When you think about high school, what class or learning experience do you remember most fondly?
Here are some of the responses we received – “the time I rebuilt a motor in shop class; being part of the schoolband that played in music festivals; making my own guitar in woodwork class, being part of the yearbook staff and the roles I played in many drama productions.”
These experiences come from the many elective courses that Correlieu students can take to fulfill their graduation requirements. Through elective courses students have the opportunity to try new things and to discover their passions.
Why are elective courses the ones we seem to remember the most? Experts would say that the teenage brain needs the work of the “head and hands” to keep them fully engaged and to make the most of their learning.
Exciting things (or maybe scary things) happen when students are able to build hovercrafts or catapults.
Elective courses such as Industrial Design allow students to put theory into action. Students work in teams to gather materials, follow plans, build and test their machines and reflect on their learning. This learning opportunity gives students a real world – real work experience.
Another good example of real world- real work experience can be observed in the Entrepreneurship course that many students participate in. Students in this course work in teams to conceive and build a business plan from the ground up. The skills they learn in order to execute their plans include marketing, accounting, budgeting and presenting. Quesnel students have won awards at the national level at the Aboriginal Business Conference (e-spirit awards) for their business plans.
Jazz band, musical theatre, choir and guitar are courses where passions are developed and creativity soars. In these classes students develop technical skills including playing instruments, sight reading music, script writing, stage set-up and performance skills. It is so much more than technical skills; it is learning about collaboration, compromise, organization, communication and the importance of working as a team to create an amazing production.
Imagine being able to take an old, rusted-out, barely-running vehicle and bringing it back to life! That is what can happen in automotive classes. Students learn about engines, engine repair and about auto body maintenance. They also learn about power train components, electrical systems, braking systems and just about everything you need to know about maintaining a car. It is interesting and exciting to see the range of projects that can be completed; if you have the opportunity, check out the District Dogwood Awards presentation day in June. You will be amazed at the quality and scope of the work that is completed, from fully restored vehicles to hand-made go carts – the sky is the limit.
Elective courses connect students more directly with the world outside of school. The combination of core courses and electives provide students with the necessary skills to make the best decisions for their futures.
Cynthia Bernier is Director of Instruction – Curriculum and Sue-Ellen Miller is Superintendent of Schools.