Innovative hands-on concept coming to Summerland school
Unisus International School in Summerland welcomed over 300 parents, children and other interested visitors at its open house on Sunday.
The Innovation Laboratory with its 12 makerspace work stations was a big hit with both children and adults.
While Abby Mayhew, 7, who will be entering Grade 2 in September, investigated the 3-D printer, her father, Scott Mayhew, said, “I like the philosophy of teaching at the school and the opportunity students have for growth.”
UNISUS embraces the makerspace concept of creating hands-on ways that encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they engage in the STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics — approach to learning.
“I was attracted by the innovation lab and the creative and design-driven curriculum,” Alena Zamorano of Penticton said.
Zamorano and daughter Anara, 8, enjoyed exploring how to bridge circuits, a fundamental concept for electronic inventions.
The UNISUS curriculum with its focus on critical thinking and problemsolving skills prepares students to meet the challenges of tomorrow and to assume leadership roles driving change and innovation.
“We’re considering sending our children to UNISUS because of the innovative curriculum,” Janis and Aaron Kilback of Kaleden said, as 5year-old Avary and 9-year-old Jakob raced iPad-controlled robots and learned the elements of computational thinking.
Open house visitor Donna Greenwood, who lives near the school, said the Summerland economy will benefit from UNISUS’ presence in the community.
“Innovation often resides on just the other side of problem finding,” UBCO associate dean of education Susan Crichton said in her keynote address.
Crichton, who is also the director of the Innovative Learning Centre, said the way we educate our children is critically important to the 21st Century economy and children’s success in it.
As a champion of the International Baccalaureate program, Crichton is pleased that UNISUS is seeking candidacy status.
The IB continuum of education for three- to 19-year-old students is unique, because of its academic and personal rigour.
At the open house, children had fun in the bouncy castle and having their faces painted.
They enjoyed watching cotton candy being made and especially eating it.
Limited spaces are still available in the 2018-2019 academic year for students from junior kindergarten to Grade 6.
UNISUS is holding an information session on Thursday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. where the principal will speak about the school’s program and children will have the opportunity to experience the Innovation Laboratory.
For more information or to RSVP, email info@unisus.ca.