PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The CSS Outdoor Education Program offers two cohorts for students:
Outdoor Education 10, 11, 12 covers learning outcomes for four classes: Outdoor Education, English First Peoples Literature, Science 11, and PHE/Active Living.
Outdoor Education 9 covers the learning outcomes for seven different classes: Outdoor Education, Physical Health Education, Science, Math, social studies, English Language Arts and French.
Students in both cohorts will have the opportunity to explore many outdoor pursuits and apply their classroom learning in the field.
• Land Based Activities include hiking, overnight backpacking, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, and trail running.
• Snow Based Activities include downhill skiing & boarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping.
• Water Based Activities include canoeing, and multi-day canoe tripping.
For more information, please see our Grade 9 and Grade 10-12 Application Forms and Personal Gear List, or contact the outdoor education teachers Mr. Gerad Shea , Mr. Jason Shea, and Mr. Nick Hyde.
Email completed applications to the outdoor education teachers or drop them off at the CSS office.
*Fees apply to this program. Please see the application form for more information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Do I have to take all the classes in the cohort?
Yes.
2. How many free blocks will I have to choose from for my classes that are not a part of the cohort?
Four in grades 10, 11, and 12. One in grade 9.
3. What if I’ve taken one of the courses in the cohort already?
Speak to one of the program teachers directly to see what options exist.
4. Why is the program changing from the previous Outdoor Education class?
The new structure that joins other classes together with the existing outdoor education class creates significant flexibility for students and staff: more off-campus learning activities can be planned while limiting the number of other classes students and staff miss.
5. What type of students join Outdoor Education?
Students join the outdoor education program for many different reasons: some are interested in the environment; some want to apply academic learning outside the classroom; some want to get in shape; some like adventure; some want to be a part of a team and work toward a common goal; some want to learn outdoor skills.
6. Will I miss other classes?
The cohort model is being used to create flexible scheduling so students miss less classes, however some classes will be missed on longer day trips and overnight trips.
7. Should I join the Outdoor Education cohort?
If you want to have new experiences, learn in a collaborative, mixed-grade setting and work hard, then yes.
8. Who should not join the cohort?
If you are only thinking of joining because your best friend is, or somebody else is making you join, the program may not be right for you. We will work very hard outside, especially when weather conditions are challenging. We will work just as hard in the classroom as well.
9. How will we learn?
We will learn through both outdoor field experiences and traditional classroom instruction. Different times of the year may see one style of learning emphasized more than the other to take advantage of the seasons.
10. Are overnight trips mandatory?
Yes. However, we understand that important appointments and commitments will arise outside of our schedule, and we will support participants with meeting their other responsibilities when needed.
11. Is the program safe?
Yes, but be aware that there are always risks when participating in outdoor pursuits. The teachers running this program have over twenty-five years of combined experience running programing of this type with no major injuries or accidents. Teachers are certified in Advanced Wilderness First Aid, and third-party, certified guides and hired for technical instruction like outdoor rock climbing.
12. What is covered and not covered by the cost?
Please see what is covered and not covered on the attached Application Form and Personal Supply List.
13. I’m going into grade 12: should I join?
Grade 12 students are welcome to join but must look very closely at their graduation requirements and decide based upon the courses they need to achieve their post-secondary plans and the availability of those classes during the remaining afternoon blocks.
14. Can I take Outdoor Education a second time?
Yes.
15. Is financial assistance available?
Yes, please reach out to one of our school counsellors or our principal directly for assistance.
16. More questions?
Send your questions to gerad_shea@sd33.bc.ca, jason_shea@sd33.bc.ca, and nicholas_hyde@sd33.bc.ca.