High school students here will be able to take advantage of unique new courses, combining dramatic arts with English and hockey skills with geography, starting next fall.
It’s all about keeping today’s students engaged, says principal Paul Richard.
“These kids coming up have grown up with the ability to have endless experiences, multi-tasking online,” he notes. “We’ve got to address the idea that these kids can multi-task.
“They don’t just want the same system that we’ve had for years, where they go from one class to another class and then lunch … they are far more able to integrate their knowledge and without that opportunity sometimes school looks less exciting than a lot of the things they can be doing outside of school. So there’s an attempt here to re-engage the learner.”
The Arts Performance Project is a joint-credit course that will involve Grade 9 students spending time at the Drayton Festival Theatre, as well as in regular English classes.
Through the program, students will have a chance to develop artistic talents in theatre, music and/or dance. Students also will take part in a variety of workshops with industry professionals and community mentors.
The Hockey Skills Development Program, also aimed at Grade 9 students, will combine up to five hours of week of on-ice sessions with professional instruction in the sport, while students earn both physical education and Canadian geography credits.
Both programs will be part of a Specialist High Skills Major education pathway that allows students to focus their learning with specific career paths in mind.
Richards says that doesn’t necessarily mean the program is designed to churn out stage stars or pro hockey players.
“Our plan is not to put everybody into the NHL. Our plan is to introduce them to the business of sport and maybe they find a job in the area that they like,” he said. “You may not be the person who is shooting the goals, but maybe you’ll find a way to work in the business of sport.”
Likewise, the drama/English program will offer insights in off-stage jobs, as well as performance opportunities.
Richard said Drayton Entertainment officials have advised him the technical side of the arts is an area that provides considerable employment.
“There might be one person on the stage, but there might be six people off the stage that have a job, that are connected to that performance,” he explained.
The principal feels the approach will enhance student performance in the classroom, as well as the off-site learning environment.
“If you have a student who really enjoys hockey, but doesn’t find school is maybe the most fun place to be, if this draws them into the academic environment and gives them a feeling that, at least in mornings, ‘I’m able to get through half the day and I can enjoy geography and I can enjoy hockey,’ then maybe they find their engagement will increase with the other programs in the afternoon.”
Richard said the school is currently accepting applications, which are available on the Norwell website, to the programs.
Parents attending a Grade 8 parent information night on Dec. 9 at 7pm at the school will be able to discuss the merits of both programs with school officials, Richard said.
He explained about 25 spaces will be available in both programs and both are co-educational.
Spaces in the hockey skills course will be evenly divided between boys and girls.
If the programs generate a waiting list, Richard said the school would try to accommodate more students next semester.
“If I’m in the position that I have a whole bunch of kids apply and it’s a question of how I’m going to offer them all an opportunity, that’s the kind of challenge I look forward to,” he stated.
Richard said the idea is for the joint-credit approach to be extended to higher grade levels in the future, so students who find it works for them will be able to continue right through to graduation.
“We really want to make sure that what we’re trying to do is build a program that kind of connects with the students of today and we’re recognizing the world has kind of changed for the kids that are going to school now,” he said.
“If engagement increases, statistically research says that their marks increase because they are more interested in school.”
For information visit www.ugdsb.on.ca/norwell.
