Outdoor learning is an integral part of the curriculum at St. Joseph School. Given the freedom to explore, children are able to problem solve and interact in a way that supports the new BC Curriculum core competencies of communication, thinking, personal growth, and social skills. Based on a Know-Do-Understand model of learning, outdoor settings allow for hands-on interaction with the natural world. Students are keen to play, explore, and learn while growing in independence and teamwork skills.
St. Joseph School has a strong partnership with The Clubhouse Farm program in Ellison. Their outdoor classroom and season-specific programming connects children to the land and gives them the opportunity to see how things change, grow, and evolve.
The St. Joseph Outdoor Academy program is supported by current research which shows the many positive health, social and learning benefits associated with children being given access to nature. It is designed to engage, challenge, and prepare students in a whole new way.