John Muir elementary school has started a new program called “Discovery,” where students from grades one through five choose from a list of options a topic they would like to focus on, or discover, in the next four sessions.
Available options are pottery, sewing, beach combing and a special gym class.
Students spend the afternoon with the teacher of their Discovery class.
The program is not grade specific but subject specific, which enables the students to intermingle and “explore new ways of learning” according to Stephanie Hedley-Smith, the school’s principal.
“Teachers are sharing their passion with kids. The kids got to pick what passion they go to,” Hedley-Smith said. “We’ll be doing this for four Fridays, and after the March break we will be doing another four Fridays with something different.
“John Muir wants to help the community too. We will be holding a toy sale in March to help raise money for the food bank in Sooke.”
Discovery classes run every second Fridays, and will enjoy a second application after the March break.
The program is influenced by the Journey middle school’s Exploratory program, but it is uniquely structure for students at the elementary level.