Passion meets purpose: new academies at Hugh Sutherland School connect students to career pathways experiences

Hugh Sutherland School (HSS) in Carstairs is offering three new opportunities for students to explore career pathways. Students are able to participate in Academies in hockey, cheerleading and dance, and STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). What makes Academies at HSS unique from regular option classes is that they involve subject area experts from the community.

“It’s key that we connect passion with expertise,” says Dean Nielsen, HSS Principal. “We are seeing the power of partnering with our community in the work of connecting students to meaningful exploration of career pathways.”

The Academies had an initial beginning last year with the school offering the hockey Academy. HSS was thrilled to see that not only was there interest in the opportunity. Also, the school observed school attendance increase by 11 per cent for students participating in the Hockey Academy, and the same students saw their marks increase by an average of seven per cent.

“We have to recognize where we are in the world,” says Nielsen. “Kids' passions drive what they want to do. If we can connect that passion with what is happening in school, it increases the importance of school and students’ success with it.”

HSS expanded to the two additional Academies this year, and to continue the Hockey Academy, based on feedback collected from students and families, as well as on what expertise was available in the community and whether the opportunity would be financially sustainable.

Each Academy has a curriculum to work from, which is approved by the school, and is focused on skill development.

Hockey Academy students appreciate skill development

The Hockey Academy is offered during option blocks five days a week for students in Grades 7 through 9, and two days a week for students in Grades 5 and 6. There are about 70 students participating.

When students attend, they cross the street to the community arena, where they receive instruction from Mike Brodeur, a goalie in the National Hockey League, or Junior B hockey players who work for Brodeur.

Grade 6 student, Asher, says “The coaches really help us progress and it's been good conditioning for me. The Hockey Academy makes me want to go to school.” Students in Hockey Academy (and the other academies) pay a fee to be involved, but it is lower than what students would pay for extra-curricular opportunities. The school credits the community for offering ice time at a highly discounted rate which makes the Academy possible.

Dance / Cheerleading Academy building confidence and school culture

Also hosted at the community’s arena, and within a privately run dance studio, the Dance / Cheerleading Academy is run in partnership with a community based dance teacher. There are about 30 students in Grades 7 to 12 participating this year.

Students in the Academy performed as cheerleaders for the school football team throughout the season, as well as at halftime shows at a student vs. staff basketball game, and a student vs. staff hockey game.

The idea for the Dance / Cheerleading Academy came from Kasandra Schwandt, a private dance teacher in the community. Schwandt’s sons participated in the Hockey Academy last year.

“I saw what it did for both of my sons, and it was powerful,” says Schwandt. She says one son “went from not wanting to go to school to wanting to be there. So I thought, why not offer dance?”

Kiera P., a Grade 12 student, says she is motivated academically because, “I know the Academy is a privilege and I want to keep dancing every day. It makes me excited to go to school because I know if I get through my other classes I get to go to dance.”

“I feel more connected to the school because of the performances,” says London W., a Grade 12 student. “It feels empowering. Also, it's great seeing the younger students look up to us, and the whole school thinks it's great. It's a confidence builder.”

STEAM Academy gives students more chances to explore, and stronger relationships

The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) Academy is run by an HSS teacher, with the support of community presenters that visit the class. It is offered to Grade 9 through 12 students, and about 25 are enrolled this year.

HSS teacher Jordan Hart says students learn how to solder, build basic circuits, and complete small projects like building resistor boards. They repair basic electronic devices such as a video game controller, and they design projects that are brought to life on the 3D printer or on the laser cutter. Through this work they also gain a basic understanding of coding.

The “A” or arts in STEAM comes from the opportunity to add design flair to projects, such as building school logos and designs.

“We start at the beginning of these concepts and build onto them,” says Hart. “It gives students the freedom to explore project based learning, and creates opportunities for students to respond to unique challenges. Also, they have access to equipment they wouldn’t normally be able to use.”

Caitlin R., a Grade 11 student, says she likes the hands-on learning available through the Academy. She says, “It’s a good place to be. I feel safe here and I enjoy what I’m working on. I’ve made lots of friends in [STEAM Academy], and it has opened me up to more interactions.”

Mya D., a Grade 11 student, says the Academy has “built my confidence. Also it has definitely motivated me to show up and participate more. Because of the Academy, and being comfortable here, I find it easier to participate in other classes.”

Story submitted by: Laurette Woodward, Communications Coordinator, Chinook's Edge School Division