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Inspiring Learning
A Saskatoon Public School
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Ecoquest
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About
Ecoquest is a unique ecological outdoor adventure program that provides active and challenging learning experiences to Grade 8 students. With Saskatchewan's diverse landscape as the classroom, Ecoquest students participate in field studies that bring the curriculum to life through exciting experiences and first-hand exploration. Students, who come from across Saskatoon, work cooperatively and form a close community as they share exciting experiences and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of environmental, ecological and social justice issues. The program's relevant, engaging and hands-on experiential learning opportunities help students understand and critically evaluate real community issues that affect us individually and globally as citizens.

At the beginning of the year, students learn that Ecoquest functions like an ecosystem, with each relationship strengthening the whole. Similar to the biodiversity in ecosystems, the Ecoquest class benefits from diversity. Instructional field studies range in scope from day trips in and around Saskatoon to major extended expeditions. Time in the classroom is spent responding to and analyzing data collected on out-of-school experiences. All required academic subjects are integrated into Ecoquest's three major themes — a sense of place, a sense of time and a sense of quality — and provide a meaningful and unifying framework for student learning. In addition, students learn navigation skills by biking and busing from all corners of the city. 

Ecoquest is an exceptional opportunity for Grade 8 students who are looking for a new academic challenge, complete with great adventure, new friends and active learning. Each year, Ecoquest alumni remark on the strong friendships they have built in the program. 

Note: French and band are not offered to students in this program.

Highlights

  • No two months in our students' planners look alike. We plan everyday adventures and multi-day excursions based on the seasons, student ability and the focus of study. The places we visit become the teacher, and the experiences and personal relationships form the content. 
  • Through hands-on, experiential, project-based learning in urban and wilderness settings, Ecoquest students develop intellectually, socially, physically and spiritually while enhancing their self-esteem and citizenship skills. ​In addition, the program fosters independence and responsibility, promotes inclusion and collaboration, builds confidence and develops outdoor skills.
  • This integrated curriculum and intensive experience most benefits students who thrive on active living and participating in the world around them.

Getting Geared Up

Students are required to pay a $210.00 fee* to cover the cost of transportation, supplies and other operational expenses. Ecoquest provides the class with seasonal equipment, such as cross-country skis, snowshoes, tents and camp stoves.

Students are asked to provide the following:
  • Functioning bike
  • Bike helmet
  • Map of Saskatoon
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Warm winter boots
  • Day pack
  • Sleeping bag.

If you do not have access to the above, we will make every effort to provide it.

*To inquire about a bursary, please contact teachers Rebecca Elson or Tyler Rittinger.

Apply

Applications are closed for the 2023-24 school year. Applications for the 2024-25 school year will be available in February 2024.​

The Ecoquest program demands a high level of commitment, responsibility and independence. For this reason, the application package includes a registration form, one-page student essay, school evaluation and student self-assessment. In the essay, students must explain why they belong in the program and demonstrate a responsible, mature and co-o​perative approach to learning. 
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The school evaluation and student essay will be assessed by a committee made up of teachers and administrators. All applicants who meet eligibility will be put into a lottery. After random selection, all students will be notified of their status by email. Representation from students from each city ward will be fulfilled before multiple ward representation. Preference will be given to students who attend Saskatoon Public Schools. 

​Contact

For more information, please contact teachers Rebecca Elson at elsonr@spsd.sk.ca or Tyler Rittinger at rittingert@spsd.sk.ca.​

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