One of the smallest schools in 性视界传媒, which offers outdoor learning with a focus on environmental stewardship, is now accepting applications for new students.

East Kensington Outdoor Learning, or EKOLogy, is a K-7 school in the 性视界传媒 school district that offers learning outdoors, instead of in a traditional classroom. While integrating the province's education curriculum, this unique school is to allow children to be curious and inquisitive while learning outside.

鈥淚 like to say, 鈥楽mall school. Big world.鈥� Everyone knows your name at East Kensington,鈥� school principal Steve Hardy said in a 性视界传媒 Schools release.

鈥淲e鈥檙e able to be responsive to both their academic needs and their social and emotional needs. And the ability to get outside can help them regulate and be healthier as a result.鈥�

The principal adds that the size of the school allows the teachers to cater to the students' individual needs more effectively.

The 性视界传媒 school district advertises the program as an opportunity for children to have unique experiences, learn more about the world while being surrounded by nature and being able to take class field trips and walks to nearby parks.

鈥淟earning in the outdoors gives the curriculum a richer breadth,鈥� Hardy said.

鈥淭he most effective place to learn about the science behind the environment is outside in the environment. Sometimes we鈥檒l do art or silent reading outside if the weather is nice. It actually adds to students鈥� education by being outside of the classroom and I feel it鈥檚 a more beautiful way to learn.鈥�

Athletics and music opportunities are also available to the EKOLogy students. 

In the cases of non-ideal weather, students will learn indoors, but are able to adapt quickly to outdoor learning once again if the skies clear unexpectedly. 

鈥淭hey (the students) love the outside, they can be out for two or three hours of the day in the garden, doing P.E., playing educational games,鈥� Hardy said. 鈥淲e cover the same curriculum as other schools and have found that being outside helps students learn.

鈥淲e believe that nature is an important teacher. Studying nature in nature just makes sense.鈥�

The limited spaces for additional students are available for the outdoor learning program. The school can be contacted directly for those interested in registering children in the service by calling 604-541-1257 or emailing eastkensington@surreyschools.ca