The goal of the Outdoor Education program is to give students the opportunity to earn credits towards graduation, and gain experiences that prepare them for life after secondary school. A vital aspect of the program is imbedding the delivery of academic courses within the realm of adventure-based activities. While hiking breathtaking mountains, snowshoeing crisp ridgelines along the Coquihalla, or camping near glaciers in Yoho National Park students will be engaging in hands-on activities that will help them meet the requirements of graduation. Our Classroom Unlike many other classes our classroom is not limited to the four walls that surround us at the Education Centre. In fact, in order to be successful in the Outdoor Education class it is imperative to attend all experiences in the ‘outdoor’ classroom. Once every two weeks we will have an all-day field trip. There are three goals of all field trips:
To foster a love for getting back into nature
Create cohesion and develop skills for working in community
Complete adventure based experiences that are fundamental to meeting prescribed learning outcomes as outlined by the BC Ministry
Field trips go beyond the regular hours of the school day. All trips are posted on this website and the school website prior to the start of the school year. By enrolling in the Outdoor Education class you are committing to attending all field trips. Courses covered in the Outdoor Education have significant portions dedicated to field experiences, making it impossible to pass without participating in field trips. .
Community Circles Community circles are used regularly in the class. As a class we use the community circle for creating community, and delivery education outcomes. Each morning we form a circle and complete a morning check-in, after that we may continue in the circle and work on an oral assignment. Community circles are also used for restorative purposes.
Academics No path to graduation is the same and each student will work with program staff to create an individualized plan to guide them to their graduation. The Outdoor Education class uses a direct teaching model and no self-paced options are available. Preparing students for working in community is central to the class and many outcomes will be competed as a group. Students are given lots of opportunity for unique opportunities to further their education.
Courses Available for 2018 – 2019 Math A&W 10 or 11 English Language Arts 10, 11 or 12 PE 10 Active Living 11 or 12 Outdoor Education 11 or 12 Career Learning 10, 11, 12 Food Studies 10, 11 or 12