Experiential Learning
At Urban Academy, learning goes beyond the classroom. Outdoor education is a core part of our approach at every grade level, connecting classroom concepts to the real world. We believe meaningful learning happens through interdisciplinary experiences, and the outdoors, near or far, is one of our most powerful teachers.
Cross-curricular approach
By linking activities such as water sports to physics, and mountain exploration to biodiversity, students apply their learning to the world around them.
Outdoor education curriculum
Students are encouraged to take risks and challenge themselves physically, demonstrating courage and leadership through new experiences. They strengthen their problem-solving skills, overcome obstacles, collaborate with others and grow in confidence.
sometimes a change of scenery makes all the difference
Spending time outdoors motivates students to learn, focuses attention, enhances cognitive and social development, stimulates imagination and supports academic success. At Urban Academy, outdoor education is an integral learning tool at every grade level.
Pre-Primary | Junior Kindergarten
Junior Kindergarten students learn about the world around them through play and hands-on experiences that keep them curious and engaged in their learning. Outdoor play is built into their daily and weekly routines, where students use natural materials to build, create and explore. On regular nature walks to Hume Park, students participate in inquiry-based learning: asking questions, testing ideas, and making discoveries that matter to them.
These experiences help students feel a sense of belonging as they connect with the local community, outdoor environment and natural world. A highlight of the year is the field trip to the Vancouver Children’s Festival at Granville Island—a favourite tradition in our Junior Kindergarten program!
Junior School | Kindergarten to Grade 3
In the Junior School, learning is place-based and closely connected to our local environment and community. Each Unit of Inquiry (a theme-based approach to learning that connects different subjects) is enriched by multiple opportunities for students to engage in first-hand, real-world experiences. These might include field trips, guest speakers and cultural events. Experiential education also plays an important role in our social-emotional learning, health and wellness programs and our introduction to Indigenous education.
Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 spend regular time in nature, including weekly scheduled visits to Hume Park, as an extension of the learning that begins in the classroom. Urban Academy teachers look for every opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom and into the world around us.
Middle School | Grades 4 to 7
In the Middle School, experiential education is an integrated approach that enhances learning outside the classroom and helps students develop foundational, lifelong skills, preparing them for the future. In grades 4 to 7, the outdoor education program is tailored to reflect student growth, build on past experiences and offer new opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zone.
Student highlights include trips to Mount Seymour for snowshoeing and skiing, Gibsons Farm (where students care for animals, explore sustainable farming and learn where food comes from), and Camp UA (an on-campus overnight experience that helps younger middle school students build resilience, teamwork and outdoor skills). The year culminates in a second overnight camp for each grade. Experiential learning also takes place through trips to Hume Park, nature walks and gardening in the UA garden.
House competitions, such as intramurals and brain challenges, foster cross-grade connections and healthy competition.
Senior School | Grades 8 to 12
Grade 8–12 students at Urban Academy get outside and explore the wild through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Through micro-adventures, community excursions and major international trips, students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and into their growth zones.
From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to biathlon (an Olympic sport that blends skiing with marksmanship), students build confidence and resilience in Canada’s winter landscapes. A highlight is the Yukon expedition, where Grade 8–9 students explore the realities of life in cold climates and learn how to thrive in challenging environments.
For Grade 9–12 students seeking even more, the International Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program offers opportunities for deeper personal challenge and achievement through leadership, service and outdoor adventure.
Our major trip travel adventures take learning globally. Grade 10–12 students have the opportunity to travel and explore Asia, the Americas and Europe. So far, they’ve trekked through Costa Rica’s volcanoes and vibrant ecosystems, experienced the dynamic urban culture of Japan (including some unexpected encounters with local deer) and walked through centuries of history in Spain and Portugal, discovering the region’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage along the way.