Facing the introduction of new provincial curricula and a decline in enrolment due to population numbers, the senior administration of Brooks Secondary School explained a new structure and timetable to a group of parents on Thursday, March 31, at Max Cameron Theatre.
According to Brooks principal Jamie Burt, with fewer students enrolling in the same number of classes being offered, there are not enough students for certain classes under the current timetable.
The new timetable allows the school to offer more classes, said Burt. “It’s a change,” he said. “It’s scary. It’s needed.”
Approximately 70 parents were in attendance, a much lower turnout than was hoped, said Burt.
Those who came were there to learn about what is being called Brooks 2.0; personalized learning through flexible scheduling.
Vice-principal Tony Rice has been teaching in Powell River for 20 years and pointed out that under the current structure, the school is unable to offer specialized classes because of low enrolment.
Parent Zora Soprovich, who also teaches in the English department at Vancouver Island University Powell River campus, agreed that the new structure is better for students.
“Being able to offer the academic courses to smaller groups will give a lot more flexibility,” said Soprovich.
Burt, Rice and fellow vice-principal Rod Perrault spoke about the new timetable and structure as one that will improve student engagement and school consecutiveness with students. They introduced new terms, such as “TAGS” and “X blocks.”
The new timetable, built for grades nine through 12, is meant to offer students more personalization, responsibility and freedom in their education.
Some parents’ questions about the freedom in the new structure were regarding class attendance and not knowing where their children were supposed to be.
At one point in the evening, only a smattering of hands were raised when Rice asked which parents knew their child’s timetable?
Under the new structure, said Burt, “communication between home and school is stronger.”
The collaboration and consultation has been very positive to date, he added, but some parents said they still need more time to fully understand the changes.
“I’m still digesting it. I’m not quite clear on it. I need some more information before I can actually make a decision,” said parent Denise Little.
According to Burt, unless there is strong parent opposition, the decision has been made and Brooks is ready to go with the proposed changes in September.
“It’s going to work,” said Jay Yule, School District 47 superintendent of schools. “This meeting is a culmination of a whole bunch of work that’s been done. It’s not something that has just happened quickly.”
