I want to let readers of this post know that one of the significant differences between NSLC and the other 4 learning centres in the Surrey School District, aside from the fact that we're the uh best --- oops, did I really write that? All kidding aside, NSLC is home to "Grade 10 Challenge" the only program of its kind in the district, and it is an integral part of our learning community. Who does "Challenge" serve? Is is designed for students entering their grade 10 year, but who may still have grade 8 and/or grade 9 courses yet to be successfully completed. "Challenge" may be just the answer to help these students willing to work hard to get back on track. Students are eligible to stay in the program for one school year where it is expected that they will complete English, Math, Planning, Science, Social Studies and Physical Education. When the school year ends, regardless of whether or not all 6 courses were achieved, students' time in "Challenge" has ended. It's one 'kick at the can'. Students may transition back to mainstream, attend other learning centres or stay at NSLC, but not in""Challenge"as "those days are o-o-over". Those that choose to stay, will now be educated on the other side of the 'Mason/Dixon line', so to speak.
For those students who find it difficult organizing and working on four courses per semester, "Challenge" may be a good fit in that students work on two and/or three courses per semester. For those students who find mainstream overwhelming and impersonal because of the sheer numbers and size of the school, again "Challenge' may be the right fit. It is a small, intimate setting - 2 wise sages, 30 keen young learners per session!
All students wanting to attend "Challenge" are required to write a literacy and numeracy assessment prior to admittance. It's important to understand that "Challenge" is not designed nor resourced for students with severe learning disabilities or for those with other significant learning issues. The typical student can be described as average ability, but for various reasons (truancy, behavioural challenges, health concerns), mainstream is not working well for them at the present time.
I hope dear readers that you have gained some understanding into the Grade 10 Challenge Program. Too, there is a standing invitation to come by any time and "meet the Challenge"!
Thursday 12 April 2012
Sunday 1 April 2012
What exactly happens at the NSLC??
"So, what exactly is a learning centre"? I often hear this question after I'm asked "What do you do?", to which I reply---"I'm the proud principal of the North Surrey Learning Centre". When asked about the learning centre, I do my best to describe the milieu of this special place. In writing, perhaps I can champion the learning centre with more clarity, a bit more eloquently. However as with most things, to experience something gives one more insight, more flavour, than just the telling. So, come for a visit...just call ahead. We want to be on our best behaviour!
The North Surrey Learning Centre is a small secondary school which provides educational opportunities to students often defined as "at risk" - those students who, when they arrive, are not engaged emotionally, socially, academically or intellectually with the schooling process. The school population consists of students aged 15 to 19, who comprise a wide range of abilities, personal issues, health issues etc; a microcosm of mainstream school. Many come to us having experienced little success in high school. They are the poor attendees, the isolates, the discipline problems, the rebels, the gifted...the list goes on.With us, some of these fledging students (some, not all) learn to soar. The learning centre becomes a school of choice, a place where students, for the first time in a long while, experience success, a place where dreams germinate and educational goals can be achieved. Our mission, like all schools is to equip students with the necessary attitude, knowledge and skills to better their life chances, to enable them to successfully navigate, and positively contribute to our rapidly changing and diverse global community.
The North Surrey Learning Centre subscribes to the view that all students deserve an advocate to represent their interests. It is a place where building relationships is of primary importance; where we strive to connect students with school, with staff, with each other to create a sense of belonging, to establish a culture that engenders community, a community that takes care of each other. As such we have developed a mentoring system, a recognized strength of the school, where teachers/mentors closely monitor the attendance, progress, and achievement of their students, and very importantly, take an honest interest in what is happening in their lives. Our goal is to provide a healthy, safe, caring environment where all students can learn, where they are supported by staff in pursuit of their academic, career and personal goals.
Are students engaged? Is what they are learning meaningful and relevant? Is the learning personalized, personal, student centred? We're working on it! Stay tuned...
The North Surrey Learning Centre is a small secondary school which provides educational opportunities to students often defined as "at risk" - those students who, when they arrive, are not engaged emotionally, socially, academically or intellectually with the schooling process. The school population consists of students aged 15 to 19, who comprise a wide range of abilities, personal issues, health issues etc; a microcosm of mainstream school. Many come to us having experienced little success in high school. They are the poor attendees, the isolates, the discipline problems, the rebels, the gifted...the list goes on.With us, some of these fledging students (some, not all) learn to soar. The learning centre becomes a school of choice, a place where students, for the first time in a long while, experience success, a place where dreams germinate and educational goals can be achieved. Our mission, like all schools is to equip students with the necessary attitude, knowledge and skills to better their life chances, to enable them to successfully navigate, and positively contribute to our rapidly changing and diverse global community.
The North Surrey Learning Centre subscribes to the view that all students deserve an advocate to represent their interests. It is a place where building relationships is of primary importance; where we strive to connect students with school, with staff, with each other to create a sense of belonging, to establish a culture that engenders community, a community that takes care of each other. As such we have developed a mentoring system, a recognized strength of the school, where teachers/mentors closely monitor the attendance, progress, and achievement of their students, and very importantly, take an honest interest in what is happening in their lives. Our goal is to provide a healthy, safe, caring environment where all students can learn, where they are supported by staff in pursuit of their academic, career and personal goals.
Are students engaged? Is what they are learning meaningful and relevant? Is the learning personalized, personal, student centred? We're working on it! Stay tuned...
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