Student Philosophy
A Flexible Studies Program student is someone who is:
- willing to challenge themselves
- willing to learn from their peers
- willing to work in groups and as an individual, sometimes without a teacher over their shoulder
- willing to begin anew when something doesn't work out
- cares more about the process than the mark
- willing to ask questions and seek help when needed
- willing to take risks when supported by teachers and peers
- wants to be curious and has a sense of wonder.
Program Philosophy
The Flexible Studies Program has always endeavoured to be a space where students are at the centre of their learning, using the acronym VOICES to reflect this:
Voice
Outdoors
Inquiry
Community
Environment
Service
The implementation of this philosophy is more fully realized in the English option due to the differences in the structures of the options.
Voice
At the heart of learning is the ability to pursue topics and ideas that intrigue and challenge us. In the Flexible Studies Program, we strive to nurture the natural curiosity that exists within all of us. We look to do this by giving students voice and choice in how they demonstrate their understanding of concepts and through using a structured inquiry-based approach to learning where and when applicable.
At the heart of learning is the ability to pursue topics and ideas that intrigue and challenge us. In the Flexible Studies Program, we strive to nurture the natural curiosity that exists within all of us. We look to do this by giving students voice and choice in how they demonstrate their understanding of concepts and through using a structured inquiry-based approach to learning where and when applicable.
Outdoors
The future of our planet and the future of our children are directly tied together. In order for us to lead healthy and happy lives, we need to be conscious of our connection and impact to the natural world. In order to help facilitate this connection, it is our plan for the English option to have two outdoor education trips each year.
The future of our planet and the future of our children are directly tied together. In order for us to lead healthy and happy lives, we need to be conscious of our connection and impact to the natural world. In order to help facilitate this connection, it is our plan for the English option to have two outdoor education trips each year.
Inquiry
We are looking to create a space where students can begin to develop the ability to be critical and creative thinkers. The following definition of Inquiry Based Learning comes from Albert Education and articulates our beliefs well--Effective inquiry is more than just asking questions. Inquiry-based learning is a complex process where students formulate questions, investigate answers, build new understandings, meanings and knowledge, and then communicate their learning to others. In classrooms where teachers emphasize inquiry-based learning, students are actively involved in solving authentic (real-life) problems within the context of the curriculum and/or community. These powerful learning experiences engage students deeply.
We are looking to create a space where students can begin to develop the ability to be critical and creative thinkers. The following definition of Inquiry Based Learning comes from Albert Education and articulates our beliefs well--Effective inquiry is more than just asking questions. Inquiry-based learning is a complex process where students formulate questions, investigate answers, build new understandings, meanings and knowledge, and then communicate their learning to others. In classrooms where teachers emphasize inquiry-based learning, students are actively involved in solving authentic (real-life) problems within the context of the curriculum and/or community. These powerful learning experiences engage students deeply.
Community
To aid our students in the pursuit of their learning, the Flexible Studies program has established relationships with the Royal B.C. Museum, Univeristy of Victoria, Camosun College, with people from the Songhees Nation, local businesses, the District of Saanich, LifeCycles, local artists, as well as our Flex parents and alumni. Each group of these people have expressed an interest in mentoring young people who share in their passions and are excited to work in concert with the Flexible Studies teacher, creating a divers team to support our students' learning.
To aid our students in the pursuit of their learning, the Flexible Studies program has established relationships with the Royal B.C. Museum, Univeristy of Victoria, Camosun College, with people from the Songhees Nation, local businesses, the District of Saanich, LifeCycles, local artists, as well as our Flex parents and alumni. Each group of these people have expressed an interest in mentoring young people who share in their passions and are excited to work in concert with the Flexible Studies teacher, creating a divers team to support our students' learning.
Environment
The Flexible Studies program is often referred to as a family. The environment of learning is one that is welcoming to everyone. The relationships that are formed in the Flexible Studies program are authentic and help to create a space where students, teacher, and mentors alike are empowered to take risks in pushing themselves to become their best. This environment is created through open dialogue, assessment practices that support students, and the cohort model whereby students and teachers get to know each other over the course of a number of years.
The Flexible Studies program is often referred to as a family. The environment of learning is one that is welcoming to everyone. The relationships that are formed in the Flexible Studies program are authentic and help to create a space where students, teacher, and mentors alike are empowered to take risks in pushing themselves to become their best. This environment is created through open dialogue, assessment practices that support students, and the cohort model whereby students and teachers get to know each other over the course of a number of years.
Service
The Flexible Studies program values service to others and thus each year students are given the opportunity to develop positive character attributes and a sense of social responsibility through participating in organized service projects and volunteer work within the school and surrounding community.
The Flexible Studies program values service to others and thus each year students are given the opportunity to develop positive character attributes and a sense of social responsibility through participating in organized service projects and volunteer work within the school and surrounding community.