About
You won’t find bells or desks in our 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!
Our unique approach to learning challenges Grade 11 students both academically and physically. While traveling
throughout the province to embark on a semester-long outdoor adventure, students earn five credits in English language arts, environmental science, geography, Indigenous studies and physical education. The integrated nature of the program allows the class to travel, delivering authentic learning in a meaningful way and helping students forge a connection with our environment. 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.
Based on a philosophy of outdoor adventure and environmental education, the Outdoor School program has been with Saskatoon Public Schools since 1997. The program's commitment to best-place education drives us to seek out the most dynamic and engaging learning environments for our students. We travel to the places where subject matter comes alive, such as the prairies, boreal forest and urban landscapes. As students participate in a variety of excursions, they develop outdoor living skills, critical thinking skills and confidence.
Not the outdoorsy type? No problem! Our course is designed to give you all the skills you require. We cover a range of outdoor training that includes how to dress for the outdoors, fire building, map and compass reading, survival skills, packing and much more. For one high school semester take a chance on something different and step into the outdoors!
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the natural history of the plains bison as you hike alongside them in their historic grasslands and study boreal forest ecology as you paddle through some of the world's most beautiful northern lakes.
- Go whitewater canoeing on the Churchill River, hike and ski in the Nisbit Forest, ski and snowshoe on Blue Mountain, backpack in the Grasslands National Park, learn about sustainable living at Shell Lake, and go rock climbing and cycling.
- Experience ecological sustainability as you work alongside some of our province’s most innovative thinkers and discover the secrets of Saskatoon’s past, present and future through our study of urban geography.
- Learn about winter ecology and camping at the Brightwater Science, Environmental and Indigenous Learning Centre.
- Discover a new level of confidence as you engage in a number of integrated research projects.
- Work with local experts in the science community and adventure sports industry.
Equipment
Students learn in an outdoor environment, so they need the right equipment to keep them safe. Aside from
personal items, our program provides specialized gear (e.g., canoes, paddles, PDFs, skis, snowshoes, tents, camp kitchens). A suggested equipment list can be found
here.
Participation in the program is not based on a student's ability to supply equipment. The Outdoor School Alumni Association has donated, and continues to donate, many pieces of equipment necessary to participate. To learn more about the Alumni Association or to get involved in fundraising, click
here.
Credits
- English Language Arts 20
- Environmental Science 20
- Geography 20
- Physical Education 20
- Indigenous Studies 30
Open House
A combined open house for Grade 11 programs including Outdoor School, HCAP, MAGPIE, and Media School will be held at Evan Hardy Collegiate on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm.
Program Application
The registration deadline for 2025-2026 has passed. Students are still welcome to complete the application form to be added to a waiting list. If there is room in the program, your application may be considered. To apply, click
here.
Students applying for Outdoor School must have the required prerequisites (English 10 and Science 10). Previous outdoor experience is not required — if learning outside the traditional classroom is appealing, this program is for you!
Note: Students can continue applying until the end of June. All students who apply after the deadline of March 28 will be placed on a waiting list. Placements will be offered if they become available.
Contact
