For Island Pacific School (IPS), the first day of school doesn't mean neatly pressed uniforms and the scent of disinfected classrooms. Instead, it begins with the weight of a backpack, the sweat of the trail and the promise of campfire songs.
IPS, a unique middle school for grades 6 through 9 on Bowen Island, has always embraced its unconventional start as part of its commitment to experiential learning and character development through their annual expedition.
“The expeditions were a bit tough,” says Kate, a recent alumnus, “but by the end I loved them.”
For new grade 6 students, the experience can be a little daunting at first. They don’t step foot inside a classroom until they come back from their backpacking adventure. It may be their first time away from home, or even their first time camping, but with the support of caring, experienced outdoor teachers and parent volunteers, they return with new friends and a newfound confidence.
IPS was founded 30 years ago on the belief that in large schools, the “middle years”, grades 6 through 9 or ages 11 to 15 — are often overlooked and risk getting lost in the mix.
Yet these are some of the most important in a child’s development. Students are navigating puberty, learning how to study and think critically, discovering their likes and dislikes and forming opinions about who they are and what they can achieve. In other words, forming their characters in critical ways. These years offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for teachers to guide students, setting them up not only for high school and college but, most importantly, for life.
That’s why the annual expeditions grow with the students. By grade 9, the start-of-school expedition becomes significantly more challenging. Hard backpacking requires fitness and wilderness survival skills, but by this point, the students are seasoned pros – full of confidence and emotional maturity.
This newfound confidence and experience is essential, because in grade 9, alongside their other academic challenges, they take a year-long study called “Masterworks” to dig deep into a subject of their choice. Students work on this project throughout the school year, supported by a teacher and an outside expert. In June, they present their findings in a 45-minute public presentation like a mini doctoral thesis or TED Talk, to the entire community.
“I couldn’t believe how my daughter blossomed in the year,” says one parent. “I wouldn’t have believed a 15-year old would be able to make a presentation like that with such competence and poise.”
At IPS, academics are important, but the school considers grades more like indicators that they are doing other things well. “If we can encourage students to take intellectual risks, to work hard at everything they do and to ask lots of questions, then their grades are likely going to be better than if they just sit quietly at their desks,” says head of school, Brad Carter. ”Character is the best investment in a child’s future.” By instilling a sense of “Wisdom, Courage and Integrity,” the school’s values and motto, IPS prepares its students to thrive on whatever path they choose.
IPS focuses exclusively on the transformative middle school years, guiding students grades 6-9 through a program that balances personal growth and academic development.
With over 30 years of expertise, their approach nurtures curiosity, critical thinking and self-discovery. Located on Bowen Island, their small, close-knit community fosters trust and respect while offering a globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme.
To learn more, visit the school or register your interest, please email the IPS, head of school principal, Brad Carter at [email protected] and use the subject line ‘Expedition”.
