Stratford Hall (school) - Experiential Education

Experiential Education

Stratford Hall emphasizes educating the whole child through a balance of academic and experiential courses – courses that require less ‘book work’ and more ‘hands-on’ activities.

In the Primary Years Programme, the formal experiential courses are physical education and music until grade 4, when outdoor education is added. Physical education is designed to focus on fitness and skill development, and is taught by a specialist from grade 1 on. Music utilizes Orff concepts, beginning at kindergarten. Specialist teachers engage students in activities that are related to music and that encourage creativity. Outdoor education exposes students to wilderness-related experiences, beginning with age-appropriate introductions.

In the Middle Years Programme, the experiential program plays an even more important role. Outdoor education becomes a three-hour per week time for sea kayaking, snowshoeing, sailing, climbing, and hiking. Social service activities are also included. Each grade has at least one overnight trip.

Music focuses on Taiko drumming, taught by a professional Taiko player. Taiko is a Japanese art form that combines music and action. By grades 9 and 10, students perform complex pieces.

Theatre is based on Cirque du Soleil-style activities. In grade 6, students are introduced to some of the basics, like tumbling, juggling, and building human pyramids. As students progress through the grades, they learn more complex skills, such as flips and aerial work. In grade 10, students may choose either theatre or music, or both, as an option.

Physical education, taught by a specialist, includes traditional sports and fitness, and it complements the outdoor education and fine arts programs. There is a fitness room at the school.

A final course, called Connections, involves itself with community building and personal planning. Part of the course helps students create links between their different courses.

In the IB Diploma Programme, the experiential component is accomplished through Creativity, Action and Service. Students are required to do 50 hours of each, spread over the two years of the program.