This week in tech we had the opportunity to visit the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry. To begin, Jeff, the founder of the school, discussed the typical day to day of a student who attends PSII and about a student’s inquiry project. He brought in a grade 12 student who told us about her experience at PSII and gave us a tour of the school. She seemed to really love the school, and had nothing but good things to say. She wants to go into the medical field, and is currently working on a functioning fake heart for her inquiry project.
The tour was very cool because we were able to see all of the spaces the students can work in, whether it was an open room for groups or small quiet spaces for independent work. The students could explore any of the spaces, even if they have already landed on a topic for their inquiry project. I thought each space was very cool, and I think I would have enjoyed exploring different spaces when I was in high school.
While I thought many aspects of the school were very interesting, I don’t think it is for me. I found that learning is very individual, with some support from the teachers. I would definitely struggle with finding the motivation to continually work on one project throughout the year, or switching projects every week/month. I do however think it is very interesting that the students are able to explore topics that regular schools don’t typically get the chance to. Another aspect I don’t like is that there seemed to be no time in the day for physical activity. Students sitting the entire day staring at a screen (some of the time) would probably be a bit draining. I know a lot of the learning is hands-on, but I think that physical activity is so important!
All in all I am very grateful we were given the opportunity to visit a non-traditional school, and get the chance to talk with some very cool people.
Click here to see the PSII website.