School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) has experienced a long and successful practice in middle level education. Middle schools throughout the district have been built on the foundation of meeting the needs of young adolescents in the areas of their intellectual, emotional, social, moral and physical development. Middle schools are exciting, dynamic and vital communities, where students are celebrated for their progress and success and where learning is relevant, exploratory and joyous.
The middle years represent the defining period when young adolescents develop their beliefs about themselves, about their values and about the world around them.
Research indicates this period of human development marks a milestone in neurological and cognitive development. It is clear that the future of young adolescents is determined by their educational experiences in middle schools during these formative years.
School District No. 43 Believes:
· Students learn when instruction is engaging, differentiated, and incorporates the social-emotional needs of young adolescents.
· Teaching should be relevant, integrative and promote critical thinking, using viable cross-curricular connections between and within the Explorations and Core subjects.
· In creating a school-wide culture that promotes student voice and guides appropriate learning choices to facilitate ownership of learning and participation in the local or global community.
· In developing socially responsible relationships that are positive and respectful among all members within the school community and among community members, families and schools.
· That young adolescents require challenging, stimulating curriculum taught by competent, compassionate, committed, collaborative and flexible professional staff who set high expectations, and who respond to diverse learning needs.
· In an inspiring and shared vision.
· In a school community that is inclusive, safe, welcoming and supportive so that students are valued, known and connected, and are encouraged to develop their independence and sense of responsibility.
· In a school community that is inclusive, safe, welcoming and supportive so that students are valued, known and connected, and are encouraged to develop their independence and sense of responsibility.
· In authentic assessment.
· In providing effective support for diverse student needs.
· In developing and maintaining purposeful connections among community members, families and schools.
· In strong middle level leaders who nurture a collaborative culture.
· In collaborative teaming and common planning time.
· In effective physical and organizational structures as well as flexible blocks of time to support a cohesive and stable environment.
· In regularly reviewing our philosophy and practices
View all Middle Schools in School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)
