Multi-Disciplinary Study Programs

A multi-disciplinary study program is not a separate course but a program that involves several courses contributing to a common theme. For example, "Community Heritage" may involve social studies, the sciences, economics, family studies, history and any other discipline that has relevance to the heritage of the community. "Environment" is another multi-disciplinary study program theme that has the potential to enrich the curriculum in all grades.⁶

The process of establishing a multi-disciplinary study program is coordinated at the school level among the teachers whose subjects are involved and the principal. The program may include one or more grades and can be a short-term project or a long-term theme that continues throughout the school year.

Community Supported Enhancements

Cooperative Education

Cooperative education initiatives involve field trips, tours and internships or job placements which allow students to learn about business, industries, governments, unions and/or other community groups through direct participation and one-on-one interaction with skilled employees. Through cooperative placements students are able to share their knowledge while gaining a better understanding of occupational opportunities. Students can improve job-searching skills and can gain a better understanding of occupation opportunities while in the workplace. As a result they can make more informed decisions when making plans for their future and their chances for student employment may increase.⁷

Cooperative education also allows school staff to develop new teaching strategies and to enhance curriculum by working with and learning from community partners.

Cooperative placements are intended to help raise standards for informed, skilled and educated students in efforts to produce a more innovative, productive, and enthusiastic workforce in the future. Partnerships are also established to help adults in the workforce to develop communication skills and gain access to lifelong learning opportunities through both academic and recreational programs.

Mini-Courses

Mini-courses offer the opportunity to present students with the wide range of skills and knowledge that is present within the school community. Volunteers from the community come into classrooms to give short-term courses (usually one class per week for 4-6 weeks of the school year). Students have the opportunity to choose one or two courses being taught depending on what subjects interest them most. Mini-courses are established to enrich regular studies by teaching students skills/trades that reflect the culture, economy and general identity of the community. Teachers and community members - with consent of the school principal - arrange partnerships for mini-courses at the school level. Mini-courses are often implemented by school or parent advisory councils or committees.