Course work at Prince of Wales Mini School often goes beyond the provincially prescribed curriculum by examining topics in greater detail. In some subjects the prescribed material may be covered more quickly in order to allow time to explore other areas of interest.

Enrichment occurs in the classroom, and through field trips in the community and beyond. Examples from various subjects are as follows:

• English: live theatre, opera and ballet performances, Shakespeare workshops
• Social Studies: discussion of events in the news, guest speakers, art gallery visits, film screenings, museum visits, day trip to Victoria, Sustainability Action Project
• Math: practical use of mathematics, math contests and shows, Grade 9 Math Challenge Project
• Science: examination of current scientific discovery and advancement, Grade 8 and 9 Science Fair Project, Grade 10 Science Mentorship Program, observatory visit, 4-day trip to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, ecosystem exploration day trips
• French: official French proficiency tests (internationally recognized DELF exam), guest performers, “hands-on” examinations of French cuisine, French language film project

Throughout the year we encourage students to follow their interests as they work on self-directed projects that explore various aspects of their academic subjects.

Evening enrichment events include: PW Mini School Arts Night, Family Winter Supper, and our Year-end Picnic. Each year all PW Mini School students travel to Strathcona Park Outdoor Education Centre for a 5-day wilderness adventure, and to Whistler for a 3-day skiing and snowboarding experience. PW Mini School Student Council also organizes activities throughout the year including dances, movie nights, and intramural (lunch time) events.

Senior students develop their leadership skills by taking an active role in one of our many student led enrichment activities. These activities include: Volunteer Program, Website Maintenance, Tech Team, Electronic Newsletter, Sustainability Committee, School Garden, Shoreline Clean-up, Poinsettia Sales (our annual fundraiser), Christmas Hampers, Sun Run, Science Mentorship Evening, CANstruction, Alumni Afternoon, Bike-to-school Week, Grad Yearbook, and the Grad Slide Show.

Our enrichment program also emphasizes three intertwined themes:

1) Develop Strength of Character
The underlying purpose of our enrichment program is to provide experiences that help students learn about themselves. We create a physical and social environment that supports the development of positive character traits such as: honesty, respect, responsibility, compassion, independence, initiative, confidence, openness to new experiences, helpfulness, self-discipline, enthusiasm, courage, leadership, critical thinking, intrapersonal skills (looking inward), interpersonal skills (reaching outward), creativity, and concern for health & fitness.

2) Build and Sustain Community
Everyone involved in Prince of Wales Mini School continuously works on developing and maintaining a strong sense of community. Students are encouraged to take an active role in all school activities, as we believe these events are an important part of our program. We encourage students of various grades to interact throughout the school year. We promote coöperation between students, teachers and parents as we work together to build a supportive community. All students at Prince of Wales Mini School are required to be involved in school and community service throughout the school year.

3) Create a Better World
As described by the World Commission on Environment and Development, sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainability is a model for thinking about a future in which environmental, societal, and economic considerations are balanced. Our enrichment program enables students to understand the issues of sustainability and their impacts, examine solutions, and develop self-directed action projects.

Please Note
The above events and activities are subject to change due to the interests and expertise of the teaching team, and the changing needs of students. While every effort is made to provide continuity from year to year, we make no promises to provide particular enrichment activities.