A new independent middle school approved for Roberts Creek promises to combine the best of curriculum learning with nature-based education.
Wildwood Independent School will open in September for grades six, seven and eight on Roberts Creek's Camp Douglas property, so the concept of classroom can be anything from indoors to under a canopy of trees or seats around a campfire. The primary program offered at Wildwood will conclude at the end of this school year.
Founding principal Abbie Crompton says the school is based on the B.C. curriculum but with a real focus on social, emotional learning and cross-curricular projects created to spark curiosity.
“I think it's going to be pretty cool for us to also be on the ocean. We do some field trips now down to the ocean and a lot of our science-based curriculum is connected to tides and the moon and celestial bodies, and water and marine wildlife,” said Crompton. “And just being able to be down there for some years is going to be really special and we're very much looking forward to it.”
Crompton explained at Wildwood, learning extends beyond academics and is also about helping students develop confidence, leadership and a sense of responsibility.
“So, these students have grown up in our little education system, where they carry a pack every day that has what they need in it. So, they have an extra layer of warm clothes. They have socks and plastic bags in case they get a boot soaker when they’re crossing a creek,” says Crompton. “They carry all their food, all their water, extra gloves and tuques, so they are strong and fit and capable.”
Teaching that same sense of self-reliance and critical thinking to older students is now on the agenda for the new school.
“So, that's what we've been doing in primary years and now, as we're moving into these middle-school, intermediate years, we're finding that their needs are shifting as they're hitting adolescence and puberty and academics are looking a little different,” said Crompton. “We want to be able to prep them for high school and higher education, but also really take in what we feel has been a fundamental, foundational connection to place and to being outside.”
Wildwood founder Katie Shindler wants Wildwood to act as a bridge between the small community elementary schools found on the Coast to high school.
“We really see a necessity for that smaller entry level program while kids aren't in the graduation program,” said Shindler. “High school changes in Grade 10, but grades eight and nine are preparatory for that graduation program. And so, we think there's a good niche there.”
She explained that part of the school’s funding comes from the provincial Ministry of Education and Child Care and equates to about 35 per cent of what a public elementary school receives.
She said when it comes to government funding, an independent school in its first year will always get the least amount of financial support available due to the fact student numbers aren’t confirmed. She added, that government funding should eventually get up 50 per cent of what public schools are awarded per student. The rest of Wildwood’s funding is made up from tuition.
Shindler said another difference between public and independent schools is that while a school district is the governing body for public education, independent schools are governed by a board of directors. Shindler will be chair of the Wildwood board, once it’s fully formed. Independent schools in B.C. also fall under the umbrella of the Federation of Independent School Associations.
“That said, I'm working my butt off to make connections for some of the athletic portions of the school district so that we can do some sports with them,” said Shindler. “Because independent schools within the Lower Mainland, they can all go to different meets and things like that. But we'd really like our students to be able to join in for track and field or even if it's just ultimate frisbee type things, we'd really like to have some of that within the Sunshine Coast community. That's the hope.”
The school will welcome 16 students in September and an open house to gather more information takes place April 10. To apply to the school and/or register to attend the open house, visit wildwoodindependentschool.ca.
