Let There Be Enlightenment!

24 November 2012Mr. David McCarthy, Director of Academics

A richly rewarding part of the role of Director of Academics is being privileged to see both teachers and students in action in the classroom on a daily basis as I drop informally into morning classes to take a look at the teaching and learning process. Often this generates a conversation with the teacher that informs us both about our teaching practices and philosophy.

In my own chemistry classroom, students recently investigated a reaction in which the release of chemical energy is used to excite electrons which then release the energy as light.  Connecting this experience to previous learning about the atom and extending it to consider photosynthesis, solar energy and even solutions to global warming was made much easier by engaging the students in the activity first.

As our conversations on the Task Force looking at academic matters continue, it is quite evident how important this initial “interest factor” is being considered across education generally as an essential motivator for learning. As educator’s we forget this at our peril. Students being active in the process is another key to keeping them engaged in their learning.

A good example recently was Mr. Sullivan’s decision to take his European History AP class to sample the coffee and experience the “coffee house culture” at Rusticana’s, our local java shack. Topics discussed included what type of customers would be frequenting the coffee houses? Who was excluded? What limits on the exchange of information existed in early modern Europe? How did this fuel the discourse of the period known as the Enlightenment?

Last week students in all grades went through the process of polishing and delivering a persuasive speech on a topic of their choice.  The winners from each class performed in front of the grade and the grade winners gave their speeches at assembly to the whole school. The speeches enlightened us on a number of issues from the joys of silence to the importance of being able to express yourself freely through what you wear.

This week, students in Social Studies 11, led by Ms. Robyn Willow and Mr. Mark Wismer will complete their project based learning assignments by debating the Enbridge pipeline proposals. Research skills, analysis of information sources, critical thinking and, once more, public speaking will be some of the outcomes that will benefit our students in addition to increased awareness of the issues under discussion.  On Saturday, Social Studies 10 students head down to the Royal BC Museum in Victoria where the exhibits and information on display will help bring the period of early Canadian exploration to life.

Also, with a tremendous return of salmon to the Millstream this year, students have been helping out the volunteers who bring fish up to higher reaches of the river where they are able to spawn. Biology classes have also visited the run to watch the fish being netted as they attempt to jump the rapids. The 3000 or so fish moved to date from this one stream reflects the bumper salmon return in many areas and is the reason for sea lions along the beach and pods of Orcas in the Bay.

With so many opportunities for learning in our immediate environment, we are fortunate indeed to have this wonderful location for a school.

Mr. David McCarthy, Director of Academics