BCBusiness

SPECIAL FEATURE I N D E P E N D E N T S C H O O L S "Our focus on inquiry empowers stu- dents to ask questions, explore solutions and reflect on their learning," says Hazel Chee, senior school principal. "Coupled with hands-on, experiential activities, the IB framework provides a rich, holistic learning experience that integrates academic and personal implementation of critical think- ing skills and social development." This development starts at a young age. In the Primary Years Program, students engage in true "inquiry," building thinking dispositions, or patterns of thinking and problem-solving. Students are considered inquirers when they research, plan, collect data, problem- solve and explore through play, to name just a few examples. "From the early stages of asking meaningful questions, students use hands-on learning to arrive at solutions," says Chee. "This approach not only enhances engagement but also fosters critical life skills like problem-solving, collaboration and creativity." One program that exemplifies hands- on learning is the Middle Years Design and Technology course, in which students tackle real-world problems through design think- ing. "For example, grade 9 students recently worked on projects where they designed and created functional prototypes to solve everyday challenges—such as water filtra- tion systems for remote areas or sustainable packaging solutions," says Chee. Another standout program is the Out- door Experiential Education, where students engage in environmental studies directly in nature. Junior School students learn about ecosystems and biodiversity through gardening projects on campus, while older students participate in multi-day excur- sions where they study ecological systems and sustainability, applying their learning through conservation efforts like trail resto- ration and wildlife monitoring. By continuously evolving our programs and training staff in the latest educational strategies, we ensure that our students are well-prepared to passionately steward our changing world with the practical skills and intellectual curiosity they need to succeed," Chee says. COLLINGWOOD SCHOOL Collingwood School is another Vancouver-based school that provides students with various opportunities and ways to show what they know and can do. In the Junior School (JK to grade 7), hands-on learning is demon- strated through Experiential Education, which immerses students in an experience and then supports reflection to develop new skills, attitudes or ways of thinking. "We believe it is one of the best ways to learn," says Rheanne Stevens, director of teaching, learning and inno- vation at Collingwood's Junior School. "Our programs promote innovation through infusing technology, design thinking and making, developing environ- mental awareness and global perspective." They also participate in land-based learning, designed to extend classroom teaching into a setting where students can engage in meaningful and authentic learning in their local environment. "The water cycle comes alive with meaning when students see a dry stream bed," Stevens says. "Mapping makes more sense when students use a compass to set off through the forest in search of waypoints" In the Senior School (grades 8-12), hands-on learning is demonstrated across a variety of academic courses where students are provided with the opportunity to develop their subject understanding and grapple with complex concepts. "We believe that authentic learning occurs when students of all ages are actively engaged and challenged to apply their existing knowledge to construct new understandings," says Jen Dousett, director of teaching, learning and innovation Collingwood's Senior School. "Instead of simply absorbing information, students develop deeper comprehension by actively interacting with materials, solving problems and experimenting. This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills and a lifelong love of learning." An excellent example of experiential learning at Collingwood is an innovative learning opportunity for all grade 9 students, which requires them to develop Collingwood School

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