City Park Collegiate offers Modified and Alternative versions of compulsory high school courses along with many Regular-level, hands-on electives. Our program draws students from all areas of Saskatoon. The result is programming for students in Grades 8 through 12 that closely mirrors life after high school and provides opportunities to students for the world of work. Graduating from City Park Collegiate will provide access into a number of courses at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST).
The emphasis in Grades 8 and 9 is on remediation of basic skills. A host instructional strategies help improve reading, spelling, writing, and math levels, as well as student's personal and social development. The emphasis in Grades 10 to 12 is on the development of life skills and preparation for the world of work. The academic program has students engaged in extensive programs in fine arts, technology, career education, horticulture, and food services. Reduced class sizes allow for individualized instruction and a hands-on experiential learning approach. Students are able to learn and achieve at their own pace.
Given the emphasis in Saskatoon Public Schools around enhanced student engagement, we have introduced a number of programs to better meet the learning needs of all our students. At all grade levels we attempt to integrate course work as fully as possible. Our Movement Matters Program runs through our Resource Room and blends exercise with enhanced learning. Movement Matters has gained national recognition through a CBC News feature. The National stated this is the only program in Canadian schools to link exercise with brain research and learning.
Our Horticulture classes and greenhouse involve many of our students in landscaping activities and a bedding plant sale in May. Our Woods classes are now implementing a national certification program called Wood Links. Finally, we are implementing assessment for Learning (AFL) practices throughout all our classrooms to improve student learning outcomes. If the emphasis in teacher feedback is descriptive, and focused on improving learning, -- with a de-emphasis on grading -- students will learn better and assume greater ownership for their own learning. We particularly use this approach in Grades 8 and 9 where teachers give mid-term and end-of-term reports that are entirely descriptive and outcome-based.
Student Belonging and Mastery is central to improved engagement and learning, Our Youth Advisory Council makes student voice fundamental for program planning and implementation. Cultural responsiveness lies at the core of our school, with Circle of Courage at the foundation of our school. Activities include an annual, all-day Round Dance, Pow Wow, hand drum-making and guest speakers Extracurricular activities have returned to City Park giving students the opportunity to participate in basketball, badminton and track. Students are proud to play sports as a member of the City Park Eagles. As well, every student is active in advisory activities throughout the year. City Park is truly a great place to build relationships and to learn!
We are all Eagles!!!