Experiential & Outdoor Education
At Southpointe, we understand that a holistic education takes place beyond the walls of a classroom. Only a short drive from Vancouver, we are located in Tsawwassen, BC, known for its community atmosphere and beachside living, which is commonly integrated into our student curriculum through beach cleanups, wildlife and environmental advocacy, and collaborations with local businesses. Experiential and outdoor education opportunities through programs such as Project Discover, Duke of Edinburgh, and national and international travel, present students with a broader understanding of the world where intercultural competencies and skills are strengthened.
Service Learning
Students have the ability to take action, be responsible for their learning, and seek to make a difference in the world. Throughout the year, students in all grades are encouraged to find ways to demonstrate kindness, give back to the community, and take on leadership roles within the school.
In each division, Leadership Councils collaborate to promote awareness campaigns and highlight school spirit through programs such as our Island Teams. IB culminating projects engage students to identify, investigate through community research, and offer solutions to real-world issues.
Project Discover
Project Discover is our experiential outdoor education program that takes students on a range of activities from camping, hiking, canoeing, ecological studies, marine studies and more! All students in Grades 4 through 12 participate in Project Discover, where they develop a broader understanding of the world around them while gaining an appreciation for British Columbia’s spectacular natural surroundings.
Guiding Principles
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Challenge: Our program pushes students to challenge their perceived limits – be they physical, mental or emotional.
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Connection: Each trip is fashioned to mirror classroom learning objectives, meeting provincially determined learning outcomes while presenting an opportunity to connect with the natural environment.
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Growth: Students have a chance to discover and refine their own strengths and goals. Our program is designed to impart technical outdoor skills that are developed and built upon through a gradual learning progression. It emphasizes and grows life skills: meal planning and cooking, healthy living habits, decision-making, problem-solving, personal responsibility, and peer collaboration.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an internationally recognized award system acknowledging youths’ ability to be active, involved, and successful citizens. Students aged 14 and above set and achieve personal goals for community service, skills, fitness, and adventure and complete activities in four different categories: Adventurous Journey, Service, Skill, and Physical Recreation, at each achievement level.
The Duke of Edinburgh program is managed by Daniel Dupont, our Outdoor Education Coordinator, and Mandy Alves, Middle School Teacher.
Travel Opportunities
Through our Programme of Global Engagement and Service Learning, travel opportunities are available each year for students to learn about different parts of Canada and other countries on International trips. These trips offer a wonderful set of experiences to help our students develop their perspective and intercultural competencies and to engage in authentic learning in new contexts. IB Continuum schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education. Opportunities such as these encourage students to make connections between their studies and the global world.
