St. Michael’s College School going beyond the classroom for real-world experiences
An emerging 21st- century learning approach at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) is shaping the way teachers teach and students learn. The Community and Learning Partnerships ( CLP) program allows students to delve deeply into real- world environments to better understand the opportunities, dynamics and nuances of a variety of high-demand, specialty professions. Medicine, law, and financial accounting are currently on the roster, with more to follow.
“Students benefit from getting a first- hand look at fields they are interested in pursuing for post- secondary education,” says John Walsh, coordinator of community and learning partnerships at SMCS. “They are gaining knowledge from people in the profession, experiencing work environments and how they operate, and building important networks for the future. Teachers are also experiencing deep learning along with their students.”
Since its inception during the 2017-18 academic year, more than 1,700 SMCS students have participated in the program, which includes experiential learning, mentorship, service, and practicum events aligned to curriculum and course work. Community partners across North America include surgeons, lawyers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to give back, Walsh adds. “They understand the value of what we are trying to do and want to share in what can be achieved.” Michael Bookman, a lawyer with Babbin, Bessner, Spry LLP in Toronto – and an SMCS alumnus – helps students understand the intricacies of the legal profession through a six-month law practicum. “When I heard students were leaving the classroom and going beyond textbook- learning to experience the real world, I jumped at the opportunity to participate,” he says. “I have a real passion for the school and I am grateful for the experiences I had there. This is one way that I can give back and I am very happy to do so. The energy and engagement students bring to the program is remarkable. Their level of questioning has helped sharpen my own thinking and hone professional skills.”
Stephane East, who participated in the law practicum when he was in Grade 12 in 2018- 19, says the program was outstanding. “This is the kind of experience that few others get. I continually wanted to know more,” he says. “The professionals who were part of the program were welcoming, shared personal experiences and taught us some useful skills for dealing with situations that may arise in the future. It is something that I will value for the rest of my life.”
Last year Aidan Bischoff gained a greater understanding of accounting – and himself – thanks to an SMCS partnership with the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University. The offering allows Grade 11 students to explore university- level case studies and apply out-ofthe-box thinking to find solutions. “Because there was no right or wrong answers to the challenge, we could use our imagination to solve a problem and provide evidence to back our suggestion. Receiving positive feedback from university professors was one of the greatest benefits and a fantastic confidence booster,” he says. “The program also helped focus my thinking on post- secondary education and what I want in a career.” Entrepreneur, Stanford graduate, and former CFL player Brian Bulcke has also contributed to the financial accounting aspect of the CLP program for the past two years. Based in San Francisco, Bulcke hosts Skype sessions with SMCS students to coach them in the art and dynamics of design- thinking to create entrepreneurial opportunities that benefit the school. “It is something that is really cool for the students, it is accessible, and it can be built on,” he says. “We use aspects of sport such as movement, excitement and team spirit to create something great. We are always teetering on the boundaries of education, which makes for great projects and a dynamic classroom which is good for everyone.” Bischoff looks forward to learning from Bulcke’s Grade 12 sessions later this year.
Other CLP programs have allowed students to become spectators to hospital operating procedures through online and on-site sessions, and gain hands- on engineering and robotics experience with industry leaders. With these diverse offerings already available to students, Walsh plans to develop the program further, with hopes to bring students new experiences and learning opportunities.
“We are continually developing, improving and adding to the program. Sometimes it is through teacher or students’ suggestions, at other times from someone we have met who is inspired by the possibilities and wants to contribute,” he says. “It is a work in progress and a feel- good opportunity for all involved.”