As a school, every six years the Ministry of Education is required to undertake a full inspection of every BC school to ensure they are meeting all of the requirements as set out by the Ministry. This week, our time came to undergo this intensive audit. Inspectors were on site for three days meeting with the majority of our staff, reviewing everything from policies to lesson plans and ensuring that Urban Academy is meeting all of our requirements.
At the end of the three days, the Ministry Inspectors met with the Senior Leadership Team, and then with the full staff to share their feedback. They reminded us a number of times that 6 years ago, our last inspection was at Robson Manor before moving into this facility. It is incredible to think about the growth that has taken place at Urban Academy these last 6 years. I am honoured to be able to pass their feedback along to you, as we truly are partners in education. Here is a summary from our Ministry Inspectors of what is taking place at UA and their snapshot of what is taking place here. They observed that:
- Staff have clearly created a safe space with strong relationships with students, colleagues, and families; it makes students feel confident to take risks without fear of failure and grow in their learning.
- Student choice is fostered and the program is strongly inquiry based allowing students to discover and guide their own learning.
- It is evident that UA teachers honour the BC curriculum
- Curriculum plans from school to school and grade to grade are consistent, and show explicit and intentional planning with competencies, First People’s Principles of Learning, and cross-curricular opportunities. This means that the programming is intentional, connected to student learning and creates a sequential path from age to age as students progress through the program.
- There is an intentional professional development plan and program for staff
- There is significant evidence of a robust link between in-class learning (curricular competencies) to field experiences, Outdoor Education, and travel opportunities.
- The Urban Academy culture is strong and clearly has been lovingly created and tended to.
The loudest, and most highlighted commendation they shared was the obvious nature of the 3Cs: community, care, and collegiality taking place at UA. They were incredibly encouraged by the positive culture that has been created and reminded us that a culture is created by being tended to like a garden. The lead inspector reminded us that any garden needs to continuously be watered, weeded and intentionally cared for. This is something that we intend to continue doing. We are exceptionally proud of the outcome of this inspection as it was an affirming snapshot of how UA operates. We also appreciate the recognition that staff, parents and students are all truly ‘connected through learning.’
Thank you for working with us as we plant, nurture and tend to this garden we call UA!
Brenda Ball
Principal