Place-based learning uses the local environment and community as the starting point for teaching the objectives of the curriculum. We will provide resources and create opportunities for cross-curricular learning on the land while fostering relationships between school and community. Teachers are expected and supported to take more learning outdoors for all the health and learning benefits that come with spending time outside and in nature. Examples of this work include:
- Investment in equipment for outdoor activities and learning
- Ensuring all students have access to clothing, and footwear for outdoor activities
- Participation in the year-long Take Me Outside For Learning Challenge
- Support for educator participation in learning opportunities to build capacity for outdoor learning (Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers Association workshops and network, Environmental Education Provincial Specialist Association (EEPSA) partnerships, Open Learning Store webinars, Outdoor Council of Canada certification, other)
- Interactive digital map of place-based learning sites, resources, and opportunities
- Relationships with community educators, organizations, and facilities to bring community educators into the classroom and students out into community settings
- Independent Directed Study (IDS) framework to honour community and cultural learning with graduation program credits
Explore the ways we are LEARNING BETTER TOGETHER in, on, with, and from the Cariboo-Chilcotin School District land and communities:
Garden Club is Growing
Columneetza Junior Secondary
The Columneetza Greenhouse is a well-used space by both the Garden Club and grade 7 classes who use the space to grow, measure, and reflect. Teachers like Shannon McCartney and Frances McCoubrey use the space with their students from everything science to creative writing.
Grade 7 Earth Challenge
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Again this year, Grade 7 students have been participating in learning and field trips with the learning intention of helping the planet. The learning series is in partnership and friendship with Scout Island, Gavin Lake, Cariboo-Chilcotin Conservation Society, and Waste Wise.
Learning Outdoors
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Five classes gathered outside to enjoy the warmth of the sun while learning together in a calm, engaging environment. Students collaborated in teams, connected with nature, and participated in a balanced range of activities, some playing, some reading, and others completing academic work.
Gavin Lake Winter Camp
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Teacher leader Frances McCoubrey never misses an opportunity to get her class outside for learning. Gavin Lake Forest Education Center is a longtime SD27 Community Partner. The grade 7 outdoor camp has been an opportunity for our students and teachers to partake in over many years. This year, Ms.
Daily Walks For The Win
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Grade 8 & 9 math and science teacher Dylan Pritchard is taking his class outside to support their learning. 80 minute class blocks are long, and he wants direct instruction to stick.
Take Me Outside - For Buddy Basketball
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Today, Ms. Khurana’s Grade 7 and Mrs. Uppal’s Grade 9 classes teamed up for a collaborative basketball session in P.E. outside on our basketball blacktop! The Grade 9 students took on leadership roles, sharing their skills and knowledge of the game with the younger students.
Follow the Leader
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Welcome back! We’re so excited for the 2025–2026 school year! Over the summer, Cariboo Chilcotin School District leaders paddled with joy and purpose, gliding their canoes through a stream full of lily pads.
Columneetza Students Visit the Community of Esk'et
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Teachers Ms. McCartney and Ms. Billyboy took Columneetza students to visit elders and knowledge keepers at Esk'et in the Fall of 2024. Students got to learn about the land, hear stories about the territory, experience a drum circle and share the day with amazing community members.
Ms. McCoubrey's Grade 7 Class Rakes Leaves for Columneetza's Neighbours
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Ms. McCoubrey's Grade 7 students rake leaves for the school's neighbours and have a little fun while they are working. It is all of our responsibility to help one another.