Academics
SOUL Seeking
Supporting ingenuity and independence
Last week, the Shawnigan community engaged in a week of creativity, innovation and exploration with the return of SOUL Seeking, the independent inquiry-based learning program first launched in the spring as a facet of SOUL (Shawnigan Online Unique Learning).
The program originally grew out of a need to find an alternative to traditional examinations at the end of last academic year. It was received so positively by students, families and staff that it has become part of an ongoing shift in Shawnigan’s approach to learning, characterized by student-centered evolutions such as the revolutionary new timetable. SOUL Seeking also addresses the BC Curriculum capstone project requirements in a way that builds upon the meaningful community networks and teacher expertise Shawnigan excels at.
Running this time round as a year-long project that will continue during SOUL-o time on Friday afternoons, SOUL Seeking is an opportunity for students to explore something that they are passionate about and make their own guided discoveries in learning. Students can work on their own or can team up with their peers, with no limit to group size as long as each team member plays an equal role. Teachers and advisors provide guidance, structure and expertise through daily check-ins, but otherwise students work on their own or with their chosen team.SOUL Seeking ideas submitted by students range from inquiries into artistic expression (dance, poetry and learning a musical instrument) to digital processes (movie-making, video game design, podcast creation, photography) socio-political and historical questions (understanding political beliefs, exploring art history and the classics), scientific designs (constructing a mag-lev food delivery service and building a gliding remote control vehicle), physical activity (detailed nutrition and fitness plans, the biometrics of rowing) and service-based projects (fundraising for social support organizations).
Head of Prep School Kim Edgson and Director of the Learning Centre Kirsi Lupton, who are heading up this year’s SOUL Seeking initiative, created a 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily structure for the initial week that encompassed open tutorial times, guide group activities and expert hours. They note that not only does SOUL Seeking bridge into capstone projects for seniors students, but that it teaches junior students the crucial skill of how to engage meaningfully in inquiry learning.
“The beauty of inquiry-based learning is that it allows the learner to explore various topics that might interest them and allows students to try on different disciplines to see if they fit,” explains Mrs. Edgson. “Shawnigan students will pursue an open-ended passion project, seek more information about their areas of interest, access networks of guides and experts, and build 21st century skills.”
Shawnigan Lake School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education, including those regarding learning cohorts, physical distancing and mask-wearing when appropriate.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
