Bridging Learning and Leadership

A reimagined interdisciplinary Global Leadership Program launches in Grade 9

For over a decade, the Global Leadership Program (GLP) has been a cornerstone of the Senior School experience, blending academic rigour with real-world application.

For the students in Grade 9, the program has taken an innovative turn this year, integrating interdisciplinary learning with hands-on environmental and agricultural initiatives at the school’s outdoor education property, Blue & Silver Farm. This unique approach not only enriches students’ education but fosters a deeper understanding of sustainability and leadership.

The primary goal of the GLP is to connect classroom learning with meaningful, authentic projects. While previous iterations of the program focused on independent projects, changes made at the beginning of this academic year have resulted in a highly integrated, interdisciplinary reimagination of the program in Grade 9. The knowledge and skills from their classes in geography, science, mathematics, and English provide the foundation as they apply what they have learned to develop sustainable programming for Blue & Silver Farm.

“This year, we wanted to take integration a step further,” explains Chris Schneider, Director of Senior School. “We’re not just aligning classroom content with GLP projects—we’re connecting learning across subjects to create a truly cross-curricular experience so that their education is immersive, meaningful and impactful.”

Students have selected specific focus areas at the farm, including:

• Agriculture: Exploring sustainable vegetable gardening and pollinator-friendly plantings.

• Livestock: Investigating the role of chickens, ducks, and sheep in sustainable farming. The sheep, for instance, are being studied for their ability to naturally rehabilitate depleted soil while also providing wool for potential future projects.

• Leadership Development: Designing outdoor leadership and team-building experiences, such as low-initiative games and a low-ropes course.

• Sustainable Maple Syrup Production: Planning and mapping a sap collection system that maximizes efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Students have engaged in experiential learning at the farm and beyond. They’ve visited local agricultural sites and studied outdoor education centres with sustainable practices. Students have applied what they have learned to conduct field research at Blue & Silver Farm, from tree identification and digital geo-mapping in geography to soil health analysis in science.

“These experiences ground the students’ projects in real data,” says Schneider. “For example, our maple syrup group has mapped trees and assessed the topography to determine the most effective design for a sap collection system. They’re taking data from their geo-mapping and using math skills to calculate slopes and tubing lengths, and then applying that knowledge to a real-world example.”

One of the key successes of this new approach is the level of student engagement. Despite harsh winter conditions during their first on-site research day, students remained immersed in their tasks, reluctant to leave even when the end of the school day approached.

“The authenticity of this work is a powerful motivator,” says Schneider. “Students aren’t just brainstorming ideas for an abstract project—they’re making real decisions that will shape our farm’s future. They feel a genuine sense of ownership and responsibility.”

Bianca Neagoe, Grade 9, says she has always loved animals, so working on a livestock project that allows her to contribute to their care and growth has been incredible.

“This project has helped me strengthen my teamwork and organizational skills, as planning and collaboration are essential,” says Neagoe. “Throughout this experience, me and my group have gained valuable knowledge about various sheep breeds, allowing us to develop a deep understanding of their needs and behaviours. By working together, we’ve built a strong team that shares a common passion and goal.”

Matthew Miceli, also in Grade 9, echoes Neagoe’s enthusiasm as a member of the sustainable maple syrup production team.

“The fact that the farm has its trees on a slant lets us use gravity to move the maple syrup to the areas where we will collect it. What I like about this project is that I can collaborate with my friends while also benefiting the school and my view on sustainability/efficiency.”

As students refine their project proposals throughout the spring, their ideas will contribute to ongoing stewardship efforts at Blue & Silver Farm, with potential impacts beyond the school’s borders.

“This project has been a team effort, collaboratively developed by the faculty,” says Schneider. “While the scale has shifted, the essence remains: innovate sustainably, not just for our school, but for the broader world. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us.”