of the Holistic Curriculum
In the junior and intermediate years there is a growing independence and there is a gradual shift to more project-based learning activities. For example, in grade 6 the Entrepreneurial Adventure Program students work in small groups with local businesses to learn about business practices. Students learn about percentages, ratios and other math skills in authentic learning situations. Students also learn about fair trade and other social-justice issues related to business.
In the junior and intermediate years, Social Studies, Environmental Science, Geography and History are taught as integrated lesson units. For example, in grade 4, students are introduced to Canadian geography through aboriginal stories about the land. Students learn about social justice issues about land rights, natural resources, the environment and sustainability. Students also learn about diverse ways that aboriginal people live and relate to the land in the present and in the past. In grade 6, these themes are revisited more in depth when the students study Canadian history.
The grade 7 and 8 program is very much student-led. Students learn history through historical simulations; they work as a class or in small groups to re-enact historical events. The students also learn about their own ancestors. On Ancestor Day students arrive at school in character as one of their ancestors. This is a wonderful day of telling stories and learning about Canadian history.
Students learn how to take action in the community and for the environment through project-based learning activities. In grade 7, students join a local environmental group as part of their environmental-action project and document what environmental action they have taken, how their work has made a contribution, and what they would like to do in the future. In grade 8, students choose an independent project to work on for the year. Each student chooses a mentor in the school community to guide him or her through the process. Projects can be in any subject area.
Other highlights in the intermediate years are the grade 7 play. Grade 7 students produce and direct a class play with the support of local actors. This play is a fundraiser for the school. Grade 8 students organize and run school-wide coffee house events twice a year.
WCS aims to develop an Intensive French Program for grade 7 and 8 students. This program happens once every two years for a period of three months with all the grade 7 and 8 students. All lessons are conducted in French for half the day. The grade 7 and 8 Canadian history units are integrated into this program. The culminating activity is a trip to Quebec.
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