BCBusiness

SPECIAL FEATURE I N D E P E N D E N T S C H O O L S competencies in key skills of ideating, prototyping, testing, making and sharing potential solutions to real-world problems. Students are challenged to address a complex real-world problem by designing an original solution. Choosing between solutions that utilize either technology or entrepreneurship, students work in collaborative teams of three to five individuals to research, analyze, invent, prototype and present their ideas. The project output is determined entirely by the team. It could be a piece of code. It could be a mechanical prototype. It could be a functioning robot. The intention is to provide a firm goal with flexible means to achieve it. As students enter the senior courses, experiential learning opportunities continue through to grade 12 where students design and execute labs in science, engage in mock trials in Law 12 and present business solutions to our community partners in Entrepreneurship 12. ST. MICHAELS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL Denise Lamarche is the director of academics at St. Michaels University School in Victoria, a junior kindergarten to grade 12 independent day and boarding school, which emphasises experiential learning through programs such as outdoor education, experiential and global education trips and mentorship opportunities. "Students are able to explore different career paths, build professional relationships and develop essential skills," she says. "For example, collaborations with the University of Victoria allowed students in an Engineering 10 class to prototype and design adaptations for prosthetic limbs for basic skills like zipping up a jacket and then collaborate with industry experts on bringing it to life." SMUS integrates career-oriented learning because it extends learning beyond the classroom and provides students with valu- able opportunities to apply their knowledge in practical, real-world settings. "By partnering with local businesses, universities and professional organizations, SMUS has created a rich environment where students can engage in leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and community service, all while gaining hands-on experience that is crucial for career readiness," Lamarche says. SMUS's commitment to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathe- matics) is a great example of how the school brings these elements together. Students take courses like coding, robotics, digital art and data analysis while gaining tactical experience in these fields. "This enables them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and helps prepare them for careers in a technology-driven society," Lamarche says. They also challenge their critical thinking, creativity and technological proficiency— skills that are increasingly important in today's job market. "St. Michaels University School is not just preparing students for their next step in life," Lamarche says. "It is nurturing future leaders who are equipped with the skills, experiences and values needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world." ASPENGROVE Aspengrove strives to offer a world-class education in a uniquely Vancouver Island way. For example, on its 40-acre campus the school has a Living Lab, a purpose-built outdoor classroom that supports science learning through a garden, pond and bee St. Michaels University School Pear Tree School Aspengrove School

• Cover