The Program
The Vancouver Home Learners’ Program, housed at Lord Beaconsfield Elementary School, 3663 Penticton St., Vancouver, incorporates grades Kindergarten through 7. The Program welcomes families who are looking for a balance between full time home schooling and structured classroom learning for their children who are self-motivated, independent learners. It should be noted that the Home Learner program is a boisterous, high-energy program. Students typically work on projects, in teams and in multi-aged groupings. Students in our program are typically intrinsically motivated to learn and are very much self-directed learners who require less, rather than more support and adult direction in their daily activities. To experience success in this program a student needs to be self regulated, able to tolerate a high degree of ambiguity, be a self starter, and a willing collaborator with their peers. The younger students should already be able to manage jackets zippers, shoes, lunch kits, use of bathroom, handwashing etc. As some families choose this Program due to fragile health, we respectfully ask you to keep your child home if they are ill.
The program requires a parent commitment to facilitate the learning that happens at home. Each child, in collaboration with her or his parent/guardian and teacher develops an individual Student Learning Plan which forms the goals and objectives for the child’s learning year.
Children are invited to attend their optional two days of programming each week: Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for Grades K through 3, or Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for Grades 4 to 7. Programs vary by semester and may include such things as Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Math, Current Events, Music, and Fine Arts. The emphasis is on hands-on, experiential learning and project-based learning.
In a nutshell, the Vancouver Home Learners’ Program is not a Home Schooling program where one might register then pursue their own path — the Ministry of BC curriculum must be met for each student registered in our program. In the Home Learner’s Program, a high degree of parent commitment and participation in the student’s learning, and collaboration with your teacher is required. Intermediate level students are expected to submit evidence of learning done at home on a regulars basis.
FAQ
I am interested in your program. May I drop-in to observe?
No. Due to the nature of the program, and the high volume of requests we receive, we cannot accommodate observations, daily or weekly student visitations, or meetings to drop by the program. However, for families interested in enrolling their child for Kindergarten, we do offer the ‘Welcome to Kindergarten’ event every year in May. Children enrolled for K for September will receive an invitation to this event directly from the office.
What days would my child attend?
Kindergarten to Grade 2/3’s attend on Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Grade 3/4’s to Grade 7’s attend on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
What does a typical day in the classroom look like?
The Home Learner program is a boisterous, high-energy program, focusing on hands-on, experiential, multi-modal learning. Students are encouraged to work with peers and/or on teams to enhance their learning. Being a multi-aged program, students also learn to work with and help others. Frequent field trips enhance the experiential learning experience for the students.
You cover the curriculum, so I don’t have to, right?
No. It is expected that parents/guardians cover learning outcomes at home with their children. While our programs are cross-curricular and do align with the BC curriculum, they cannot be expected to cover all areas for all grades and subjects. Students will receive report cards per Ministry requirements.
Student Learning Plans
Student learning for the year is planned out in a three-way collaboration between the student, parent and teacher at the beginning of the school year, or upon entry to the program. This ensures that your child’s learning plan is unique to her or his learning needs and interests. Student Learning Plans are dynamic, living documents that may grow and develop with your student.
When is the deadline for registration?
There is no hard deadline for registration, but we encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience. Please note, we cannot answer calls regarding where a particular child is at on the waiting list. We will contact you if a spot becomes available.
How do I register?
Your first step is to register at your catchment school, even if you have no intention of attending at that school. This is a new policy of the VSB. Our program cannot accept your registration unless you have already registered at your catchment school, and provided all of the necessary registration documents. Please make sure you read this Blog in its entirety and understand the parental commitment. Once you have done that, you can contact Beaconsfield school directly to be connected with the Program Teacher. Please include your child’s birth year to help us determine the educational cohort. The School’s Email address is: StudentRecordsBeaconsfield@vsb.bc.ca. Office staff prefer emails to phone calls.
Do you have spaces available?
We currently have some spaces for September 2024.
Do I need to use certain curricular material ?
You can chose any curriculum/materials that work best for your child. The teachers are here to help guide you in your decisions regarding materials if you wish and are familiar with most of the programs and materials available. The idea is that children achieve the outcomes for their grade levels, therefore, there is ultimate flexibility in how that is achieved.
Is there homework?
Occasionally, assignments or activities will be sent home with children to augment the learning and exploration that is happening in the program at that time. For example, during our study of Space, children were tasked with recording the phases of the moon for one month.
Is attendance mandatory?
No, attendance is not mandatory. Most students chose to participate two days a week, but some participate one day or one morning or just on field trips. Some families travel during the school year also, which is perfectly fine. The only aspects that are mandatory are:
1. The “Activation Assignment” when students first register. This is mandated by the Ministry and is an assignment the teachers design for the students to get them started on their learning journey for the school year.
2. Three portfolio meetings a year with the student/parents to share with the teacher what the student has been learning. This will provide content for the report card.