Connecting the dots...

Presented to the BICS Action GroupMay 4, 2011

What is this all about?What we know about learning – the brain

and student engagement has shifted – 21st Century

Sir Ken Robinson – “Paradigm Shift” (from the industrialized model of education)

You Tube video – New Brunswick What are the skills students need in a world

where the technological advances and their impact on every aspect of life are being affected and are occurring exponentially?

“Born to Learn”You Tube Video Clip (Chris Kennedy’s blog)Ideas to think about during viewing:

“Passion to learn”Connections to playNatural curiosity in childhoodAdolescence

What is personalized learning?John Abbott – leader in thinking about the

future of educationRefer to coloured cards We are in a system currently overwhelmed

with contentMany students are disengaged Are we adequately preparing our students for

the future?How can we transform education?

What does this mean at BICS?Tech Plan – technology tools How do we help students to go deeper and to

think more critically?How do we tap into their natural curiosity?How do we connect all of this to our focus on

environmental education?How do better engage students in their

learning?What do we see as the needs and passions of

our students?

How do we move the conversation into action?Can we rethink about our school being

mindful of what we know about personalized learning and 21st Century learning skills?

What could it look like?What are the possibilities?What do we want our students’ learning

experience to be at BICS?

Three big ideas/ conceptsInquiry based learning – with a focus on

environmental educationBlended Learning Model – project based

learning; blended school/home with enhanced technology

“Outside 45”

Outside 45What it is:

Experiential Learning Program where students spend 2-3 weeks at BICS and 1 week participating in various learning experiences throughout BC.

The program would be similar to other academies in West Vancouver where students pay to participate.

Some of the experiences might include canoeing, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, bike touring...

Learning at BICS and offsite would be deeply interconnected

Outside 45Who it’s for:

Grade 6/7 Students

When:2011-2012, Feasibility study, planning,

promoting2012 August-September ,Program Launch

Outside 45Why is it important?

Transformational LearningOur present way of living is not sustainable.

EngagementMany students find traditional education

abstract and unfulfilling. By age 11-12, students are desperately seeking

independence.

Outside 45Key Influences:

Environmental, Experiential Learning including Place-Based Learning

Inquiry-Based LearningService Learning

Put learning to use

Feedback and next steps...Questions?Planning process