Students in the iGen program learn the Grade 6 curriculum through inquiry-based learning and engagement with Elders and staff at Sherbrooke Community Centre.
The program delivers the Grade 6 curriculum through project-based learning that integrates different subjects.
Integrated subjects include social studies, health, science, math, English language arts (ELA), arts education, career education and physical education.
- Literacy is realized through the ELA curriculum for Grade 6.
- Mathematics concepts will be introduced using the Nelson Math Focus, which is our key resource for Saskatoon Public Schools. Students engage in real-world math projects and have the chance to build their basic math facts.
- Social studies themes include the portrayal of a person with disabilities and exploring controversial topics.
- Health themes include establishing and maintaining healthy relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and demonstrating strategies to identify and make healthy decisions in stressful situations.
- Treaty education themes include conversations with Sherbrooke’s Indigenous neighborhood Elders, as well as other Sherbrooke Elders, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, and First Nations and Métis languages.
What is inquiry-based learning?
Inquiry-based learning means involving the learner and leading him or her to understand. When we inquire, we have a certain attitude toward learning, which invites us to ask questions about issues in order to gather new information. At iGen, we engage in conversations that revolve around questions. Students begin the year talking about big issues, as a continuation of the great work they did in Grade 5 at their home school.
Successful learners are not only knowledgeable and productive but also emotionally and physically healthy, motivated, civically engaged, prepared for work and economic self-sufficiency, and ready for the world beyond their own borders (Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2008). Below is our assessment framework for the Working Together Circle of Courage by Dr. Martin Brokenleg.
With the Circle of Courage in mind, we have created an outline of the social and emotional dimensions the iGen program supports throughout the year.
Generosity:
- Students communicate well through conversation and take part in discussions, learning circles, etc.
- Students understand what kindness looks like, feels like and sounds like and can demonstrate it toward peers, Elders, staff and the larger community.
Independence:
- Students are responsible enough to work around the building independently and keep with a schedule, remain accountable for their whereabouts and the work they are doing, and report to the teacher, Elders or staff regularly using a format that works for them (e.g., text message, journal, blog, video).
- Students work around obstacles, are flexible and can problem solve on their feet.
Belonging:
- Students are respectful of and inclusive with classmates; they work to form healthy relationships with the other members of their tribe.
- Students understand what the appropriate manners for being a guest in a home look like, feel like and sound like.
Mastery:
- Students have the confidence to share their own passions, interests, questions and study plans with others (e.g., Elders, staff, peers).
- Students follow the norms of the group (e.g., trustworthy, respectful, accepting) and learn from their mistakes.
