Hugh Sutherland School (HSS) in Carstairs is offering three new opportunities for students to explore career pathways. Students are able to participate in Academies in hockey, cheerleading and dance, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). What makes Academies at HSS unique from regular option classes is that they involve subject area experts from the community.
"It's key that we connect passion with expertise," says Dean Nielsen, HSS Principal. "We are seeing the power of partnering with our community in the work of connecting students to meaningful exploration of career pathways."
The Academies had its beginning last year with the school offering the hockey Academy. HSS was thrilled to see that not only was there interest in the opportunity, but it also had a positive impact on student attendance throughout the school day and on students' marks.
Last year, the school observed school attendance increase by 11 per cent for students participating in the Hockey Academy, and the same students saw their marks increase by an average of seven per cent. The school is also tracking the impact of Academies this year, and based on student comments, the Academy program is having a similar impact compared to last year.
"We have to recognize where we are in the world," says Nielsen. "Kids' passions drive what they want to do. If we can connect that passion with what is happening in school, it increases the importance of school and students' success with it."
HSS expanded to the two additional Academies this year, and continued the Hockey Academy, based on feedback from students and families, as well as on what expertise was available in the community and whether the opportunity would be financially sustainable. Each Academy has a curriculum to work from, which is approved by the school, and is focused on skill development.
Hockey Academy students appreciate skill development
The Hockey Academy is offered during option blocks five days a week for students in Grades 7 through 9, and two days a week for students in Grades 5 and 6. There are about 70 students participating.
When students attend, they cross the street to the community arena, where they receive instruction from Mike Brodeur, a goalie in the National Hockey League, or Junior B hockey players who work for Brodeur.
"It's awesome," says Grayson, a Grade 6 student. "I love that we get to do fun stuff and have a break from academic work."
"It is helping me get better at hockey. It helps me with my skating," says Russell, a Grade 5 student. Grade 6 student, Asher, agrees, saying, "The coaches really help us progress and it's been good conditioning for me."
Asher also says, "The Hockey Academy makes me want to go to school." Grayson says, "When you come back from Hockey Academy, you can be ready for anything. It's a reset."
Students in Hockey Academy (and the other academies) pay a fee to be involved, but it is lower
than what students would pay for similar extra-curricular opportunities. The school credits the community for offering ice time at a highly discounted rate which makes the Academy possible.
"Partnerships are essential for the success of this program, and we are so grateful to our community for the support," says Nielsen.
The school hopes to expand the program to include high school students as well, in the future, and is working on the school schedule to support that.
Dance / Cheerleading Academy builds confidence and school culture
Also hosted at the community's arena, and within a privately run dance studio, the Dance / Cheerleading Academy is run in partnership with a community based dance teacher. There are about
30 students in Grades 7 to 12participating this year.
Students in the Academy performed as cheerleaders for the school football team throughout the season, as well as at halftime shows at a student vs. staff basketball game, and at a student vs.
staff hockey game.
The idea for the Dance / Cheerleading Academy came from Kasandra Schwandt, a private dance teacher. Schwandt's sons participated in the Hockey Academy last year.
"I saw what Hockey Academy did for both of my sons, and it was powerful," says Schwandt. She says
one of sons "went from not wanting to go to school to wanting to be there. So I thought, why not offer dance?"
Students who participate in the Dance Academy are often enrolled at the same dance studio during
extra-curricular hours, although that is not a condition of participation in the Academy. During Academy time, students are focused on skill development and strengthening, in addition to performance.
"I want to pursue dance in post-secondary," says London W., a Grade 12 student. "We've always
wished for more integration of dance at school, and now we get to have this great opportunity."
"I appreciate the chance to do strength training," says London, "and I've noticed that the increased dance time has helped me grasp choreography more quickly." She adds that having the Academy impacts her academic success too. "I know I need to have good grades to be in the Academy, so it definitely helps my motivation."
Similarly, Kiera P., a Grade 12 student, says she is motivated academically because, "I know the Academy is a privilege and I want to keep dancing every day. It makes me excited to go to school because I know if I get through my other classes I get to go to dance. It gives me a break in the day,
and balance."
Kiera believes she is a better dancer because of the Academy. "I think all the strength training and focus on skills, rather than on performances, has made a difference."
Principal Dean Nielsen says the performances of the Dance team at school events is positively impacting the school culture. Also, he says, "When I've talked with the students, I have appreciated how empowering this is for them. That in and of itself makes this opportunity worthwhile."
"Performing for sports events has been exhilarating," says Kiera. "It's an adrenaline rush, and is different from being on stage. It makes me feel that we are important in our school, and because we are cheering for other athletes it brings school spirit."
"I feel more connected to the school because of the performances," says London. "It feels empowering. Also, it's great seeing the younger students look up to us, and the whole school thinks it's great. It's a confidence builder."
STEAM Academy gives students more chances to explore, and build stronger relationships
The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) Academy is run by an HSS teacher, with the support of community presenters that visit the class. It is offered to Grade 9 through 12 students, and about 25 are enrolled this year.
HSS teacher Jordan Hart says students learn how to solder, build basic circuits, and complete small projects like building resistor boards. They repair basic electronic devices such as a video game controller, and they design projects that are brought to life on the 3D printer or on the laser cutter. Through this work they also gain a basic understanding of coding.
"We start at the beginning of these concepts and build onto them," says Hart. "It gives students the
freedom to explore project based learning, and creates opportunities for students to respond to
unique challenges. Also, they have access to equipment they wouldn't normally be able to use."
Caitlin R., a Grade 11 student, says she likes the hands-on learning available through the Academy. Also she says it helps her "enjoy school." Caitlin says, "It's a good place to be. I feel safe here and I enjoy what I'm working on. I've made lots of friends in [STEAM Academy], and it has opened me up to more interactions." Caitlin says she has always wanted to become a teacher, and says, "This Academy has inspired me that there are lots of options within that."
Mya D., a Grade 11 student, says she previously took a dual credit course about coding, and appreciates that in the STEAM Academy there is "definitely time to do more project work." Mya says she knew she would seek a career in the field of engineering, but that the Academy experience refined her plan. "It has guided me to consider more of a computer focused, data-engineering career," she says.
Mya says the program has also been good for other reasons. "It's built my confidence," she says. "Also it has definitely motivated me to show up and participate more. Because of the Academy, and
being comfortable here, I find it easier to participate in other classes."
Next steps with HSS Academies
HSS will evaluate the three Academies based on participation, and the impact on students and the school. The administration plans to continue to consult students and families about interests and
opportunities available within the community.
In the meantime, the school is enjoying the "increased energy" that comes from Academies,
according to Nielsen. He says "teachers definitely see what it does for kids. We have huge buy-in
on this program."
