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Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1510895
"We are equipping them with the skills to assess, make informed decisions, and learn from their experiences, reinforcing their academic learning and preparing them for future challenges," Taylor says. "The focus is on real-world, applicable learning and personal growth, equipping students with skills relevant to any career path, from astronauts to professional wrestlers." FORGING CONNECTIONS Its important to recognize one of the most obvious benefits of OEE: that kids learn how to play. "Sometimes we go for a walk in the forest to learn about forest bathing and how being surrounded by nature can help us manage our emotions and manage anxiety," Taylor says. "But sometimes we go on a walk in the forest just so we can have fun with our friends. Students have full schedules, including co-curriculars, sports and external arts and languages classes. This program is time every week when the kids can really just play and explore and have fun with their friends and decompress in a way that maybe they don't normally get to." IB CURRICULUM Hazel Chee, Senior School Principal says Stratford Hall's IB school designation makes it the perfect venue to this type of program because, like OEE, IB fosters holistic development by providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real- world settings. "Embracing an OEE program within the context of an IB school holds a special place in my heart, having experienced its transformative power firsthand," she says. "At an IB school, OEE becomes more than just a curriculum supplement; it becomes a cornerstone of personal growth and academic excellence." By promoting critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability—all essential skills emphasized by the IB curriculum—it instills a sense of environ- mental stewardship and global awareness, aligning with the IB's commitment to nurturing responsible global citizens. "Stratford Hall teaches by design a rigorous and inquiry-based pedagogy that complements OEE seamlessly, encouraging students to ask meaningful questions and engage deeply with the natural world," Chee says. "The IB framework and outdoor experiential education are a synergistic combination that empowers students to become knowledgeable, principled and well-rounded individuals who are not only academically adept but also socially and environmentally conscious, cultivating not only knowledge, but a true passion for lifelong learning." Learn more at stratfordhall.ca @ StratfordHallSchool @ Stratford_Hall @ stratford_hall @stratfordhall Created by Canada Wide Media in partnership with Stratford Hall "The joy and the large smiles as they play within the boundaries they set, affirm the success of this approach." EMBRACING RISK Perhaps the most important message OEE students will hear is "Step out of your comfort zone" as leaders encourage them to move bravely into areas of growth, allowing them to forge a healthy and safe relationship with risk. "A fundamental aspect of our program is risky play," Taylor says. "In our society, we often underestimate the capacity of young people to manage risk, frequently prohib- iting activities deemed too risky. However, exposure to calculated risk is essential for developing risk tolerance and understand- ing how to evaluate various situations." The emphasis is on holistic development, preparing students for real-world challenges, and although students' comfort is not guaranteed, safety is always paramount.