Students earning ‘Bikeology’ credits
New program sees students learning how to fix bikes, but they also learn business and marketing skills
Fixing bicycles isn’t a new hobby for some Delta Secondary School students, but getting high school credits for their passion is uncharted territory.
The Main Street East high school launched a new program this semester — unofficially called “Bikeology” — that allows students to earn three credits by repairing bikes, marketing their services and promoting cycling safety to local kids.
The class offers a hands-on way for the 17 students enrolled to get an English, technology and business credit.
It’s the first time most of the students have earned three credits tied together. Students said this setup offers them a chance to commit to a project and realize a greater sense of achievement.
“When you’re working on a bike, you finish it, and you’re like ‘Wow, I just did that,’” said Grade 10 student Jared Vermeire.
Students buzzed about the shop on Friday, swapping a tube on a tire, adding brakes to a bike and cleaning rust off a rim.
The goal is to open a bike shop before the end of the semester where they will fix bicycles belonging to fellow Delta students and community members. Students are working to come up with a logo and name for this shop.
Many in the class made up of mostly Grade 10 students are already wrapped up in the world of cycling. Student Brett Bailey said he took an interest in bikes five years ago and has since developed a love of riding, racing and promoting cycling to others.
“It’s what I know. It’s what I grew up on,” the 15-year-old said.
Vice-principal Christine Nicolaides dropped by to see the students’ shop two days into the term. She said their love for the work was clear from the start.
“One of the kids turned to me and said ‘Miss, why haven’t we ever learned like this before?’” she said. “You could already see … the excitement.”
The day typically starts off with a team-building exercise to build rapport with fellow classmates.
Later on, they might repair broken bicycles, learn some of the ins and outs of business and take trips to local bike shops and parks to see how they operate.
Donated bikes they repair will be distributed to students at Delta and pupils at local elementary schools who don’t have rides of their own. To donate bikes, contact the office at Delta Secondary School at 905-549-3031.