Program
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“Together we create peace.” –Beachcombers Motto |
We have developed a unique academic curriculum that is Montessori-inspired and consistent with BC Ministry of Education standards. We employ a variety of teaching methods, including self-directed learning, play-based learning particularly in the early years, and teacher as role-model and leader.
Beachcombers’ Respect & Care Program is integral to the curriculum. Students are taught respect for self, for others, and for the environment. We believe that peacefulness and respectful behaviour is learned. We support students in developing positive conflict-resolution and respectful interaction with others. Small class sizes allow teachers to provide this kind of support.
Creative play is part of the Beachcombers curriculum. “The importance of play on a young child’s development cannot be understated,” states the author of a peer-reviewed scientific article on play-based learning. There is a
positive effect between the “frequency and complexity of young children’s play” and a child’s “IQ, problem-solving, creativity, language and literacy, and social competence.” 1. Ginsburg, Kenneth R. MD MSEd, et all, The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds, Pediatrics Vol. 119 Issue 1, January 1, 2007.
We also have a deeply nature-inspired approach: our curriculum is infused with nature and connection to our coastal environment, and includes celebration of the change of seasons. Recent research has articulated the benefits of nature on children's learning and development.
We have developed a thoughtful balance of drawing on traditional and proven teaching methods such as Montessori, while also embracing education research.
Beachcombers’ Respect & Care Program is integral to the curriculum. Students are taught respect for self, for others, and for the environment. We believe that peacefulness and respectful behaviour is learned. We support students in developing positive conflict-resolution and respectful interaction with others. Small class sizes allow teachers to provide this kind of support.
Creative play is part of the Beachcombers curriculum. “The importance of play on a young child’s development cannot be understated,” states the author of a peer-reviewed scientific article on play-based learning. There is a
positive effect between the “frequency and complexity of young children’s play” and a child’s “IQ, problem-solving, creativity, language and literacy, and social competence.” 1. Ginsburg, Kenneth R. MD MSEd, et all, The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds, Pediatrics Vol. 119 Issue 1, January 1, 2007.
We also have a deeply nature-inspired approach: our curriculum is infused with nature and connection to our coastal environment, and includes celebration of the change of seasons. Recent research has articulated the benefits of nature on children's learning and development.
We have developed a thoughtful balance of drawing on traditional and proven teaching methods such as Montessori, while also embracing education research.
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“The kinds of activities that the students are engaged in on a daily basis is amazing. I often find myself thinking ‘I wish I had this when I was at school.’ As a mother when your child complains that there is no school that day, you know you have made the right choice.” |
Beachcombers’ Day
"Sea Otter" Class.
In younger elementary classes, the day starts with a community circle or learning circle. This sets the tone for the morning. Younger students may be introduced to academic themes, while older elementary students may also delve into discussions of world issues and peace studies.
Mornings are a time for focus and is typically a calm and quiet portion of the day. Students pursue academics working at their own rate with the guidance of their teacher.
Small class sizes, with a maximum of 16, allow for individualized attention. Morning outdoor play is part of the routine for younger students. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and take responsibility for their projects. Beachcombers fosters and encourages children’s intuitive exploration and excitement for learning.
Students come together for formalized snack and lunch breaks which helps to establish a rhythm of the day. Students eat together and enjoy conversation; meals times are part of our grace and courtesy curriculum.
Afternoons are taken up with Beachcombers special academics. These fun-filled afternoons include art, music, French, physical education, Coastal Studies and organic gardening. Older students may also have additional academic time.
Outdoor play is a daily part of the Beachcombers routine for all ages, regardless of the weather.
Mornings are a time for focus and is typically a calm and quiet portion of the day. Students pursue academics working at their own rate with the guidance of their teacher.
Small class sizes, with a maximum of 16, allow for individualized attention. Morning outdoor play is part of the routine for younger students. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and take responsibility for their projects. Beachcombers fosters and encourages children’s intuitive exploration and excitement for learning.
Students come together for formalized snack and lunch breaks which helps to establish a rhythm of the day. Students eat together and enjoy conversation; meals times are part of our grace and courtesy curriculum.
Afternoons are taken up with Beachcombers special academics. These fun-filled afternoons include art, music, French, physical education, Coastal Studies and organic gardening. Older students may also have additional academic time.
Outdoor play is a daily part of the Beachcombers routine for all ages, regardless of the weather.
Our Mission
“Childhood is a journey, not a race.” Unknown.
- To provide children with the opportunity to discover and nurture their own passions, unique abilities, and their inner spirit;
- to preserve children’s natural curiosity and cultivate a desire for lifelong learning;
- to empower children to develop into adults who think creatively, live authentically, and lead purpose-filled lives;
- to foster responsibility to self, community, and the natural world; and
- to practice love and respect for self and others.
Class Composition
We are committed to small class sizes. Maximum class size is 16 students.
Beachcombers follows the Montessori class structure, which brings together children in multi-age groups. Multi-age classrooms offer intellectual and social diversity where children can thrive in a setting of collaborative learning. Each child has the experience of being challenged by older children and, conversely, sharing their “expertise” with younger children. This style of education fosters cooperation, and responsibility for self and others. Because each child progresses to the next classroom with age, they develop a sense of school community with a larger group of students, and a wider age-range of children.
Small class size and a multi-age environment allows children to progress at their own rate in each subject, and to actively pursue areas of study driven by their enthusiasm. Small class sizes allow teachers to individualize the curriculum to each student and to provide a quality education for all students.
The class ages listed below may vary slightly depending on registration.
Little Oysters: Age 3 to 4 (preschool)
Sea Stars: Age 5 to 7 (kindergarten to grade 2)
Sea Otters: Age 7 to 9 (grade 2 to 4)
Dolphins: Age 10 to 13 (grade 5 to 8)
Beachcombers follows the Montessori class structure, which brings together children in multi-age groups. Multi-age classrooms offer intellectual and social diversity where children can thrive in a setting of collaborative learning. Each child has the experience of being challenged by older children and, conversely, sharing their “expertise” with younger children. This style of education fosters cooperation, and responsibility for self and others. Because each child progresses to the next classroom with age, they develop a sense of school community with a larger group of students, and a wider age-range of children.
Small class size and a multi-age environment allows children to progress at their own rate in each subject, and to actively pursue areas of study driven by their enthusiasm. Small class sizes allow teachers to individualize the curriculum to each student and to provide a quality education for all students.
The class ages listed below may vary slightly depending on registration.
Little Oysters: Age 3 to 4 (preschool)
Sea Stars: Age 5 to 7 (kindergarten to grade 2)
Sea Otters: Age 7 to 9 (grade 2 to 4)
Dolphins: Age 10 to 13 (grade 5 to 8)
Literacy
Sea Otter student reads to Little Oysters.
Beachcombers has an excellent literacy program. Our literacy curriculum includes coastal and BC children’s literature, as well as folktales and literature from around the world. It is based on a literacy program that actively engages students in discussion and encourages critical thinking. It has been the subject of peer-review scientific research, and has been shown to improve literacy, and to foster a joy of reading.
We do not subscribe to one style of learning and teaching, but rather use a variety of methods. Our ultimate goal is to develop avid readers with a love of storytelling, research, and thought.
We do not subscribe to one style of learning and teaching, but rather use a variety of methods. Our ultimate goal is to develop avid readers with a love of storytelling, research, and thought.
French
French is taught from kindergarten to grade 8. The preschool includes introductory French. In keeping with a multi-disciplinary approach, we integrate our language curriculum with music and other subjects.
Visual Arts & Music
By Sea Otter student (grade 2).
We envision a creative and expressive approach to the arts.
Beachcombers has a dedicated art program. The arts curriculum exceeds the BC curriculum for visual arts. It includes painting and textiles, exposure to a range of different arts mediums, and care to use non-toxic and ACMI-approved arts materials. Academic themes are often integrated into the arts program.
Beachcombers has a dedicated music program that provides a lively music curriculum from preschool through grade 8. It includes voice and sing, drumming, harmonic bells and ukulele. The ukulele is in the guitar family, but its smaller size makes it popular for children's programs. We wish to develop in children a love of music, and engage students in creating music.
Professional musicians, artists, or actors are brought in for special workshops each school year.
Beachcombers has a dedicated art program. The arts curriculum exceeds the BC curriculum for visual arts. It includes painting and textiles, exposure to a range of different arts mediums, and care to use non-toxic and ACMI-approved arts materials. Academic themes are often integrated into the arts program.
Beachcombers has a dedicated music program that provides a lively music curriculum from preschool through grade 8. It includes voice and sing, drumming, harmonic bells and ukulele. The ukulele is in the guitar family, but its smaller size makes it popular for children's programs. We wish to develop in children a love of music, and engage students in creating music.
Professional musicians, artists, or actors are brought in for special workshops each school year.
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Paintings by Sea Otter students (grade 2/3) following Coastal Science birding fieldtrips and study.
Mathematics
Preschool Montessori 'volume' model
Our mathematics curriculum uses a variety of strategies. This includes a Montessori reality-based approach, particularly for younger students. Abstract math concepts are illustrated with concrete physical materials that aid in children’s understanding and daily use of math skills. Teaching staff use multi-disciplinary and play-based approaches to introduce math concepts. Beachcombers also uses a progressive, and well-researched, math scheme.
Sciences
Herring season, Fanny Bay
We are pleased to be offering the unique Beachcombers Coastal Studies program, inspired by our location. We take advantage of local farms, community-based restoration groups, visiting scientists, and the Centre for Shellfish Research of Vancouver Island University. The Deep Bay Field Station is a new multi-million dollar facility that is developing science programming for students. In addition to Coastal Studies students also have dedicated science classes.
We take a multi-disciplinary approach to our science program. In particular, our Coastal Studies are integrated with our literacy and outdoor recreation programs. Beachcombers science program exceeds BC Ministry of Education standards.
We take a multi-disciplinary approach to our science program. In particular, our Coastal Studies are integrated with our literacy and outdoor recreation programs. Beachcombers science program exceeds BC Ministry of Education standards.
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