engage its students. For more than six
years, Southridge has been teaching its
Senior School Students (Grades 8•12),
through the Harkness philosophy, the
form in which students are seated
together around a Harkness table with
their teacher, as opposed to students
seated at desks facing a teacher at the
front of the classroom.
"This student-centered model of
teaching compels every student to be
part of the discussion," says head of
school Drew Stephens. "Teachers
participate in discussions and guide
students without lecturing."
…As the only school in B.C. oering the
Harkness philosophy across the entire
Grade 8•12 curriculum, Southridge Senior
School incorporates large oval tables
around which lively and thought-provok-
ing conversations take place daily in
every classroom.
"We implemented the Harkness
philosophy when the provincial govern-
ment no longer required exams in every
subject," Stephens explains, adding that
Harkness aligned with their own
philosophy of teaching.
…"Our faculty has embraced the
Harkness philosophy with enthusiasm,"
explains Stephens, adding: "The level of
articulation and the way students express
themselves around the table is exciting to
witness; our students are more con'dent
and are better able to express their ideas
than ever before."
Committed to students
Victoria's St. Margaret's School is Western
Canada's oldest only all-girls day and
boarding school. Established in 1908, it is
one of the leading independent day and
boarding schools in the province. Cathy
Thornicroft, head of school, says one of
its strengths is that the faculty is deeply
committed to its students' cognitive and
personal well-being.
"Our tag line is: Con'dent girls,
inspiring women," says Thornicroft. "At St.
Margaret's, we are constantly challenging
our girls to be self-assured young women;
ones who can go out into the world and
become the next generation of leaders."
St. Margaret's prepares its students to
consider careers in 'elds once dominated
S p e c i a l F e a t u r e
