CONNECTING WITH ITS STUDENTS
Connect Charter School is one of Calgary’s more unique and innovative public schools. Formerly known as the Calgary Science School, it was founded almost two decades ago to provide science-focused education for grades 4 to 9. Since then the school has gone through a couple of name changes and expanded its focus. For much of that time, Dr. Phil Butterfield has been a member of Connect’s faculty and staff, first as a school counsellor and then as assistant principal. Last summer he took over as principal and recently spoke with Joel Schlesinger about what makes Connect so special to its students, their parents, and school faculty alike.
Q Connect Charter School recently changed its name from the Calgary Science School — why?
A “When the school was first founded in 1998, it was called Science Alberta School, but very quickly the school’s focus evolved from the study of science to project-and problem-based learning. And eventually it focused on inquiry-based learning. It was this focus that prompted the name change from Science Alberta School to Calgary Science School. Over time, that whole notion around inquiry-based learning expanded beyond science to humanities, the integration of social studies and language arts, as well. That led the school to ultimately change from the Calgary Science School to Connect Charter School in 2014 to better reflect the school’s evolving nature.”
Q What makes Connect Charter School a unique place to learn?
A “Students are encouraged to drill down into subjects and topics within the curriculum to gain deeper understanding of their world. They’re not just trying to learn a surface amount of content, checking off a list of what they need to learn to satisfy the requirements of the program of study. They’re doing independent research and group research for a better understanding of their role within the community and the world.”
Q Inquiry-based learning is a central part of the curriculum. What does that involve?
A “It’s taking theoretical learning and making it applicable in developing skills they can use throughout their lives. We do that by providing as many field experiences as possible so they can make direct connections between learning in the classroom and what goes on outside the walls of the school.”
Q Why is technology an important part of Connect’s approach to education?
A “Every student from grade 4 to 6 has an iPad and every student from grades 7 to 9 has a MacBook Air. Technology is integrated into teaching and learning in a way that is meaningful and cultivates responsible digital citizenship. That means students are able to take home their devices so learning doesn’t just end in the classroom.”
Q Engaging students with reallife experiences is a key part of the school’s mission statement. Can you offer a recent example?
A “We just had Grade 6 students take part in a flight and aerodynamics unit where they went to the Calgary Zoo to explore flight in both nature and through man-made constructs. This helps them make those logical connections between learning in the classroom and hands-on experiences in the community. In fact, our curriculum really has a strong emphasis on outdoor education that builds on what’s being learned in the classroom — making it much more tangible.”
Q Why is it important to instil a sense of social responsibility and citizenry in students?
A “The mission statement for our school is developing students as extraordinary citizens, and we firmly believe that if we can fulfil that goal, then we achieve so much more than any curriculum possibly can, because all other aspects of education become intertwined with that overarching goal.”
Q How has the unique educational experience of Connect helped students succeed after graduation?
A “High schools actively seek out our students and welcome them. Many graduates have gone on to do wonderful things in many fields in education, social sciences and medicine in post-secondary. Our first Grade 9 class to graduate would have been around 2005 so they’re now in their mid- to late-20s and are only now graduating from university. We’re just really starting to get a sense of the great things they’re going to do and the direction of their promising lives.”
Q What’s in store for Connect in the coming year that will enhance the learning experience?
A “We’re introducing for next year a place-based, experiential and outdoor education program which will provide off-campus learning for 100 students at any given time. We’re currently in the process of creating community partnerships to accommodate and sustain this kind of education.”
Q If parents are interested in their children enrolling at the school, what is the process?
A “Our wait-list is extensive, and the entry point for the wait-list is Sept. 15 of the year a child enters kindergarten — and that’s just to enrol in Grade 4. Students are accepted on a first come, firstserved basis. It always fills up quickly, and beyond that we have a smaller wait-list for each of the subsequent grades for any gaps that might arise through attrition from students leaving or some other reason.”