MARCH 2020
A publication making learning UNFORGETTABLE for every Langley student
CAPSTONE JOURNEYS Langley School District Develops & Embraces 21st Century Pedagogies that Prepare Students for Living in a Gig Economy. continues in grade 10 with a Capstone project proposal, and then the execution and presentation of the project happens from grades 10-12. As part of the Capstone presentation, students share their Transition Plans and artifacts of their K-12 Learning Journey. The Capstone journey supports real life learning through a choice of: field studies & research, event planning, passion projects, occupational & entrepreneurial projects, leadership service projects or plans for successful living.
C
apstone, defined as the highest achievement or most important action in a series of actions, appropriately reflects the graduation requirement for BC students
To prepare for the implementation of Capstone, the Langley School District has created a culture of extreme learning. As the importance of creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation come to light, Langley educators and students are starting to reap the benefits of learning beyond the confines of the classroom. Crafted following five years of intense collaboration by students and educators throughout the Langley School District and in consultation with five surrounding districts, the Langley Capstone journey has emerged.
Think about it! Suddenly, students take on self-advocacy of learning and direct their own project pathways according to their passions and interests. At the base of all of the learning, the key question they are now asking themselves is: Not- What do I want to be? But- Who do I want to be? The difference is profound!
Here’s how it works Students are encouraged to delve deep into their personal reflections to discover their passions and curiosities. The Capstone process starts in grade 8 & 9 with investigation into inquiry questions,
It is an in-depth exploration of study that, with the help of community mentors and industry partners, enhances and enables the learning of new skills that are personalized to the individual learner. It is a complete application of real-world projects!
Examples of Capstone Ingenuity The prosthesis with an articulating joint An avid soccer player with a hope to become a mechanical engineer: his two passions inspire him to search out a mentor, to work out a complicated series of designs and prototypes to develop a viable and working prosthesis and an articulating joint that will enable disabled persons to participate in soccer as a sport.
Using different types of wood to craft differences in sound in a guitar A student reconnected with an extended family member as a mentor to learn the craft of building a guitar by hand. As part of the learning journey, they experimented with varying types of wood to create different types of sound. They co-constructed a guitar - an acoustically brilliant specimen
of instrumental genius which has inspired the student to consider this craft as a career choice.
The Ultimate in Decorum With a deep interest in interior design, a student made her way downtown to explore the labyrinths of the Vancouver Interior Design Show Exhibition at BC Place. The emboldened student successfully seconded a mentor at the show to help her negotiate an ambitious project. She crafted architectural designs, a 3D model of her dream house, collected supply samples, mood ideas, colour theory swatches and then set up and decorated one of the rooms from her house as an exhibition of her learning.
Writing a Children’s book that explains Cancer therapy to children A very involved and empathic sister learned through her younger sister’s ordeal with cancer that the process of treatments is often not understood by patients and families. In an effort to better educate herself and her family on the Cancer Therapies she wrote and illustrated a children’s book to teach others what to expect in language that can be more easily understood by all ages.
inside
Annual Grand Prix Page B3 IDEAX Page B5 TEDX Page B6 Art Show Page B7
Sponsors Page B8 Wellness Page B9 Financial Literacy for Kids Page B10 Kids Clothing Drive Page B11
The Take Aways These examples are just a few of many very deep and meaningful learning journeys that are emerging in just our first year of implementation. Remember, it is not just about the end product that is produced; it is about the spiral of inquiry: the learning, feedback, reflection, redirecting work plans, time management of the project, and learning about the importance of mentors and networking that is involved within career areas. This is real. This is meaningful. This is learning today.
If you would be interested in becoming a mentor for a student; or if you are interested in viewing some of the Capstone presentations please contact the Langley School District Career Curriculum Team for more information: Audrey Milne: amilne@sd35.bc.ca or Lara Petrie: lpetrie@sd35.bc.ca
susan Cairns Executive Director scairns@sd35.bc.ca Advertising: shaulene.burkett@blackpress.ca 604-994-1035