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Revised: September 25, 2001
Revised: January 21, 2025
Policy Statement
The North Vancouver Board of Education is committed to delivering an education program that includes opportunities for Outdoor Learning. Outdoor Learning is an active, experiential approach to learning that connects learners to place and fosters an appreciation and stewardship of ecosystems. This commitment is highlighted by the Board's operation of the Cheakamus Centre, a 165 hectare environmental and Indigenous cultural learning centre located in Brackendale, British Columbia.
The Board supports the extension of teaching and learning into outdoor spaces that help students develop connections to place and the land. Activities and decisions under this policy shall be conducted in a manner that respects Indigenous principles of learning, prioritizes mental and physical well-being, and promotes engagement through active, student-centred experiences.
Definitions
Outdoor Learning: an educational approach where learning takes place outside traditional classroom settings, utilizing outdoor environments to enhance understanding and engagement across various subjects.
Experiential Learning: A learning approach where learners acquire knowledge and skills through direct experiences, including hands-on activities and reflection.
Place-Based Learning: An educational method that uses the local environment to teach concepts in various subjects, connecting learners to the area and its cultural or natural significance.
Indigenous Principles of Learning: Teaching and learning practices rooted in the ways Indigenous peoples have traditionally taught, often emphasizing holistic perspectives, use of community and land as resources, and valuing knowledge gained through lived experience.
Scope
This policy applies to all learners within the North Vancouver School District.
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