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Earthkeepers is a one semester five credit
program for grade 10 students. It is based at Aden Bowman
Collegiate, but it is open to all grade 10 students in Saskatoon Public
Schools. Explore the links below to learn more about the program. Earthkeepers
Brochure 2012-2013 Frequently Asked Questions What are the goals of the program?
What are the goals of the program? Earthkeepers aims to equip students with the skills and values necessary to be leaders in the areas of sustainable living and active citizenship. Each semester, a new group of diverse and energetic students come together from all areas of the city. They are quick to connect with each other as they take on action projects in their community and work together to redefine a way of living for the next generation. Back to Top
Enrichment is provided throughout the semester in the form of single
and multi-day trips, consultation with field experts and an abundance
of practical hands on activities. Students also gain first hand
experience in the fields of sustainable design, self sufficiency, and
community development through three major projects that are sure to engage
their mind, hands, and spirit. Back
to Top What makes Earthkeepers different from regular school? An assortment of new experiences and integrated curriculum will help you to see the connections between a broad range of topics and the new perspectives you gain will motivate you to take action. Students run regular class meetings to make important decisions and plan new action projects to take on. These action projects allow students to apply concepts they have learned while making a difference in their community. This real life practice as an active citizen will give you a head start in making connections with people outside of the school and show you the changes that are possible with a cohesive and passionate group of people. The Earthkeepers program will introduce you to new experiences in many forms. The trips will offer you physical and mental challenges while giving you exposure to inspiring people who are leading the way towards a more sustainable culture. Your assignments will educate you about the impacts of your lifestyle choices and encourage you to question your current way of thinking. As you encounter and confront your personal limits, you will begin to realize the tremendous growth that is possible and gain the confidence necessary to pursue greater heights. As an Earthkeepers student, you will become part of a close-knit community run largely by the students. This community, like the natural world, thrives on diversity and values the unique set of beliefs and skills each person brings to the group. Community responsibilities are divided up among the students so everyone has a chance to contribute in their unique way. Throughout the semester, you can expect many opportunities to cook for your peers, lead wellness activities, and spend time nurturing your plants in the garden and greenhouse. These community responsibilities will give you practical experiences you can draw on for the rest of your life. Back to Top You can look forward to at least three multiday trips during your Earthkeepers semester. Retreat It is challenging to think critically about your current way of life when you are iving it everyday so to burst your bubble we will take you away from this city and into a natural setting. You will enjoy time for personal reflection, writing, storytelling, and bonding with your classmates. You can also expect to be challenged in some way whether it is dealing with weather extremes, facing a fear, or just basic meal preparation over an open fire. This trip always brings the group closer together and students return with a new perspective of the natural world and what their place might be. Bike Tour The bike tour is a multiday adventure by bike into the beautiful Saskatchewan prairie landscape. The purpose of this trip is to showcase some of the wonderful local producers around Saskatoon and to see some alternative ways of building and living that are more sustainable. Students also learn about their own physical limits and the amazing capabilities of the bicycle.
SEED Service, Education, Exploration and Discovery are the themes of this trip within the boundaries of Saskatoon. Students pushed outside of their regular routine and immersed in different communities around the city to learn about community development first hand. Back to Top
Well, much of this is up to you and how you approach the challenges in the program. What we can share are a few of the words of current and former students. “Earthkeepers has changed the way I think about learning. It makes me want to learn because the way they teach makes school fun.” ”What I appreciate most about Earthkeepers is the sense of community and belonging.” “Earthkeepers has made me a more confident person academically and in life skills.” ”Earthkeepers made me more aware of who I was as a person, what’s going on around me, and how I can change it.” Back to Top
Earthkeepers is open to any grade 10 student. Most students are from the Saskatoon Public School Division but we have also accepted students transitioning from the Saskatoon Catholic School Division and also from outside of Saskatoon. Back to Top You can apply by completing an online application form here. Be sure to complete the form thoroughly. To ensure your eligibility for the program, your application should be submitted by April 30th. After submitting your application, you will receive notification that your application has been recieved. Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed each April. In May, all applicants are contacted regarding the status of their application. If the application deadline hs passed and you would still like to apply please please contact one of the program teachers, Rachel Vandendort or Jared Regier, for more information. There may still be space available. They can be reached by phone through Aden Bowman Collegiate Student Services at 683-7606 or by email at vandendortr@spsd.sk.ca and regierj@spsd.sk.ca. Back to Top Can I still participate in extracurricular activities? Yes. Many of our students participate in extracurricular activites at Aden Bowman, their home school, and with private clubs and organizations. In fact, we strongly encourage this. If you are coming to Earthkeepers from a school other than Aden Bowman, you will have the option of participating in extracurricular activities at Aden Bowman or your home school during your Earthkeepers semester. Back to Top Earthkeepers students have the privilege of enjoying many hands on and out of school activities. With this enrichment comes additional costs for transportation, supplies and equipment. Therefore, students are asked to pay a fee of $300 to cover the costs of the trips, regular class meals and other operational expenses. If you would like to apply but the fee poses a problem, please contact the Earthkeepers teachers for information about bursaries. Back to Top What credits will I earn during the program? Students will earn the following five credits in the Earthkeepers program. The Practical and Applied Arts credit includes experiences in Design, Horticulture and Food Studies. Students wishing to enroll in Band 10 during Earthkeepers may take a math credit online if so desired. English 10A One of: What if I have already earned one of these credits before Earthkeepers? If you have already earned one of these credits then alternative arrangements may still be possible. In Every situation is unique so please contact Rachel Vandendort or Jared Regier for more information. They can be reached by phone through Aden Bowman Collegiate Student Services at 683-7606 or by email at vandendortr@spsd.sk.ca and regierj@spsd.sk.ca. Back to Top What if I am currently attending a different school? All students should still register for a full grade 10 year at their current school. Any necessary changes can be made to your class schedule after you confirm your acceptance in the Earthkeepers program and which semester you are in. Back to Top What kind of students are accepted into the program? Grade 9 prerequisite classes must be completed, but marks will not be used to determine acceptance into the program. Successful applicants will be those who best demonstrate the following:
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All applicants will be notified in May regarding the status of their application. Back to Top How can I learn more about the program? If you have further questions, please contact one of the program teachers, Rachel Vandendort or Jared Regier, for more information. They can be reached by phone through Aden Bowman Collegiate Student Services at 683-7606 or by email at vandendortr@spsd.sk.ca and regierj@spsd.sk.ca. Back to Top |