REVIEW OF Passages Centre for Self-Directed Learning BY parent, Cathy Condie

(5) Student Experience

My immediate response is community. Community circles are held weekly and are facilitated, rather than dictated by staff. There is a tremendous amount of support amongst the learners - something that is cultivated and encouraged by the staff. This was evident in their year-end celebration when students were given an opportunity to perform for their peers. The enthusiastic response for each performer was unanimous amongst the students and staff. Secondly, the support of interests rather than pressure to learn is conducive to deeper engagement of the learners. Learning happens in all areas of personal development and growth, not only in academic areas. A student's level of interest determines how much time is invested in the subject. In the absence of time-constraining curriculum requirements, students are able to dive deeply into areas of interest.

(5) School Leadership

The leadership of the school fosters an inclusive and supportive environment that is respectful of all learners. The students take responsibility for community expectations, and any conflicts are dealt with quickly and fairly. Discipline is an opportunity to learn and make amends rather than being punitive. Staff are interested in the students as people and invested in helping them achieve their individual learning goals. There are weekly opportunities to communicate with staff, and monthly parent meetings are held where all parents are invited to join.

(5) Teaching

Each student is supported individually and guided toward goal-setting based on their specific interests. Teachers are passionate about the students and support their individual learning goals through weekly one-on-one planning and review. Materials are provided if needed for specific projects or areas of interest. Passages provides support for students in areas of personal and academic growth. There are a variety of subjects offered as opt-in classes. Specialty teachers are brought in for subjects of interest, and students run clubs for groups of their peers. Throughout the year, volunteer work within the community allows students to learn soft skills and engage with community groups. Learning also happens in the community through many field trips throughout the year as students explore the city and all it has to offer.

(4) Academics

As a self-directed learning environment, academics cannot be measured in test scores, marks or credits. The school cultivates an environment where students are encouraged and supported to set their own learning goals and work towards a level of understanding that satisfies the student, rather than a generic target. Staff are available for guidance and assistance with material acquisition and/or experiences to enhance a student's understanding. It can be challenging for students to choose what to investigate when any and every subject is an option. As much as staff support the students and recommend options, no one is placed in a situation where staff expectations are the driving force in the learning environment. There is an expectation that students are respectful of others' need for space to pursue their interests without distraction or interference. It is possible to get school credits through other programs that can be completed during school hours if a student and their family have those expectations. Alternatively, a student can study subjects that will provide the foundation to attend post-secondary education as a mature student.

(4) Extracurriculars

There are no designated extracurriculars occurring outside school hours, with the exception of showcases where students can display their work or perform for family, friends and peers. Opportunities exist within the school hours to participate in groups and clubs. Competition is not cultivated, but evolves naturally through games of trivia and when students challenge each other, creating a healthy competitive spirit.

(4.5) Students

Passages has a small but extremely diverse group of students. As a whole, they are tremendously respectful and supportive of each other. There are no segregated groups or outsiders; no hierarchy of students regardless of their differences. Everyone is accepted as they are. If there are any conflicts, they are addressed and resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved. There is a feeling of camaraderie amongst the students that is palpable when in the school. Often groups of students are talking, laughing or sitting quietly together. The groups shift around as participants move throughout the centre. The group of students at Passages are the most cohesive group I have witnessed in a classroom, despite the variation in age of the student body. I believe this is a direct reflection of how the staff interact with the students and the community expectations that were determined by the student population.

(5) School Life

This year was the first time any of my children expressed disappointment that school had ended. Passages has been a place of growth, community and personal development that I believe could not have occurred in any other environment. In other educational establishments, the pressure to perform designated work in an environment where 'showing what you know' in an acceptable format - for critique -has been detrimental to self-esteem. It has taken time for my child to understand that academic pressure does not exist at Passages. He loves going to school each day and comes home full of stories of the day's events. Passages has provided a safe space to explore his interests without judgment, and to learn that he is a person of value who deserves to develop at his own rate in areas that are shaping the kind of human being he is. If there were a way to provide extracurricular meet-ups or activities for students outside of school hours, it would only add to the whole school experience.

(4.5) Community

Passages hosted a number of open events for parents, family and friends of the students to attend. There are two showcase events where students are able to share their learning in whatever format they wish to express themselves. There were Halloween and end-of-year celebrations open to students and friends. The parent community meets once per month, either virtually or in person. Although the meeting also involves members of the staff, it is a place to share information about recent experiences at the school and beyond, providing a chance to connect with others who share the same philosophy about education. The parent community is welcoming and inclusive. It is a comfortable place to share challenges and successes. There is also a parent member on the board of directors.

(4) School Location

Passages is located in a church, near retail locations including restaurants and convenience stores, so students often venture out for lunch. There is also a nearby park where students can go to enjoy nature. The church has hosted refugee families and provided opportunities for the students to participate in making/serving lunches to underserved members of the community. Students are often visiting different areas of the city on frequent, optional field trips.

(5) Admissions

In my experience, applying for Passages was easy. After attending a virtual session about the school, I contacted the director to discuss whether Passages might be a good fit for my child. He attended a Discovery week, where he attended the school daily and got a chance to see firsthand what Passages is like. After the discovery week, we just moved straight into school full-time. The admissions team were helpful in providing options for payment. It was a very straightforward process.