Science 4, Contemporary Issues, Filipino 4, Values Education 4, Internet and Social Media, Arts (Latex Painting), Health 10, and Physical Education
Vocational Training
One of the best reasons for a deaf student to attend BDA is they are given exposure and training in many vocational skills. Hands-on training allows them acquire work skills in a professional setting that will prepare them to earn a living after they graduate. The students will spend two full days each week working side by side with our professionals. They will actually be producing products or carrying out tasks that are required in the real world. They will adjust to an 8 hour work day and meeting expectations of an employer.
Skills We Teach:
Baking, cooking, furniture making, carpentry, fly tying, mechanical, automotive, sewing, housekeeping, construction, masonry, welding, painting, computer graphics, electrical, electronics, plumbing, arts, soap making, landscaping, and many more.
Dorm Life
Residential life at BDA is hard-working fun. Students are taught a sense of responsibility for, and pride in the well-being of BDA’s beautiful campus. These values come from daily chores, good personal habits, and guidance from dorm parents and student leaders. Outside of class, campus life is a combination of chores, studying, and fellowship. They have group schedules in doing the chores such as cooking and preparing food, washing dishes, cleaning the campus, watering the plants, and washing clothes. The students are given time to study after dinner up until 9:00 pm.
BDA students return to their hometowns every other weekend. For a few requires an easy 15-minute bus ride, but for most, going home takes hours on often cramped and dusty buses riding over narrow barrio roads—and it’s worth it. BDA understands to the critical bonds between family members, and we encourage parental involvement through home visits, PTA meetings, and free summer sign language seminars. Home visits also give our dorm parents a much deserved rest!
Extracurricular Activities
BDA provides so many other activities for the students outside of academics such as drama, dance, exercise classes, and sports. They have Intramurals or Sportsfests, JS Prom, and Math & Science Fairs. They also participate in Skills and Talent Competitions in the City or Province.
DEAF FESTIVAL
For the past 20 years, the deaf students and adults of Bohol unite for a special weekend of fellowship, food, and fun called DEAF FESTIVAL. As always, the International Deaf Education Association, or IDEA, coordinates with special educators and support staff to hold the only all-signing fiesta in Bohol.
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
Each summer, a handful of motivated BDA students apply for summer jobs with Garden Café, Fly Tie, Dao Diamond Hotel, IDEA’s construction shop, and the Department of Agriculture. Students gain experience in gardening, construction, hotel, restaurant, and manufacturing areas, as well as money to help support themselves and their families.
CYMATICS PERFORMERS
Cymatics is a dance troupe composed of BDA students. Their remarkable skills have brought them to perform even in dance competitions with hearing performers.
