At Shawnigan, we believe that some of the best learning happens outside of the classroom.
It's not a new concept. In fact, it's why schools have always organized sports and cultural tours, produced musicals and taken young people into the great outdoors.
The idea is that, when faced with real-life situations, students are forced to make decisions, and even mistakes, that will enhance their education beyond the scope of any textbook.
At Shawnigan, we strive to put students in situations — sometimes uncomfortable ones — where there may not be a road map or answer to look up.
Our EDGE Program challenges young leaders to provide a valuable service in the developing world. Our salmon hatchery puts fish stock directly in the hands of students. Our outdoors program pushes participants to sleep in snow caves, brave whitewater rapids and administer first aid in adverse conditions. Our Entrepreneurship 12 class faces the pressures of running a popular restaurant. Our Model UN delegates discuss geopolitical crises. Our robotics team must overcome technical glitches while competing on the world stage.
At Shawnigan, the teaching is never hands-off. Rather, we support students as they face challenges head-on, offering encouragement, advice and feedback where appropriate.
Importantly, we also want to ensure that education remains fun — as that's when it's the most effective.