Wilderness Pursuits 10 (WP 10) is a multi-disciplinary program based on the idea that learning can best be achieved through direct experience. Motivated and adventurous students will be provided opportunities to explore an integrated curriculum focusing on outdoor skills and pursuits, geography, environmental studies, along with the Career Life Education and PHE curricula, focusing on transferring experiences and skills to other facets of life. Perhaps most importantly, participants will be challenged to learn about themselves and how they interact with others in different environments and situations. Classes will be scheduled over 3 blocks meeting 15 blocks every two weeks on average. Through this program, students will earn credit for Career Life Education, Physical and Health Education 10 (wilderness) and Outdoor Education 11.
ApplicationPlease complete this application by the final day before Spring Break. You will be contacted within two weeks after the break to continue with the application process.
Program DescriptionWilderness Pursuits 10 is based on the following 3 organizing themes:
Outdoor Skills and ActivitiesThe Outdoor Skills component will provide students with opportunities to learn about and practice a variety of different outdoor pursuits and skills including hiking, low impact camping, rock climbing, snow-shoeing, snow shelter building, avalanche awareness, sea-kayaking and basic navigation and route finding on land and water. Students will also receive training and be eligible to receive certification in basic Wilderness First Aid and will receive training in avalanche awareness and in sea kayaking.
Leadership, Team-building and Personal DevelopmentLeadership, Team-building and Personal Development are key themes that will be developed throughout the year. Students will be expected to take on positions of leadership while being encouraged to examine their own strengths and weaknesses in different environments. Working together as a team, WP students develop strong bonds over the course of the year and individuals come to recognize the importance of collaboration and shared purpose. Personal responsibility and integrity are key attributes that each individual will be expected to demonstrate throughout the year.
Environmental Studies and StewardshipBecoming more aware of our natural environment helps us make more sustainable decisions in our lives. Wilderness experiences provide excellent opportunities to appreciate the diversity and richness of our surroundings. This understanding will be extended to issues concerning the urban environment and students will have opportunities to get involved in stewardship projects. Through field-trips, observation and research projects, students will gain a better understanding of the natural environment.
Time RequirementsStudents must be able to commit to the time requirements of this course. Some provisions may be made for individuals involved in athletics and other extra-curricular activities although this will be at the instructor’s discretion. Efforts will be made to schedule activities during school hours yet additional time will be needed particularly during out-trip excursions. These will be organized during weekdays and weekends, and students can expect to miss an average of 14 class days throughout the year. Students are expected to make this program a priority as trips and activities may conflict with other commitments.
Out-Trips, Safety and Personal EquipmentMulti-day trips will be planned for each term and will range in length between two and five days. A number of day and afternoon trips are also scheduled throughout the year. Ratios of trip leaders to students will be based upon industry standards and male and female supervisors will attend all overnight expeditions. Leaders possess training in Wilderness First Aid and hold certification and/or relevant experience in specific outdoor pursuits. Professional guides and organizations will be employed as required. In order to be prepared for various environmental conditions, students will be expected to have appropriate clothing and personal camping equipment prior to beginning the program. Further details about required gear will be provided.
AcademicsStudents’ academic and attendance record will be considered in their application. Many academic classes will be missed, and the responsibility sits with students to make up missed work, meaning that strong time management skills are necessary. Only limited time is provided within the Wilderness Pursuits schedule for academic make-up and review. Given this, participants are expected to maintain a strong academic standing throughout the year and Grade 9 report cards are considered. Generally, students with an Emerging understanding in a core academic subject in Grade 9 are likely to be academically compromised by participation in the program. Students with multiple Developing understandings in Grade 9 have previously struggled to balance academics and WP absences in the Grade 10 year. Students unable to keep up with their academic course load may be asked to withdraw from the program.
FitnessThe program is inclusive of differing levels of physical fitness, however due to the physical nature of the program, all students will need to maintain a good, basic level of fitness in order to participate actively and safely in the program. Students must be willing to commit to regular physical activity and meet basic fitness expectations to participate on trips and in the course.
CostThe cost for the program will be $1400 for the year. This will cover a full range of expenditures including external instruction, certification for instructional courses, gear and equipment rentals, transportation, and classroom materials. Students will also be responsible for purchasing their own clothing, some personal equipment and food for trips. T
he
cost of the program still represents excellent value when the total cost of the
WP Trips and the program is considered. There is an optional cost of purchasing a WP Jacket which can be used as a layering piece these quality jackets cost $280 - $300.
Where the cost of the program is a barrier to participation, there may
be options for financial support. Families interested in exploring this can
contact Cathy White (
cwhite@wpga.ca)
directly.
Personal ReferencesApplicants are to request references from two adults who can attest to the applicants’ ability to work effectively with others. Referees may include coaches, group leaders, teachers, etc. Reference forms are electronic and can be accessed at
www.wpga.ca/wpref. All documentation, including this application, are to be submitted no later than the last school day prior to Spring Break in March.
Application and Selection ProcessAfter applications and references have been reviewed, students will be invited to participate in an interview. The program is limited to 20 students. If more than 20 students apply to the program, roster will be determined by random lottery from among qualified and committed applicants. Students unsuccessful in the lottery will be placed on a waitlist, which will be maintained until the second Friday of the school year. After the second Friday of the school year there will be no further admissions to the program for that year. Students who are unsuccessful in the lottery in their grade 10 year may re-apply for priority entry to the program in their Grade 11 year.
When completing course selection, applicants should...
- choose Wilderness Pursuits and PHE 10 Wilderness plus the other 7 core and elective courses to complete their schedules.
- Students who also want to compete on Varsity swim, volleyball, basketball or boy's soccer will choose Varsity Sport PE in addition to the 2 courses above, and are prohibited from choosing Guided Study.
