In October, the Grade 10 Experiential Learning cohort took their education to Tofino for four days. The program, which has historically consisted of the outdoor-focused "ridgelines and coastlines" group including activities like hiking, kayaking, and camping, added a new STEAM-focused faction this year. STEAM programs focus on science, technology, arts, engineering and mathematics, and this group explored tidal mapping, local wildlife, astronomy, and more. This inclusion also allowed an art segment to both groups for the first time in program history.
This program has the practical benefit of allowing students to engage in Experiential Learning, missing days at school, while not falling behind in their in-classroom school work. For art students, specifically, this approach allows the projects they undertake to contribute directly to their class portfolios, enriching their educational experience.
One of the key art sessions during the trip brought together both the Outdoor and the STEAM Experiential Learning groups for a session on Pacific Rim National Park Reserve's Long Beach. Led by Senior School art teacher Krista Jones, students were inspired by the work of environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy.
“He creates temporary outdoor art exhibits that are meant to decay and go back to the land,” Jones explained. “It’s created by what is available and offered by the environment, and is dependent on the season and location of the canvas in front of you.”
In this case, students had a variety of shells, kelp, rocks, driftwood and more at their disposal.
“In small groups, the students were asked to create their own interpretation of a Goldsworthy piece, considering concepts from his art such as colours, values, shapes and playing with light,” Jones said. “It was an opportunity for the students to express artwork in a way that doesn’t involve extensive planning beforehand. The availability of materials really dictates and inspires your artwork. The goal was for them to be able to work physically with the art medium, and create distinctly different pieces of art from each other, even though they’re all using the same types of materials.”
“They were all so unique; some students chose to use large items like logs to create life-size grandiose exhibits, whereas others were working in a one-square-foot space with small items that emphasized a lot of detail. All of the pieces created a visual impact on the beach; a number of people stopped and took interest in what the students were creating. As we started to leave the beach, we could see passersby engage with the pieces and structures in our absence.”
The project was a hit with students, who thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working outdoors and engaging in hands-on activities. Jones noted that the activity resonated with those who don’t typically participate in art. The opportunity to problem-solve in real-time, develop creative plans, and collaborate with peers on using materials and overcoming challenges made this project stand out from traditional art assignments.
The session left a lasting impression on students; even the next day, when the Outdoor group was hiking through the old growth forest on Meares Island, students were approaching Ms. Jones to express how much they enjoyed they project.
“It was so sweet. It was a really positive experience for everyone, and the students were able to reflect and connect it to other classes and areas of learning,” Jones said.
Overall, the Experiential Education’s 4-day trip to Tofino changed the way students interpreted ‘school’, and built deeper connections with areas of interest – and bonds with each other.
“I saw a lot more cohesion with the group," Jones shared. "The camaraderie and the friendships being formed are so apparent. They’re excited to walk down the beach together or show each other new findings. Even since returning back to the campus, it’s obvious to see how close they’ve grown. It’s such a supportive group and it’s amazing to see, especially in such a short amount of time. It really is a life changing trip and experience for them.”
