It’s about honing one’s athletic skills or pursue their career aspirations, while still attending high school and completing the course credits required to graduate.
That’s the mantra behind School District 22’s Academies and Specialized Programs. Students can further develop their baseball skills, gain insight in the training and demands on a police officer or learn about safety and the unique skills required for working in the forestry industry.
The academies and specialized programs enhance the traditional curriculum for students motivated to strengthen their skills and improve their abilities in these programs offered by the district and in partnership with community organizations. Students participating in academies receive specialized instruction and learning opportunities that increase student engagement and success.
“Our academies help balance the demands of school and training,” said Rod Peters, coordinator at vLearn and the Snowsports Academy. “We had a student who went to school during the day and trained in the evenings and weekends. Through our Snowsports Academy, she was able find balance between the two and was able to spend more time with her family. She became quite successful in her sport and competed at the National level.
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“For many of the students in our sports related academies, they train 20-30 hours per week and aspire to do the best they can in their sport of choice. Through the academies offered at School District 22, they have found an avenue to train at an elite level during school time, while still achieving the credits required.”
Whether a student is interested in participating in one of the district’s long-standing academies, such as Earthquest, which was created in 1981, or one of the newer academies or programs, parents and students are invited to attend an information night Thursday, Jan. 10. The session begins at 6:30 p.m. at Kalamalka Secondary School, with breakout rooms where parents and students can ask specific questions to the various academy coordinators.
For more information on School District 22’s Academies and Specialized Programs, visit www.sd22.bc.ca/Programs/Academies.
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