Identity Showcase

While continuing to pursue inquiry-based integrated studies, December featured a departure from our typical end-of-term Elementary Knowledge Fair format. Rather than class-specific weekday events, we hosted an evening,  open-house-style, “Identity Showcase”. Students served as hosts/guides, and helped their parents explore the hands-on, minds-on learning that captured our attention as we investigated and celebrated “Identity”. 

Inquiry-Based Learning = Research

From Littles to Elders, our students learned about various components of identity, including brain function, emotions, and learning styles. Research results, models, and self-reflections were centred around topics such as

• Family & Community
• Play
• Food
• Communication
• Thinking and Learning
• Geography

Displaying student work in topic groupings, rather than age-based collections highlighted learning progression, with Middles’ work displayed alongside Elders’ work within a shared topic.

Showcase Contributions from our Junior High Students

Integrated studies look different in our upper grades. In addition to their conventional subject-specific instruction, and collaborations with their book buddies, our senior students contributed through reflections on their own identity, including as learners over their time at H.I.S. They also contributed identity hexagons created individually in French class. These designs highlighted commonalities, which were even more illuninating when the hexagons were connected and displayed as one in our Multi-Purpose Room.

Cameo Appearances from the Much Ado Cast

Throughout the 2-hour event, our MS7 students strolled the halls in their “Much Ado About Nothing” costumes, spreading the word about their upcoming performance at Alderney Landing Theatre.

Celebrating, Singing, and Creating, in Community

Our families connected with one another and allowed our students to take pride in sharing their work.