AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
An integrated approach to learning implies hands-on involvement that brings understanding to life. Being involved in the lessons allows students to develop their skills while absorbing new knowledge. Urban Academy prepares students for real life, and with that comes preparation for the ever-evolving and dynamic careers of the future.
an environment of questioning
Rather than teachers imparting knowledge, students ask questions, determine interests, and guide their own learning.
engaging with their learning
Students share their expertise with peers, teaching what they have learned about their individual interests. From anime to the history of music, their quest for knowledge is constant and limitless. This approach strengthens students’ ability to learn, have empathy, manage emotions, and solve problems.
This approach allows students to become experts in the subject matter of the curriculum. Urban Academy students are constantly encouraged and supported to learn more about their passions, and are more motivated to achieve academic excellence when they are personally invested in their studies. With small class sizes, all students are expected to participate in classroom discussions, share their questions and work together to discover new information.
Pre-Primary | JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN
Students have the opportunity to use puppets and reenact scenarios to work through social challenges and any peer conflict. They study living creatures by having a terrarium and watching duck eggs hatch in the classroom as well as a garden they tend to on one of their play decks. They also spend a day per month cooking with JK parents and grandparents to learn about different cultures through food.
Junior School | Kindergarten to Grade 3
What better way to connect students to the real world than to actually bring local community figures into the classroom. Urban Academy brings police officers, doctors, postal workers, mechanics and other professionals into class to present how individuals make up a community and the vital roles that they each play. The Kindergarten inquiry unit on community culminates in the creation of their very own community — possibly one they would create on a brand new planet, or even at the bottom of the ocean! The Grade 2 Dragon’s Den project integrates real world creative problem solving and presentation skills with the development of a marketing plan and budget. Making cards for patients and singing at Senior Homes during the holidays also helps students gain a better understanding of the world around them and their place in it.
Middle School | Grades 4 To 7
Urban Academy connects students with thought leaders and experts in their field of interest who can offer information and insights on projects and areas of study. By connecting ideas and subjects, students engage in projects such as creating a superhero around an element on the periodic table to teach them element properties in an engaging way. Integrated assignments culminate in a wide range of integrated projects.
Our social emotional program is also an integral part of student learning. Through regular focus on developing a growth mindset and practicing that mindset throughout the school day, month and year, students are challenged to be thoughtful and teachers integrate shared language throughout the curriculum. There are routines in place that build independence, balanced with ‘buddy time’ with younger mentees to work through projects, engage in reading and math games and ultimately build leadership and mentorship skills.
Senior School | Grades 8 to 12
For students in Grades 8-12, connecting education to careers is immediately relevant. Students meet regularly with their academic counselor to plan post-secondary opportunities and learn about the programs available to them. This program also includes discovery trips to post-secondary institutions in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. There are significant leadership development opportunities including Leadership Day at the beginning of the year, House Leader roles to help their houses develop house cheers/a house story and opportunities to run intramural games. Finally, students can also connect with other youth at province-wide leadership conferences. They also learn about post-secondary careers through guest speakers, field study, and research on pressing current events such as building a renewable energy source. Opportunities for national and international travel also allow for independence, and biolding a greater understanding of global citizenship.
