Environmental stewardship is not just discussed at Alcuin College it is what our students do.
In September, students aged five to 12 collaborated to collect litter around Rice Lake in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.
Kindergarten to Grade 6 students collected garbage around the lake while discussing ecosystems and the effects on the environment. In early October, students in grades 7 to 11 braved torrential rain to decommission a trail and plant native species on Mount Fromme. Alcuin College was one of only two schools to volunteer at this event, which was organized by the Lower Mainland Green Team and the District of North Vancouver. While working, Alcuin College teacher Jon Wescott tied their activities to the students' science learning through a discussion on biomes, succession and how humans impact the environment. District of North Vancouver staff provided detailed insight into why specific plant species were chosen for the area.
Closer to home, the students at Alcuin College also participate in the upkeep of their community garden. This year, they enjoyed kale, tomatoes, basil and beets.
Students researched the growing conditions for a variety of vegetables before making their choices. These activities speak to Alcuin College's core philosophy of experiential learning, which is synonymous with "observation, reflection and interaction."
"We want our students to live in their community, to contribute to improving the environment and to learn how to take care of their world. Our program requires an authentic handson approach to learning," explains Stella Ablett, head of school.
Edmund de Beer, cofounder of Alcuin College, agrees. "Students are frequently off site, learning from the real world in the real world. Our growing network of community partners voluntarily shares their knowledge and skills to educate our students in situ. This provides context, skills and enrichment in ways a classroom cannot."
This piece was originally published in the North Shore News print edition as part of a special Private Schools advertising feature. The content was written and submitted by North Shore private schools.
