On February 27, Global Saskatoon interviewed the developer/coordinators of Saskatoon Public Schools' Grade 11 unique programs. The Grade 11 unique program offerings include: High School Carpentry Apprenticeship Program (HCAP), Manifest Academic Growth and Promote Indigenous Excellence (MAGPIE), Media School and Outdoor School. HCAP is also available to Grade 12 students.

Candace Gadwa, developer of MAGPIE, said: "Every year, at around this time, we invite Grade 10 students to consider whether one of our Grade 11 unique programs might be for them. These programs offer a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience."

Manifest Academic Growth and Promote Indigenous Excellence (MAGPIE)

Candace went on to speak to the program nearest and dearest to her heart - the MAGPIE program. MAGPIE is the newest Grade 11 unique program, and one Saskatoon Public Schools is extremely proud to make available. Candace explained that MAGPIE was developed for Indigenous students who feel a connection with the land and who aspire to enhance their traditional/cultural knowledge. MAGPIE is intended to empower youth to become agents of change in their communities and beyond, and to become the next generation of leaders and change makers.

Media School

Roddy Gall, coordinator of Media School was asked to describe his program.

"I feel like Media School doesn't need much introduction in Saskatoon. It's been around for a long time and has established a great reputation," said Roddy. " Media School uses short film projects – like music videos, movie monologues and documentaries – to teach."

Students get to develop filmmaking skills such as screenwriting, directing, editing, lighting, acting, costuming, makeup and sound recording. Students use professional equipment – the same cameras used on many television productions, professional grip and lighting equipment, and the supplies and software to create a range of physical and CGI effects.

Roddy says he's found that the students attracted to this program are the ones passionate about movies -watching them or making them- and anything else related to film.

High School Carpentry Apprenticeship Program (HCAP)

The next program that was introduced was the HCAP program - which is coordinator Karen Kurtenbach's passion. 

Karen said: "HCAP is a chance for students to experience all aspects of the residential construction industry by building a home themselves. Students are guided throughout the home-building process by seasoned tradespeople and journeypersons who oversee all stages of development and ensure national building code requirements are met."

HCAP students earn credits as well as 640 hours towards an apprenticeship.

HCAP teachers have found the program to be best suited to students who would like to see what employment in the skilled trades might have to offer. Notably, the HCAP program is also open to Grade 12 students.

Outdoor School

Mitch Lowe, coordinator of Outdoor School, introduced the final Grade 11 unique program. Much like Media School, Outdoor School doesn't require much introduction as it's another longstanding program in our community. But Outdoor School is the program for the adventurer. 

Mitch says: "You won’t find bells or desks in your classroom, but you will find backcountry camping, whitewater canoeing, backpacking, cycling, wall climbing, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and more. At Outdoor School, we work hard and play hard."

This unique approach to learning challenges Grade 11 students both academically and physically.  Outdoor School pushes students to ask critical questions about the environment and society and helps students grow into knowledgeable, responsible and respectful citizens. Students who thrive on challenge, or need to be challenged more, consistently thrive in Outdoor School.

Grade 11 unique programs open house

Saskatoon Public Schools is hosting an open house to share information about all Grade 11 unique programs:

Open House
Evan Hardy Collegiate
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Apply now

The application form for Grade 11 unique programs is now available:

• High School Carpentry Apprenticeship Program (HCAP)
• Manifest Academic Growth and Promote Indigenous Excellence (MAGPIE)
• Media School
• Outdoor School

The application deadline is March 28, 2025.

Pictured (from left): Mitch Lowe (Outdoor School Coordinator), Candace Gadwa (MAGPIE Program Developer), Roddy Gall (Media School Coordinator) and Karen Kurtenbach (HCAP Coordinator).