Learning: How, What and Why
Curriculum, Pedagogy and Differentiation
British Columbia’s curriculum brings together two features that are essential for future-oriented learning:
- a concept-based approach to learning standards and,
- a focus on the development of competencies, to foster deep knowledge, and transferable skills.
These approaches complement each other because of their common focus on the active engagement of students in their own, personalized learning path. Both concept-based learning and the development of competencies engage students in authentic tasks that connect learning to the real world.
At GFSS, we believe all students can learn and celebrate innovative instruction and attempts to connect horizontally between subject areas because it more closely resembles real-world practice and increases student depth of learning.
Teachers are encouraged to design their instruction using inquiry and question-based pedagogy. Additionally, Teachers are supported with creating dialogical and collaborative experiences that promote the social construction of knowledge and skills.
The embedding of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge are expected to be evident in all areas of learning.
Great learning environments are designed for universal access to learning and adapted for personal needs and interests. Students differ in many ways that are fundamental to learning: prior knowledge, concepts of learning, learning strategies, interest, motivation, self-efficacy, beliefs, emotions and more. Students also differ also in socio-environmental terms such as linguistic, cultural, and social backgrounds. Flexible learning environments are adaptive to individual learns in ways that are sustainable for both individuals and the group. Being aware of individual differences and needs means being able to constantly challenge learners, no matter what their starting point, to move out of their comfort zone without overloading or excessively pressuring them.
English
English 8 & 9
Composition 10/Literary Studies 10 & 11
English Studies 12
English First Peoples 12
Mathematics
Math 8 & 9
Workplace Math 10 & 11
Foundations of Math & Pre-Calculus 10
Foundations of Math 11
Pre-Calculus 11
Foundations Math 12
Pre-Calculus 12
Calculus 12
Social Studies
Social Studies 8, 9 & 10
Comparative Cultures 12
20th Century World History 12
Law Studies 12
BC First Peoples 12
Social Justice 12
Psychology 12
Science
Science 8, 9 & 10
Environmental Science 11 / 12
Life Sciences 11
Anatomy & Physiology 12
Chemistry 11 & 12
Physics 11 & 12
Physical and Health Education
Physical and Health Education 8, 9 10
Active Living 11 & 12
Fitness for Life 10, 11 & 12
Fitness & Conditioning 11 & 12
Outdoor Education 10, 11 & 12
2nd Languages
French 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12
CLE
Career Life Education 10
CLC
Career Life Connections
Home Economics
Applied Skills 8
Food Studies 9, 10, 11 & 12
Catering 10, 11 & 12
Textiles 9, 10, 11 & 12
Industrial Education
Tech Ed Metalwork 10, 11 & 12
Power Tech 10
Welding 12
Automotive Technology 11 & 12
Woodwork 9, 10, 11 & 12
Computer Information Systems 10, 11 & 12
Youth Explore Trade Skills 10, 11 & 12
Fine Arts
Visual Arts 10
Art Studio 11 & 12
Performing Arts
Music 8
Band 9
Concert Band 10, 11 & 12
Drama 10, 11 & 12
Theatre Performance 11 & 12 Acting
Theatre Production 11 & 12
Leadership
Outdoor Leadership 10, 11 & 12
Peer Tutoring 11 & 12
Peer Counselling 12
Fire Suppression
Skilled Trades Courses
By 2027, there are expected to be up to 1 million job openings in BC — almost half of these jobs require technical or trades training. By starting your trades training early, you’ll have skills you need to land a great job, even before you graduate.
The trades offer competitive wages and room for advancement. Depending on what trade you choose, you can be making over $20 per hour while still in high school. The more experience you get, the more money you can make.
In trades, you have the freedom to choose a career path that works for you. Learn from the best, grow within a company, or branch out and start your own business.
Links:
Is this the trade for you?: http://youth.itabc.ca/trade-finder/
Youth trades through ita: http://youth.itabc.ca/trades-a-z/
Full list of trades through ita: https://www.itabc.ca/discover-apprenticeship-programs/search-programs
work experience
Work experience is an educational program which will help students prepare for the transitions from secondary school to the world of work or trades/apprenticeship programs. Through work experience, students have the opportunity to observe and practice employability skills required in the workplace as well as technical and applied skills relating to specific occupations or industries.Students participating in elective work experience courses must have an in-school orientation to prepare for the workplace. The orientation includes instruction on worksite safety, employability skills such as work ethic, education skills transferable to a specific work placement, worker rights and responsibilities, and employer expectations.
Throughout Work Experience the student will cover many learning outcomes including Workplace Health and Safety, how to secure and maintain work, how to apply to a workplace and be directly involved in the education necessary for Career Planning. In Work Experience students are required to complete 100 hours of volunteer work experience for four credits. All students interested in participating in these elective work experience courses must apply and go through an interview process.
YOUTH WORK IN TRADES
GET ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AS A YOUTH APPRENTICE
http://youth.itabc.ca/programs/work/
Get ahead on the work-based training of a trade apprenticeship while you’re still in high school. Not only will you take home a pay cheque, you’ll earn up to 16 credits towards your high school diploma, log 480 training hours toward your trade credential and maybe even earn a $1,000 award. Youth Train in Trades and Youth Work in Trades programs can be taken in any order and there are no prerequisites. (Description provided by the ita)
Youth Train in Trades
GET A HEAD START ON YOUR TECHNICAL TRADES TRAINING
http://youth.itabc.ca/programs/train/
Attend a trades training class at a local high school, a partner post-secondary institution or an ITA-certified training facility. You’ll learn from skilled instructors and earn credits that count towards your high school diploma and Level 1 of your technical trades training. Youth Train in Trades and Youth Work in Trades programs can be taken in any order and there are no prerequisites. (Description provided by the ita)
Other Pathways
Pathways – Work Readiness Program:
This program allows students to receive Trades related certifications at a subsidized cost. Although students are enrolled through SD#51, certificate programs are facilitated through Selkirk College in Grand Forks. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the sites as these courses are offered outside of the school day (usually on weekends). Any students interested in this program should see Mrs. Argue at the beginning of the school year.
Fire Suppression:
The Wildland Fire Suppression program is provided in cooperation with the Ministry of Forests Wildland Management Branch and provides training to the Junior Initial Attack level. Students who are successful in completing a variety of training components in the program will be awarded multiple certifications that apply to fire suppression related employment, but also satisfy job requirements for many other private and public sector employment opportunities in the work place.