We asked local independent schools to talk about how they teach non-academic skills essential for future success, such as persistence, teamwork and resilience. Their responses were included in our Independent Schools special section.
From Alcuin College:
Re-imagine education, an education based on personalization.
The students of Alcuin College are provided with a rich, rigorous and personalized education in an intimate setting that fosters creativity and achievement.
Through inquiry, project-based learning and meaningful community field studies, each student’s unique talents are uncovered and cultivated for a life characterized by compassion and a love for learning.
Across the school, Kindergarten to Grade 11, students are actively involved in a project of social responsibility. Beginning with a self-assessment of their actions and beliefs, students form a personal goal and an action plan to improve their social responsibility; one that contributes to the well-being of everyone in the Alcuin community.
Teamwork and collaboration are emphasized throughout the curriculum.
Students have worked in multi-age groups on projects, such as designing and building large-scale catapults, programming and driving robots and learning to code with Scratch, Java or GameMaker.
The seven “collaboration norms” are directly taught by what we call master teachers. Through weekly team challenges, along with a debrief of what was successful, what was not and why, students have regular opportunities to practise and improve their skills.
Role models and mentors from the community play a valuable part in the education plan. When our students explored the theme of character and its connection to achieving dreams, we were fortunate to have MLA Naomi Yamamoto and Olympian Georgia Simmerling come to speak and answer questions.
At Alcuin College, we strive to cultivate the curiosity of each child.
