A new approach to learning: STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics
UNISUS International School will be holding information sessions in three locations beginning Saturday at its campus in Summerland, 7808 Pierre Drive, from 10 - 11 a.m.
The second session will be held Thursday, Aug. 16 in Room PC204, Jim Patterson Building, Okanagan College, 583 Duncan Ave. W., in Penticton, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The final session will be Saturday, Aug. 18, in the Alpine Room of the Holiday Inn, 2569 Dobbin Road, West Kelowna, from 10 - 11 a.m.
Those who would like to attend are asked to register at www.unisus.ca .
At all three sessions, families and friends can learn about the school’s curriculum and student-centered, inquiry-based learning method from teachers and administrators, and ask questions.
Those attending the session in Summerland can experience the campus environment and their children can explore the innovation lab with its 12 makerspace stations.
UNISUS embraces the makerspace concept of creating hands-on ways which encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they engage in the STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics — approach to learning.
A candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years program, UNISUS opens on Sept. 4 with classes from junior kindergarten to Grade 6.
The best of modern educational theory and practice, the IB program aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to crate a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
“We want parents to think twice about the current education their children are receiving and what UNISUS has to offer,” said operations director Cindy Leung.
The new reality is that over 65 per cent of today’s students will work in jobs not yet created and that in 12 years, 1.5 million jobs will be replaced by artificial intelligence and automation, Leung explained.
“Critical thinking and problem solving are very important because we are inundated with information, both real and false,” Leung said.
The 10 UNESCO guiding principles align well with what is being done at UNISUS.
These principles begin with academic honesty, information literacy and critical thinking and include creativity, conceptfocused learning and health and mindfulness.
A family who was concerned about the daughter’s lack of motivation to learn recently moved to Summerland, so their child can attend UNISUS.
After the initial assessment, the daughter told her mom, “I love this school.”
“You should have seen the mother’s expression,” Leung said.
For more information or register for the information sessions, email info @unisus.ca or call 250-404-3232.