CARSTAIRS - Hugh Sutherland School students are being offered new opportunities to explore career pathways with the help of local experts from the community, according to Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) officials.
The students are now able to participate in academies in hockey, cheerleading and dance, and STEAM - science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
The academies began with the hockey option last school year and have now been expanded to the two other options. Each academy has a curriculum to work from, which is approved by the school, and is focused on skill development.
Last school year students in the hockey academy saw a seven per cent jump in marks, and officials are seeing a similar impact with students in the other options, CESD officials said in a release issued Tuesday highlighting academies.
“It’s key that we connect passion with expertise,” said Dean Nielsen, Hugh Sutherland School's principal said in the release. “We are seeking the power of partnering within our community in the work of connecting students to meaningful exploration of careers pathways.
“If we can connect that passion with what is happening in school, it increases the importance of school and students’ success with it.”
Students in the hockey academy pay a fee to be involved, with the school crediting the community for offering ice time at a highly discounted rate which makes the academy possible, he said.
Students attending the academy receive instruction from Mike Brodeur, former NHL goalie, and junior B hockey players.
Grade 6 student Ashley is taking part in the academy.
“The hockey academy makes me what to go to school,” Ashley said in CESD's news release.
About 30 Grade 7-12 students are taking part in the new dance/cheerleading academy this school year.
The idea for the dance/cheerleading academy came from Kasandra Schwandt, a private dance teacher.
“I saw what hockey academy did for both of my sons and was powerful,” said Schwandt.
Kiera P, a Grade 12 student in the dance/cheerleading academy said, “I know the academy is a privilege and I want to keep dancing every day. It makes me excited to go to school because I know if I get through my other classes I get to go to dance. It gives me a break in the day and balance.”
Twenty-five Grade 9-12 students are enrolled in the STEAM academy this school year.
Hugh Sutherland School teacher Jordan Hart is overseeing the academy, teaching students how to solder, build basic circuits and complete small projects like building resistor boards.
“It gives students the freedom to explore project based learning, and creates opportunities for students to respond to unique challenges. Also they have access to equipment they wouldn’t normally be able to use,” said Hart.
Mya D, a Grade 11 student, is taking part in the STEAM academy.
“It’s built my confidence. Also it has definitely motivated me to show up and participate more. Because of the academy, and being comfortable here, I find it easier to participate in other classes," said Mya.
