As any parent of young children knows, Junior School students make an incredible amount of progress from September to June. As the months pass, students become more independent and develop a better understanding of expected behaviours. For UA Kindergarten students, this might look like practicing their hallway transitions with care and respect. For Grade 2 students, it could be independently learning what it means to be an ‘upstander’—a good friend and classmate who helps resolve conflicts.
There is intentionality in teaching that supports students as they grow and are ready to learn more complex skills and concepts. A key feature that enriches their learning environment and sets UA apart from other schools is our transdisciplinary model of education. It may sound like a bit of educational jargon, but it means that homeroom and specialist teachers work closely together, integrating subjects and skills across disciplines. This collaboration encourages students to connect different areas of knowledge and apply them to real-world issues—much like they will be challenged to do as adults.
These experiences vary by age. For example, as part of their Unit of Inquiry, Urban Academy Grade 3 students explore how diverse cultures and values impact the collective well-being of their community as a whole. Students then work with their Health & Wellness Teacher to understand the importance of their own well-being and discover practices they can use to promote healthy habits as well as support the well-being of others.
This kind of planning between staff can span subject areas, making learning more engaging and building a deeper understanding of any given concept. In this example, not only do students come to understand the importance of societal well-being, but they also learn how they, as individuals, can contribute to it. These collaborative efforts between homeroom and specialist teachers foster critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional learning.
Outdoor experiences are also paramount to the development of younger children and play a key role in our transdisciplinary model. Time in nature is essential, helping students develop physical, social, and cognitive skills in a relaxed but ever-changing environment. When students of different ages come together, it promotes collaboration, leadership, and social skills as younger students learn from older peers and build confidence through interaction.
Each grade in the Junior School has regular nature walk afternoons to allow for these experiences, while the entire Junior School takes part in outdoor activities like Fall Activity Day at Hume Park. This event is a wonderful opportunity for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students to learn and play together, building the foundational skills and relationships that will support their future success both academically and socially.
This transdisciplinary approach is what enables students to go from remembering and reciting to knowing and understanding. It also allows students to grow essential academic skills but with the learning required to become well-rounded individuals. By integrating learning across subjects and creating meaningful connections between the classroom and the world beyond, they develop the tools to think critically and thrive.